Celiac Artery Research Articles

Superior mesenteric artery revisited using magnetic resonance angiography.

We aimed to examine the superior mesenteric artery in detail by magnetic resonance angiography to provide an alternative to other imaging methods, to reduce the exposure time of patients and physicians to X-rays and the time spent in catheter angiography, to determine the variations, positions, and locations of the celiac trunk, and to provide detailed information for surgeons and interventional radiologists using this method. The procedures were approved by the Kocaeli University Medical School Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee (10.04.2023, approval number: 2021/51). MR angiography images of 185 patients with abdominal imaging in PACS (Picture Archiving Communication Systems) were retrospectively registered. The level of origin of the superior mesenteric artery according to the vertebral column, angle of origin, distance between the superior mesenteric artery and branches of the abdominal aorta, and branching pattern of the superior mesenteric artery were evaluated. Parameters were evaluated according to gender and age using SPSS version 25. The distance between superior mesenteric artery-inferior mesenteric artery and superior mesenteric artery-aortic bifurcation in males was higher than in females, and the difference was statistically significant. In females and the whole study group, a low, positive and significant relationship was found between age and superior mesenteric artery-sagittal angle. The most common origin site for the superior mesenteric artery, according to the vertebral column was found to be at L1 middle for males and L1 upper for females. The most common superior mesenteric artery branching pattern was classical type in both genders. Individual evaluation of the superior mesenteric artery could reduce the risks during surgical interventions, considering the relationship of the superior mesenteric artery, especially with distally located vessels, and the gender differences for the angle of origin. Furthermore, considering that interventional radiologists choose the catheter according to the angle of origin of the artery during catheter angiography procedures, individual evaluation of patients taking into account gender and age is of utmost importance.

Nodal recurrence mapping and clinical target volumes after resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma or combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma

BackgroundScarce evidence exists for clinical target volume (CTV) definitions of regional lymph nodes (LNs) in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) or combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA). We investigated the mapping pattern of nodal recurrence after surgery for iCCA and cHCC-CCA and provided evidence for the nodal CTV definition. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with iCCA or cHCC-CCA who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2020. Eligibility criteria included patients pathologically diagnosed with iCCA or cHCC-CCA after surgery and a first recurrent event in regional LNs during follow-up. All recurrent LNs were registered onto reference computed tomography images based on the vascular structures to reconstruct the node mapping. Fifty-three patients were eligible. LN regions were classified into four risk groups. ResultsHepatic hilar and portal vein-vena cava were the most common recurrent regions, with recurrence rates of 62.3 % and 39.6 % (high-risk regions), respectively. Recurrence rates in the left gastric, diaphragmatic, common hepatic, superior mesenteric vessels, celiac trunk, and paracardial regions ranged from 15.1 % to 30.2 % (intermediate-risk regions). There were fewer recurrences in the para-aortic (16a1, a2, b1) and splenic artery and hilum regions, with rates <10 % (low-risk regions). No LN recurrence was observed in the para-oesophageal or para-aortic region (16b2) (very low-risk regions). Based on node mapping, the CTV should include high- and intermediate-risk regions for pathologically negative LN patients during postoperative radiotherapy. Low-risk regions should be included for pathologically positive LN patients. ConclusionWe provide evidence for CTV delineation in patients with iCCA and cHCC-CCA based on recurrent LN mapping.

Laparoscopic median arcuate ligament section for median arcuate ligament compression syndrome initially detected as splenic infarction: a case report

BackgroundMedian arcuate ligament compression syndrome (MALS) causes upper abdominal pain and at times hemodynamic abnormalities in the pancreaticoduodenal region.Herein, we present a case of a 70 year-old man, initially diagnosed with splenic infarction and was successfully treated laparoscopically.Case presentationA 70-year-old man with abdominal pain admitted to our hospital. Abdominal-enhanced computed tomography revealed a poorly contrasted area in the spleen and stenosis at the root of the celiac artery. Arterial dilatation was observed around the pancreaticoduodenal arcade, however, no obvious aneurysm formation or arterial dissection was observed. Abdominal-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging indicated the disappearance of the flow void at the root of the celiac artery. The patient had no history of atrial fibrillation and was diagnosed with splenic infarction due to median arcuate ligament compression syndrome. We performed a laparoscopic median arcuate ligament section with five ports. Intraoperative ultrasonography showed a retrograde blood flow in the common hepatic artery and the celiac artery. After releasing the compression, the antegrade blood flow from the celiac artery to the splenic artery, and the common hepatic artery were visualized using intraoperative ultrasonography. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful, and he was discharged on postoperative day 9. Postoperative computed tomography a month after surgery revealed no residual stenosis of the celiac artery or dilation of the pancreaticoduodenal arcade. Furthermore, the poorly contrasted area of the spleen improved.ConclusionsReports indicate that hemodynamic changes in the abdominal visceral arteries due to median arcuate ligament compression are related to the formation of pancreaticoduodenal aneurysms. In this case, median arcuate ligament compression syndrome caused splenic infarction by reducing blood flow to the splenic artery.

