Outcome of the novel description of arterial position changes after major liver resections: retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: After major liver resections, anatomical shifts due to liver parenchymal hypertrophy and organ displacement can happen. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of these anatomical changes on the main abdominal arteries (coeliac trunk and superior mesenteric artery) and on patient outcomes. METHODS: All patients who underwent major liver resections (between January 2010 and July 2021) and who underwent preoperative and postoperative arterial-phase contrast-enhanced abdominal CT imaging were studied. Observed arterial position changes were classified into three groups: no position changes; class I position changes (vessel displacement with or without kinking with a vessel angle greater than 105°); and class II position changes (kinking less than or equal to 105°). The Mann-Whitney test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare continuous variables and the chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare categorical variables. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the risk factors for morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 265 patients (149 men and median age of 59 years) were enrolled. Arterial position changes were detected in a total of 145 patients (54.7%) (99 patients (37%) with class I position changes and 46 patients (18%) with class II position changes) and were observed more often after extended resection and right-sided resection (P < 0.001). Major complications were seen in 94 patients (35%) and the rate of mortality was 15% (40 patients died). Post-hepatectomy liver failure (P = 0.030), major complications (P < 0.001), and mortality (P = 0.004) occurred more frequently in patients with class II position changes. In multivariable analysis, arterial position change was an independent risk factor for post-hepatectomy liver failure (OR 2.86 (95% c.i. 1.06 to 7.72); P = 0.038), major complications (OR 2.10 (95% c.i. 1.12 to 3.93); P = 0.020), and mortality (OR 2.39 (95% c.i. 1.03 to 5.56); P = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Arterial position changes post-hepatectomy are observed in the majority of patients and are significantly related to postoperative morbidities and mortality.

Recurrent myocardial infarction in a patient with median arcuate ligament syndrome: a case report and literature review.

Median arcuate ligament (MAL) syndrome, otherwise known as celiac artery compression syndrome, is rare and is characterized by celiac artery compression by the median arcuate ligament. We report a unique case of MAL syndrome with recurrent myocardial infarction as the primary manifestation, and offer new pathophysiological insights. A man in his early 50s experienced recurrent upper abdominal pain, electrocardiographic changes, and elevated troponin concentrations, which suggested myocardial infarction. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed considerable celiac artery stenosis due to MAL syndrome. The patient was diagnosed with MAL syndrome and acute myocardial infarction. He declined revascularization owing to economic constraints, and opted to have conservative treatment with Chinese herbal extracts and medications. He succumbed to sudden cardiac death during a subsequent abdominal pain episode. The findings from this case show that MAL syndrome can present with recurrent myocardial infarction rather than typical intestinal angina symptoms. The pathophysiological link may involve intestinal and cardiac ischemia. An accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of MAL syndrome require careful evaluation and investigation.

Evaluation of coeliac trunk and hepatic artery variations in thoracic CT angiography in patients with congenital heart disease.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding the variations of abdominal vascular structures is important for preventing complications of abdominal surgical procedures for gastrointestinal disease such as necrotizing enterocolitis or others that may arise in patients with congenital cardiac disease. We analysed the coeliac trunk and its branches in children with congenital heart disease to determine whether there is a greater prevalence of associated vascular abnormalities. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed thoracic computed tomography (CT) angiograms performed in our hospital in paediatric patients with congenital heart disease. We documented the anatomical variations observed in abdominal sections in which the coeliac trunk and hepatic arteries were included in the field of view. We used the Uflacker classification to describe anatomical variants of the coeliac trunk, and the Michels classification and its modified version (Hiatt classification) to describe the anatomy of the hepatic artery system. RESULTS: Our study included 178 patients with congenital heart disease. We identified coeliac trunk variants in 10.7% of the patients. Gastrosplenic trunk was to the most prevalent variant, amounting to 5.6% of total cases. We found hepatic artery variations in 19.1% of the patients. According to the Michels classification, the prevalence of accessory left hepatic artery arising from the left gastric artery as 4.5%, compared to 6.7% based on the Hiatt classification. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of coeliac trunk and hepatic artery variations in patients with congenital heart disease was not greater in our study compared to other series in the literature. Clinicians must be vigilant about the variations detected in multislice CT scans to avoid complications resulting from vascular abnormalities, especially in patients who undergo abdominal surgery.

