Variation in celiac trunk and hepatic artery branching in patients undergoing abdominal multidetector CT in Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Background: The celiac trunk and hepatic arteries show several variations in origin and course, knowledge of which is important during open and laparoscopic surgeries. Preoperative assessment of variants helps to reduce complications like vascular bleeding. The coeliac trunk and hepatic arteries can be evaluated by computed tomography exams. This study will offer the types of variants observed in the Ethiopian population, helping to mitigate the morbidity and mortality associated with variant anatomies. Objectives: To assess the variation in celiac trunk and hepatic artery branching patterns and their correlation with each other in patients undergoing abdominal MDCT in SPHMMC. Methods: A hospital-based retrospective chart review study was conducted from June 1–30, 2024, among patients who underwent abdominal MDCT at SPHMMC in Addis Ababa from June 1, 2023, to May 30, 2024. A total of 290 triphasic abdominal MDCTs were included in the study using a single-proportion population formula. The data was collected from abdominal CT images by the principal investigator and trained senior radiology residents. The data was managed with epi info, and descriptive and comparative inferential statistics were done by SPSS version 27. Results: About 84.83% of the cases showed a normal trifurcation pattern of the celiac trunk (Uflacker type I), with the commonest variant being the gastro-splenic trunk (Uflacker type V), with a 7.24% incidence. The bifurcation pattern represented 12.07% of the cases. Regarding the hepatic artery, 69.7% of the cases showed the normal origin of the hepatic arteries (Michel type I), with the commonest anomaly being Michel type V with a 9.31% incidence. Some cases are discovered that were not previously described by Michel’s classifications. Conclusion and recommendation: Our study revealed that variations in the celiac trunk and hepatic arteries are common. Significant correlations between variant right and left hepatic arteries were noted. We recommend that interventional and body imaging radiologists, as well as hepatobiliary and liver transplant surgeons, be aware of the specific variations and anomalies in the celiac trunk and hepatic arteries to mitigate the complications associated with procedures and surgeries. Keywords: Celiac Trunk, Celiac Trunk Branching, Hepatic Artery, Hepatic Artery Branching, Accessory, Replaced, Variant.