Pedículo Renal: Análisis de sus Variantes / Renal Pedicle: Analysis of their Variants

Testut & Latarjet (1980), Bouchet & Cuilleret (1986), Latarjet & Liard (2005) y Rouvière & Delmas (2005) describen las relaciones intrínsecas del pedículo renal (PR) a partir de dos planos coronales, siendo la PER el elemento que limita entre ambos. Trivedi et al. (2011) demostró relaciones entre los elementos del PR que no coinciden con las descripciones aportadas por dichos autores.Conocer las posibles variantes en las relaciones intrínsecas del PR es de suma importancia en prácticas quirúrgicas como el trasplante renal (García de Jalón Martínez et al., 2003; Batista Hernández et al., 2010). Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente trabajo fue analizar las variables relaciones entre los elementos que conforman el PR en la región yuxtahiliar del riñón. Se estudiaron 23 PR, formolizados al 10 % y provistos por el Equipo de Disección de la Segunda Cátedra de Anatomía de la Universidad de Buenos Aires. Se clasificaron los PR en dos grupos. En el Grupo I, las afluentes de origen de la vena renal (AOVR) se hallaban en el mismo plano coronal. En el grupo II, las AOVR se encontraban en diferentes planos coronales. Cada grupo fue subdividido en distintos patrones. Los patrones I y II, de mayor incidencia, fueron asociados al grupo I y los patrones III, IV y V al grupo II. En el patrón I, las AOVR eran anteriores a la pelvis renal (PER) y posteriores a la arteria prepiélica (APP). En el patrón II, las AOVR eran anteriores a la PER y a la APP. Los patrones I y II conforman el grupo I y presentaron mayor número de incidencia en nuestra investigación. Existen también variantes que inciden con menor frecuencia que dichos patrones, estas comprenden el grupo II de la clasificación planteada en el presente trabajo.

SUMMARY: Testut & Latarjet (1980), Bouchet & Cuilleret (1986), Latarjet & Liard (2005) y Rouvière & Delmas (2005) describe the intrinsic relationships of the renal pedicle (PR) from two coronal planes, the renal pelvis (PER) being the element that limits between both. Trivedi et al. (2011) showed relationships between the elements of the RP that do not coincide with the descriptions provided by these authors. Knowing the possible variants in the intrinsic relationships of the RP is of the utmost importance in surgical practices such as renal transplantation (García de Jalón Martínez et al., 2003). Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the variable relationships between the elements that make up the RP in the juxtahilar region of the kidney. 23 RP were studied, formalized at 10 % and provided by the Dissection Team of the Second Chair of Anatomy of the University of Buenos Aires. PRs were classified into two groups. In Group I, the tributaries of origin of the renal vein (RVOA) were in the same coronal plane. In group II, the AOVRs were in different coronal planes. Each group was subdivided into different patterns. Patterns I and II, with the highest incidence, were associated with group I and patterns III, IV and V with group II. In pattern I, the VROA were anterior to the renal pelvis (PER) and posterior to the prepelvic artery (PPA). In pattern II, AOVRs were prior to PER and APP. Patterns I and II make up group I and presented a higher number of incidence in our investigation. There are also variants that occur less frequently than these patterns, these comprise group II of the classification proposed in this work.

Artéria renal tripla em porco-espinho (Sphiggurus villosus): relato de caso / Triple renal artery in porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus): case report

O interesse pelo estudo de animais silvestres vem crescendo consideravelmente nos últimos anos, seja em decorrência do risco de extinção ou visando o controle de doenças, especialmente as zoonoses. A ordem Rodentia apresenta o maior número de espécies da classe Mammalia. Apesar de ampla distribuição e importância, dados sobre sua anatomia vascular renal são escassos na literatura. O objetivo deste artigo é relatar o aparecimento de variação numérica na artéria renal esquerda em Sphiggurusvillosus com enfoque nas possibilidades de implicações clínico-cirúrgicas, como, anastomoses cirúrgicas, estudos imaginológicos, nefrectomias e planejamento pré-operatório para redução de riscos e complicações como hemorragia. O cadáver foi devidamente formolizado no Laboratório de Ensino e Pesquisa em Morfologia de Animais Domésticos e Selvagens e posteriormente dissecado. O rim esquerdo apresentou três artérias renais, uma cranial, uma intermediaria e outra caudal, ambas posicionadas em nível de L2 emergindo de forma impar lateralmente da aorta abdominal. A primeira artéria, mais cranial, apresentou 10,52 mm de comprimento e se dirigiu diretamente para o hilo renal, emitindo ramo para adrenal, diafragma e musculatura sublombar. A segunda artéria, intermediária, mediu 7,77 mm, emitiu ramo cranial e caudal para o hilo renal e ramo ureteral. A terceira artéria, caudal, mediu 10,11 mm e se dirigiu para o hilo renal. A veia renal esquerda era única e apresentou 9,25 mm de comprimento, posicionada em nível de L1. Este é o primeiro relato de artéria renal tripla em mamífero silvestre.

