Variations In Vascular Anatomy Research Articles

The pattern of peri-hilar and hilar arterial branching in kidney allografts of living donors

Introduction: Kidney transplantation gives us the opportunity to study kidney vascular anatomical variations and their probable effect on allograft survival. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the renal arteries’ branching patterns of the engrafted kidneys and their impact on transplant outcomes. Patients and Methods: Three hundred patients who received kidney transplantation between 2014 -2017 were included. Peri-hilar and hilar branching patterns of the engrafted kidney were studied by reviewing the archived CT angiographies of donors and then they categorized based on the existing knowledge in this field. Clinical data were also gathered from medical records and recipients’ latest clinical and laboratory evaluations. Results: Based on peri-hilar and their corresponding hilar branching patterns, our morphology findings were classified into 17 groups. From different peri-hilar branching patterns, the fork pattern was more common which is detected in 95% (242) while the ladder pattern was observed in 5% (13) of kidney grafts. In a later branching sub-categorization, among the fork pattern, 65.2% (158) were duplicated and 34.7% (84) had triplicated hilar branching patterns. There was not a statistically significant correlation between each of those patterns and allograft function (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Peri-hilar and hilar branching patterns of the kidney allografts’ renal artery were different, but they follow certain patterns. Although it may not influence the allograft survival, it provides us precise knowledge about renal vasculature patterns and outcome of probable vascular events meanwhile; it could be useful in the field of transplantation.

Duplication of superficial femoral artery: imaging findings and literature review

BackgroundDuplication of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) is an extremely rare anatomic variation, with few case studies reported. We report one case of the duplicated SFA, discovered by both ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography angiography (CTA). We also reviewed literatures concerning 6 cases of the duplicated SFA (including our present case), and summarized the clinical and imaging features of the anatomic variation.Case presentationA 55-year-old woman presented to our hospital with an intermittent cramp in the lateral aspect of the right leg. The patient underwent Doppler US examination on bilateral lower extremity arteries and veins to examine potential vascular abnormality. Incidentally, US discovered the duplicated left SFA and CTA of bilateral lower extremities revealed the anatomic orientation, course, length, diameter and distance of the duplicated left SFA. It was revealed to be divided into two trunks with similar luminal diameter and courses parallel. They reunited at distal thigh level. The findings of US and CTA examination did not correspond with the symptom of the patient, and the patient was discharged.ConclusionWe report a rare case of the duplicated SFA diagnosed with the combinations of US and CTA examination, which served as valuable imaging methods to detect and diagnose the vascular anatomic variation in lower extremities.

Concept of Complete Mesocolic Excision and the Role of Computed Tomography Imaging

Abstract Complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL) has gained traction in recent years as an effective advanced surgical technique for surgical treatment of colon cancer. In this review, the concept of CME is described, along with relevant variant vascular anatomy and local staging implications for radiologists. Future directions in research are also explored, with a focus on correlation between radiology and pathology.

Comparative Study of Three Preoperative Imaging Modalities for the Evaluation and Design of Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap: Color Doppler Ultrasound, Computed Tomography Angiography and Magnetic Resonance Angiography

Background: Superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap is a promising reconstructive candidate for head and neck, trunk and extremity reconstruction. In order to reduce intraoperative errors, preoperative planning is essential for evaluation of the possible variations in vascular anatomy of the groin region. However, the use of these modalities has not been compared. Objectives: The three commonly used imaging modalities [color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS), computed tomography angiography (CTA), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)] were therefore compared in this study for the relative accuracy in the SCIP flap planning. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted on eight patients who underwent CDUS, CTA and MRA [3-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography, (3D TOF-MRA)] and received reconstructions with the SCIP flaps for head and neck defects. The perforators’ locations, courses and calibers were measured or marked for each flap. These imaging preoperative measurements were later compared with intraoperative findings. Results: CDUS, CTA and 3D TOF-MRA were able to effectively identify the courses of the perforators. 3D TOF-MRA was more accurate at measuring the pedicle calibers of SCIP flaps in comparison with CTA and CDUS. Conclusion: Three D-TOF-MRA may be a more valuable imaging modality for the preoperative assessment of the vascular anatomy of SCIP flaps.

