The Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Anatomic Features of Internal Carotid Artery-Ophthalmic Artery.

Abstract

This research aimed at exploring the measurement of anatomic parameters of internal carotid artery-ophthalmic artery (ICA-OA) and the clinical significance with 3-dimensional (3D) separating, fusing, opacifying, false-coloring, and volume rendering (SFOF-VR) technique. A total of 109 patients with no significant lesions in ICA-OA were randomly selected, including 56 males and 53 females, who were divided into 3 groups: young age group (18-40 years, n = 36), middle age group (41-60 years, n = 40) and old age group (>60 years, n = 33). The 3D images were constructed by AW 4.6 workstation, and the anatomic parameters were measured. The SFOF-VR technique explicitly displayed ICA, OA, and their concomitant relationship with ophthalmic nerves (ONs) and adjacent structures. The study protocol was approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital and all patients have signed consent forms. The diameters of initial segment of left and right ophthalmic ICA (ICA-C6) were 3.58 ± 0.51 mm and 3.58 ± 0.43 mm, respectively; the diameters of the left and right OA were 1.16 ± 0.16 mm and 1.15 ± 0.19 mm, respectively; the lengths of left and right ICA-C6 were 10.43 ± 2.08 mm and 10.01 ± 2.32 mm, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between bilateral ICA-C6 lengths, right ICA-C6 diameter, right OA diameter, and OA-ON space between male and female. The SFOF-VR technique can distinctly present the structures of ICA-OA and adjacent tissues, providing valuable information for surgical operation. The 3D computed tomography data about ICA-OA can enrich references for basic and clinical researches.