Interest in the study of wild animals has grown considerably in recent years, either due to the risk of extinction or to control diseases, especially zoonoses. The order Rodentia has the largest number of species in the Mammalia class. Despite its wide distribution and importance, data on its renal vascular anatomy are scarce in the literature. The aim of this paper is to report the appearance of numerical variation in the left renal artery in porcupine focusing on the possibilities of clinical and surgical implications, such as surgical anastomoses, imaging studies, nephrectomies and preoperative planning to reduce risks and complications such as bleeding. The animal was duly formalized in the Laboratory of Teaching and Research in Morphology of Domestic and Wild Animals and subsequently dissected. The left kidney had three renal arteries, one cranial, one intermediate, and one caudal, both positioned at L2 level, emerging unevenly laterally from the abdominal aorta. The first more cranial artery was 10.52 mm long and directed directly into the renal hilum, emitting a branch to the adrenal, diaphragm and sub lumbar muscles. The second intermediate artery measured 7.77 mm, emitting a cranial and caudal branch to the renal hilum and ureteral branch. The third caudal artery measured 10.11 mm and headed straight for the renal hilum. The left renal vein was unique, measured 9.25 mm long, and positioned at L1 level. This is the first report of triple renal artery in wild mammals.

Compressões das veias renal e ilíaca comum esquerdas em tomografias computadorizadas: com que frequência são detectadas? / Compression of left renal vein and left common iliac vein on CT scans: how often are they detected?

Resumo Contexto As síndromes de nutcracker e May-Thurner são raras e, apesar de muitas vezes subdiagnosticadas, podem causar sintomas limitantes de gravidade variável. Frequentemente são consideradas diagnóstico de exclusão e não há consenso na literatura quanto a prevalência, incidência e critérios diagnósticos. Objetivos Estimar a frequência da compressão das veias ilíaca comum e renal esquerdas em tomografias computadorizadas de abdome e pelve. Métodos Estudo descritivo, quantitativo e transversal. Para veia renal esquerda, foram considerados como critérios de compressão a relação diâmetro hilar/aortomesentérico > 4 e o ângulo aortomesentérico < 39° e, para veia ilíaca comum esquerda, o diâmetro < 4 mm. Resultados Foram analisadas tomografias computadorizadas de 95 pacientes; destes, 61% eram mulheres e 39% eram homens. A compressão da veia renal esquerda foi encontrada em 24,2% da amostra, com idade média de 48,8 anos, ocorrendo em 27,6% das mulheres e 18,9% dos homens (p = 0,3366). A compressão da veia ilíaca comum esquerda foi detectada em 15,7% da amostra, com idade média de 45,9 anos, ocorrendo em 24,10% das mulheres e 2,7% dos homens (p = 0,0024). Em 7,4% dos pacientes, ambas compressões venosas foram detectadas. Conclusões A compressão da veia renal esquerda ocorreu em mulheres e homens com frequência semelhante, enquanto a compressão da veia ilíaca comum esquerda foi mais frequente em mulheres. Ambas as compressões venosas foram mais frequentemente encontradas em pacientes com idade entre 41 e 50 anos.

Abstract Background The nutcracker and May-Thurner syndromes are rare and, although often underdiagnosed, they can cause limiting symptoms. They are frequently considered only after exclusion of other diagnoses and there is no consensus in the literature on prevalence, incidence, or diagnostic criteria. Objectives To estimate the frequency of compression of the left common iliac vein and left renal vein in CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis. Methods Descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study. The criteria used to define compression of the left renal vein were a hilar/aortomesenteric diameter ratio > 4 and aortomesenteric angle < 39° and the criterion for compression of the left common iliac vein was a diameter < 4mm. Results CT scans of 95 patients were analyzed; 61% were women and 39% were men. Left renal vein compression was observed in 24.2% of the sample, with a mean age of 48.8 years, occurring in 27.6% of the women and 18.9% of the men (p = 0.3366). Compression of the left common iliac vein was detected in 15.7% of the sample, with a mean age of 45.9 years, occurring in 24.1% of the women and 2.7% of the men (p = 0.0024). Both veins were compressed in 7.4% of the patients. Conclusions Left renal vein compression was detected in women and men at similar frequencies, whereas left common iliac vein compression was more frequent in women. Both venous compressions were most frequently found in patients aged 41 to 50 years.