Trasplante renal mediante reconstrucción de conducto vascular en riñones de donantes fallecidos con arterias renales múltiples y venas renales cortas

BackgroundTransplantation of kidneys with vascular anatomical variants remains a challenge. Due to its varying success in regard to graft function after transplantation, these organs have been frequently discarded assuming in advance an unaffordable rate of vascular complications. Patients and methodsWe performed three kidney transplants using organs from deceased donors harboring vascular variants (multiple arteries and short veins), including an unsplittable horseshoe kidney. Different grafts harvested from the same donor aorta, common iliac artery, and inferior vena cava, were used to reconstruct the initial vascular configuration by creating single arterial and venous conduits aimed to simplify the vascular anastomoses in the recipient. ResultsNo post-operative complications were recorded. Warm ischemia times remained comparable to single artery renal allografts. No delayed graft function was noted in any case, and every patient regained normal renal function after transplantation. ConclusionsVascular reconstruction using arterial and venous grafts harvested from the same deceased donor may result a helpful tool to simplify vascular anastomoses during transplantation surgery, thus avoiding their discard in advance, minimizing perioperative complications, and enabling normal graft function rates in the long-term follow-up. The successful outcome obtained by using this approach would help to expand the donor criteria for the inclusion of organs containing vascular anatomical variants.

Visualization techniques of the facial arteries.

BackgroundAs the face is known for its extreme variation in vascular anatomy and the number of filler‐associated complications due to intra‐arterial injection is increasing, we are in need of a method to visualize anyone’s individual arterial anatomy of the face in a completely harmless way.AimsThe different medical imaging methods and a recently developed MRA protocol are reviewed.MethodsThe literature of the last twenty years—with special attention for the last five years—concerning the different medical imaging modalities of the facial arteries was reviewed.ResultsA harmless visualisation of the facial arteries is currently only possible with US or MRA. US may identify single vessels but never the complete arterial network. A combination of IR “heat enhancement” and a MRA 3D‐TOF sequence might make it feasible to visualize a large number of facial arteries in a risk‐free, radiation‐free, contrast‐free and non‐invasive way.ConclusionCurrently, a new combination of IR “heat enhancement” and a MRA 3D‐TOF sequence might be the only method to visualize a large number of facial arteries.

Infrared Thermally Enhanced 3-Dimensional Time of Flight Magnetic Resonance Angiography Imaging for the Visualization of the Arteries of the Face.

BackgroundThe face is known for its extreme variation in vascular anatomy. Furthermore, the rapidly increasing number of filler treatments leads to an increase in severe filler-associated complications (such as skin necrosis and blindness) due to intra-arterial injection. Visualizing a patient’s individual complete facial arterial anatomy in a contrast- and radiation-free way has not been published before. This innovative imaging technique could, therefore, enhance the safety of minimally invasive surgical procedures as it provides a harmless way to map the arteries of the face.ObjectivesEvaluate a newly developed imaging technique to visualize the arteries of the face in a noninvasive and radiation-free manner.MethodsThe individual arterial facial anatomy of 20 volunteers was studied by an imaging technique, combining infrared (IR) facial warming and 3-dimensional (3D) time of flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). The source and maximum intensity projection images were assessed by 2 investigators, familiar with the anatomy of the face.ResultsThe MRA technique visualized most of the main facial arteries, albeit in a variable way. The main facial branches of the external carotid artery (facial, angular, supralabial, and superficial temporal arteries) were illustrated well, whereas the visualization of the internal carotid branches (supratrochlear and supraorbital arteries) and nasal branches (dorsal nasal and lateral nasal arteries) was less consistent.ConclusionsThe combination of IR “heat-induced enhancement” and a 3D-TOF MRA sequence may actually be an important step toward the visualization of the variable facial vascular anatomy in a noninvasive, radiation-free, and contrast-free manner.

