Evaluation of the celiac trunk and its branching pattern by magnetic resonance angiography

The study aimed to examine the celiac trunk (CT) in detail by magnetic resonance angiography, to determine the locations, positions and variations of the CT, to provide detailed information for surgeons and interventional radiologists, and to reduce the time spent in the catheter angiography.

MR angiography images of 185 patients with abdominal imaging in PACS (Picture Archiving Communication Systems) were retrospectively analyzed. The level of origin of CT, according to the vertebral column, angle of origin, distance between CT and branches of the abdominal aorta (AA), and the branching pattern of CT were evaluated. Parameters were evaluated according to gender and age.

The most common origin site for CT, according to the vertebral column, was found to be at T12-L1 in both genders. There was a low, positive correlation between age and CT-Sagittal angle (SA) in the whole study group (p<0.05). The most common CT branching pattern was the hepatogastrosplenic trunk in both genders, according to Adachi and Uflkacker's classification. The distance between CT and the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and CT and the aortic bifurcation (AB) of males was greater than in females, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05).

Knowledge of the locations, positions, and variations of CT is essential in the diagnosis, differential diagnosis and decision-making mechanisms regarding the type of intervention to be performed for this vessel and related structures. In addition, the fact that data on these vessels can be obtained by MR angiography due to the improved image quality will prevent patients and physicians from the problems caused by the ionizing radiation of computed tomography. The data presented will constitute a basis for detailed and individualized interpretation and evaluation of each patient, as they provide important details about the configuration of the CT concerning gender and age using MRA.