Terminal bifurcation and unusual communication of left testicular vein with the left suprarenal vein / Bifurcação terminal e comunicação atípica de veia testicular esquerda com veia suprarrenal esquerda

Abstract Variations of the testicular veins are relevant in clinical cases of varicocele and in other therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. We report herein on a unique variation of the left testicular vein observed in an adult male cadaver. The left testicular vein bifurcated to give rise to left and right branches which terminated by joining the left renal vein. There was also an oblique communication between the two branches of the left testicular vein. A slender communicating vein arose from the left branch of the left testicular vein and ascended upwards in front of the left renal vein and terminated into the left suprarenal vein. The right branch of the testicular vein received an unnamed adipose tributary from the side of the abdominal aorta. Awareness of these venous anomalies can help surgeons accurately ligate abnormal venous communications and avoid iatrogenic injuries and it is important for proper surgical management.

Resumo Variações nas veias testiculares têm relevância em casos clínicos de varicocele e em outros procedimentos terapêuticos e diagnósticos. Relatamos aqui uma variação peculiar de veia testicular esquerda observada em um cadáver adulto do sexo masculino. A veia testicular esquerda bifurcava para dar origem aos ramos esquerdo e direito, os quais terminavam juntando-se à veia renal esquerda. Foi observada também comunicação oblíqua entre os dois ramos da veia testicular esquerda. Uma fina veia comunicante originava-se do ramo esquerdo da veia testicular esquerda e ascendia até a frente da veia renal esquerda, terminando na veia suprarrenal esquerda. O ramo direito da veia testicular recebia um tecido adiposo tributário não especificado da lateral da aorta abdominal. Conhecimento dessas anomalias venosas pode ajudar os cirurgiões a ligar corretamente comunicações venosas anormais e evitar danos iatrogênicos e é importante para um manejo cirúrgico apropriado.

Variantes anatómicas de las venas renales / Anatomical variants of the renal veins

Introducción: el drenaje venoso de los riñones se produce a partir de las venas renales que clásicamente se describen como troncos únicos que drenan en las paredes laterales de la vena cava inferior. Objetivo: determinar las características morfológicas de las venas renales. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, longitudinal, prospectivo, observacional y descriptivo, en 47 bloques, provenientes de cadáveres sin cirugías arteriovenosas aortorenales, enfermedad aórtica aneurismática, ni malformaciones congénitas renoureterales demostrables, en el Hospital Provincial Clínico Quirúrgico Docente Celia Sánchez Manduley, de Manzanillo, provincia Granma. Los bloques fueron lavados, fijados y disecados por el método macroscópico directo. Resultados: Las venas renales fueron únicas en el 61,70 % (18 bloques) de los bloques, siendo más constantes en el lado izquierdo (87,23 %). El recorrido fue prearterial en el 88,18 % de las venas, siendo este recorrido más frecuente en el lado izquierdo (66,03 %). La unión a la vena cava inferior fue en la cara lateral en el 95,46 % de las venas, siendo esta unión más constante en el lado izquierdo (98,11 %). Conclusiones: las venas renales presentan un patrón de variabilidad anatómica bajo. Las variantes a la norma anatómica fueron más frecuentes en el lado derecho, siendo su conocimiento importante en el planeamiento de la cirugía exerética y reconstructiva nefrourológica.

Introduction: the venous drainage of the kidneys is produced beginning from the renal veins that are classically described as unique trunks draining in the lateral walls of the inferior vena cava. The objective of the research was determining the morphological characteristics of the renal veins. Objective: determining the morphological characteristics of the renal veins. Materials and Methods: a quantitative, longitudinal, prospective, observational and descriptive study was carried out in 47 blocks, coming from dead bodies without aorta-renal arterial-venous surgeries, aortic aneurismal disease nor demonstrable reno-ureteral congenital malformations, in the Teaching Surgical-Clinical Provincial Hospital Celia Sanchez Manduley, of Manzanillo, province of Granma. The blocks were washed, fixed and dissected using the direct macroscopic method. Results: the renal veins were unique in 61.7 % (18 blocks) of the blocks, being more constants in the left side (87.23 %). The course was pre-arterial in 88.18 % of the veins, being this course more frequent in the left side (66.03 %). The union to the inferior vena cava was in the lateral side in 95.46 % of the veins, being this union more constant in the left side (98.11 %). Conclusions: the renal veins have a low pattern of anatomical variability. The variants of the anatomical norm were more frequent in the right side, being its knowledge important in the process of planning the exeretic and nephro-urologic reconstructive surgery.

Study and clinical application of the anatomy of renal pedicles in retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy / Estudio y aplicación clínica de la anatomía de los pedículos renales en la nefrectomía retroperitoneoscópica

This work aims to investigate the anatomical basis and clinical application value of renal pedicle locating in retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy. To summarize the anatomical basis of renal pedicle locating through retrospective analysis of 278 cases of retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy from July 2007 to September 2009, during which renal pedicle was located at about 2-4 cm below the medial arcuate ligament of the diaphragm in the space between the psoas major muscle and inferior vena cava (abdominal aorta) in the anatomical level of space before psoas. The operation of 278 patients was all successfully completed, where renal pedicle was quickly found. It took 3.5+/-1.3 min to locate the renal pedicle, and 95.6+/-23.8 min to operate. In retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy, it is most preferable to locate renal pedicle in the space before psoas. The renal pedicle is located exactly at about 2-4 cm below the medial arcuate ligament of the diaphragm in the space between the psoas major muscle and inferior vena cava (abdominal aorta). The time for locating the renal pedicle can be shortened if the surgeon is familiar with the anatomic features of renal pedicle in retroperitoneoscopy, thereby saving the operation time.