Spontaneous dissection of celiacomesenteric trunk with isolated extension and thrombosis in the superior mesenteric artery: a case report and literature review

BackgroundCeliacomesenteric trunk (CMT) is one of the rare congenital anomalies of the splanchnic vasculature, characterized by the common trunk origin of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and celiac trunk from the abdominal aorta. Dissection of CMT with isolated SMA involvement without bowel ischemia has been rarely reported in the literature.Case presentationA 48-year-old male presented with generalized abdominal pain for 20 days, which increased after food intake. He also gave a history of passing loose stools on and off in the last 10–15 days, associated with melena for 4–5 days. Computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography (CTA) study of the abdomen demonstrated the common trunk origin of SMA and celiac trunk from the abdominal aorta at the D12–L1 disk level, consistent with the celiacomesenteric trunk (CMT). CTA also revealed dissection of CMT with isolated extension in the SMA origin and thrombosis in the mid and distal SMA. No bowel or mesenteric ischemia was seen due to extensive collateral supply to distal-most SMA and its branches, mainly through the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) via an arc of Riolan and artery of Drummond. The patient was managed conservatively with bowel rest, anti-thrombolytics, and anticoagulant therapy based on imaging findings of short-segment dissection with no signs of bowel or mesenteric ischemia.ConclusionDiagnosis of rare vascular anomalies like CMT with associated complications of dissection and thrombosis is critical in patients with abdominal pain for prompt and precise management. CTA of the abdomen is essential for accurate diagnosis and characterization of the abnormality, which helps decide between conservative and surgical treatments.

Long-term sustained clinical remission of peritoneal metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after sequential chemoradiation therapy: a case report

Patients with peritoneal metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (pmPDAC) with high-level serum carbohydrate antigens (CAs) always suffer extremely dismal prognosis, with a median survival of several months. Herein, we reported a case of pmPDAC with high serum CAs who had long-term clinical remission with normalization of CAs after chemoradiation. In November 2019, a 64-year-old male patient was admitted to our center with a solid mass measuring 2.8 × 2.5 × 2.0 cm in the body of the pancreas near the celiac trunk. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) revealed an standardized uptake value max (SUVmax) of 4.2. The serum CA 242 level exceeded 150.0 U/mL (normal range: 0–20 U/mL), and CA 19-9 was elevated at 975.2 U/mL (normal range: 0–34 U/mL). During laparotomy, the tumor was found to encircle the celiac trunk over 180°, with several small peritoneal nodules in the lesser omental cavity. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pmPDAC. Next-generation sequencing revealed RAS G12V, EGFR mutation (-), low tumor mutation burden (TMB), and microsatellite stability (MSS). The patient underwent 6 cycles of the AG regimen (gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel), resulting in significant tumor shrinkage and a sharp decline in CAs. Partial remission was achieved. However, due to intolerant neurotoxicity, the AG regimen was discontinued. Subsequently, synchronous oral fluorouracil (S1) and radiation therapy were administered. Five months after radiation treatment, all CAs normalized. Oral S1 was continued for an additional 3 months. Eventually, all anti-cancer drugs were stopped. Computed tomography scans indicated that the tumor still surrounded the celiac trunk and common hepatic artery. After a thorough discussion, a wait-and-see strategy was adopted. Remarkably, 32 months after stopping anti-cancer medication, the patient remains in good health, with sustained normalization of CAs. At the last follow-up, he had lived for 50 months, and the normalization of the CAs was sustained for 36 months. Although he still suffers the risk of disease progression, it is a successful case of state-of-the-art chemoradiation for a dismal pmPDAC patient.

Comprehensive analysis of splenic artery variations using computed tomography angiography: development of the IPALGEA classification system.

