Clinical anatomy of the suprarenal arteries: a quantitative approach by aortography

The angiographic visualization, arterial origin and mean diameter per age group (20-40, 41-60 years) of the suprarenal arterial vessels have been quantitatively investigated by aortography in 100 patients without suprarenal disease. Visualization of the various arteries was achieved in a percentage substantially comparable to the anatomic data of the literature, though with lower detection of the superior suprarenal vessels. A variable site of origin was present particularly for the superior and middle suprarenal vessels compared to the inferior suprarenal arteries and possible embryological reasons and clinical implications are discussed. Statistically significant differences were found in the mean diameter of each arterial vessel in all the subjects examined, thus substantiating the concept of differential arterial supply to various portions of the gland. Age-related changes were demonstrated in the right middle suprarenal artery, suggesting a predominant role of this vessel in the physiological adaptation of the blood supply to the gland with increasing age.