Precaval Aberrant Renal Artery in a 90-year-old Female Cadaver

Kidneys are supplied by renal arteries which arise from abdominal aorta at the level of L1 – L3. Accessory or aberrant renal arteries are present in 30% of the cases, while normal vasculature is present in 70%. Aberrant renal artery was noticed in the lower pole of the right kidney, passing anterior to the Inferior Vena Cava, hence named precaval aberrant renal artery. Early bifurcation of the renal artery was also noted on the same side. Left renal artery and abdominal aorta were found to be to be tortuous. The length of the aberrant artery was found to be 6.9 cm while the diameter of the artery was 2 mm. The aberrant artery originated 3.1 cm below the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery and 2.6 cm above the bifurcation of the aorta. The abdominal aorta was found to be tortuous and deviated to the right side. This may be attributed to the age of cadaver. The Felix’s ladder theory for long explained the embryological reason for the ascent of the kidney and the development of supernumery renal arteries. However, latest research indicates that the variation in renal vasculature may not have any correlation with the mesonephric arteries. The course of aberrant artery passing anterior to the Inferior Vena Cava is unusual. Due to the Physiological and anatomical significance of the organ, study of its vasculature is essential. Recent studies have placed new theories about the embryological origin of aberrant renal arteries which warrants further research.