Examination of the main branches of aorta abdominalis with multi-detector computed tomography angiography

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the main branches of abdominal aortae (AA) and to make evaluation by carrying out some measurements by considering gender difference. 
 Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a retrospective research subjecting multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography images of 200 individuals (61 women, 139 men). Coeliac trunk (CT), superior mesenteric artery (SMA), right renal artery (RRA), left renal artery (LRA), inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) were examined by abdominal aortae and its branches. The cases of these arteries with anatomical variation were classified, and vertebral outflow levels originated from AA and the mean of distance measurements with each other were recorded. In addition, sagittal and transverse diameter measurements at the level of the main branches of AA were conducted, all examined data were compared according to gender. 
 Results: While normal CT anatomy was observed in 91% of 200 cases, the rate of CT variations was 9%. The replaced right hepatic artery originated from SMA was found only in one patient. No variation was observed in IMA. No significant difference was determined between genders in most of the vertebral outflow levels of the arteries examined. 
 Conclusion: Diagnosing mesenteric and renal arterial variations is of vital importance in colon, hepatobiliary and renal transplantations, and vertebra levels of these arteries, diameter and distance measurements provide convenience for clinical staff and cadaver dissection in anatomy.