Endovascular Treatment of Unruptured Pancreatic Arcade Aneurysms.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment of unruptured pancreatic arcade aneurysms in a single-center series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The electronic medical records of patients who underwent endovascular treatment for unruptured pancreatic arcade aneurysms between 2011 and 2022 at our tertiary center were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of celiac artery stenosis/occlusion; aneurysm number, location, and size; endovascular technique; procedure-related complication incidence; and clinical outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (12 men and 11 women; mean [range] age, 63.8 [45-84] years) with 33 unruptured pancreatic arcade aneurysms were identified. Celiac artery stenosis/occlusion coexisted in 17 (74%) patients. Five (21%) patients had multiple aneurysms. The median aneurysm size was 9.3 mm (range, 4-18 mm). Seven, 6, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2 aneurysms were located in the gastroduodenal, dorsal pancreatic, anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal, inferior pancreaticoduodenal, posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal, posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal, and anterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries, respectively. Four (15%) and 22 (85%) aneurysms were treated with endosaccular packing alone and coil embolization with endosaccular packing and parent artery occlusion, respectively, with resulting exclusion from arterial circulation. The remaining 7 aneurysms coexisting with larger aneurysms in other peripancreatic arteries were observed without embolization because they were small and for preserving collateral blood flow to the celiac artery. The treated aneurysms did not rupture or recur during the follow-up period (median, 40 months). CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment is a safe and effective treatment for unruptured pancreatic arcade aneurysms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3, non-controlled retrospective cohort study.

I saw the "hook" sign of median arcuate ligament syndrome.

The hook sign is a radiologic finding best appreciated on a sagittal view of the celiac artery with computed tomography (CT) that indicates compression of the celiac artery. It refers to the hooked-shape of the proximal celiac artery caused by extrinsic compression by the median arcuate ligament. When seen in a patient with concurrent abdominal symptoms, it suggests median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS). We saw the sign in a 15-year-old male via duplex ultrasonography and abdominal CT. He underwent laparoscopic release of the median arcuate ligament and had full resolution of his symptoms at follow-up.

Celiac trunk aortic dissection induced by bevacizumab therapy for rectal cancer: A case report.

RATIONALE: Bevacizumab (Bev) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor A and is primarily used for the treatment of various solid tumors. Aortic dissection (AD) is a severe vascular disease caused by the tearing of the intimal layer of the aorta or bleeding within the aortic wall, resulting in the separation of different layers of the aortic wall. However, the pathogenesis is not fully understood. Some studies have suggested that Bev treatment is associated with the occurrence of AD. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 67-year-old Chinese male was diagnosed with rectal cancer accompanied by liver and lung metastasis. Three days after starting combined chemotherapy with Bev, the patient developed persistent abdominal pain. Abdominal CT scan revealed celiac trunk AD in the abdominal aorta. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with rectal cancer accompanied by liver and lung metastases. Abdominal CT tomography revealed a celiac trunk AD. INTERVENTIONS: Somatostatin combined with valsartan was used to control blood pressure. The patient was subsequently referred for vascular surgery and underwent an abdominal aortic angiography. Conservative treatment was continued. OUTCOMES: Three months after the initiation of treatment, follow-up abdominal CT scans showed stability in the condition of celiac trunk AD, with no abdominal pain or hypertension. There were no signs of worsening dissection, aneurysm formation, or inadequate perfusion of end organs. LESSONS: There may be a connection between Bev and elevated blood pressure as well as celiac trunk AD.