El objetivo del estudio fue investigar las bases anatómicas y el valor de la aplicación clínica de la localización del pedículo renal en la nefrectomía retroperitoneoscópica. Para resumir las bases anatómicas de la localizacion del pedículo renal se realizó el análisis retrospectivo de 278 casos de nefrectomía retroperitoneoscópica desde Julio del 2007 a Septiembre del 2009. El pedículo renal se encontró a unos 2-4 cm por debajo del ligamento arqueado medial del diafragma en el espacio entre el músculo psoas mayor y vena cava inferior (o parte abdominal de la aorta) en el nivel anatómico del espacio anterior al músculo psoas mayor. La cirugía de los 278 pacientes fue completada exitosamente, encontrándose rápidamente el pedículo renal. El procedimiento para localizar el pedículo renal tomó 3,5+/-1,3 minutos y la cirugía completa 95.6+/-23.8 minutos. En la nefrectomía retroperitoneoscópica, es preferible localizar el pedículo renal en el espacio anterior al músculo psoas mayor. El pedículo renal se encuentra alrededor de 2-4 cm por debajo del ligamento arqueado medial de la membrana en el espacio entre el músculo psoas mayor y vena cava inferior (parte abdominal de la aorta). El tiempo para localizar el pedículo renal se puede disminuir si el cirujano está familiarizado con las características anatómicas del pedículo renal en la retroperitoneoscopía, ahorrando así el tiempo total de la cirugía.

Persistencia del collar venoso renal / Persistence of renal venous collar

El desarrollo del sistema venoso cava es bastante complejo, pudiendo producirse innumerables variaciones de los padrones anatómicos ya conocidos, siendo algunos más frecuentes y otros de rara incidencia. De estas variaciones, puede ocurrir una en que se forma un anillo vascular en torno de la aorta, constituído por una vena renal pre-aórtica y otra retro-aórtica, desembocando a un nivel más bajo en la vena cava inferior (VCI), una disposición llamada "collar venoso renal", que consiste en la persistencia de las anastomosis intersupracardinales e intersubcardinales embrionarias. En la variación presentada en este artículo, la disposición de los vasos corresponde a un tipo de la clasificación mencionada en la literatura, con excepción de la emergencia independiente de los componentes pre y retroaórtico del collar referido, a partir del hilio renal y del calibre distal de la vena renal retroaórtica. La vena renal preaórtica tenía 90 mm de longitud y 20 mm de calibre en su parte terminal, desembocando en la VCI a nivel del tercio inferior de la vértebra L1. La vena renal retroaórtica tenía 125 mm de longitud, cruzando las vértebras L1 y L2 para desembocar en la VCI a nivel del tercio superior de L3, donde se registró un diámetro terminal de 14 mm. La disposición presentada, es una variación potencialmente peligrosa de la vena renal izquierda, importante de recalcar su presencia, ya que ha sido relatado que en cirugías retroperitoneales no se ha identificado el componente dorsal, produciendo hemorragia profusa, nefrectomía innecesaria y hasta la muerte.

The development of the cava venous system is very complex, taking place to the raising of innumerous variations of the anatomical patterns already known, which could be more or less common and others, still, of rare incidence. One of these anomalies may occur in a low frequency on the left side, forming a vascular ring around the aorta constituted by a preaortic renal vein and other retro-aortic renal vein, entering in a lower level of the VCI, in a condition called as " Renal Collar" consisted of persistence of the Intersupracardial embrionary anastomoses. In this case report, the vascular disposition corresponds to a type of the classification as related in literature, with exception of the independent emergency of the preaortic and retro-aortic components of the circum-aortic collar from the renal hilum and the distal diameter of the retroaortic renal vein. The preaortic vein had 90 mm of length, diameter of 20 mm in its end and led into the VCI on the lower level of L1. The retroaortic vein measured 125 mm of length, crossing L1 and L2 to discharge in the VCI, to the upper level of L3, where it had diameter of 14 mm. The importance of the study and description of the circumaortic renal collar is due to it representing a potentially hazardous anomaly of the left renal vein, occurring case reports where failure to recognize the dorsal component during retroperitoneal surgery may lead to abundant hemorrhage after inadvertent injury, unnecessary nephrectomy or, even death.

