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

Abstract

Abstract 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.