The splenic artery, an essential component of abdominal vascular anatomy, exhibits significant variations with clinical implications in surgical and radiological procedures. The lack of a standardized classification system for these variations hinders comparative studies and surgical planning. This study introduces the IPALGEA classification system, based on computed tomography angiography (CTA) findings, to address this gap. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 302 patients who underwent CTA at a tertiary university hospital between August 2021 and January 2022. The study focused on the evaluation of splenic artery variations, including the origin, course, terminal branching patterns, and the relationship between the inferior polar artery and the left gastroepiploic artery. The IPALGEA classification was developed to standardize the reporting of these variations. The study highlighted a significant prevalence of splenic artery variations, with the most common pattern being a superior course relative to the pancreas. The IPALGEA classification effectively categorized these variations, emphasizing the relationship between the inferior polar artery and the left gastroepiploic artery. The findings revealed that the bifurcation distance of the celiac trunk varied significantly between genders and that the presence of an inferior polar artery correlated with a shorter hilus distance. The IPALGEA classification offers a comprehensive and standardized approach to categorize splenic artery variations. This system enhances our understanding of abdominal vascular anatomy and has significant implications for surgical and radiological procedures, potentially reducing surgical complications and improving patient outcomes.

Laparoscopic Median Arcuate Ligament Release: Surgical Technique and Clinical Outcomes.

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is characterized by a constellation of symptoms related to the compression of the celiac artery trunk. Laparoscopic release of the ligament has demonstrated its effectiveness in alleviating these symptoms while showing lower postoperative complication rates, reduced hospital stays, and improved clinical outcomes. This study describes a single institution's experience with this procedure and reports on the preoperative assessment, surgical technique, and clinical outcomes of patients with MALS. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent a primary laparoscopic MAL release (MALR) at a single high-volume academic institution from June 2021 to July 2023. Patient demographics, preoperative assessment, postoperative complications, and resolution of preoperative symptoms data were collected. A total of 30 patients underwent laparoscopic MALR, with 76.7% being female and a mean age of 33.4±16.3 years. The most common presenting symptom was postprandial epigastric pain (100%), followed by abdominal pain and nausea (83.3%), among others. The preoperative evaluation for all patients included a duplex mesenteric doppler and CT angiogram during inspiration and expiration and 3D reconstruction. Successful laparoscopic decompression of the celiac artery was achieved in 96.6% of cases, with only one conversion to an open procedure. There was only one reported early (<30d postoperatively) complication with no subsequent late complications or mortality. None of the patients required reintervention or reoperation. Only 1 patient required postoperative celiac plexus/splanchnic block injection to alleviate pain. MALS can be effectively and safely managed using a laparoscopic approach when performed by an experienced minimally invasive surgeon. Further studies with longer follow-ups are needed to confirm the long-term effectiveness of this technique.

159 - Severe abdominal pain secondary to celiac artery stenosis

159 - Severe abdominal pain secondary to celiac artery stenosis

Evaluation of the celiac trunk and its branching pattern by magnetic resonance angiography

ObjectiveThe study aimed to examine the celiac trunk (CT) in detail by magnetic resonance angiography, to determine the locations, positions and variations of the CT, to provide detailed information for surgeons and interventional radiologists, and to reduce the time spent in the catheter angiography. Material and methodsMR angiography images of 185 patients with abdominal imaging in PACS (Picture Archiving Communication Systems) were retrospectively analyzed. The level of origin of CT, according to the vertebral column, angle of origin, distance between CT and branches of the abdominal aorta (AA), and the branching pattern of CT were evaluated. Parameters were evaluated according to gender and age. ResultsThe most common origin site for CT, according to the vertebral column, was found to be at T12-L1 in both genders. There was a low, positive correlation between age and CT-Sagittal angle (SA) in the whole study group (p<0.05). The most common CT branching pattern was the hepatogastrosplenic trunk in both genders, according to Adachi and Uflkacker’s classification. The distance between CT and the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and CT and the aortic bifurcation (AB) of males was greater than in females, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). ConclusionKnowledge of the locations, positions, and variations of CT is essential in the diagnosis, differential diagnosis and decision-making mechanisms regarding the type of intervention to be performed for this vessel and related structures. In addition, the fact that data on these vessels can be obtained by MR angiography due to the improved image quality will prevent patients and physicians from the problems caused by the ionizing radiation of computed tomography. The data presented will constitute a basis for detailed and individualized interpretation and evaluation of each patient, as they provide important details about the configuration of the CT concerning gender and age using MRA.

