title: Preoperative localization of Adamkiewicz arteries and their origins by using MDCT angiography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the ability of thoraco-abdominal MDCT angiography to visualize Adamkiewicz arteries for preoperative planning in patients diagnosed with aortic disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  The present study retrospectively reviewed clinical data from 73 patients who underwent a thoraco-abdominal 64-slice MDCT angiography. The Adamkiewicz artery was evaluated on multiplanar reformation images in each case. The visualization of the Adamkiewicz artery, level of origin, side of origin and continuation from an intercostal artery was investigated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Adamkiewicz arteries were visualized in 52 of the 73 patients (71.2%), and the total number of the delineated Adamkiewicz arteries was 64. Two Adamkiewicz arteries were found in nine patients (17.3%). Four Adamkiewicz arteries were found in one patient (1.9%). Most of the delineated arteries arose from the T9-L2 levels (89.1%). A left side of origin was found in 41 of 64 arteries (64.1%), and a right side of origin was found in 23 of 64 arteries (35.9%). Only 12 of 64 delineated arteries (18.8%) showed continuity from their origins to the anterior radiculomedullary artery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The preoperative detection rate of the Adamkiewicz artery with the routine technique of 64-slice MDCT angiography was 71.2%. The preoperative location of the Adamkiewicz artery may help to reduce the risk of perioperative ischemic changes in the spinal cord.
authors.affiliation: Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Wiwithawan
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sukeeyamanon
authors.forename: Thanongchai
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Siriapisith
authors.forename: Jitladda
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wasinrat
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures; D055815:Young Adult