Bilateral Duplication of Gonadal Veins: a Case Report / Duplicación Bilateral de las Venas Gonadales: Reporte de Caso

The duplication of gonadal vessels is mainly found on the left side, with less numbers of bilateral cases. The objective of this work is describing a case of bilateral duplication of gonadal veins, where two veins were draining to inferior vena cava, being that the closest vein of kidney medial margin had a thickness of 2.68mm and was distant 64.41 mm of the organ. The second vessel had a thickness of 1.43mm and was distant 73.76mm. Two veins follow to left renal vein, being that the first vessel had a thickness of 2.7mm and was distant 21.8mm of the kidney medial margin; the other had a thickness of 1.64mm and was distant 35.13mm of the organ. The presence of variations on the local of drainage of gonadal vessels has clinical importance for comprehension of origin of varicocele cases, as well as the recurrence of them after surgical procedures.

La duplicación de las venas gonadales es más común en el lado izquierdo, con pocos casos bilaterales. El propósito de este reporte fue describir el caso de una duplicación bilateral de las venas gonadales, dos de las cuales desembocaban en la vena cava inferior. El vaso próximo del margen medial del riñon tenía un diámetro de 2,68mm y una longitud de 64,41 mm. La segunda vena tenía un diámetro de 1,43 mm y una longitud de 73,76 mm. Los dos vasos desembocaban en la vena renal izquierda. La primera vena tenía un diámetro de 2,7 mm y estaba a 21,8 mm del margen medial del riñon. La otra tenía un diámetro de 1,64 mm y se se localizaba a 35,13 mm del margen medial del riñon. La presencia de variaciones donde se produce el drenaje de los vasos gonadales tiene importancia clínica para la comprensión del origen del varicocele y la recurrencia del mismo, después de procedimientos quirúrgicos.

Normal and variant anatomy of renal hilar structures and its clinical significance / Anatomía normal y variante de las estructuras hiliares renales y su significancia clínica

Advanced imaging techniques have resulted in increasing use of minimally invasive approaches for nephron sparing surgeries of kidney. Need for precise knowledge of normal and variant anatomy of vascular pedicle of kidney is thus justified. Ample literature is available on the variations in the intrarenal vascular pattern of the kidney, which are seen frequently. But the variation in arrangement of structures at the renal hilum has not gained much interest up till now. One hundred (51 right and 49 left) embalmed kidneys were utilized for the present study. Careful dissection of renal hilar structures was carried out to observe antero-posterior relationship of structures at the hilum of the kidney. In majority (73 percent), the arrangement was not according to the normal textbook description i.e. renal vein, renal artery and pelvis arranged antero-posteriorly. In 31 percent anterior division of renal artery was seen in front of renal vein at the hilum, whereas, in 50 percent cases the pelvis was not the posterior most relation. The variable patterns observed were classified into five types. In cases of renal hilar tumors laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is being done with a limited field of vision. Knowledge of these variations is useful for operating surgeons to identify and individually clamp the hilar structures, which is advantageous over en-bloc clamping.

Las técnicas avanzadas de imagen han permitido aumentar el uso de abordajes mínimamente invasivos para la cirugía conservadora del nefrón. Por esto, se justifica la necesidad de un conocimiento preciso de la anatomía normal y las variaciones anatómicas del pedículo vascular del riñón. Es amplia la literatura disponible sobre variaciones en el patrón vascular intrarrenal, lo que se observa con frecuencia. Sin embargo, hasta ahora, la variación en la disposición de las estructuras en el hilio renal no ha generado mucho interés. Se utilizaron 100 riñones fijados (51 derechos y 49 izquierdos) para el estudio. Una cuidadosa disección de las estructuras hiliares renales se llevó a cabo para observar la relación antero-posterior de las estructuras en el hilio del riñón. En la mayoría de los casos (73 por ciento), las características no estaba de acuerdo con la descripción normal de la vena renal, es decir, con la arteria renal y la pelvis renal dispuestos en sentido anteroposterior. Los patrones de las variables observadas fueron clasificadas en cinco tipos. En el 31 por ciento de los casos la división anterior de la arteria renal estaba anterior a la vena renal en el hilio, mientras que, en el 50 por ciento de los casos, la pelvis no estaba posterior. En los casos de tumores renales hiliares la nefrectomía parcial laparoscópica se realiza con un limitado campo de visión. El conocimiento de estas variaciones es útil para un adecuado desempeño de los cirujanos al identificar y separar individualmente las estructuras hiliares, que es una ventaja sobre la separación en bloque.

Uncommon drainage of the gonadal vein: case report

The gonadal veins are anatomically asymmetric and there are several anatomical variations involving them. During a renal vascular anatomy study through cadaver dissection, students of the School of Medical Science of Santa Casa of Sao Paulo, Brazil, found an anomalous drainage of the left spermatic vein. In the case presented here the right spermatic vein drains normally to the inferior vena cava, but the left spermatic vein penetrates in the inferior pole of the left kidney and there it tributes in a branch of the renal vein. According to the reviewed literature a case like this had never been reported. There was not any other abnormality in the renal vascular anatomy in this case. The gonadal vein, renal vein and the segments of inferior vena cava into which the gonadal vein drains have a common origin in the fetal subcardinal vein and or in its anastomosis with the supracardinal veins, which would justify the finding.