Portal vein wedge resection and patch venoplasty with autologous vein grafts for hepatobiliary–pancreatic cancer

BackgroundAdvanced hepatobiliary–pancreatic cancer often invades critical blood vessels, including the portal vein (PV) and hepatic artery. Resection with tumor-free resection margins is crucial to achieving a favorable prognosis in these patients. Herein, we present our cases and surgical techniques for PV wedge resection with patch venoplasty using autologous vein grafts during surgery for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PhCC).Case presentationCase 1: 73-year-old female patient with PDAC; underwent subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy, with superior mesenteric vein wedge resection and venoplasty with the right gonadal vein. Case 2: 67-year-old male patient with PDAC; underwent distal pancreatectomy and celiac axis resection, with PV wedge resection and venoplasty with the middle colic vein. Case 3: 51-year-old female patient with type IV PhCC; underwent left hepatectomy with caudate lobectomy and bile duct resection, with hilar PV wedge resection and venoplasty with the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV). Case 4: 69-year-old male patient with type IIIA PhCC; underwent right hepatopancreatoduodenectomy, with hilar PV resection and patch venoplasty with the IMV. All patients survived for over 12 months after the surgery, without local recurrence.ConclusionsPV wedge resection and patch venoplasty is a useful technique for obtaining tumor-free margins in surgeries for hepatobiliary–pancreatic cancer.

Radiographic complicated and uncomplicated descending aortic dissections: aortic morphological differences by CT angiography and risk factor analysis.

To identify radiographic differences between patients with uncomplicated and complicated descending aortic dissections. Between April 2009 and July 2021, 209 patients with acute descending aortic dissections were analysed as complicated (malperfusion, rupture, diameter progress, and diameter ≥ 55 mm) or uncomplicated. Detailed CTA measurements (slice thickness ≤ 3 mm) were taken in multiplanar reconstruction. A composite endpoint (early aortic failure) was defined as reoperation, diameter progression, and early mortality. Seventy-seven patients were female (36.8%) [complicated n = 27 (36.5%); uncomplicated n = 50 (37.0%) P = 1.00]. Seventy-four (35%) patients were categorized as morphologically complicated, and 135 (65%) as uncomplicated. In patients with complicated dissections, the dissection extended more frequently to the aortic bifurcation (P = 0.044), the coeliac trunk (P = 0.003), the superior mesenteric artery (P = 0.007), and both iliac arteries (P < 0.001) originated less frequently from the true lumen. The length of the most proximal communication (entry) in type B aortic dissection was longer, 14.0 mm [12.0 mm; 27.0 mm] vs. 6.0 mm [4,0 mm; 13.0 mm] in complicated cases (P = 0.005). Identified risk factors for adverse aortic events were connective tissue disease [HR 8.0 (1.9-33.7 95% CI HR)], length of the aortic arch [HR 4.7 (1.5-15.1 95% CI HR)], a false lumen diameter > 19.38 mm [HR 3.389 (1.1-10.2 95% CI HR)], and origin of the inferior mesenteric artery from the false lumen [HR 4.2 (1.0-5.5 95% CI HR)]. We identified significant morphological differences and predictors for adverse events in patients presenting complicated and uncomplicated descending dissections. Our morphological findings will help guide future aortic therapies, taking a tailored patient approach.

Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome in 17-year-old Male with Abdominal Pain: Case Report.

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is an uncommon cause of chronic abdominal pain resulting from the compression of the celiac artery. It shares symptoms with chronic functional abdominal pain, a more common cause of pediatric chronic abdominal pain. Typically found in middle-aged females, MALS is a diagnosis of exclusion. A 17-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with periumbilical pain for two months was subsequently diagnosed with MALS through computed tomography angiography. Further vascular and gastroenterology evaluations confirmed the diagnosis, ruling out other common causes of chronic abdominal pain. The patient received non-operative treatment in the form of endoscopic ultrasound celiac plexus block, with the possibility of surgical management if necessary. Median arcuate ligament syndrome is an uncommon cause of chronic abdominal pain that is difficult to differentiate from other causes, especially in pediatric patients. It should be considered in the patient whose previous workup was not conclusive and symptom management had failed. Management is multidisciplinary with non-operative management preferred initially. If there is no improvement, surgical management should be considered.

