Work

Computed Tomography Angiographic Morphometry of the Maxillary Artery in Relation to Mandibular Landmarks

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: To establish normative CTA (computed tomography angiography) morphometry of the maxillary artery (MA) relative to the lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) and mandibular landmarks in a European population. Methods: Bilateral CTA datasets from 164 patients (328 sides; mean age 67.2 ± 13.0 years) were analysed retrospectively. The MA course was classified relative to the inferior head of the LPM as superficial (S) or deep (D); patients were assigned to three bilateral types (Type 1: S + S; Type 2: D + D; Type 3: S + D), and MA–gonial angle, MA–mandibular notch, and MA–lingula distances were measured. Results: The MA was superficial in 61.0% of sides, with no transpterygoid course; Type 1 predominated (48.8%). The MA–gonial angle distance was 34.53 ± 5.31 mm, with marked sex dimorphism (males: 36.74 mm vs. females: 31.35 mm; p < 0.0001). Looping occurred on at least one side in 34.8% of patients, and the MA lay superior to the mandibular notch in 83.4% of superficial sides. The MA–lingula distance was 8.03 ± 2.54 mm; non-retrotuberosity looping was strongly associated with proximity below 5 mm (OR = 9.95). Conclusions: A three-type bilateral classification of the MA course, the first normative MA–gonial angle dataset, and the looping–proximity association provide actionable data for surgical risk stratification in infratemporal and mandibular ramus procedures.

Source: Diagnostics

DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics16152406