Three-dimensional anatomic evaluation of mesenteric arteries with multi-slice spiral CT angiography

Objective: To evaluate the ability of multi-slice spiral CT angiography (MSCTA) in demonstrating mesenteric arteries and investigate the imaging anatomy of mesenteric arteries. Methods: 54 volunteers without abnormal alimentary tract underwent thin-section enhanced MSCT scan of whole abdomen. CT angiograms of mesenteric arteries were reconstructed adopting different methods, including volume rendering (VR), maximum intensity projection (MIP), thin-slab maximum intensity projection (TSMIP) and multiplannar reconstruction (MPR). The display effects of mesenteric arteries and its communicating branches on various reconstruction techniques were compared with each other, meanwhile three-dimensional architectures of the arteries were analyzed. Results: Mesenteric arteries were well displayed in all 54 cases. MSCTA clearly displayed the location, origin, diameter, direction, distribution and variation of mesenteric arteries. The collateral pathways were identified between celiac axis (CA) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and among the branches of SMA in all cases and in only 59.2% of cases between SMA and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). TSMIP was superior to MIP and VR in displaying the collateral pathways. Conclusions: MSCT with 3D reconstruction can clearly visualize the anatomical features of mesenteric arteries, thus it is helpful for the early diagnosis and intervention of ischemic or inflammatory bowel diseases.