A phase II study of perioperative capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CapeOx) therapy for advanced gastric cancer with multiple lymph node metastases (OGSG 1701).

304 Background: Gastric cancer with paraaortic lymph node metastasis or bulky lymph node metastasis is difficult to undergo curative resection without preoperative chemotherapy. Even if curative resection can be performed, the prognosis is extremely poor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of perioperative capecitabine plus oxaliplatin combined chemotherapy (CapeOx) for such advanced gastric cancer with multiple lymph node metastases. Methods: In this phase II trial, eligibility criteria were as follows; histologically proven gastric carcinoma; HER2 negative or unknown; with paraaortic lymph node metastases (#16a2/16b1) &gt; 10 mm and/or bulky lymph node metastases located at celiac axis, common hepatic artery, splenic artery and/or upper mesenteric vein which make a huge bulk &gt; 3.0 cm and/or multiple large bulks &gt; 1.5 cm; without any other metastatic lesions; not a large (≥ 8 cm) type 3 or type 4 gastric cancer; and age between 20 and 80 years old. Treatment included three cycles of preoperative CapeOx (capecitabine; 2,000 mg/m2 for 14 days, oxaliplatin; 130 mg/m2 day 1) every 3 weeks, followed by five cycles of postoperative CapeOx after radical gastrectomy. The primary endpoint was response rate according to the RECIST v1.0. The planned sample size was 30 patients calculated on the hypothesis that the expected response rate was 65% and the threshold was 50%, with one-sided alpha of 0.05 and the power of 90%. Results: Thirty patients from 14 institutions were enrolled from September 2017 to June 2022. The number of patients with compete response, partial response, stable disease, progressive disease, and inevaluable were, 0, 20, 8, 1, and 1, respectively. The response rate was 66.7%, with the 90% confidence interval of 50.1 - 80.7% ( p = 0.049). The curative resection rate was 93.3%. The protocol treatment completion rate was 53.3%. The preoperative chemotherapy completion rate was 93.3%. The operation completion rate was 90.0%. The postoperative chemotherapy completion rate was 70.0%. The relative dose intensities were 94.8% for capecitabine and 95.2% for oxaliplatin on preoperative CapeOx, and 80.8% for capecitabine and 64.2% for oxaliplatin on postoperative CapeOx. The histological response rate (Grade ≥ 1b) was 66.7%. The adverse events of Grade ≥ 3 included neutropenia in 3.3%, anemia in 6.7%, and anorexia in 10% on preoperative CapeOx, and neutropenia in 23.8% and diarrhea in 9.5% on postoperative CapeOx. The final results of the survival analysis are yet to come. Conclusions: Perioperative CapeOx therapy for advanced gastric cancer with multiple lymph node metastasis showed favorable response rate, curative resection rate and acceptable adverse events, and was considered a promising treatment regimen. Clinical trial information: UMIN000028749 .

Prophylactic para-aortic lymph node dissection after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for gastric cancer with bulky lymph node metastasis.

344 Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by D2 gastrectomy with para-aortic lymph node dissection (PAND) is the standard treatment for gastric cancer with extensive lymph node metastasis (ELM) in Japan. ELM includes bulky lymph node metastasis along the celiac artery and its branches (Bulky N2) and metastasis of para-aortic lymph nodes (PAN). However, the benefit of PAND for gastric cancer with Bulky N2 but without PAN involvement is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic PAND after NAC for this subgroup of patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 21 patients who underwent NAC followed by curative (R0) gastrectomy for Bulky N2 (+) but PAN (-) gastric cancer from 2008 to 2019. Bulky lymph node was defined as one lymph nodes ≥ 3cm or two adjacent lymph nodes ≥ 1.5cm each. PAN metastasis included no. 16a2/16b1 lymph node metastasis. PAND was defined as systematic lymph node dissection of PAN. Patients were divided into two groups: a D2+PAND group (11 patients) and a D2 group (10 patients). We compared the clinicopathological features, recurrence patterns, and survival outcomes between the two groups. Results: The most common NAC regimen was S-1+cisplatin (12 patients: 57%), and other regimens in D2+PAND group included docetaxel+S-1+cisplatin or oxaliplatin. The D2+PAND group had longer operation time (p=0.006), and tended toward more undifferentiated histological type (p=0.063), better pathological response (p=0.086), and higher rate of adjuvant chemotherapy (p=0.090) than the D2 group. The ypStage was similar between the two groups. Pathological PAN metastasis was detected in two patients (18%) in D2+PAND group. Recurrence occurred in seven (70%) patients in D2 group and three (27%) patients in D2+PAND group, and lymph node recurrence was observed in four (40%), and one (10%) patients, respectively. The D2+PAND group had significantly better overall survival, recurrence-free survival, and disease-specific survival than the D2 group (p=0.008, 0.008, and 0.020, respectively). Conclusions: Prophylactic PAND after NAC may reduce recurrence risk for locally advanced gastric cancer with Bulky N2 but without PAN involvement.

