Diagnostic Ultrasound - Abdomen and Pelvis

Kidneys
LEFT MAIN RENAL ARTERY AND VEIN
Anatomy: Abdomen
Splenic vein/superior mesenteric vein
confluence
Superior mesenteric artery
Inferior vena cava
Right renal artery
Pancreas
Left renal vein
Left renal artery
Aorta
Left renal artery
Continuous forward systolic arterial flow
Phasic venous flow
Spleen
Left renal vein
Left renal artery
(Top) Transverse ultrasound in the anterior midline shows that the left renal artery arises from the anterolateral aorta just around or
below the level of the superior mesenteric artery. The normal caliber of the renal artery ranges from 5-8 mm. The left renal vein courses
between the aorta and superior mesenteric artery. (Middle) Spectral Doppler waveform of the left renal artery and vein is shown. The
normal PSV in the artery ranges from 60-140 cm/s with a normal resistive index < 0.7 and pulsatility index < 1.8. There is variability in
venous velocity consequent upon cardiac and respiratory activity. The renal vein normally measures 4-9 mm in caliber with a PSV of 18-
33 cm/s. (Bottom) Transverse color Doppler waveform of the left renal hilum obtained from an anterolateral approach is shown. An
anterior approach may not be feasible secondary to bowel gas. The left renal artery is posterior to the left renal vein.
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