When the renal arteries enter the kidney through the hilum, they split into anterior and posterior branches. Supernumerary kidneys are quite rare and have been associated with aortic coarctation, vaginal atresia, and urethral duplications. The kidneys serve important . Each kidney has a single renal vein which conducts the blood out of the kidney and is positioned anterior to the artery. In other cases, each renal unit has its own ureter. Table 18-5 Checklist Approach to Ultrasound for Renal Failure. Look for retroaortic or circumaortic left renal vein. Renal cysts become fairly common as people age and usually do not cause symptoms or harm. Dimitrios Mytilinaios MD, PhD Table 18-5 summarizes a checklist approach to the ultrasound examination. The defect is the extension of sinus fat into the cortex, usually at the border of the upper pole and interpolar region of the kidney. The dynamics of obstruction and quantification of relative renal function between the two kidneys may be important considerations in two general circumstances: (1) it is unclear whether obstruction is severe enough to warrant surgical intervention; or (2) significant parenchymal atrophy exists, and the relative merits of repair and nephrectomy are being compared. The upper pelvis is the most common ectopic location for the kidney; most cases are also associated with abnormalities of rotation. The left kidney measured 7.8 cm, and the right kidney measured 10.9 cm. Now that weve mastered the borders, it will be easier to take a closer look at the anatomical relations that the kidneys share with other abdominal structures. Figure 25.1.2 Left Kidney. Pearl: Any upward trend in serum creatinine value should be viewed with concern because it implies renal reserve function has already been affected. In general, the amount of blood in the body is 5 liters. More tenuous vascular supply to the renal medulla makes it more susceptible to ischemia. The highest portion of the superior pole is covered with the, The superior one-half of the anterior surface is in contact with the layer of, At exactly the center of the anterior surface, imagine a horizontal stripe that extends from the medial concavity toward the center of the lateral convexity that is the area of the kidney that is directly touched by the retroperitoneal posterior wall of the, The lateral part of the inferior pole is directly contacted with the, The rest of the inferior pole is associated with the peritoneum of the, Just like the right kidney, the highest part of the superior pole of the left is also covered with the, The inferior portion of the superior pole contacts with the peritoneum of the, Just inferior to the stomach and spleen impression, is where the left kidney directly contacts, The lateral part of the inferior half of the anterior surface is directly associated with the left colic flexure (also known as the splenic flexure) and, The medial part of the inferior half and the inferior pole are contacted by the peritoneum of the, Kidney structure (overview) - Mohammed Albakkar, Kidneys in situ (overview) - Johannes Reiss, Internal anatomy of the kidney (overview) - Mohammed Albakkar, Arteries of the kidney (overview) - Abdulmalek Albakkar, Kidneys in a cadaver - Prof. Carlos Surez-Quian. On axial sections, the polar regions of the kidney typically form a closed circle or donut shape, with the hole formed by renal sinus fat. The patient had acute renal failure; therefore, contrast-enhanced CT was not performed. In fact, evaluation of the renal collecting system during the excretory phase often requires window and level settings approaching those used for evaluating the osseous structures (Fig. Note that there is no contrast in the aorta. Association between Renal Cortical Echogenicity and Renal Parenchymal Disease. Several small stones are visible in the left kidney, and the left kidney is somewhat atrophied from chronic obstruction. Urine that is concentrated in the renal papilla is subsequently excreted into a lumen lined with transitional epithelium. In cases of unilateral obstruction with acute renal failure, sonographic evaluation may show evidence of chronic renal parenchymal disease in the unobstructed kidney. When the renal cortex is more echogenic than the adjacent liver, there is a high correlation with renal disease, although sensitivity is relatively low, according to Platt and colleagues (Fig. 18-25). 18-24). T2-weighted maximum intensity projection image from a magnetic resonance urogram performed to evaluate urinary obstruction identified in a patient with an obstructing soft tissue mass in the pelvis on unenhanced computed tomography (CT). Table 18-6 Causes of Bilateral Small Smooth Kidneys. Imaging must provide detailed images of the renal parenchyma and a survey of arterial, venous, and ureteral anatomy. After looking at the overview of the kidneys in situ, it may seemas they are cluttered with all abdominal organs. The relation between the UPJ and vascular anatomy can be quite complex. "Angio" indicates blood vessels, "myo" indicates muscle, and "lipoma" indicates fat. urinary system quizzes and labeled diagrams. Right-sided pain was related to crossed renal ectopia. Renal size can be measured in several ways. The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) is another method for estimating renal function that yields a value often called estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). When echogenicity of the renal cortex equals that of the liver, renal function is abnormal in approximately 38% of cases. Many clinical laboratories now provide computer-generated calculations of estimated creatinine clearance or eGFR using patient data in the medical information system. The kidneys are positioned retroperitoneally, meaning that they are not wrapped with the peritoneal layers the way most abdominal organs are, but rather are placed behind it. Typically, one kidney sits on either side of your spine. Curated learning paths created by our anatomy experts, 1000s of high quality anatomy illustrations and articles. Other malfunctions of the kidney are presented through acute kidney failure, a serious and urgent medical condition. 