Visualization of lumbar artery variations by contrast- enhanced multi-detector row computed tomography

Abstract

Purpose: This study was designed to identify the anatomical variations of lumbar arteries on contrastenhanced multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT). Materials and Methods: Consecutive 100 colon cancer patients underwent preoperative 3-dimensional navigation studies, which include CT colonography (CTC) and CT angiography (CTA) for evaluation of anatomical relationship between the colon cancer and mesenteric vasculatures. After exclusion of inappropriate cases, 84 cases (33 women and 51 men; mean age, 64 years) were finally analyzed. The visualization of lumbar arteries from the CTA was scored based on the agreement of two radiology specialists. Also the presence or absence of left and right common trunk of each lumbar artery was evaluated. Results: Visualization scores on both sides of L1 were significantly lower than those of L2-L4. No significant difference could be found on visualization of L1 lumbar arteries between the young and the elderly group. The common trunk tended to be in the lower lumbar levels (L1 in 2.4%, L2 in 9.5%, L3 in 11%, and L4 in 23%). Conclusion: The development and variation of lumbar arteries can be evaluated with CTA. Furthermore, CTA can provide sufficient anatomical information on variations of the lumbar arteries prior to surgery or catheterization.