Variation in the Branches of Arch of Aorta in Patients Undergoing Contrast Enhanced Multidetector Computed Tomography
Prakash Kayastha1, Sharma Paudel1, Nikesh Bista2
1Department of Radiology and Imaging, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Insights
Variations in the Arch of Aorta (AoA) branching occur in 13.45% of patients. Identifying these anatomical variations using contrast-enhanced computed tomography is vital for safe cardiovascular and neck surgeries.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Anatomical Variations
Background:
- Variations in the Arch of Aorta (AoA) branching are common.
- Accurate identification is critical for cardiovascular and neck surgeries/interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of AoA branching variations.
- To assess the role of contrast-enhanced Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) in detecting these variations.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cross-sectional study of 513 patients.
- Evaluation of contrast-enhanced computed tomography images for AoA branching variations.
- Study conducted between August 2018 and July 2019.
Main Results:
- AoA branching variations detected in 13.45% of patients.
- Common origin of left common carotid artery and brachiocephalic trunk observed in 9.94% of cases.
- Mean age of patients was 52.4±20 years; male to female ratio was 1.3:1.
Conclusions:
- Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is the preferred imaging modality for AoA variations.
- Recognition of AoA branching variations is crucial for reducing surgical morbidity and mortality.
- Early detection aids in planning vascular interventions and surgical procedures.
Introduction:
Variations in the branching pattern of the Arch of Aorta (AoA) are common in patients undergoing contrast-enhanced Multidetector Computed Tomography, the identification of which is crucial in managing patients undergoing cardiovascular/neck surgeries and interventions.
Methods:
This prospective cross-sectional study involved 513 patients who were sent to the Department of Radiology for evaluation of various pathologies of chest and neck between August 2018 and July 2019. After approval from the Institutional Review Committee {Reference No: 11(6-11) E2/075/076}, contrast-enhanced computed tomography images were evaluated with variations in branches of the left-sided arch of the aorta and symptoms associated.
Results:
Variations in branches of the arch of aorta were seen in 69 (13.45%; 95% CI: 10.60%-16.71%) of cases, left common carotid artery and brachiocephalic trunk having common origin or common trunk was 51(9.94%). The mean age was 52.4±20 years (Range 3 months to 92 years) with male to female ratio of 1.3:1.
Conclusions:
Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is the modality of choice for the detection of the variations in branches of AoA, recognition of which is crucial in vascular intervention and surgical procedures to reduce the postoperative morbidity and mortality of the patients.
More Related Videos
07:12Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
Published on: September 8, 2023
06:02Anatomical Reconstructions of the Human Cardiac Venous System using Contrast-computed Tomography of Perfusion-fixed Specimens
Published on: April 18, 2013
Related Concept Videos
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
01:10The Arch of Aorta
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
01:15Thoracic Aorta
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
01:10Computed Tomography
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...