Investigation of abdominal artery delineation by photon-counting detector CT.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the ability of 50-keV virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) to depict abdominal arteries in abdominal CT angiography (CTA) compared with 70-keV VMI with photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT). METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients who underwent multiphase abdominal scans between March and April 2023 were included. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were quantitatively assessed for the abdominal aorta (AA), celiac artery (CeA), superior mesenteric artery (SMA), renal artery (RA), and right hepatic artery (RHA) at both 50- and 70-keV VMI. In addition, 3D images from CTA were analyzed to measure arterial lengths and evaluate the visualization of distal branches. RESULTS: Significantly higher SNR and CNR were observed at 50-keV compared to 70-keV VMI for all arteries: AA (36.54 and 48.28 vs. 25.70 and 28.46), CeA (22.39 and 48.38 vs. 19.09 and 29.15), SMA (23.34 and 49.34 vs. 19.67 and 29.71), RA (22.88 and 48.84 vs. 20.15 and 29.41), and RHA (14.38 and 44.41 vs. 13.45 and 27.18), all p < 0.05. Arterial lengths were also significantly longer at 50-keV: RHA (192.6 vs. 180.3 mm), SMA (230.9 vs. 216.5 mm), and RA (95.9 vs. 92.0 mm), all p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: In abdominal CTA with PCD-CT, 50-keV VMI demonstrated superior quantitative image quality compared to 70-keV VMI. In addition, 50-keV VMI 3D CTA allowed better visualization of abdominal artery branches, highlighting its potential clinical advantage for improved imaging and detailed assessment of abdominal arteries.

Variations in origin level of superior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric artery, and coeliac trunk in Indian population.

OBJECTIVE: The abdominal aorta is a continuation of the thoracic aorta and gives off the coeliac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and inferior mesenteric artery. The focus of our study is to evaluate variations in the origin level in the coeliac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric artery, and aortic bifurcation in the Indian population and compare with various demographics. METHODS: The study was retrospective and the local ethics committee approval was taken before starting it. Three hundred patients who were more than 18 years of age and required contrast-enhanced CT studies were included in this. The vertebral origin level of the arteries from the abdominal aorta and aortic bifurcation level was analysed. RESULTS: The most common origin level of the coeliac trunk for both males and females was T12-L1 disc level. The most common origin level of the superior mesenteric artery was L1 upper level. The most common origin level of the inferior mesenteric artery was L3 upper level. The most common level of aortic bifurcation was L4 middle level. There was no statistical difference between the origin of any arteries in males and females in the Indian population. CONCLUSION: As per our study of the Indian population and the published literature, it is realized that there are significant variations in the origins of the coeliac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric artery, and abdominal aorta bifurcation in different populations. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This study elaborates on potential anatomical variations in the Indian population, particularly the Mumbai city population. Also, our study compares it to different countries' data and their results in variations found in abdominal aorta branches.

Examining the impact of median arcuate ligament-induced celiac artery compression on target vessel patency, long-term survival and device integrity in fenestrated and branched endovascular repairs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of celiac artery (CA) compression by median arcuate ligament (MAL) on technical metrics and long-term CA patency in patients with complex aortic aneurysms undergoing fenestrated/branched endograft repairs (F/B-EVARs). METHODS: Single-center, retrospective review of patients undergoing fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs and requiring incorporation of the CA between 2013 and 2023. Patients were divided into two groups-those with (MAL+) and without (MAL-) CA compression-based on preoperative computed tomography angiography findings. MAL was classified in three grades (A, B, and C) based on the degree and length of stenosis. Patients with MAL grade A had ≤50% CA stenosis measuring ≤3 mm in length. Those with grade B had 50% to 80% CA stenosis measuring 3 to 8 mm long, whereas those with grade C had >80% stenosis measuring >8 mm in length. End points included device integrity, CA patency and technical success-defined as successful implantation of the fenestrated/branched device with perfusion of CA and no endoleak. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty patients with complex aortic aneurysms (pararenal, 128; thoracoabdominal, 52) required incorporation of the CA during fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Majority (73%) were male, with a median age of 76 years (interquartile range [IQR], 69-81 years) and aneurysm size of 62 mm (IQR, 57-69 mm). Seventy-eight patients (43%) had MAL+ anatomy, including 33 patients with MAL grade A, 32 with grade B, and 13 with grade C compression. The median length of CA stenosis was 7.0 mm (IQR, 5.0-10.0 mm). CA was incorporated using fenestrations in 177 (98%) patients. Increased complexity led to failure in CA bridging stent placement in four MAL+ patients, but completion angiography showed CA perfusion and no endoleak, accounting for a technical success of 100%. MAL+ patients were more likely to require bare metal stenting in addition to covered stents (P = .004). Estimated blood loss, median operating room time, contrast volume, fluoroscopy dose and time were higher (P < .001) in MAL+ group. Thirty-day mortality was 3.3%, higher (5.1%) in MAL+ patients compared with MAL- patients (2.0 %). At a median follow-up of 770 days (IQR, 198-1525 days), endograft integrity was observed in all patients and CA events-kinking (n = 7), thrombosis (n = 1) and endoleak (n = 2) -occurred in 10 patients (5.6%). However, only two patients required reinterventions. MAL+ patients had overall lower long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS: CA compression by MAL is a predictor of increased procedural complexity during fenestrated/branched device implantation. However, technical success, long-term device integrity and CA patency are similar to that of patients with MAL- anatomy.