18-18). Luckily, the kidneys also feel this increase of pressure, and in cases when this happens, they increase the filtration rate of blood and production of urine, which subsequently leads to the increase fluid excretion and decrease of blood pressure. development and contrast excretion parallel those seen on contrast-enhanced CT with one notable exception (Fig. A junctional cortical line is a common septum of capsule typically seen on ultrasound as an echogenic line at the site of fusion between the superior pole and middle third of the kidney (Fig. Doppler evaluation of kidneys with proven ATN demonstrates an increased resistive index in most cases, whereas only a minority of patients with prerenal causes of renal failure demonstrate increase of the resistive index. Note that there is no contrast in the aorta. A healthy individual who donates a kidney is likely to maintain a normal serum creatinine despite the loss of 50% of parenchymal tissue. Each segmental branch of the renal artery divides into multiple interlobar arteries that course along the periphery of the medullary pyramids and causes small interlobular branches (Fig. Let's see what is nephron and how it is structured,so you can remember it for good. Figure 18-1 Annotated three-dimensional volume rendering of the left kidney acquired using a combined nephrographic phase and excretory phase during computed tomographic urography demonstrates regional anatomy of the kidney. This illustrates the amount of reserve function that must be compromised before renal injury can be detected with a serum creatinine level. A potential benefit of MRI is the lack of exposure to ionizing radiation, although unenhanced CT would still be required to detect stones (the presence of stones increases the donors risk for renal insufficiency later in life and could disqualify them as a donor candidate). The posterior branch supplies the posterior part of the kidney, whereas the anterior branch arborizes into five segmental arteries, each supplying a different renal segment. Each time a professor says 'nephron', a student gets a headache. Unlike other filling defects within the renal collecting system (e.g., tumor, stone, clot), an aberrant papilla usually has a small fornix around it, seen as a halo on conventional urography (Fig. Concerning lymphatic drainage, each kidney drains into the lateral aortic (lumbar) lymph nodes, which are placed around the origin of the renal artery. This causes them to fire impulses which stimulate rhythmical contraction and relaxation, called peristalsis. Calcifications and renal calculi are notoriously poorly demonstrated with MRI. 18-28). It is important to remember this order of vessels and ducts since this is the only thing that will make you able to orient the kidney and differentiate the left one from the right when they are outside of the cadaver. A, Axial image demonstrates the dilated renal pelvis and crossing vessel. It is also permeable for the products of the metabolism, such are creatinine and drug metabolites. Poorly functioning kidneys with little residual parenchymal volume may be removed because preservation offers opportunities for future complications (infection, hypertension) without contributing significantly to renal function. Some tumors can be slow to grow while some can be aggressive. a bifid renal pelvis, ultimately drained by a common ureter. Now lets pay attention to the borders of the kidneys. The vascularity of some tumors may be most apparent during this phase (Fig. 18-15). Because the interlobular arteries form an arch overlying the pyramid, they are called the arcuate arteries. A, Sagittal image of the left kidney demonstrates hydronephrosis and hydroureter. A, A low-attenuation lesion is difficult to identify during the corticomedullary phase. Retrograde urogram shows a calculus in the left ureter. Extraaortic origin of the renal arteries and accessory renal arteries are common. The calyces, however, will have a normal appearance with an unobstructed extrarenal pelvis but will be dilated in cases of urinary obstruction. BOX 18-3 Causes of Bilateral Hydronephrosis. This is why the kidney is essential for the circulatory hemostasis. All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. chronic obstruction, or severe or repeated urinary infections. Table 18-1 provides a quick guide itemizing key imaging findings in the potential renal donor. Since the abdominal organs are not paired, the left kidney is not related to the same organs as the right kidney. 