Vena Renal Izquierda Recurrente Retroaórtica: Reporte de una Rara Variación / Recurrent Retroaortic Left Renal Vein: Report of an Uncommon Anomaly

Este trabajo describe el trayecto aberrante de la vena renal izquierda detectado en un cadáver de sexo masculino, utilizado con fines docentes en nuestro Departamento de Anatomía, cuya causa de muerte fue un cuadro de neumonía intrahospitalaria. En este caso, la vena renal izquierda tiene un trayecto descendente de 89 mm, dispuesta a la izquierda de la aorta abdominal, entre los niveles vertebrales L II-L V. A la altura de la V vértebra lumbar la vena recurrente se curva hacia medial, pasando por dorsal de la aorta abdominal, para abocarse a la vena ilíaca común izquierda justo en el punto donde esta forma, junto con la vena homónima de la antímera derecha, la vena cava inferior. La vena renal izquierda recurrente tiene un calibre final de 14,86 mm y recibe como afluentes a la vena adrenal, la vena gonadal y finas ramas parietales de la región lumbar izquierda. La vena renal derecha, de situación normal, tiene un diámetro de 12,10 mm y desemboca en la vena cava inferior a 101,85 mm del punto de formación de esta. En relación con las tributarias de la vena cava inferior, la vena ilíaca común derecha presenta un calibre de 18,44 mm mientras que su homóloga izquierda, que recibe como afluente a la vena renal recurrente, presenta un diámetro de 23,74 mm. La causa de esta rara anomalía, cuya incidencia es del orden del 0,16 por ciento y que aparece escasamente descrita en la literatura, radica en la persistencia del segmento posrrenal de la vena supracardinal izquierda y el cierre de las anastomosis supracardinal y subcardinal. Este hallazgo, que es especialmente atractivo para los alumnos durante la disección, representa un problema en la clínica debido a que más del 40 por ciento de estas venas de trayecto aberrante son interesadas en la cirugía de la aorta abdominal.

This paper describes the aberrant trajectory of the left renal vein. The present study describes the aberrant trajectory of the left renal vein detected in a cadaver used for teaching purposes in the Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. In this case, the left renal vein has a recurrent, retro aortic downward path, between vertebrae levels L II to L V. At level of L V, the vein curves medially, passing dorsal to the abdominal aorta and joins the left common iliac vein. The recurrent left renal vein has a final diameter of 14.86 mm and receives as tributaries to the adrenal vein, the testicular vein and fine parietal branches of the left lumbar region. The normal right renal vein has diameter of 12.10 mm and converges in the inferior vena cava at 101.85 mm above the point of union of both common iliac veins. At this point, the right common iliac vein has an 18.44 mm caliber while its left counterpart which receives the recurrent left renal vein, has a diameter of 23.74 mm. The cause of this rare anomaly which incidence is around 0.16 percent and is only scarcely described in the literature, is based in the persistence of the postrenal segment of the left supracardinal vein and closure of the supracardinal and subcardinal anastomosis. This finding, particularly attractive for students during dissection, as they represent a clinical problem since over 40 percent of these aberrant veins are of interest during surgical procedures of the abdominal aorta.

Variation in the Origin of the Testicular Arteries and Drainage of the Right Testicular Vein / Variación en el Origen de las Arterias Testiculares y el Drenaje de la Vena Testicular Derecha

During routine dissection of a 42 year old male Indian cadaver posterior abdominal wall, variations in the testicular vessels were observed. The right testicular artery arose from the right accessory renal artery, which originated from the ventral aspect of the abdominal aorta. The left testicular artery originated from the ventral aspect of the aorta in almost the same horizontal line as the right accessory renal artery, just below the superior mesenteric artery and 1.79 cm, above the origin of the renal arteries. The right vein drained into the right accessory renal vein instead of the inferior vena cava, while the left testicular vein drained into the left renal vein. The presence of variation of both the testicular arteries as well as the testicular vein is seldom seen together.

Durante una disección de rutina de un cadáver, perteneciente a un hombre indio de 42 años, se observaron variaciones en los vasos testiculares en la pared abdominal posterior. La arteria testicular derecha se originó desde la arteria renal accesoria, proveniente de la cara ventral de la parte abdominal de la aorta. La arteria testicular izquierda se originó en la cara ventral de la parte abdominal de la aorta, casi en la misma línea horizontal de la arteria renal accesoria derecha, justo distal a la arteria mesentérica superior y 1,79 cm sobre el origen de las arterias renales. La vena renal derecha drenaba en la vena renal accesoria en lugar de la vena cava inferior, mientras que la vena testicular izquierda drenaba en la vena renal izquierda. En muy pocas ocasiones es posible observar de manera conjunta, variaciones tanto de las arterias como de las venas testiculares.