Dissection of the Celiac Trunk Is a Mild Disease.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess whether the presence of an aneurysmal or dissecting arterial disease was a risk factor of poor prognosis in patients presenting a dissection of the celiac trunk (CT). METHODS: All patients presenting a CT dissection between January 1, 2014, and June 30, 2022, were included. Patients with a CT dissection due to the extension of an aortic dissection were excluded. Les antécédents familiaux de dissection, de maladie anévrysmale, de maladie athéromateuse ou du tissu conjonctif, la pratique d'une activité physique ou sportive, un effort inhabituel les jours précédant la dissection ainsi qu'un traumatisme étaient recherchés. Family history of dissection, aneurysmal disease, atheromatous or connective tissue disease, physical activity or sport, an unusual effort in the days prior to the dissection and trauma were sought after. Ischemic or aneurysmal complications in the acute phase and the evolution of the dissection were evaluated and compared between patients with an isolated dissection and those presenting an aneurysmal or dissecting arterial disease. RESULTS: 45 patients were included in the study. Twenty-three (51.1%) patients presented with symptomatic CT dissection, and 22 (48.9%) with asymptomatic CT dissection. All the patients initially had medical management alone. The mean follow-up was 32 ± 25 months and all patients were asymptomatic at the time last news. 24 (53.3%) presented an isolated CT dissection, and 21 (46.7%) a CT dissection associated with aneurysmal or dissecting arterial disease. There was no significant difference between patients with an isolated CT dissection and those with an associated dissecting or aneurysmal pathology. CONCLUSIONS: CT dissection is a stable disease in the midterm, which makes it a mild arterial pathology, with or without aneurysmal or dissecting anomalies in another territory. The mechanical stress exerted on the CT by the arcuate ligament could be responsible for parietal trauma and favor the occurrence of a CT dissection.

Exploring celiac trunk parameters in median arcuate ligament syndrome: A CT study.

PURPOSE: To assess anatomical variations in the celiac trunk (Ct) in patients with Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) using computed tomography (CT). The primary objectives were to investigate the celiac trunk angle (CtA), origin level, length (CtL), and their relationships with the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in MALS patients. Additionally, the study intended to evaluate gender differences in these parameters and explore correlations between variables. METHODS: Retrospectively, reports of abdominal CT scans taken between January 2018, and Sepmtember 2021, in the hospital image archive were screened vey two observers independently for MALS diagnosis. Parameters such as CtA, CtL, Ct-SMA distance, SMA angle (SMAA), and median arcuate ligament thickness (MALT) were measured. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software. RESULTS: Among the 81 patients (25 females, 56 males), significant differences were observed in MALT between genders (p = 0.001). CtA showed a negative correlation with CtL and Ct-SMA (p < 0.001), and a positive correlation was found between CtL and Ct-SMA (p = 0.002). CtL was measured as 25 mm for the all group. Origin levels of Ct and SMA were evaluated in comparison to vertebral levels. Ct-SMA distance was relatively shorter (9.19 mm) compared to the literature. SMAA findings were consistent with normal population values. CONCLUSION: This study provided valuable insights into the anatomical parameters of the Ct ans SMA in MALS patients. Despite some differences compared to normal population parameters, no evidence supported the hypothesis of a superiorly placed Ct contributing to MALS.