Minimally invasive complete mesocolic excision for right colon cancer.

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL) follows the same principles as the total mesorectal excision (TME) in the rectum of following the embryological planes for right‐sided cancers. The number of lymph nodes yielded increased with a resultant improvement in the oncological outcomes and by reducing local recurrence rates. Hohenberger's radical CME and CVL and the East's modified CME with D3 lymphadenectomy, which traditionally followed the embryological plane dissection for most of its intraabdominal cancer resection, have both shown to harvest significantly higher number of lymph nodes leading to a higher overall survival rate than the traditional right hemicolectomies of the West. To achieve the oncologically superior excision of the CME, awareness of the significant vascular anatomical variation will enhance the precision of the oncosurgery as well as minimize the risk of vascular complications. There has been an increasing body of evidence emerging on the safety of minimally invasive surgery (MIS); both its oncological safety as well as complication rates in the hands of expert and trained surgeons. The surgical technique of a CME right hemicolectomy is described step by step to aid standardization. There is mounting evidence that CME + CVL/ D3 improves survival in patients with colon cancer. Whilst the technical aspect of MIS is more challenging than the left, with a standardized technique and systematic teaching method, safety and benefits for patients can be achieved.

Physical activity in elderly kidney transplant patients with multiple renal arteries.

Kidney transplantation (KT) is the gold standard for treatment of patients with end-stage-renal disease. To expand the donor reserve, it is necessary to use marginal/suboptimal kidneys. We retrospectively evaluated the short/long-term outcome of 34 KT elderly patients who received allografts with vascular abnormalities (MRA group), in comparison with 34 KT patients who received a kidney with a single renal artery (SRA group) pair-matched by age, length of time on dialysis, comorbidity and donor age. All participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire at KT, and then 4, 8, and 12 weeks after transplantation. Our data indicate that kidney with vascular anatomical variants may be successfully transplanted, since the overall rate of surgical complications was 20.6% in the SRA group and 17.6% in the MRA group and that the 5-year survival rate after KT was 100% in both groups. The data also underlined that individualized physical activity programs induced similar excellent results in both groups, improving physical capacities, arterial pressure, lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, quality of life and physical and mental status.

Post-operative imaging anatomy in liver transplantation.

The article describes and illustrates the surgical techniques and the post-operative imaging anatomy in liver transplantation. Special attention is paid to the variant vascular and biliary anatomy that are important for surgical planning. Considering the ever-growing number of liver transplants performed and the key role that imaging plays in the pre-operative planning and post-operative assessment, it is important for the radiologist to be familiar with the surgical techniques and the normal post-operative appearance in these patients.

Novel Geometry of an Extended Length Chimeric Scapular Free Flap for Hemimandibular Reconstruction: Nuances of the Technique Streamlined by In-House Virtual Surgical Planning and 3D Printing for a Severely Vessel-Depleted Neck

Subscapular-based flaps have historically maintained an unparalleled ability to provide a multitude of bone and soft tissue components based on a single vascular pedicle. However, these flaps are often not thought of as an ideal choice for composite defects requiring extended lengths of bone for reconstruction. The ability to harvest long segments of bone and reliably perform multiple contouring osteotomies is fundamental to long-span composite mandibular reconstruction, and microvascular surgeons are often met with significant reconstructive challenges when fibular free flaps cannot be used owing to variant vascular anatomy or occlusive atherosclerotic disease in these specific clinical scenarios. This challenge is further compounded by treatment-related vessel depletion in the neck, which reduces the availability of suitable recipient vessels in close proximity to the reconstruction. We present a case in which all of the aforementioned challenges presented in a single individual, who concomitantly required hemimandibular reconstruction with treatment related vessel depletion in the neck and unsuitable bilateral vascular anatomy in the legs precluding the use of a fibular free flap. This case demonstrates a previously unreported flap component geometry for hemimandibular reconstruction using an extended-length chimeric scapular free flap with scapular tip, lateral scapular border, and parascapular fasciocutaneous skin paddle components.

