The anatomical assessment of the renal fascia in the normal subject by using computed tomographic equipment with advanced technology

One hundred patients, affected with diseases not involving the peri-renal and pararenal spaces, have been examined in order to evaluate the visibility of the renal fasciae, using a CT scanner provided with high spatial and contrast resolution. The anterior renal fascia has been recognized in 71% of cases on the right side and in 88% on the left. The posterior renal fascia had 96% of positive bilateral detectability. The latero-conal fascia was detected in 83% of cases on the right and in 91% on the left. The inter-renal fascia was recognized in 25% of cases, at the pancreas or, more frequently, on caudal planes. The peri-renal septa were seen in 58% of cases, mainly on the left side. Compared to previous data reported by other authors, the visibility of the renal fasciae has been increased by the greater spatial and contrast resolution offered by the new CT scanner, thus allowing better anatomical evaluation of peri and para-renal spaces.