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The evaluation of vasculature in post-mortem angio-computed tomography for anatomy research purposes: method
Jakub Batko1, Radosław Chmiel1, Aleksiej Juszczak1
1Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
Insights
Postmortem contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography offers a valuable method for detailed anatomical research of the celiac trunk. This 3D reconstruction technique provides accurate morphometric data for healthy populations.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Traditional anatomical research using cadavers is time-intensive and requires specialized skills.
- Three-dimensional (3D) medical image analysis is a powerful tool but can be confounded by patient comorbidities.
- Developing advanced imaging techniques is crucial for accurate anatomical studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate methods for anatomical research using 3D reconstruction of postmortem contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CECT-CTA) of the celiac trunk.
- To establish a reliable imaging-based approach for analyzing the celiac trunk anatomy.
- To provide a method for obtaining morphometric data from a healthy population.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of postmortem CECT-CTA from 105 decedents without abdominal trauma or tumors.
- 3D reconstruction and evaluation of the abdominal aorta and celiac trunk and its branches.
- Classification and assessment of celiac trunk variations.
Main Results:
- High visualization rates for the celiac trunk (100%), splenic artery (100%), common hepatic artery (100%), and left gastric artery (97.1%).
- Dorsal pancreatic artery visualization in 61.0% of cases.
- Celiac trunk type 1 was most common (88.6%); types 2, 3, and 6 were rare (1.0%); four new morphologies were identified.
Conclusions:
- 3D reconstruction of postmortem CECT-CTA is an effective tool for precise morphometric analysis in anatomical research.
- This imaging method provides a valuable resource for anatomical studies in healthy individuals.
- The technique facilitates detailed evaluation of the celiac trunk and its variations.
Background:
Anatomical research based on deceased body specimens is a time-consuming process that requires a great deal of skill and time to perform correctly. Three-dimensional medical image analysis is an excellent tool for anatomic evaluation, but it often includes patients with comorbidities in the study group, which can skew the results. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate methods for anatomic research based on postmortem contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography 3D reconstruction of the coeliac trunk.
Materials And Methods:
Postmortem contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography of 105 (28.6% female, age 50.8 ± 18.7) decedents without abdominal trauma or tumour was analysed. The abdominal portion of the aorta and the coeliac trunk with its branches were reconstructed and evaluated. The type of coeliac trunk was evaluated. The results were analysed.
Results:
The coeliac trunk, splenic artery, and common hepatic artery were visualized in all cases. The left gastric artery was visible in 97.1% of cases. The dorsal pancreatic artery was visualized in 61.0% of cases. The most common type of coeliac trunk was 1 (88.6%), and the rarest types were 2, 3, and 6 (1.0%). We observed 4 morphologies of the truncus coeliacus that did not fit the classification presented previously.
Conclusions:
This study has demonstrated that three-dimensional reconstruction of postmortem contrast-enhanced computed tomography is an excellent tool for performing accurate morphometric analyses for anatomic research purposes. This method can serve as a source for anatomic studies in the healthy population.
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