Anatomical characteristics and variations of the abdominal aorta and its visceral branches on 128-slice computed tomography in Vietnamese adults
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the anatomical features and variations of the abdominal aorta and its major visceral branches - the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) - using 128-slice computed tomography (CT) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted on 193 adult Vietnamese patients who underwent contrast-enhanced 128-slice abdominal CT scans at Tam Anh General Hospital between December 2023 and December 2024. Origins, diameters, branching angles, and anatomical variants were recorded and analyzed using maximum intensity projection (MIP) and 3-dimensional volume rendering (3D VR) reconstructions. Variations were classified using Uflacker's (celiac trunk) and Kornafel's (SMA) systems. RESULTS: The most common origin levels were T12-L1 for the celiac trunk (33.7%), L1 for the SMA (36.3%), and L3 for the IMA (30.6%). Classical branching patterns were present in 68.0% of celiac trunk cases, 96.3% of SMA cases, and 97.4% of IMA cases. Several uncommon variants, such as hepatosplenic trunks and IMA origin from the SMA, were identified. CONCLUSIONS: 128-slice CT provides high-resolution imaging to reliably assess vascular anatomy. Significant anatomical variation exists in the abdominal aorta and its branches, underscoring the importance of individualized preoperative evaluation.
Source: Folia Morphologica
DOI: 10.5603/fm.107688
Authors: Ngo Xuan Khoa, Vo Tien Huy, Nguyen The Thai, Nguyen Xuan Hien
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4413138801