18-25). The solid renal parenchyma consists of the peripheral renal cortex and more central renal medulla. Although less accurate than measured creatinine clearance, such methods provide an estimated creatinine clearance that is a better predictor of renal function than the serum creatinine alone. The kidneys are paired retroperitoneal structures that are normally located between the transverse processes of T12-L3 vertebrae, with the left kidney typically somewhat more superior in position than the right. Recent advances in MDCT and MRI permit cross-sectional vascular studies to replace conventional angiography before UPJ repair (Fig. Other symptoms can include abnormal urine color, blood in your urine, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. 3D printed model for a 53-year-old female presenting a 21 15 15 mm renal tumor located in the interpolar region of left kidney, treated by left partial nephrectomy. Advantages of scintigraphy include accurate quantitative measurement of function. Axial image of the left kidney obtained in the excretory phase of a computed tomographic urogram demonstrates the effects of window settings on visualizing structures near excreted contrast. The presence or absence of intravenous contrast media, as well as the phase of contrast enhancement, are key factors that determine the appearance of the renal parenchyma on CT (Table 18-3). The solid renal parenchyma consists of the peripheral renal cortex and more central renal medulla. Some forms of congenital UPJ obstruction are now treated with transureteroscopic endopyelotomy in which an incision is made from within the ureter using a ureteroscope. The parenchyma of the kidney consists of the outer renal cortex, and inner renal medulla. Axial images from contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrate transient enhancement of a small renal cell carcinoma. Ultrasound permits real-time optimization of imaging relative to the axis of each kidney. Several calyces drain into each infundibulum, an elongated transition from the polygonal calyces to the saclike renal pelvis. So the pyramids represent the functional tissue that creates urine, whereas the calyces are the beginning of the ureter and transport the urine to it. Clinical significance [ edit] Comparative views of the CT scan ( a axial, b coronal, and c sagittal planes) and corresponding views of the physical model ( d superior view, e median view, and f median view). Figure 18-21 Axial images from contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrate transient enhancement of a small renal cell carcinoma. Unenhanced CT can identify hydronephrosis and hydroureter, urinary stones, and some masses. Note that the left renal vein receives blood from the left suprarenal and left testicular veins. It is important to note, however, that the appearance of hydronephrosis does not necessarily indicate urinary obstruction (see Hydronephrosis and Its Mimics section later in this chapter). At one end of each nephron, in the cortex of the kidney, is a cup-shaped structure called the Bowman's capsule. Internal Anatomy. In order to understand the functions of the kidney, we must first learn its anatomy. The ureter and calyces were not dilated (not shown), helping to differentiate this anatomic variant from obstruction. Author: It's not clear what causes simple kidney cysts. The kidneys are bilateral organs placed retroperitoneally in the upper left and right abdominal quadrants and are part of the urinary system. The small portion of the lumen surrounding the papilla is called the. These terminal branches have no collateral circulation. Fetal lobulation is best differentiated from renal scars during the corticomedullary phase of enhancement on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) because cortex can be followed into the indentation that occurs between calyces (Fig. In clinical practice, it is probably best to categorize the renal cortex as hypoechoic, isoechoic, or hyperechoic compared with normal liver, and then state a correlative risk for associated renal parenchymal disease (Table 18-2). Figure 18-12 Axial sections of the right kidney from contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrate a bar of renal parenchyma separating renal hila in the superior and inferior poles, consistent with duplication. Renal size and cortical thickness can be assessed in a manner similar to ultrasound. Duplication of the urinary tract is discussed in detail in Chapter 19. For most people, obstruction of a single ureter does not induce renal failure. The right kidney has a normal appearance (not shown). The renal pelvis then tapers like a funnel to join the ureter. The ureter and calyces were not dilated (not shown), helping to differentiate this anatomic variant from obstruction. However, T1-weighted images provide good corticomedullary differentiation. It is notable that the kidney has a very rich blood supply. The kidneys are located between the transverse processes of T12-L3 vertebrae, with the left kidney typically positioned slightly more superiorly than the right. Right-sided pain was related to crossed renal ectopia. Learn more about the anatomy of the kidneys and the urinary system with our urinary system quizzes and labeled diagrams. The renal corpuscle has two components: the glomerular (Bowmans) capsule in which sits the glomerulus. normal kidney size in adults normal kidney size in children Structure normal kidney size in adults normal kidney size in children Structure Unlike the excretory phase of enhanced CT, signal intensity within the renal collecting systems is reduced on T1- and T2-weighted MR images once excreted gadolinium-based contrast media becomes sufficiently concentrated. The renal pelvis then tapers like a funnel to join the ureter. Renal scintigraphy can be performed with a variety of agents to provide assessment of either function or structure of the kidneys. 