Sutton-Kadir Syndrome can be treated safely with endovascular embolisation alone.

INTRODUCTION: Sutton-Kadir Syndrome (SKS) describes true inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA) aneurysms in the setting of coeliac artery (CA) stenosis or occlusion. Although rare, SKS aneurysms can rupture and cause morbidity. Due to its rarity and lack of controlled treatment data, correct treatment for the CA lesion is currently unknown. Our aim was to assess if endovascular embolisation alone was safe and effective in treatment of SKS aneurysms, in emergent and elective settings. Secondary objectives were to describe presentation and imaging findings. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients treated at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital between January 2014 and December 2021 was done. Data on presentation, diagnostics, aneurysm characteristics, CA lesion aetiology, treatment and outcomes were extracted from chart review. RESULTS: Twenty-four aneurysms in 14 patients were identified. Rupture was seen in 7/15 patients. Most aneurysms (22/24) were in the IPDA or one of its anterior or posterior branches. Median arcuate ligament (MAL) compression was identified in all. There was no difference in median (IQR) maximal transverse diameter between ruptured and non-ruptured aneurysms (6 mm (9), 12 mm (6), P = 0.18). Of ruptures, 6/7 had successful endovascular embolisation and 1/7 open surgical ligation. Of non-ruptures, 6/7 had successful endovascular embolisation, 1/7 open MAL division then endovascular CA stenting and aneurysm embolisation. No recurrences or new aneurysms were detected with computed tomography or magnetic resonance angiography over a median (IQR) follow-up period of 30 (10) months in 12 patients. CONCLUSION: Endovascular embolisation of SKS aneurysms without treatment of MAL compression is safe and effective in both the emergent and elective settings.

A morphological study of the inferior phrenic arteries on multidetector computed tomography and angiography.

INTRODUCTION: The inferior phrenic artery is a paired artery with a variable origin and course, primarily supplying the diaphragm, but also the suprarenal glands, inferior vena cava, stomach, and oesophagus. The aim of this study is to investigate the origin and course of the inferior phrenic arteries on multidetector computed tomography and angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anatomy of the inferior phrenic artery was analysed on 2449 multidetector computed tomography scans. Three-dimensional reconstructions were made of the main variations. Additionally, the course and branching pattern of the inferior phrenic artery were descriptively analysed in a cohort of 28 angiograms. RESULTS: In 565 (23.1%) cases the inferior phrenic arteries arose as a common trunk and in 1884 (76.9%) cases as individual vessels. The most common origins of a common trunk were the coeliac trunk (n=303; 53.6%) and abdominal aorta (n=255; 45.1%). The most common origins of the right inferior phrenic artery were the coeliac trunk (n=965; 51.2%), abdominal aorta (n=562; 29.8%) and renal arteries (n=214; 11.4%). The most common origins of the left inferior phrenic artery were the coeliac trunk (n=1293; 68.6%) and abdominal aorta (n=403; 21.4%). CONCLUSION: The inferior phrenic artery has a very variable anatomy. The most common origins of the inferior phrenic artery are the coeliac trunk and its branches, the abdominal aorta, and the renal arteries.

Artificial Intelligence for Identification of Images with Active Bleeding in Mesenteric and Celiac Arteries Angiography.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of an artificial intelligence (AI) model designed to identify active bleeding in digital subtraction angiography images for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. METHODS: Angiographic images were retrospectively collected from mesenteric and celiac artery embolization procedures performed between 2018 and 2022. This dataset included images showing both active bleeding and non-bleeding phases from the same patients. The images were labeled as normal versus images that contain active bleeding. A convolutional neural network was trained and validated to automatically classify the images. Algorithm performance was tested in terms of area under the curve, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, positive and negative predictive value. RESULTS: The dataset included 587 pre-labeled images from 142 patients. Of these, 302 were labeled as normal angiogram and 285 as containing active bleeding. The model's performance on the validation cohort was area under the curve 85.0 ± 10.9% (standard deviation) and average classification accuracy 77.43 ± 4.9%. For Youden's index cutoff, sensitivity and specificity were 85.4 ± 9.4% and 81.2 ± 8.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study, we explored the application of AI in mesenteric and celiac artery angiography for detecting active bleeding. The results of this study show the potential of an AI-based algorithm to accurately classify images with active bleeding. Further studies using a larger dataset are needed to improve accuracy and allow segmentation of the bleeding.

