Multi-slice Spiral CT Angiography of Celio-mesenteric Trunk and the Embryogenesis Mechanism

Purpose To explore the configuration, type, complication and other branch variations of celio-mesenteric trunk (CMT) with multi-slice CT (MSCT), and to analyze and speculate embryogenesis mechanism of various types of CMT. Materials and Methods 1500 patients underwent upper middle abdomen or whole abdomen enhanced MSCT scans were enrolled in this retrospective study. Those angiography data in line with CMT were included to evaluate the configuration, origins of the main branches, complications and other branch variations. Results Fifty-one patients out of 1500 (3.4%) were considered as CMT. In terms of length they were divided into long type (34 cases, 66.7%) and short type (17 cases, 33.3%). In terms of origin of left gastric artery, except for the 2 cases with difficulty in identifying the origin of left gastric artery who were excluded, other 49 cases of CMT were grouped into type A (26 cases originated from abdominal aorta, 53.1%), type B (5 cases originated from common truck, 10.2%), type C (15 cases originated from celiac trunk, 30.6%) and type D (3 cases originated from other branches, 6.1%). Conclusion In the process of embryogenesis, mislocation interrupt, incomplete interrupt or without interrupt of ventral longitudinal anastomosis may be the embryological mechanism of various types of CMT. MSCT angiography can be helpful in observation on anatomy of CMT and other branch variations, thus guiding treatment plan for abdominal vascular surgery and interventional therapy.