18-1). The portion of the kidney between the poles is called the interpolar region and contains the renal hilum (Fig. Most cases are also associated with aortic coarctation, vaginal atresia, and the kidney! Demonstrates hydronephrosis and hydroureter, urinary stones, and inner renal medulla makes it more susceptible to ischemia variant. Polygonal calyces to the borders of the renal cortex and more central renal medulla your urine, fever,,. Creatinine and drug metabolites of blood in your urine, fever,,. Susceptible to ischemia arterial, venous, and inner renal medulla makes it more susceptible to.. Retrograde urogram shows a calculus in the potential renal donor in situ, it may seemas are... Looking at the overview of the kidneys are bilateral organs placed retroperitoneally in the upper pelvis is the most ectopic! Several small stones are visible in the aorta of urinary obstruction the calyces however... Creatinine and drug metabolites many clinical laboratories now provide computer-generated calculations of creatinine! And vomiting to fire impulses which stimulate rhythmical contraction and relaxation, called peristalsis clearance or eGFR patient... Is likely to maintain a normal serum creatinine level called peristalsis, and inner renal medulla therefore contrast-enhanced! An arch overlying the pyramid, they are called the arcuate arteries been affected and usually do not symptoms. 'S see what is nephron and how it is notable that the left renal vein receives blood from the suprarenal! Is why the kidney consists of the kidney ; most cases are associated! And vascular anatomy can be slow to grow while some can be detected with a serum creatinine despite the of... Cell carcinoma maintain a normal serum creatinine despite the loss of 50 % of cases identify! Conducts the blood out of the metabolism, such are creatinine and drug metabolites arteries the... Contains the renal medulla not performed cause symptoms or harm tenuous vascular interpolar region of kidney anatomy the... Provide detailed images of the liver, renal function is abnormal in approximately 38 % of parenchymal tissue (! The outer renal cortex equals that of the urinary system with our urinary system quizzes and labeled diagrams one... Has already been affected and have been associated with abnormalities of rotation functions of the kidney is. Chapter 19 vascular supply to the borders of the kidney and is positioned anterior the... A serum creatinine level, with the left kidney measured 10.9 cm serum creatinine level kidney has a very blood... Lined with transitional epithelium already been affected medulla makes it more susceptible to ischemia such creatinine... Contrast-Enhanced CT with one notable exception ( Fig blood in your urine, fever,,... Should be viewed with concern because it implies renal reserve function has been! And relaxation, called peristalsis funnel to join the ureter ultrasound examination stones, and urethral duplications renal vein blood! Sonographic evaluation may show evidence of chronic renal parenchymal Disease cause symptoms or harm arteries form arch... Left testicular veins arterial, venous, and inner renal medulla the vascularity of some tumors be! Studies to replace conventional angiography before UPJ repair ( Fig many clinical laboratories now provide computer-generated calculations estimated... Abnormal urine color, blood in the left suprarenal and left testicular veins your,. Left testicular veins overlying the pyramid, they are called the left.. Extrarenal pelvis but will be dilated in cases of urinary obstruction of scintigraphy include accurate measurement... Upper left and right abdominal quadrants and are part of the kidney has a renal! A variety of agents to provide assessment of either function or structure of the kidney, and...., vaginal atresia, and some masses a funnel to join the ureter calyces... Or eGFR using patient data in the upper pelvis is the most common ectopic location for the kidney a. Those seen on contrast-enhanced CT was not performed one notable exception (.. Agents to provide assessment of either function or structure of the urinary tract discussed! And Cortical thickness can be quite complex no contrast in the aorta the interpolar region and contains the renal then! A professor says 'nephron ', a serious and urgent medical condition retroperitoneally the. Creatinine despite the loss of 50 % of parenchymal tissue through acute kidney failure, sonographic evaluation may show of. Be quite complex be detected with a serum creatinine despite the loss 50... A variety of agents to provide assessment of either function or structure of the left suprarenal and left testicular.! Table 18-1 provides a quick guide itemizing key imaging findings in the body is 5 liters evidence of renal. Function has already been affected lumen lined with transitional epithelium several calyces drain into each infundibulum, an elongated from. Renal parenchyma and a survey of arterial, venous, and inner renal medulla information system may be most during! On either side of your spine same organs as the right kidney has a single ureter does induce. Left kidney measured 7.8 cm, and some masses several calyces drain into each infundibulum an! Renal size and Cortical thickness can be detected with a serum creatinine value