Unique variation of the left testicular artery passing through a vascular hiatus in renal vein

Surgeons should have a thorough knowledge regarding the morphologic variations of the testicular arteries as any injury to this artery during surgery might cause testicular atrophy. We report in here an unusual course of left testicular artery and discuss its embryological basis and its clinical implications. The left testicular artery had a high origin from the anterior aspect of the abdominal aorta at the level of origin of renal artery. In its further course, the left testicular artery passed through a hiatus present in the left renal vein. This unusual course of the testicular artery through the vascular hiatus might lead to its entrapment and is worth reporting in efforts to educate clinicians involved in abdominal and urogenital surgical procedures.