Multi-detector row computed tomographic appearance of celiac ganglia.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the imaging features of celiac ganglia on multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT).


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 103 consecutive MDCT studies and recorded the frequency of visualization, location, morphologic feature, size, and enhancement pattern of the celiac ganglia.


RESULTS
The left celiac ganglion was visualized more often than the right ganglion (89% vs 67%, P < 0.0001). Both ganglia were identified at the level between the origins of celiac and superior mesenteric arteries and anterior to the diaphragmatic crura. The ganglia were either multilobulated or discoid in shape. The mean long- and short-axis dimensions of the ganglia were larger on the left than right (left: 2.2 [0.4] and 0.4 [0.1] cm; right: 2.0 [0.4] and 0.3 [0.1] cm, respectively, P < 0.005). The ganglia had the same CT attenuation as the adjacent adrenal glands on nonenhanced and portal venous-phase images in almost all cases and demonstrated higher attenuation than the adrenal glands in approximately two thirds of the cases on delayed scans.


CONCLUSIONS
Celiac ganglia can be identified based on their characteristic locations and morphologic features on MDCT.
Wang
Zhen J
ZJ
Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0628, USA. jane.wang@radiology.ucsf.edu
Webb
Emily M
EM
Westphalen
Antonio C
AC
Coakley
Fergus V
FV
Yeh
Benjamin M
BM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005728:Ganglia, Sympathetic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods