A rare variation of the inferior segmental artery of the kidney along with an unusual origin of the testicular artery: a case report

Abstract

The renal arteries typically originate from the abdominal aorta at the level of the L1–L2 vertebrae and divide into five segmental arteries near the renal hilum. In this report, we describe a rare anatomical variation in which the inferior segmental artery of the kidney arises independently from the abdominal aorta and gives rise to an atypical right testicular artery. We further discuss the clinical and surgical implications of this variation. This case highlights the critical importance of recognizing vascular anatomical variations in order to prevent iatrogenic complications during retroperitoneal invasive procedures. In the present case, both total nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy involving the inferior segment of the right kidney may result in ischemic injury to the right testis due to its anomalous arterial supply.

Keywords

• anatomical variation
• dissection
• gonadal artery
• regional anatomy
• renal artery

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