Angiographic characteristics of the intermesenteric artery

Area of Science:

• Vascular anatomy
• Medical imaging
• Human physiology

Background:

• The intermesenteric artery (IA) is an anastomosis between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA).
• Previous literature estimates IA presence between 9-18% based on cadaver dissections.
• Limited data exists on the in vivo morphological and demographic characteristics of the IA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the morphological and demographic characteristics of the intermesenteric artery (IA) using in vivo imaging.
• To determine the prevalence of the IA in an adult population via computed tomography (CT) angiography.
• To compare IA characteristics with the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA).

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 150 consecutive abdominal CT angiographies in adult patients.
• Assessment of IA presence, origin, pathway, insertion, and diameter.
• Measurement of SMA, IMA, and IA diameters using specialized imaging software.

Main Results:

• The IA was identified in 51.4% of patients, significantly higher than reported in cadaver studies.
• IA prevalence showed no significant sex difference, though SMA and IMA diameters were larger in males.
• The IA diameter was smaller than the SMA and IMA; direct trunk-to-trunk connections were most common.

Conclusions:

• The intermesenteric artery is more prevalent in vivo than previously documented.
• The IA frequently provides a direct connection between the superior and inferior mesenteric arterial systems.
• Findings highlight the IA's significant role in mesenteric circulation anatomy.