CT and MR imaging evaluation of living liver donors.

Preoperative cross-sectional imaging evaluation of potential living liver donors allows to exclude donors with an increased risk for morbidity and mortality, and to assure that a suitable graft for the recipient can be obtained, minimizing the risk of complications in both the donor and the recipient. CT is routinely performed to delineate the anatomy of the liver, relevant vasculature, and liver volumes in whole right or left lateral segment donation. MR imaging is the gold standard for the assessment of biliary anatomy and allows a better quantification of hepatic steatosis compared to CT. Knowledge of normal and variant vascular and biliary anatomy and their surgical relevance for liver transplantation is of paramount importance for the radiologist. The purpose of this review is to outline the current role of CT and MR imaging in the assessment of hepatic parenchyma, hepatic vascular anatomy, biliary anatomy, and hepatic volumetry in the potential living liver donor with short notes on acquisition protocols and the relevant reportable findings.

Prevalence of Horseshoe Kidneys by Multidetector Computed Tomography in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Introduction: Horseshoe Shaped (HSK) Kidneys are often asymptomatic and are frequently diagnosed incidentally. The prevalence varies from approximately 1 in 400 to 600 with preponderance in males (male: female ratio of 2:1). This abnormality can affect the drainage of the kidney leading to Pelviureteric Junction Obstruction (PUJO), renal calculi, urinary tract infections and some renal cancers. The superficial location also makes it more vulnerable to injury during trauma or surgical procedures. Aim: To assess the prevalence of HSK and report their morphological features as evidenced following examination with a 64-slice Computed Tomography of the Kidney and Urinary Bladder (CT KUB). Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Radiology, Sri Muthukumaran Medical College and Hospital & Research Institute, Chennai from January 2017 to December 2018. The study included 861 patients who underwent 64 slice CT KUB during that period and review of both plain and contrast enhanced CT KUB examinations were done. For deciding the fusion site, the isthmus, the authors measured a maximum diameter of the outline of the HSK on the axial image and decided the center of the kidneys. The HSK was classified based on fusion site and type of isthmic tissue connecting two kidneys. Results: HSK was found in 4 (3 male and 1 female) out of 861 patients examined. Thus, the prevalence of HSK in the study population was 1 in 215 (0.46%). Two patients with a thick isthmus and anteriorly facing, pelvises had PUJO and urolithiasis. Variant vascular anatomy was found in all four patients. No crossed fused ectopia was found in this study. Conclusion: This study showed that HSK is the most common congenital fusion anomaly and is more common in males. It also demonstrated that patients with a thick isthmus and associated anteriorly facing renal pelvis were more prone to develop PUJO and renal calculi.

Prostatic artery embolization in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: perfusion cone-beam CT to evaluate planning and treatment response.

This proof of concept is to evaluate the utility of perfusion cone-beam computed tomography (CT) in patients undergoing prostatic artery (PA) embolization (PAE) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with moderate or severe-grade lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). PAE is a novel minimally invasive therapy and is both safe and effective procedure with low risks and high technical successes, making this procedure as the best alternative to surgery. A lot of technical changes would compromise clinical outcomes after procedure, including a variable prostate vascular anatomy, thin PA, and extensive atherosclerotic disease. The purpose of our study is to exploit the advantages of Perfusion Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) that could impact treatment and help interventional radiologists for treatment planning, diagnosis and for assessing the technical feasibility during PAE, mitigating the risk of nontarget embolization and suggesting clinical outcomes. Qualitative and quantitative clinical pre- and post-treatment values will be compared, to reach the best possible results. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Renal artery variations: a 20.782 kidneys review.

