Computed tomography evaluation of renal artery morphometry in adults: The impact of age and gender

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of age and gender on diameters and lengths of the renal arteries. METHODS: This is a retrospective study. A total of 50 asymptomatic volunteers were selected randomly and scanned by multi-detector CT to assess the diameters and lengths of the renal arteries. The study conducted at King Abdulaziz Specialized Hospital (KAASH) and King Faisal Hospitals, Taif, Saudi Arabia between October 2017 and March 2018. The lengths and diameters of the main arteries were measured and compared to age and gender of the participants. RESULTS: The mean length of right renal artery was significantly longer than the left one (4.47±.70 versus 3.714±.68 cm, p<0.001). Length of right and left renal arteries were significantly higher in males than females (p=0.02 and p =0.03). Diameters of both left and right renal arteries were higher in males than females (5.482±1.37 versus 5.288±1.09 cm, and 5.544±1.14 versus 5.188±1.05 cm). The diameters of renal arteries varied significantly with age, specifically in elders (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The mean length and mean diameter were significantly different between females and males, and between left and right main renal arteries. Age and gender have a significant impact on the length and diameters of main renal arteries.