Use of selective visceral angiography in surgical strategy planning for celiac artery aneurysm in the celiacomesenteric trunk

BackgroundThe celiacomesenteric trunk (CMT) is a common duct of the celiac artery (CA) and the superior mesenteric artery originating from the aorta, which is an uncommon anatomical variant of visceral artery circulation. Because of the variety of visceral circulation in those with CMT, the visceral circulation associated with each branch should be evaluated prior to surgical treatment of visceral artery aneurysm in the CMT.Case presentationA 64-year-old woman was diagnosed with a CA aneurysm in the CMT. Aneurysmectomy of the aneurysm was performed successfully. On preoperative selective visceral angiography, the CA was seen to bifurcate into the common hepatic and splenic artery. The left gastric artery was directly isolated from the aorta and perfused to the common hepatic and splenic artery through collateral circulation. These findings showed that celiac artery embolization is anatomically feasible, even in cases of celiac artery aneurysm rupture.ConclusionsSelective visceral angiography can contribute to surgical strategy planning for CA aneurysm with CMT.

Variant Anatomy and Morphometric Characteristics of the Celiac Trunk and its Branches According to Multislice Computed Tomography

Two classifications are currently most commonly used to classify branching variations of the celiac trunk (CT): N. Michels (1955) and R. Uflacker (1997). Many researchers note the imperfection of classifications and make additions to each of them. The aim is to determine the anatomical variants of the branching of the CT, and to perform a morphometry of it’s main branches. Material and methods. A sample of 700 MSCT angiograms of the abdominal aorta was analyzed. The study examined angiograms of 602 men and 98 women. Visualization of the vessels of the CT and measurement of the diameter of the arteries was carried out using digital computer programs of the personal station of the radiologist «Syngo.via». Results. The most common type of CT (77,9% observations), according to the classification of N. Michels, was type I, when the common hepatic artery (CHA) originated from the CT. The frequency of other variants was 22,1%. According to R. Uflacker, the most common variant (90,3% cases) was type I, corresponding to the typical anatomy of the CT, with the origin of the splenic, common hepatic and left gastric arteries. In addition to the main variants of the arterial basin of the liver and types of branching of the CT, we noted additional arteries that were not included in both classifications. In 48 cases, such vessels as the left inferior phrenic artery (44 observations / 91,7%), two inferior phrenic arteries (2IPA) (3 observations / 6,3%), and the right hepatic artery (RHA) (1 observation / 2,1%) were identified as originated from the CT. Conclusion. In the course of our study, we detected variants of CT that were not included in any of the most commonly used classifications: the RHA and 2IPA which ramified from CT. Three morphometric parameters of the CT: its length, diameter, and diameter of common hepatic artery had a significant correlation with gender. We consider that the data obtained on the variant anatomy of the CT will make additions to the current classifications in order to detail and objectify variations of the celiac-mesenteric basin arteries.

Deep Learning-Based Analysis of Aortic Morphology From Three-Dimensional MRI.

