Variants of Coeliac Trunk, Hepatic Artery and Renal Arteries in Puducherry Population

Abstract

Introduction: In the modern era of surgery where we have increased number of hepatic, biliary, pancreatic and renal surgeries we should be aware of the variations in anatomy of coeliac axis, hepatic arteries and renal arteries to prevent injuries and ischaemic complications that can happen at the time of surgery. Aim: To study the normal anatomy and variations in the anatomy of coeliac axis, hepatic arteries and renal arteries with the help of CT angiography which could help hepatobiliary surgeons, renal surgeons and interventional radiologists at the time of surgery. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was performed in which CT images of 200 patients who had undergone CECT of abdomen for various causes in our institute in last one year were studied. The coeliac axis, hepatic arteries and renal arteries were individually evaluated for anatomical variations. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel data sheet and was analysed using SPSS 22.0 version software. Data was represented in the form of percentage. Results: There was normal anatomy of coeliac axis seen in 181 patients (90.5%) and 19 (9.5%) patients showed coeliac axis variations. Hepatic artery normal anatomy was seen in 153 patients (76.5%) and 47 patients (23.5%) showed variations in hepatic arterial anatomy. Normal renal arterial anatomy i.e., one renal artery on each side was seen in 158 patients (79%) and 42 patients (21%) showed variation in renal arterial anatomy. Conclusion: It is common to see the variations in coeliac axis, hepatic arteries and renal arteries in day to day practice the thorough knowledge of which is necessary. With the use of MDCT these variations can be easily seen and understood.

Keywords

• abdominal aorta branches
• anatomical variations
• hiatt’s classification
• michel’s classification
• uflacker’s classification