Pulsed doppler ultrasonography of the human fetal renal artery

Abstract

The renal arteries arise directly from the aorta just below the projection of the 12th rib and below the superior mesenteric artery. The left renal artery is usually a little higher and longer than that on the right (Fig. 15.1). Close to the renal hilum the renal arteries divide into multiple branches with large anterior and posterior branches. These branches in turn divide into large segment arteries, which eventually terminate in arcuate arteries. The best way to assess the renal arteries is to find the abdominal aorta and the renal hilum using a coronal axis view. The renal arteries are usually seen arising from the lateral aspect of the abdominal aorta. The superior artery is often difficult to visualize in the fetus compared to that in the adult, but the renal artery can be seen using a multipurpose midfrequency scanhead (35 MHz). Respiratory or total body movement make it difficult to obtain an adequate duplex signal. With patience, experience, and perseverance, a Doppler examination of the renal artery can be performed successfully in about 90% of patients. © 2005 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.