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Part IV
CT Vascular Angiography
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© Springer International Publishing 2016 M.J. Budoff, J.S. Shinbane (eds.), Cardiac CT Imaging: Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disease, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-28219-0_17
CT Angiography of the Peripheral Arteries
Jabi E. Shriki , Leonardo C. Clavijo , and Gale L. Tang
Abstract
The application of CT angiography to the systemic vascular tree poses a number of unique challenges, but offers the ability to noninvasively depict a wide array of arterial pathology. CT of the peripheral arterial tree also has a number of specifi c advantages relative to other modalities, including conventional angiography, MRI, and ultrasound. Peripheral CT angi­ography has particularly important applications in imaging extremities in the setting of acute ischemia or trauma. While some of the skills in performing CT angiography in other body parts are applicable to peripheral CT angiography, several technical considerations should be recognized in incorporating peripheral imaging into a CT angiography practice.
Keywords
Peripheral computed tomography • Peripheral vascular ct angiography • Peripheral angio­gram • Peripheral vascular disease • Systemic arterial disease • Vascular cta • Peripheral ct angiogram
Introduction
CT angiography is a useful modality in imaging the periph­eral arterial tree and has become an integral component in many cardiovascular imaging practices. Large portions of the arterial system can be easily imaged with excellent spatial resolution, low radiation dose, and minimal risk to the patient. Peripheral CT angiography has particular advantages as a non-invasive means of depicting the sys­temic arterial tree and is able to demonstrate a number of
disease entities. Additionally, the skills of 3-D data manip­ulation useful in evaluation of coronary arteries and vascu­lar structures elsewhere in the body can be translated into skills in interpreting peripheral CT angiographic studies. Advancements in CT angiography, including the dissemi­nation of multislice, dual source, and dual energy scan­ners, have made submillimeter isotropic voxel resolution possible, and have enabled more detailed visualization of arterial structures. Simultaneous increases in computa­tional speed and widespread availability of dedicated 3-D software make visualization and evaluation of peripheral arterial anatomy much more facile.
Acquisition and Scanning Techniques
Special Considerations Regarding Peripheral CT Angiography
Several technical considerations should be recognized in making the transition from cardiac to peripheral vascular CT
J. E. Shriki , MD (*) Department of Radiology , Puget VA Health System, University of Washington , 1660 S. Columbian Way , Seattle , WA 98101 , USA e-mail: shriki@uw.edu
L. C. Clavijo , MD, PhD, FACC, FSCAI, FSVM Department of Medicine , Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Southern California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
G. L. Tang , MD Department of Surgery , University of Washington , Seattle , WA , USA
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angiography. First, while the coronary arteries are usually opacifi ed along with the aorta even in the presence of steno­ses, the peripheral vasculature may have a variable relation­ship with aortic opacifi cation. In patients with severe atherosclerotic disease, the presence of stenoses, occlusions, and aneurysms may delay optimal opacifi cation of the peripheral arteries. In thoracic, abdominal, and neuroimag­ing applications, higher detector row CT scanners provide a number of advantages. However, for peripheral CT angiog­raphy, the high speed of scanning with multi-detector row CT scanners may result in outpacing of the bolus of contrast, with images obtained prior to arrival of the contrast bolus into the area of interest. As a result, the timing of peripheral CT angiography has separate considerations that differ from scanning other, more proximal, body parts (Fig. 17.1 ).
Also, the reconstructed fi eld of view for peripheral appli­cations is frequently larger in transverse axial dimension than that employed for cardiac CT. This is because of the wider distribution of peripheral arterial structures in the transverse plane. As a result, images may have lower in­plane spatial resolution. This loss of in-plane resolution may be offset by the use of separate, reconstructed fi elds of view for each lower extremity or for different parts of the anatomy scanned. When imaging the lower extremities, the feet should be kept straight and positioned as closely together as possible, so that the reconstructed fi eld of view closely matches the anatomy being imaged. This can be achieved by securing the feet into a table extension or harness, which is usually attachable or built into the table (Fig. 17.2 ).