Quantification of aortic morphology plays an important role in the evaluation and follow-up assessment of patients with aortic diseases, but often requires labor-intensive and operator-dependent measurements. Automatic solutions would help enhance their quality and reproducibility. To design a deep learning (DL)-based automated approach for aortic landmarks and lumen detection derived from three-dimensional (3D) MRI. Retrospective. Three hundred ninety-one individuals (female: 47%, age = 51.9 ± 18.4) from three sites, including healthy subjects and patients (hypertension, aortic dilation, Turner syndrome), randomly divided into training/validation/test datasets (N = 236/77/78). Twenty-five subjects were randomly selected and analyzed by three operators with different levels of expertise. 1.5-T and 3-T, 3D spoiled gradient-recalled or steady-state free precession sequences. Reinforcement learning and a two-stage network trained using reference landmarks and segmentation from an existing semi-automatic software were used for aortic landmark detection and segmentation from sinotubular junction to coeliac trunk. Aortic segments were defined using the detected landmarks while the aortic centerline was extracted from the segmentation and morphological indices (length, aortic diameter, and volume) were computed for both the reference and the proposed segmentations. Segmentation: Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Hausdorff distance (HD), average symmetrical surface distance (ASSD); landmark detection: Euclidian distance (ED); model robustness: Spearman correlation, Bland-Altman analysis, Kruskal-Wallis test for comparisons between reference and DL-derived aortic indices; inter-observer study: Williams index (WI). A WI 95% confidence interval (CI) lower bound >1 indicates that the method is within the inter-observer variability. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. DSC was 0.90 ± 0.05, HD was 12.11 ± 7.79 mm, and ASSD was 1.07 ± 0.63 mm. ED was 5.0 ± 6.1 mm. A good agreement was found between all DL-derived and reference aortic indices (r >0.95, mean bias <7%). Our segmentation and landmark detection performances were within the inter-observer variability except the sinotubular junction landmark (CI = 0.96;1.04). A DL-based aortic segmentation and anatomical landmark detection approach was developed and applied to 3D MRI data for achieve aortic morphology evaluation. 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Covered stent assisted coil embolization of large Buhler aneurysm in setting of chronic celiac trunk occlusion

BackgroundThe arc of Bühler (AOB) is a residual embryonal anastomosis between the celiac artery (CA) and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Although usually asymptomatic, it has clinical relevance when compensatory reverse flow between the SMA and the CA in response to celiac artery obstruction leads to aneurysm formation and bleeding. Endovascular coiling is the mainstay therapy because of the deep AOB retropancreatic location, which hinders open surgery.Case presentationWe herein report a case of a 2.8-cm AOB saccular aneurysm and LAM compression of celiac trunk in a 47-year-old man during rehabilitation following motorcycle trauma and vertebral surgery. The patient was considered unsuitable for surgery. Neither conventional coiling nor bare-metal stent and balloon-assisted techniques for coiling were suitable because of the wide necked saccular shape of AOB aneurysm interposed between the SMA and the floor of celiac trunk. To exclude the aneurysm from direct SMA inflow and permit safe and efficient coiling to rule out retrograde sac perfusion, a 9-mm polytetrafluoroethylene stent graft (Viabahn; Gore, Phoenix, AZ, USA) was positioned in the mesenteric artery, followed by antegrade periprosthetic high-density packed coiling of the aneurysm. The AOB remained excluded from mesenteric perfusion. The patient’s clinical condition and abdominal contrast-enhanced multislice computed tomographic findings were unremarkable at the 9-year follow-up.ConclusionThe 9 year long-term efficacy in our case raises the possibility that perigraft coiling following stent-graft deployment in the SMA may represent a valuable technical option for large Bühler aneurysms that are not amenable to stand-alone coiling.

Isolated celiac artery injury: Brief report, review of literature, and suggested grading guidelines

Blunt traumatic dissection of the celiac artery without aortic dissection is a rare event. There is paucity of data on the appropriate management of such injuries. In this brief report, we present a patient with isolated celiac artery dissection after blunt abdominal trauma. The patient was managed non-operatively with anticoagulation and developed splenic infarct. Due to its rarity, no grading criteria and management guidelines exist for the spectrum of isolated blunt CA injuries. Furthermore, it remains unlikely that injury volume will increase to create robust management guidelines. We therefore suggest that isolated celiac artery injury be graded based on the Biffl grading criteria for blunt cerebrovascular injury and managed accordingly.

Laparoscopic repair of iatrogenic celiac artery injury during median arcuate ligament release: A retrospection and tips at troubleshooting.

Median arcuate ligament (MAL) syndrome or celiac artery (CA) compression syndrome previously treated mainly by vascular surgeons using the open approach is now being increasingly performed by general surgeons with training in advanced laparoscopy. Although this approach has all the advantages of minimal access surgery, the procedure is fraught with serious complications like injury to major vascular structures during dissection. Vascular injury by far is the major cause of conversion to open procedure. Herein, we report a laparoscopic repair of iatrogenic CA injury by intra-corporeal suturing during MAL release. We also elaborate the causes, the preventive measures that can be applied to avoid such catastrophic occurrences in future. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a laparoscopic repair of CA bleed during MAL release.