Bilateral malrotation and lobulation of kidney with altered hilar anatomy: a rare congenital variation.

Variations of the structure and position of the kidney along with the variations of renal vessels are the most frequently reported. Rotational variations form a rare entity that is not cited in most of the embryology textbooks. During educational cadaveric dissection of a 57-year-old female, a complex picture of bilateral anatomical variants was encountered. Bilateral malrotation of kidney, bilateral lobulated kidneys along with open hilum of kidney was observed, so that the contents of the sinus were exposed. The renal pelvis was present anterior to the renal vessels instead of posterior position.The right kidney in addition showed lower lumbar position with three supplementary arteries and two veins. The right ovarian vein arched over the laterally rotated hilum of kidney and drained into superior renal vein instead of inferior vena cava. This is a rare case in which such numbers of congenital variations are seen. These variations of kidney have embryological base. Rotational variation though comparatively rare assumes great importance in view of the present day surgical procedures like percutaneous nephrectomy, renal transplantation, etc.