In comparison to cardiac CT, there is a longer craniocaudal extent of anatomy imaged with peripheral CT angiography. As a result, data sets may be much larger for comparable slice thickness. For example, whereas a single phase of a cardiac CT reconstruction at 0.5 mm may comprise 1–200 or more images, a data set from a peripheral CT angiogram of the lower extremities might include several thousand images, due to the craniocaudal extent of imaging from the diaphragm to the toes. As a result, some readers prefer thicker slices or coronal plane images for initial evaluation, and reserve the use of thin slices for a more limited, adjunctive role in problem solving. Alternatively, most 3-D workstations have options for subvolume selection, which enables evaluation of the arterial tree in an incremental fashion, allowing larger data sets to be evaluated, with enhanced multiplanar reformatting capabilities.
Dual Energy and Dual Source CT
The advent of dual source and dual energy scanning has enabled a new set of advantages of CT imaging for the peripheral vascular tree. It should be noted that the descriptors of “dual energy” and “dual source” CT are sometimes used
interchangeably, although there are differences between the terms. Dual source CT is a technique of scanning with orthogonally positioned CT acquisition systems (including x-ray source and x-ray detector) mounted to the same gantry. This enables fast and essentially simultaneous acquisition of scan data with two separate energies. The main advantage of dual source CT is that scanning at two different energies can
Fig. 17.1 A 3-D reconstruction demonstrating that the run-off vessels are less well opacifi ed than the popliteal arteries, likely related to slight outpacing of the contrast bolus by the speed of the scanner
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be obtained rapidly, resulting in excellent temporal resolu­tion with minimal mismatch between acquisitions. However, dual source CT scanning is one means of obtaining scan data at two different energies, and is therefore, best considered a subtype of dual energy CT. Other means of scanning at two energies are available, including rapid switching of kilovolt potentials (kVp) of the x-ray generating tube, or selective detector arrays which are sensitive to different types of radiation.
Dual energy scanning using sequential scanning with two different energies has been a research tool since soon after the advent of CT [ 1 ]. The development of more advanced CT acquisition techniques has enabled dual energy CT using dual source CT scanners and other techniques to be commercially available since 2006 [ 2 ]. A further, more extensive discussion of the physics of dual energy and dual source CT is beyond the scope of this chapter, but typically, the two energies dur­ing which scanning is performed are 80 and 140 kV.
There are several potential advantages of dual energy CT, including plaque characterization and improvement of con­trast visualization. In peripheral CT angiography, the main advantage of scanning at two energies is that higher energy scan data can be obtained, resulting in selective subtraction of higher attenuation materials, such as calcium or stent material [ 3 ]. As a result, the contrast column within the ves- sel can be depicted more easily, without obscuration or blooming from high attenuation calcium or stent wall (Fig. 17.3 ).
Contrast Administration
As with imaging other vasculature, rapid rates of contrast administration are critical in obtaining optimal peripheral vascular opacifi cation. Consequently, a more central, large bore, venous access line (usually consisting of an 18-gauge catheter in the antecubital fossa) is highly preferable to a
smaller or more peripheral venous access site. Most studies for peripheral CT angiography report contrast rates of 3.5–
4.0 ccs per second as optimal [ 46 ]. Since the area scanned in imaging the peripheral arterial tree is signifi cantly larger in craniocaudal extent compared to the coronary tree, a more prolonged bolus of contrast, with a slightly slower rate of delivery is preferable to ensure homogeneous, persistent, bright opacifi cation of the peripheral arteries. This injection rate is slightly slower than the rate employed for imaging the heart, which may be as high as 5–6 ccs per second [ 7 ], since the aim of peripheral CT angiography is a sustained peak of bright opacifi cation, whereas in coronary CT, prolongation of peak contrast opacifi cation is a less important factor. Patients are usually given a formulation of intravenous con­trast with 300–400 mg of iodine per mL, with 120–180 ccs of contrast given depending on each patient’s body surface area [ 8 ]. The total amount of contrast, however, may be reduced when scanners with higher numbers of detectors are used [ 9 , 10 ]. Higher iodine concentrations have been demon- strated to have higher attenuation levels when the aortic enhancement is compared [ 11 ]. Larger amounts of contrast are needed in patients who are taller or are more obese [ 8 ].
