Magnetic resonance angiography-based assessment of the renal artery and its branching pattern

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the detailed anatomy of the renal arteries through magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), offering an alternative to conventional imaging techniques. By identifying the variations, spatial orientation, and vertebral origin of the renal arteries, the study seeks to provide comprehensive anatomical data that may support surgeons and interventional radiologists in clinical planning and decision-making. Magnetic resonance angiography images of 196 individuals who underwent abdominal imaging were retrospectively retrieved from the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). The analysis focused on the vertebral level of renal artery origin, angle of emergence, distances from major abdominal aortic branches, and renal artery branching patterns. These parameters were statistically assessed based on age and sex using SPSS 25. In male individuals, the distances between the renal arteries and both the inferior mesenteric artery and the aortic bifurcation were significantly greater than in females (p < 0.05). A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between age and the coronal angle of the left renal artery in both sexes and in the overall group (p = 0.001). The most frequent origin point of the right renal artery was identified at the mid-level between the L1 and L2 vertebrae, whereas the left renal artery commonly originated at the upper level of L2 in both sexes. The anatomical parameters defined by age and sex in this study may improve diagnostic accuracy for clinicians. These findings can aid interventional radiologists in catheter selection and procedure planning, supporting more personalized and effective interventions.