title: Variations of the popliteal artery branching with multidetector CT angiography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To date the anatomy of the popliteal artery variations using multidetector-row computed tomography angiography (MD CTA) was not assessed. The objective of this study is to establish 3D CT anatomy of the popliteal artery variations.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 126 lower limbs that underwent CTA using 64-detector MDCT were retrospectively reviewed. The anatomical variations of the distal popliteal artery branching were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ninety-seven lower limbs (83.6%) had the usual branching pattern (type 1 A) with tibialis anterior artery (TA) arising first followed by the tibial-peroneal trunk, which then gives rise to the tibialis posterior artery (TP) and peroneal artery. Variations in popliteal branching pattern were seen in 19 (16.4%) limbs. The commonest variation was first branch of the TP in 5 (4.4%) of the limbs (type 1 C) or high origin with anterior course of popliteus muscle of the TA in 5 (4.4%) limbs (type 2 A II).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many variations exist in the running patterns of the branching pattern of the popliteal artery. Knowledge of the branching pattern of the popliteal artery will be beneficial to radiologist for the evaluation of CT angiograms and interventional vascular procedures, and to vascular surgeons for various surgical approaches. MD CTA provides noninvasive means of assessing distal popliteal artery variations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Balikesir University, Cagis Yerleskesi, Bigadic yolu üzeri 17.km Altieylul, Balıkesir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Bahar
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Yanik
authors.forename: Erdogan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bulbul
authors.forename: Gulen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Demirpolat
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult