Abstract:

Objective    To measure the caliber extent of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) stem and adjacent structures in different genders and ages. Methods    The data from 260 patients (140 females, 120 males) were acquired. The caliber of SMA stem was measured and the adjacent anatomic structures were identified in patients who underwent abdominal contrast-enhanced multi-slice helical CT (MSCT). Sagittal imaging of SMA was acquired by thin slab maximum intensity projections(TSMIP) postprocessing technique. Results    The diameter of SMA was（0.68±0.10）cm, the distance between SMA and celiac artery (CA) was (1.55±0.33）cm， the distance between SMA and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) was（6.69±0.88）cm, and the angel between SMA and abdominal aorta (AA) was（59±18）°. The statistical difference between males and females was observed in the diameters of SMA, CA and AA（P＜0.05）. There was no statistical difference between males and females in the distances of SMA and CA, the distance of SMA and IMA, and the angel of SMA and AA（P＞0.05）. The diameter of CA had no significant difference（P＞0.05）, but there was statistical difference in the diameter of AA in different ages （P＜0.05）. Conclusion    SMA stem and adjacent anatomical structures were delineated limpidly by MSCT and the extent of diameter could be measured exactly.

Key words: Adult；  Superior mesenteric artery stem；  Multi-slice helical CT