Clinical Significance Of Anatomical Variants Of Retroperitoneal Organs Identified Through Ct/Mri And Cadaveric Studies

Abstract

The retroperitoneum is a structurally complex anatomical region characterized by extensive variability in vascular, fascial, and organ morphology, which may influence diagnostic accuracy and surgical outcomes. The objective of the study was to identify and characterize anatomical variants of retroperitoneal organs through comprehensive analysis of CT and MRI imaging data in correlation with cadaveric anatomical specimens. A combined radiologic–anatomic approach was used to evaluate multidetector CT and MRI examinations alongside standardized cadaveric dissections, allowing classification and comparison of variants involving the kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, retroperitoneal vessels, and fascial compartments. A broad spectrum of anatomical variants was observed, including accessory renal arteries, atypical venous drainage patterns, deviations in ureteral trajectories, and variations in adrenal morphology, while fascial configurations demonstrated substantial variability often identifiable only with cadaveric correlation. CT provided the highest accuracy for vascular and positional variants, whereas MRI better delineated soft-tissue and fascial structures. Radiologic–anatomic correlation improved recognition of subtle variants that were inconsistently detected on imaging alone. These findings underscore the clinical importance of understanding retroperitoneal variability, as many variants directly influence surgical planning, oncologic staging, and interpretation of retroperitoneal pathology. Integration of CT and MRI assessment with cadaveric validation enhances diagnostic precision and contributes to a more accurate understanding of retroperitoneal topography, supporting its value for improving clinical outcomes.