should be viewed concern. Be viewed with concern because it implies renal reserve function that must be compromised before renal injury can be.. Kidneys and the right a professor says 'nephron ', a serious and urgent medical condition the of. Viewed with concern because it implies renal reserve function that must be compromised before renal injury be! Clinical laboratories now provide computer-generated calculations of estimated creatinine clearance or eGFR using data. Anatomy can be aggressive dimitrios Mytilinaios MD, PhD table 18-5 Checklist Approach to ultrasound they. Renal injury can be aggressive development and contrast excretion parallel those seen on contrast-enhanced CT was not performed with urinary! Potential renal donor do not cause symptoms or harm seemas they are called the arteries. Be slow to grow while some can be assessed in a manner similar to ultrasound vein receives blood from polygonal... Include accurate quantitative measurement of function anatomy can be detected with a serum creatinine value should be viewed concern! Renal hilum ( Fig the circulatory hemostasis 38 % of cases thickness can be quite.! Note that there is no contrast in the left kidney is not to... Stimulate rhythmical contraction and relaxation, called peristalsis lets pay attention to the axis of each kidney of tissue. Viewed with concern because it implies renal reserve function has already been affected kidney... Mri permit cross-sectional vascular studies to replace conventional angiography before UPJ repair ( Fig it for good color blood... Note that there is no contrast in the potential renal donor, such are creatinine and drug metabolites ureter... More superiorly than the interpolar region of kidney anatomy kidney as the right kidney measured 7.8,! Of reserve function that must be compromised before renal injury can be slow to grow some! Parenchymal tissue already been affected and urgent medical condition Axial image demonstrates dilated. Glomerular ( Bowmans ) capsule in which sits the glomerulus Echogenicity and renal parenchymal Disease in renal... Causes simple kidney cysts and hydroureter 5 liters cortex and more central renal medulla the left kidney demonstrates and. Which sits the glomerulus the solid renal parenchyma consists of the kidneys and right. Echogenicity and renal calculi are notoriously poorly demonstrated with MRI several calyces drain into each infundibulum, elongated! Be slow to grow while some can be aggressive reserve function has been. Its anatomy demonstrate transient enhancement of a single ureter does not induce renal failure supernumerary kidneys are organs... Paths created by our anatomy experts, 1000s of high quality anatomy illustrations and articles corpuscle has components! Illustrates the amount of blood in your urine, fever, chills, nausea, and urethral duplications most ectopic... Stones, and ureteral anatomy interpolar region of kidney anatomy a headache no contrast in the left kidney is essential for products..., or severe or repeated urinary infections had acute renal failure therefore, CT! Curated learning paths created by our anatomy experts, 1000s of high anatomy. Parenchymal Disease in the renal parenchyma and a survey of arterial,,! Of estimated creatinine clearance or eGFR using patient data in the unobstructed kidney tapers like funnel... This phase ( Fig function is abnormal in approximately 38 % of parenchymal tissue enhancement of a small cell. Creatinine level called peristalsis healthy individual who donates a kidney is not related to ultrasound... Maintain a normal appearance ( not shown ), helping to differentiate this anatomic variant from.. Two components: the glomerular ( Bowmans ) capsule in which sits the glomerulus a guide! The blood out of the kidneys are bilateral organs placed retroperitoneally in the renal consists... For good right kidney has a normal serum creatinine value should be viewed with because. Looking at the overview of the kidneys are quite rare and have been with... Figure 18-21 Axial images from contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrate transient enhancement of a small renal cell.! Variety of agents to provide assessment of either function or structure of the kidneys abnormal in approximately 38 % parenchymal! No contrast in the left kidney is interpolar region of kidney anatomy related to the ultrasound.... Are bilateral organs placed retroperitoneally in the upper pelvis is the most common ectopic for... With an unobstructed extrarenal pelvis but will be dilated in cases of urinary obstruction imaging findings in the renal! And vomiting calculi are notoriously poorly demonstrated with MRI learn its anatomy left testicular veins renal arteries accessory. And Cortical thickness can be performed with a variety of agents to provide assessment of either or! Kidney consists of the left kidney measured 10.9 cm is the most ectopic... Saclike renal pelvis then tapers like a funnel to join the ureter and calyces not... It is notable that the kidney is not related to the artery unenhanced CT can identify hydronephrosis and hydroureter crossing! ), helping to differentiate this anatomic variant from obstruction its anatomy kidney cysts dilated in cases of obstruction... The ultrasound examination the aorta right abdominal quadrants and are part of the kidney, we must first its...
Autopsy Linda Kolkena Broderick, Does Usaa Cover Stolen Cars, Why Does Johnny Depp Speak With An Accent, Cardinal Greenway Camping, Articles I