Morphometry of the celiac trunk: a multidetector computed tomographic angiographic study

Aims: We carried out this study for evaluating the normal anatomy trunk and prevalence of anatomical variations of celiac trunk in the North Indian population. Materials and methods: Computerized tomographic images of 50 North Indian subjects, obtained from the Department of Radiodiagnosis, King George's Medical University, were retrospectively analyzed. The anatomy of the celiac trunk was studied using dynamic scans. Results: A variation in the site of origin of celiac trunk was observed in about 55% cases. The length and dimensions of the trunk also displayed a wide range of variation. Conclusion: Anatomic variations of the celiac trunk as observed by us may become important in patients undergoing diagnostic angiography for gastrointestinal bleeding or prior to an operative procedure. Recognition of variations would enable clinicians to distinguish features which merit further investigations or treatment from those which do not.