The celiac axis revisited: anatomic variants, pathologic features, and implications for modern endovascular
Richard D White1, Jonathan R Weir-McCall, Carl M Sullivan
1From the Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XW, Wales (R.D.W., S.A.R.M.); Department of Clinical Radiology, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Scotland (J.R.W.M., P.M.Y., M.J.B., T.A.S., I.A.Z.); and Department of Clinical Radiology, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, Wales (C.M.S.).
Insights
The celiac axis (CA) has many variations, impacting foregut blood supply and leading to conditions like mesenteric ischemia. Understanding these arterial variants is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of CA diseases.
Area of Science:
- Vascular anatomy
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The celiac axis (CA) supplies blood to vital foregut organs.
- Anatomic variations of the CA are common, occurring in up to 50% of the population.
- Pathologic conditions affecting the CA include ischemia, compression, dissection, aneurysms, and malformations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of understanding celiac axis anatomy and its variations.
- To emphasize the role of diagnostic and interventional radiologists in recognizing and managing CA diseases.
- To underscore the impact of CA variants on treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of relevant literature on celiac axis anatomy and pathology.
- Discussion of diagnostic imaging modalities (CTA, MRA, catheter angiography).
- Analysis of endovascular and surgical treatment approaches.
Main Results:
- Anatomic variations arise from early embryonic development.
- Mesenteric ischemia symptoms are nonspecific, often requiring specific investigation.
- Accurate identification of CA variants is essential for successful interventions.
Conclusions:
- Awareness of CA pathologic conditions is vital for radiologists.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of CA disease can prevent severe complications.
- Knowledge of CA anatomic permutations optimizes endovascular procedures.
Abstract:
The celiac axis (CA) and its branches are critically important arteries that supply blood to the vital solid and hollow abdominal viscera of the foregut. There are many potential anatomic configurations, with up to half the population having a variation from the classic pattern of the CA bifurcating into the hepatosplenic trunk and left gastric artery. These configurations result from permutations in the fusion of the paired dorsal aortas during the first trimester. Despite the short length of the CA, it is affected by a wide range of pathologic conditions, including mesenteric ischemia due to intrinsic occlusion (secondary to causes such as atherosclerosis or thromboembolic events) and extrinsic compression from masses or the median arcuate ligament. Symptoms of mesenteric ischemia are nonspecific and include postprandial abdominal pain and weight loss; thus, the underlying pathologic condition may be found only when being sought specifically. More unusual pathologic conditions include dissection, aneurysms, and vascular malformations. Awareness of the pathologic conditions that affect the CA is important for both diagnostic and interventional radiologists. Early recognition and treatment of CA disease may prevent catastrophic hemorrhage and bowel infarction. Both endovascular and surgical approaches to treatment are greatly enhanced by correct identification of arterial anatomic variants; catheter angiography, computed tomographic angiography, and magnetic resonance angiography can facilitate detection of these variants. Knowledge of the different anatomic permutations is essential to guide endovascular procedures, such as hemorrhage control, transarterial interventional oncologic therapy, and treatment of visceral artery aneurysms. Online supplemental material is available for this article.
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