Anatomical Variations of Celiac Trunk and Its Branching Pattern with Special Reference to Surgical Implications in Mysore Based Population

Abstract

BACKGROUND Celiac trunk (CT) is the first major abdominal branch of the aorta. Anatomic variations and accessory vessels have been reported with variable percentages. We report here a particularly rare variant involving absence of the celiac trunk in association with trifurcation of the common hepatic artery (CHA). The purpose of this study was to report the pattern of the celiac trunk and its anatomic variations in a sample of Mysore population. METHODS Celiac trunk dissection was performed in 10 fresh cadavers and 50 cases of contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) images of Mysore based subjects at JSS Medical College and Hospital aged 18 years and above were included. Celiac trunk variations, length, diameter, accessory vessels, and vertebral level of origin were described. RESULTS The branching pattern of coeliac trunk was observed in 60 cases (37 males, 23 females) by dissection and CECT scan method. Type I was found in 48 cases (80 %), Type I form 2a was found in 2 cases (3.3 %). Type II form 1 in 6 cases (10 %). Type III was observed in 1 case and in another case left hepatic artery (LHA) arising from coeliac trunk, Type VII was found in 2 cases (3.3 %). The length and diameter of coeliac trunk were analysed using descriptive statistics and mean ± SD for length was 1.8 ± 0.4 and diameter 0.5 ± 0.2 respectively. CONCLUSIONS Awareness of CT variations is important in surgical resection, transplantation, and interventional radiology procedure. KEY WORDS Celiac Trunk, Variations, Morphometry, Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography Scan Method