Introduction: vascular anatomy variations are important in academic, clinical and surgical areas as well as nephrology, urology, oncological and vascular surgery, among others. The main objective of this review is to know the real prevalence of multiple renal arteries in a wide, multiethnic population. Secondary objectives are to establish the prevalence of early branching of the renal artery and the prevalence of these variations in left and right kidneys. Methods: this study analyzes the renal arterial anatomy of 20.782 kidneys from 64 anatomical and radiological studies. Results: Multiple renal arteries (MRA) were present in 19,95% of the total kidneys, in number of 2 to 6 arteries arriving to the hilum. The most frequent number of MRA was 2 renal arteries (89,48%), followed by 3 (9,31%), 4 (1,06%), 5 (0,02%) and 6 (0,005%). This last one being found in only one kidney. Reported data on the lateralization of the MRA are rather poor, and among these no side’s predilection was found: MRA were found in 49,83% on the right side and 50,17% of left kidneys. Early branching patterns were described in only one third of the published data, being present in 11,4% of the total kidneys from those data (corresponding in 4,23% of right kidney cases and in 4,52% of left kidney cases; 2,66% had no right/left information). Discussion: the most difficult part was to merge the results from the different studies due to the heterogeneity of their descriptions. A universally accepted medical nomenclature is needed in order to allow a more precise lecture and transmission of results in clinical practice. Renal anatomical variations have clinical and surgical implications in renal transplantation, correctable hydronephrosis, ablation treatment for refractory hypertension or endovascular reconstructions and should be taken into account by every physician.

Successful application of left radial access for stenting the right internal carotid artery in a patient with multifocal atherosclerosis: A case report

This article presents a successful clinical case of the endovascular treatment of stenosis of the right internal carotid artery through the left radial access in a patient with multifocal atherosclerosis with the occlusion of both iliac arteries and the right radial artery. Transfemoral access is the conventional access route for carotid stenting. However, this may be problematic because of peripheral vascular disease and numerous anatomical variations of the aortic arch and cervical arteries. Bleeding in the puncture area is the most common complication after carotid artery stenting (CAS) via transfemoral access. The elimination of such complications has been well demonstrated via transradial access in patients undergoing coronary interventions. Thus, transradial access has been evaluated as an alternative strategy for carotid stenting. Currently, the CAS procedure is a fairly routine practice in many centres involved in the treatment of this pathology; however, a small percentage of patients who are contraindicated in carotid endarterectomy who lack standard puncture access to the arteries and have a complex anatomy of the brachiocephalic arteries still remain. In such cases, the question regarding the feasibility of the CAS procedure using non-standard puncture approaches and various techniques for the catheterisation of the brachiocephalic arteries remains relevant. In this case, the left radial access and the Catheter Looping and Retrograde Engagement Technique were used for the catheterisation of the right common carotid artery because of the anatomical features, the patient’s refusal toward carotid endarterectomy, and the lack of standard access (femoral and right radial). A distal protection system was used for the brain.Received 18 July 2019. Revised 15 August 2019. Accepted 19 August 2019.Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.Author contributionsOperator: R.R. Khafizov Collection and processing of material: R.R. Khafizov, I.A. IdrisovWriting original draft: R.R. KhafizovEditing: E.E. Abkhalikova, T.N. Khafizov

Imaging of Renal Transplant Complications throughout the Life of the Allograft: Comprehensive Multimodality Review.