Administration of a saline chaser is useful in ensuring a higher degree of opacifi cation, and also in prolonging the plateau of attenuation once the peak is reached. A saline chaser is also useful in diminishing the total amount of con­trast needed for optimal opacifi cation [ 12 , 13 ]. Saline injec- tion can also clear residual contrast from the central venous system. Central venous? stasis of contrast can impede imag­ing of the central upper extremity arteries due to streaking as a result of dense contrast in the superior vena cava, brachio­cephalic veins, or other venous structures. When imaging the upper extremities, contrast injection should be made via the extremity contralateral to the area of interest to avoid this pitfall. Optimal timing for acquisition varies signifi cantly in each patient. In patients with normal cardiac function, a rapid acquisition of images may outpace the bolus of con­trast. In patients with depressed cardiac function or arterial pathology, the scanning time should be prolonged to ensure scanning is not performed before arrival of the contrast bolus [ 14 ]. At our institution, in patients with suspected athero- sclerotic disease, the lower extremities are scanned twice, with a second acquisition beginning just above the knees and timed immediately after the fi rst acquisition. This second acquisition enhances visualization of arterial structures, although there may be signifi cant venous contamination at the time of a second scan, which may make 3-D reconstruc­tions somewhat diffi cult to evaluate.
Several techniques for ensuring optimal arterial timing may be employed. A timing bolus utilizes injection of a small amount of contrast with serial images through a region of interest (ROI) in order to predict the timing of bolus arrival. This is somewhat problematic in evaluating the
Fig. 17.2 Reconstructed volume projections can demonstrate the soft tissue anatomy. The lower extremities should be closely apposed to one another in order to minimize the dimensions of the reconstructed fi eld of view. In this case, this is achieved by use of a table extension ( white arrow )
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peripheral arterial tree, since different portions may be opaci­fi ed at different times, depending on the degree of upstream disease. This technique also necessitates two separate injec­tions with an initial, small bolus. Because only a small, initial dose of contrast is used though, the total amount of contrast is generally not signifi cantly impacted. This technique may also help in preparing the patient for the clinical, physiologic manifestations such as sensory warmth and a metallic taste which commonly ensue after contrast administration.
Alternatively, bolus tracking can be performed with the main contrast injection. With this technique, an ROI within the aorta is serially scanned during the injection of contrast. When
the attenuation value reaches a particular, preset threshold, scanning of the remainder of the fi eld of view is initiated. At our institution, for peripheral CT angiography of the lower extremities, an attenuation value of 180 Hounsfi eld units (HU) is employed, and the ROI is placed in the infrarenal aorta. Alternatively, the ROI can also be placed in the lower extremity arteries, such as the femoral arteries. This technique has the pitfall of being affected by patient motion, and may require some technologist expertise in identifying the vessel. When bolus triggering is used, the ROI is generally positioned to include approximately half of the diameter of the vessel. Different vendor-specifi c protocols are available for automated
ab
Fig. 17.3 Frontal, thick volume, maximum intensity projection CT images are shown with bone removal. The scan is obtained with dual energy CT, enabling subtraction imaging. Images are shown before ( a ) and after ( b ) subtraction of high attenuation materials, including the
bilateral common iliac artery stents ( white arrows ) and calcifi ed plaque in the aorta ( white arrowheads ). Subtraction of high attenuation struc- tures, including stents and vascular calcifi cations is one of the advan­tages of dual energy, dual source CT
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contrast monitoring. For slower scanners, a lower threshold (100 HU) may be used to ensure that the speed of scanning matches arrival of the contrast bolus [ 15 ]. A signifi cant limita- tion of the bolus tracking technique is that the ROI may be placed within an area of thrombus or in the false lumen of a dissection. If this occurs, opacifi cation within the ROI may not be achieved, and scanning might be incorrectly delayed.
Preset timing of scanning uses a fi xed time interval between initiation of contrast administration and scanning. This is less commonly employed at most institutions, espe­cially for imaging peripheral arteries. This technique may be especially problematic in patients with atherosclerotic dis­ease and in patients with low cardiac output, where the bolus will be circulated through the arteries more slowly. For the upper extremities, scanning may be initiated 20 s after the start of contrast injection. For the lower extremities, scanning may be initiated 50 s after the beginning of injection [ 16 ].
Techniques for Interpreting Studies
Several studies have demonstrated an excellent accuracy of CT in comparison to conventional digital subtraction angiog­raphy (DSA), based solely on evaluation of transverse
images [ 17 , 18 ]. In many early studies, only the transverse axial data set was evaluated. The transverse plane of the body is in a relatively perpendicular axis to the long arteries of the extremities, resulting in views which approximate the short axis plane of much of the vascular tree with minimal technical manipulation of data sets. For a more accurate interpretation, fi nal review of studies at a dedicated 3-D workstation is commonly employed. Key images for demon­strating stenoses or other vascular pathology are subse­quently also sent to archiving and communication systems (PACS) to illustrate important fi ndings.
