Anatomical variations of hepatic arterial system, coeliac trunk and renal arteries: an analysis with multidetector CT

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M S Ugurel1, B Battal, U Bozlar

  • 1Gulhane Military Medical School, Department of Radiology, 06018 Etlik, Ankara, Turkey.

The British Journal of Radiology
|June 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This study found a significant link between variations in the coeliac trunk-hepatic arterial system and renal arteries. Accessory renal arteries are associated with a higher prevalence of variations in the upper abdominal vasculature.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Anatomy
  • Medical Imaging
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Anatomical variations in the coeliac trunk, hepatic arterial system, and renal arteries are common.
  • Understanding these variations is crucial for surgical and interventional procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the anatomical variations of the coeliac trunk-hepatic arterial system and renal arteries.
  • To investigate the relationship between variations in the hepatocoeliac and renal arterial systems.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 100 patients who underwent multidetector CT (MDCT) angiography of the abdominal aorta.
  • Individual analysis of the coeliac trunk, hepatic arterial system, and renal arteries for variations.
  • Statistical analysis (chi-squared test) to assess the correlation between hepatocoeliac and renal artery variations.

Main Results:

  • Coeliac trunk trifurcation occurred in 89% of cases; variations were noted in 12% of cases.
  • Hepatic artery variations were present in 48% of patients.
  • A statistically significant correlation (p=0.015) was found between renal artery variations and coeliac trunk-hepatic arterial system variations, with higher prevalence in patients with accessory renal arteries.

Conclusions:

  • Multidetector CT angiography is effective for evaluating hepatic and renal vascular anatomy.
  • The prevalence of coeliac trunk and/or hepatic artery variations increases in individuals with accessory renal arteries.
  • Awareness of potential vascular variations in adjacent organs is essential during angiographic examinations.

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