The kidney is the most commonly transplanted solid organ. Advances in surgical techniques, immunosuppression regimens, surveillance imaging, and histopathologic diagnosis of rejection have allowed prolonged graft survival times. However, the demand for kidneys continues to outgrow the available supply, and there are efforts to increase use of donor kidneys with moderate- or high-risk profiles. This highlights the importance of evaluating the renal transplant patient in the context of both donor and recipient risk factors. Radiologists play an integral role within the multidisciplinary team in care of the transplant patient at every stage of the transplant process. In the immediate postoperative period, duplex US is the modality of choice for evaluating the renal allograft. It is useful for establishing a baseline examination for comparison at future surveillance imaging. In the setting of allograft dysfunction, advanced imaging techniques including MRI or contrast-enhanced US may be useful for providing a more specific diagnosis and excluding nonrejection causes of renal dysfunction. When a pathologic diagnosis is deemed necessary to guide therapy, US-guided biopsy is a relatively low-risk, safe procedure. The range of complications of renal transplantation can be organized temporally in relation to the time since surgery and/or according to disease categories, including immunologic (rejection), surgical or iatrogenic, vascular, urinary, infectious, and neoplastic complications. The unique heterotopic location of the renal allograft in the iliac fossa predisposes it to a specific set of complications. As imaging features of infection or malignancy may be nonspecific, awareness of the patient's risk profile and time since transplantation can be used to assign the probability of a certain diagnosis and thus guide more specific diagnostic workup. It is critical to understand variations in vascular anatomy, surgical technique, and independent donor and recipient risk factors to make an accurate diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment.©RSNA, 2019.

Saphenofemoral region major superficial vein variations; evaluated by ultrasonography technique

Aim: The purpose of this study is to present superficial venous vascular anatomic variations of the saphenofemoral junction, which is a very important region in variceal treatment, by ultrasonography technique. Material and Method: Seventy nine patients who were referred to our radiology department and pre-diagnosed for venous insufficiency between February 2017 and July 2018 were included in the study and a total number of 158 venous vascular anatomy of saphenofemoral regions were evaluated by B- mode and color doppler ultrasonography. The superficial venous vascular anatomy of the saphenofemoral regions were evaluated in detail, classified according to the anatomical classifications of Glasser and Daseler, and the frequencies of variations were calculated. Results: In our study, the most common group according to the Glasser classification was type 2C observed in 30 (19%) saphenofemoral regions followed by type 2B and 2C. Type H (VIII) was the most common type of saphenofemoral region according to the Daseler classification followed by Type F (VI) and type E (V). Between 1 to 5 superficial venous branches draining to saphena magna were observed at the level of saphenofemoral junction. Three venous branches draining to the saphena magna were observed in 78 (49%) saphenofemoral junctions followed by two venous branches in 50 (32%) saphenofemoral junctions, four venous branches in 25 (16%) saphenofemoral junctions, one venous branch in 3 (2%) saphenofemoral junctions and five venous branches in 1 (1%) saphenofemoral junction, respectively. Conclusion: We think the assessment of the detailed anatomy of the major superficial venous structures at the level of the saphenofemoral junction by doppler ultrasonography will help to elucidate the etiopathogenesis of the varicose veins as well as contribute to the selective treatment planning and consequently the treatment results.

VIDEO: Preoperative CT Angiography for Scapula Osteocutaneous Free Flap Reconstructions.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this video article is to discuss the use of the scapular osteocutaneous free flap in reconstructive procedures. We attempt to discuss normal and variant vascular anatomy, image acquisition via CT angiography, and image interpretation as well as computer-assisted design and manufacturing. CONCLUSION. The scapular osteocutaneous free flap is commonly used for maxillary and mandibular reconstructive surgery. The complex vasculature supplying the scapular region allows flap versatility. There are anatomic variations in the origin of the circumflex scapular and angular arteries. Our method of performing and reporting CT angiography for patients scheduled to undergo scapular osteocutaneous free flap procedures provides a reliable and reproducible means of communicating important elements of vasculature to surgeons. This in turn can facilitate the manufacturing of custom scapular cutting guides and improve surgical outcomes.

Case Report: Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma with a Rare Anomaly of Celiac Trunk Originating from Superior Mesenteric Artery

Identifying the vascular anatomical variations of the operating region is essential in carrying out successful surgery, and decreasing the rate of both intraoperative and postoperative complications. Surgeons must keep in mind that arterial variation may be present in the vascular structures intraoperatively, even though it was not revealed in preoperative imaging. The present study report a case of a 51 year old woman who was diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with a rare variation of celiaco-mesenteric trunk originating at the level of L1. The patient underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. The postoperative course was favorable and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 15.