Clinical Implications of the Celiac Artery Variations: MDCT Angiography Study on TRNC Population

BACKGROUND/AIM: Variations in the origin, course, and branching pattern of the celiac trunk (CT) have been well-documented in various populations with clinical implications for surgical and radiological procedures in the abdomen.However, the prevalence and characteristics of CT variations in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus population have not been well studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Abdominal multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) Angiography examinations of 500 patients and were retrospectively evaluated by a radiologist in the radiology department of our hospital.The examinations were performed with a 256-detector CT scanner.A thorough evaluation of 108 patients was performed.Eighty-three of these patients were male (M), and twenty-five were female (F).The age ranges were from 19-78 (F: 26-78, M: 19-78). RESULTS:Results showed that branching of the CT into the left gastric artery (LGA), common hepatic artery, and splenic artery is the predominant branching pattern in 74 patients 68.5%.However, variations in the branching pattern of the CT were observed in 34 patients 31.5% (30 M and 4 F).Furthermore, this study reported an unreported branching pattern of the CT, where a patient had the LGA originating from the right inferior phrenic artery; and this was associated with the gastrosplenic trunk. CONCLUSION:Understanding the scope of these variations is of clinical importance in patients undergoing preoperative radiological evaluations, hepatic transplants, and open gastrostomies.Lack of awareness regarding these variations can significantly impact radiologic interventions and pre/post-operative planning of surgical procedures involving the gastrointestinal system.