ObjectiveTo analyze the prevalence of anatomical variations of celiac arterial trunk
(CAT) branches and hepatic arterial system (HAS), as well as the CAT
diameter, length and distance to the superior mesenteric artery.Materials and MethodsRetrospective, cross-sectional and predominantly descriptive study based on
the analysis of multidetector computed tomography images of 60 patients.ResultsThe celiac trunk anatomy was normal in 90% of cases. Hepatosplenic trunk was
found in 8.3% of patients, and hepatogastric trunk in 1.7%. Variation of the
HAS was observed in 21.7% of cases, including anomalous location of the
right hepatic artery in 8.3% of cases, and of the left hepatic artery, in
5%. Also, cases of joint relocation of right and left hepatic arteries, and
trifurcation of the proper hepatic artery were observed, respectively, in 3
(5%) and 2 (3.3%) patients. Mean length and caliber of the CAT were 2.3 cm
and 0.8 cm, respectively. Mean distance between CAT and superior mesenteric
artery was 1.2 cm (standard deviation = 4.08). A significant correlation was
observed between CAT diameter and length, and CAT diameter and distance to
superior mesenteric artery.ConclusionThe pattern of CAT variations and diameter corroborate the majority of the
literature data. However, this does not happen in relation to the HAS.
Although digital angiography remains as the gold standard for imaging the celiac
arterial trunk and hepatic arteries, multidetector computed tomography in
association with digital images processing by software resources represents a
useful tool particularly attractive for its non invasiveness. Knowledge of
normal anatomy as well as of its variations is helpful in images interpretation
and to address surgical planning on a case-by-case basis. The present essay
illustrates several types of anatomical variations of celiac trunk, hepatic
artery and its main branches, by means of digitally reconstructed computed
tomography images, correlating their prevalence in the population with surgical
implications.
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