Morphometric analysis of the splenic artery using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT)

Area of Science:

• Vascular anatomy
• Surgical anatomy
• Immunomodulation

Background:

• Splenic artery nerves are key in immune modulation.
• These nerves are a potential target for autoimmune disease treatment.
• Understanding splenic artery morphology is crucial for neuromodulatory device implantation.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate splenic artery morphology and course.
• Assess anatomical variations impacting neuromodulatory device placement.
• Investigate age and gender influences on splenic artery anatomy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of contrast-enhanced CT images.
• 40 male and 40 female patients (age 30-69) analyzed.
• Detailed assessment of splenic artery length, caliber, tortuosity, loops, and branching patterns.

Main Results:

• No age or gender differences in tortuosity or branching.
• Splenic artery length near pancreas decreased with age.
• Wider artery diameters in males; 86% of subjects had arterial loops.

Conclusions:

• Splenic artery tortuosity is not age-dependent.
• Arterial loops are common and suitable targets for neuromodulation.
• Further research needed on splenic nerve stimulation safety and feasibility.