A radio-anatomical study of median arcuate ligament syndrome: unveiling the morphology and morphometry of median arcuate ligament, celiac trunk, and superior mesenteric artery.

PURPOSE: In the context of medical literature, a significant lacuna exists in understanding median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS). While clinical aspects are well documented, literature lacks a robust exploration of the anatomical relationship between the celiac trunk and the median arcuate ligament (MAL). METHODS: Morphometric parameters, including the vertebral level of MAL origin, MAL thickness, celiac trunk (CeT) origin level, diameter, and distances between CeT/Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) and the MAL center were observed on 250 CT angiograms. Cadavers (n = 11) were dissected to examine the same parameters and histo-morphological examination of MAL tissue was done. RESULTS: Radiological findings established average MAL thickness of 7.79 ± 2.58 mm. The celiac trunk typically originated at T12. The average distance between the celiac trunk and the MAL center was 1.32 ± 2.04 mm. The angle of the celiac trunk to the abdominal aorta was primarily obtuse. The average celiac trunk diameter was 5.53 ± 1.33 mm. Histological examinations revealed a diverse MAL composition, indicating variable mechanical properties. CONCLUSION: This study provides comprehensive morphometric data on the anatomical relationship between the MAL and the celiac trunk. In contrast to available literature which says the average MAL thickness of > 4 mm is an indicator of increased thickness, we observed much higher average thickness in the studied population. The findings contribute to a better understanding of normal anatomical variations which can serve as reference values for accurate radiological diagnosis of MALS. The histological examination revealed the heterogeneous nature of the MAL tissue composition, suggesting variable mechanical properties and functions in different regions.

Intraoperative assessment of blood flow using transabdominal ultrasound during laparoscopic surgery of celiac artery compression syndrome.

Surgical treatment of celiac artery (CA) compression syndrome (CACS) is to release the median arcuate ligament (MAL) by removing the abdominal nerve plexus surrounding CA. In laparoscopic surgery of CACS, objective intraoperative assessment of blood flow in CA is highly desirable. We herein demonstrate a case of laparoscopic surgery of CACS with use of intraoperative transabdominal ultrasound. A 52-year-old woman was presented with epigastric pain and vomiting after eating. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated significant stenosis at the origin of CA. Doppler study of CA was also performed, and she was diagnosed as CACS. Laparoscopic surgery was performed, and the MAL was divided. And then, Doppler study using intraoperative transabdominal ultrasound confirmed the successful decompression of CA. This patient was discharged on postoperative day 11, and her symptoms was improved. Intraoperative assessment of blood flow in CA using transabdominal ultrasound was a simple and useful method for laparoscopic surgery of CACS.