Multidetector row computed tomography evaluation of the micropig kidney as a potential renal donor

Multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) provides anatomical information about the kidney and other internal organs. Presently, the suitability of 64-channel MDCT to assess the kidney of healthy micropigs was evaluated. Morphological evaluations of the kidney and the major renal vessels of six healthy micropigs were carried out using MDCT, recording kidney volume and the diameter and length of renal arteries and veins. The mean diameters and lengths of the renal artery were 0.44 +/- 0.05 and 4.51 +/- 0.55 cm on the right side and 0.46 +/- 0.06 and 3.36 +/- 0.27 cm on the left side, respectively. The mean diameters and lengths of the renal vein were 1.44 +/- 0.52 and 4.22 +/- 1.29 cm on the right side and 1.38 +/- 0.17 and 5.15 +/- 0.87 cm on the left side, respectively. The mean volume of the right kidney was 79.3 +/- 14.5 mL and of the left kidney was 78.0 +/- 13.9 mL. The data presented in this study suggest that the MDCT offers a noninvasive, rapid, and accurate method for the evaluation of the renal anatomy in living kidney donors. It also provides sufficient information about extra-renal anatomy important for donor surgery and determination of organ suitability.

Three rare variations in the course of the gonadal artery / Tres raras variaciones en el trayecto de la arteria gonadal

The gonadal arteries, lateral branches of the abdominal aorta, usually arise distal to the renal vessels. Knowledge of the origin and course of them, particularly their relationships with renal vessels, are important for uncomplicated surgical procedures on the posterior abdominal wall. So the relationship of the testicular artery and renal vessels were studied in 80 cadavers in Calcutta National Medical College, India and detected three rare variations. We have discussed the possible clinical implications and embryological explanation with review of literature of those variations.

Las arterias gonadales, ramas laterales de la aorta abdominal, usualmente surgen distales a los vasos renales. El conocimiento del origen y trayecto de estas, particularmente sus relaciones con los vasos renales, son importantes para procedimientos quirúrgicos sin complicaciones en la pared posterior del abdomen. La relación de la arteria testicular y los vasos renales fueron estudiados en 80 cadáveres en la Escuela Nacional de Medicina de Calcuta, India y se detectaron tres variaciones raras. Se discuten las posibles implicancias clínicas y explicaciones embriológicas, con la revisión de la literatura de estas variaciones.

Venous communication between the right and left kidneys: a rare anatomic variation / Comunicación venosa entre los riñones derecho e izquierdo: una rara variación anatómica

Renal vascular anatomic variations, especially of the renal arteries, have been observed in about 20-30 percent of cases, which are very often verified in the left antimere. These variations showed two or three renal arteries stemming directly from the aorta. These anatomic variations have been considered extremely important risk factors in surgical proceedings by different authors. The dissection of a cadaver showed an uncommon venous feature in addition to renal artery variation, specially, in the left antimere. A direct venous communication between left and right kidneys was verified without there being any relation to the inferior cava vein or common iliac veins. Thus, the knowledge of blood vessel anatomic variation is an important element to improve surgical techniques as well as to provide precise analyses of urological and radiological proceedings in different renal diseases. Specially, taking into consideration that hard traction of the renal pedicle could rupture the vessels, leading to lethal hemorrhaging.

Se han observado variaciones anatómicas vasculares renales, especialmente de las arterias renales, en una frecuencia alrededor del 20 a 30 por ciento de los casos, cuya incidencia se verifica a menudo en el antímero izquierdo. En estas variaciones, de acuerdo con lo que se notó, dos o tres arterias renales provenían directamente de la aorta. Distintos autores han considerado que estas variaciones anatómicas son factores de riesgo extremadamente importantes en los procedimientos quirúrgicos. En esta investigación, por medio de la disección de un cadáver, se observó una característica venosa rara, además de la variación de la arteria renal, especialmente en el antímero izquierdo. Se verificó una comunicación venosa directa entre los ríñones izquierdo y derecho, pese al hecho que no sea común cualquier relación con la vena cava inferior o las venas ilíacas comunes. Así, el conocimiento de la variación anatómica del vaso sanguíneo es un elemento importante para implementar técnicas quirúrgicas, así como proporcionar análisis exactos de procedimientos urológicos y radiológicos en diversas enfermedades renales, pues se debe considerar además que la tracción dura del pedículo renal podría romper los vasos y ocasionar una hemorragia mortal.

