Anatomic variations of aortic arch branches and relationship with diameter of aortic arch by 64-row CT angiography

Abolhassan Shakeri1, Masoud Pourisa1, Abdolreza Deldar1

  • 1Department of Radiology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

Insights

Anatomic variations in the Aortic Arch (AA) branching patterns were studied in 503 individuals. No significant correlation was found between AA variations, sex, or aortic arch diameter, aiding surgical planning.

Area of Science:

  • Anatomy
  • Radiology
  • Cardiovascular Science

Background:

  • The Aortic Arch (AA) exhibits diverse branching patterns.
  • Understanding these variations is crucial for surgical and interventional procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the anatomic variations of Aortic Arch (AA) branches.
  • To investigate the relationship between AA branching patterns and aortic arch diameter.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive analytical study involving 503 participants.
  • Utilized 64-row computed tomography angiography (CT angiography) for imaging.
  • 3D reconstructions and morphometric measurements of the AA and its branches were performed.

Main Results:

  • The most common AA branching pattern was observed in 68.8% of specimens.
  • No significant correlation was found between sex and the type of AA variations (p = 0.073).
  • No significant correlation was found between AA variations and aortic arch diameter at either the early (p = 0.446) or last branching areas (p = 0.887).

Conclusions:

  • Diverse branching patterns of the Aortic Arch (AA) exist.
  • Morphometric data from this study can aid clinicians in performing safer surgeries and interventional procedures in the superior mediastinum.

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