Angiographic evaluation of renal artery variation amongst Greeks

Most Anatomical textbooks describe the kidney’s blood supply by a single artery. However, the existence of additional renal arteries is quite common; about one in four people possess more than one renal artery. Since the incidence of additional renal arteries, can vary according to the ethnic origin of the individual. The objective of the present study was to define the incidence and the distribution of additional renal arteries in a Greek population and comment on the possible complications they might cause to the individual during surgical interventions, especially in cases of renal transplantation. Angiographies (n=215) were performed prior to renal donation for ransplantation. Cases with single kidney or kidney failure were excluded. Digital subtraction angiography and 3D reconstruction from computer tomography were used for the images. Additional renal arteries were found in 27.4% of Greeks, more in males (28.9%) than in females (22.4%). Compared to other population groups there are a number of differences in sides and percentages within the Greek population. Surgeons performing renal transplantations should be well aware of the layout of the arteries supplying the kidneys as well as their variation in different ethnic groups.