[Report of the frequency of normal renal vascular variants in 62 patients by use of abdominal CT angiography]

In most individuals, each kidney is supplied by a single renal artery and a vein, however multiple renal arteries and veins is not uncommon. In comparison to conventional angiography computed tomographic [CT] angiography is a new and less aggressive measure used for detection of normal renal vascular anatomy and diagnosis of vascular variants. To evaluate the frequency of normal vascular variants in 62 patients [124 Kidneys], underwent abdominal CT Angiography [Aortography]. During a period of one year, abdominal CT angiography was performed in 62 patients, 48 male and 14 female between 7-74 years of age [Mean 25.68 years]. The angiographic images were studied after being reconstituted by use of a computer. There was no complication and all patients tolerated the procedure without any reaction and/or discomfort. One forth of the patients felt some warmness during contrast injection. In 98 [79%] kidneys only one renal artery, in 20 kidneys [16.1%] two arteries, in 4 kidneys three arteries, and in two kidneys four arteries were detected. In 109 kidneys [88%] only one vein and in 15 kidneys [12%] two renal veins were detected and circum-aortic renal vein or renal collar was found only in one case. In this study the frequency of multiple renal vascular variants was less common than those of other studies. By use of spiral CT angiography and reconstitution of images by a computer, renal arteries and veins can be investigated in a short time avoiding invasive sequela or any complication for the patients

Complex distribution of renal vessels

The retroperitoneal lumbar vessels should be immediately recognized during urological, vascular and radiologicalmedical procedures. Few studies have tried to define an exact pattern for the lumbar vasculature andmost of the anatomical descriptions suggest the presence of a regular pattern. Nevertheless, for the renal bloodvessels, despite the described regular pattern, several anatomical variations have interested anatomists for morethan a century. Taking into account that there is a constant need for reviewing this anatomy due to the advancesin surgical and/or uroradiological procedures techniques, we describe a complex variation of the renalblood vessels found during the dissection routine in our laboratory. A male cadaver, aged 65 years, embalmedwith 10% formalin solution presented, on the left side, two renal arteries arising from the abdominal aorta,both of them entering the kidney on the hilar region. From the hilar region of the left kidney, there were alsotwo tributary renal veins, which join together 3.0 cm from the hilus, before draining into the inferior venacava. These two tributary veins were large in diameter, and made a loop around the two renal arteries and alsothe ureter. No anatomical variations were found on the right side. This is a complex anatomical variation of therenal vessels which might have functional implications once the venous loop described might be a compressionfactor for the renal arteries and for the ureter.

Anomalias congênitas da veia cava inferior: valor dos métodos multiplanares em seu diagnóstico: ensaio iconográfico / Congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava: importance of multiplanar imaging methods: an iconographic essay

A formação da veia cava inferior é o resultado de um complexo processo embriológico que se dá entre seis e oito semanas de vida intra-uterina. Numerosas variações no desenvolvimento deste vaso podem ocorrer, decorrentes de embriogênese aberrante, resultando no surgimento de variantes anatômicas. Embora boa parte delas seja assintomática, é imperativo que o radiologista esteja familiarizado a elas, já que o seu não-reconhecimento tem implicações médico-legais sérias, como em pacientes candidatos a manuseio cirúrgico abdominal ou procedimentos hemodinâmicos, porexemplo. Neste trabalho, o diagnóstico por imagem das principais anomalias congênitas da veia cava inferior é abordado sob a forma de um ensaio iconográfico, ressaltando-se a importância dos métodos multiplanares (tomografia computadorizada com aquisições volumétricas e ressonânciamagnética) neste contexto.

The inferior vena cava is the result of a complex embryologic process which takes place between 6 and 8 weeks of intra-uterine life. Several variations can occur during this process, and a defective embryogenesis of this vessel may lead to the development ofanatomic variants. Although many of these variants are asymptomatic,the radiologist should be aware of them and of the potential medico-legal issues involved, especially in cases in which abdominal surgery or hemodynamic procedures are contemplated. In thispaper, the major congenital anomalies involving the inferior vena cava are reviewed under the form of a pictorial essay, highlighting the role of the multiplanar imaging methods (volumetric computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) in their diagnosis.

Crossing renal vessel causing ureteropelvic junction obstruction

Ureteropelvic junction UPJ obstruction is caused by the presence of an aperistaltic dysplastic segment at the UPJ. Besides this intrinsic etiology, extrinsic factors, mainly crossing vessels, maybe the causative factor. The controversy regarding the functional significance of vessels crossing at the UPJ is not a new one, though this debate has been resurrected in recent years because of improved detection due to the advent of advanced imaging techniques such as multidetector row computed tomography MDCT and fast magnetic resonance imaging. We present a similar case where MDCT proved the crossing renal vessel to be the cause for UPJ obstruction

Maximizing the right renal vein length in laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy has become the standard of care at increasing numbers of renal transplant programs worldwide. The majority of laparoscopic living donor kidneys are procured from the left side because of the longer renal vein and improved transplantation. The aim of this article is to report a technique to maximize the right renal vein length by performing a hand-assisted cavotomy.