High Resolution CT images acquired on our Brilliance 64 slice CT Imaging System

 History: Chronic lower back pain.

 Left renal artery aneurysm noted on the CT lumbar spine scan as an incidental finding.

Technique: Helical CT Scan. (Phillips 64 slice)  High sensitivity and specificity for identifying and characterizing renal vascular pathology, masses.  A non-invasive modality for the evaluation of renal arteries with the use of IV contrast medium. 

Needle placed in patients arm 100mls Contrast medium injected  Scan starts approximately 15 seconds after injection Patient instructed to “breathe in and hold your breath” Breath hold is approximately 8 seconds.  

Anatomy: The renal arteries extend from the abdominal aorta to supply the kidneys with blood. Purpose: To evaluate if there is any disease in the renal arteries. Atherosclerosis is a result of fatty materials collecting in the walls of the arteries and hardening to form calcium deposits. If renal arteries become narrowed or blocked there may be significant damage to the kidneys.

Findings: Left renal artery aneurysm demonstrated in the left main renal artery. It has some calcification in its wall and has a diameter of 24x17mm. Left kidney is otherwise normal. Normal right kidney collecting system and vascular supply.

Comment: A left renal artery aneurysm is confirmed and well demonstrated. Consider renal physician/ vascular surgeon consultation.