Management of Spontaneous Isolated Celiac Artery Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous isolated celiac artery dissection (SICAD) is uncommon, with very few series reported in the literature. The present study aims to describe the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with SICAD treated at a single Chilean institution over 20 years. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients from a single academic hospital with SICAD diagnosed between January 2003 and March 2023 was performed. Conservative treatment included antiplatelets, anticoagulation, or both. The normal size of a celiac artery in our population was 7.9 ± 0.79 mm in females and 8.3 ± 1.08 mm in males. We defined a celiac artery with a diameter equal to or more than 12.5 mm as an aneurysmal celiac artery. RESULTS: The cohort included 27 patients; 77.8% (n = 21) were males. The median age was 51.0 years (range: 38-84 years). Fourteen (51.8%) patients presented with aneurysmal dilatation. Fourteen (51.8%) patients were treated with antiplatelets, 6 (22.2%) patients with anticoagulation, and 7 (25.9%) with anticoagulation and antiplatelets. One patient was treated with endovascular therapy due to a pseudoaneurysm of the celiac artery detected 10 days after conservative treatment with antiplatelets. The median length of hospital stay was 5 days (range: 2-14 days). Complete remodeling was seen in 6 (22.2%) patients, partial remodeling in 10 (37.0%) patients, and no change was seen in 8 (26.9%) patients. Three (11.5%) patients were lost to follow-up. There were no significant differences between treatments and remodeling outcomes (P = 0.729). The median celiac artery diameter of patients with aneurysmal dilatation was 13.5 mm (range: 12.5-20.5 mm). Systemic arterial hypertension was found more commonly in patients who presented with aneurysmal dilatation than in patients without (87.5% vs. 12.5%, respectively, P = 0.016). Mean follow-up was 41.5 months and median follow-up was 16 months (range: 6-204 months). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with SICAD can be treated conservatively with excellent outcomes. Hypertension was more commonly found in patients with SICAD and aneurysmal dilatation.

Comprehensive analysis of splenic artery variations using computed tomography angiography: development of the IPALGEA classification system.

BACKGROUND: The splenic artery, an essential component of abdominal vascular anatomy, exhibits significant variations with clinical implications in surgical and radiological procedures. The lack of a standardized classification system for these variations hinders comparative studies and surgical planning. This study introduces the IPALGEA classification system, based on computed tomography angiography (CTA) findings, to address this gap. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 302 patients who underwent CTA at a tertiary university hospital between August 2021 and January 2022. The study focused on the evaluation of splenic artery variations, including the origin, course, terminal branching patterns, and the relationship between the inferior polar artery and the left gastroepiploic artery. The IPALGEA classification was developed to standardize the reporting of these variations. RESULTS: The study highlighted a significant prevalence of splenic artery variations, with the most common pattern being a superior course relative to the pancreas. The IPALGEA classification effectively categorized these variations, emphasizing the relationship between the inferior polar artery and the left gastroepiploic artery. The findings revealed that the bifurcation distance of the celiac trunk varied significantly between genders and that the presence of an inferior polar artery correlated with a shorter hilus distance. CONCLUSION: The IPALGEA classification offers a comprehensive and standardized approach to categorize splenic artery variations. This system enhances our understanding of abdominal vascular anatomy and has significant implications for surgical and radiological procedures, potentially reducing surgical complications and improving patient outcomes.

Median arcuate ligament release at the time of pancreaticoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Celiac artery compression can complicate the performance of pancreaticoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy due to the need for ligation of the gastroduodenal artery. Median arcuate ligament release restores normal arterial flow to the liver, spleen, and stomach and may avoid complications related to poor perfusion of the foregut. METHODS: All patients who underwent median arcuate ligament release for celiac artery compression at the time of pancreatectomy between 2009 and 2023 were reviewed. Pre- and postoperative computed tomography was used to categorize celiac artery compression by the extent of compression (types A [<50%], B [50%-80%], and C [>80%]). RESULTS: Of 695 patients who underwent pancreatectomy, 22 (3%) had celiac artery compression, and a majority (17) were identified on preoperative imaging. Median celiac artery compression was 52% (interquartile range = 18); 8 (36%) patients had type A and 14 (64%) had type B compression with a median celiac artery compression of 39% (interquartile range = 18) and 59% (interquartile range = 14), respectively (P < .001). Postoperative imaging was available for 20 (90%) patients, and a reduction in the median celiac artery compression occurred in all patients: type A, 14%, and type B, 31%. Complications included 1 (5%) death after hospital discharge, 1 (5%) pancreatic fistula, 1 (5%) delayed gastric emptying, and 4 (18%) readmissions. No patient had evidence of a biliary leak or liver dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Preoperative computed tomography allows accurate identification of celiac artery compression. Ligation of the gastroduodenal artery during pancreaticoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy in the setting of celiac artery compression requires median arcuate ligament release to restore normal arterial flow to the foregut and avoid preventable complications.