In addition to the evaluation of transverse axial data sets, review of long and short axis planes utilizing multiplanar reformatted views (MPR), thick maximum intensity projec­tion views (MIP) (Fig. 17.4 ), and curvilinear plane refor- matted views (CPR) (Fig. 17.5 ) result in a more thorough assessment of the peripheral vascular tree and in improved sensitivity and specifi city for depicting disease [ 19 ]. Review of the transverse axial views is the usual starting point for most readers. Reformatting data along the plane of the ves­sel utilizing MPR views introduces few artifacts, as long as scans are obtained using isotropic voxels. MIP views gener­ally demonstrate the higher attenuation values within a thick slab of the data set, and are useful for demonstrating the
Fig. 17.4 A reformatted view through the radial artery is shown ( a ). On the progressively thicker maximum intensity projection (MIP) views obtained with a thickness of 2 cm ( b ) and 4 cm ( c ), a greater
length of the arterial anatomy is demonstrated. MIP views are also useful for demonstrating high attenuation structures such as bones and stents
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course of a tortuous vessel. MIP views are also useful for demonstrating other high attenuation structures such as stents (Fig. 17.6a ), surgical clips, calcifi cations, and osse- ous structures. CPR images introduce some potential arti­facts, as computer algorithms select the center line to be followed. Frequently, computer-generated center lines may drift into an area of calcifi cation in the wall, and may make a stenosis appear more severe. User-directed CPR images may be created, but are commonly time consuming and require some expertise to generate. Unlike evaluation of the coronary arteries, CPR images are less susceptible to arti­facts in the large vessels of the extremities, where arteries course in relatively straight planes. Three-dimensional views are usually demonstrated with a lit projection and are helpful in demonstrating anatomic relationships, though they are problematic for demonstrating or grading stenoses (Fig. 17.6b ).
Newer tools enable color-coding of vessels to bring atten­tion to areas of plaque. Techniques are also available for characterization of atherosclerotic lesions with respect to attenuation values in order to classify lesions as fatty, fi brous, or calcifi ed. These tools may be used adjunctively to the techniques described earlier, but have yet to be rigorously evaluated or validated.
Validation of Peripheral CT Angiography
Advancement in CT technology has been rapid, with the recent advent of isotropic voxel imaging and multi-detector CT. The pace of technological advancement has surpassed the rate at which newer technologies are validated. For this reason, large multicenter studies and meta-analyses likely underestimate the accuracy of CT angiography as a tool.
Fig. 17.5 Curved planar reformatted views show the long axis, orthogonal ( white arrows ) and short axis ( closed arrowhead ) of arterial structures. This is contrasted with the MIP MPR view ( open arrowhead )
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Large studies have, however, demonstrated several sig­nifi cant advantages of CT angiography in comparison to DSA, including a fourfold lower radiation dose and a much lower risk of complications. Moreover, studies have shown an excellent accuracy for the diagnosis of atherosclerotic dis­ease as well as excellent correlation with DSA [ 20 ]. Diagnostic CT angiography performs comparably to DSA and favorably compares to duplex ultrasound and MR angi­ography for the evaluation in patients with chronic periph­eral arterial disease or traumatic vascular injuries [ 21 ].
Compared to other non-invasive imaging modalities such as ultrasonography and MRA, CTA possesses several advan­tages. CTA reproducibility does not signifi cantly depend on variability of technical skills as is oftentimes the limitation of ultrasonography. In patients with multilevel peripheral arterial disease, ultrasonography assessment has poor speci­fi city to localize lesions, and is hindered by an impractical amount of time consumed in such extensive clinical evalua­tion. MRI angiography may have limitations in patients with stents, surgical clips, or other devices, and is problematic in patients with non-MR conditional cardiac devices.
A study evaluating CT angiography with 64-row detector scanners for the detection of peripheral vascular disease evalu­ated 840 segments of the systemic arteries in 28 patients with lower extremity claudication. This study found an overall diag­nostic accuracy of 98 % in the detection of lesions with a degree of stenosis of 50 % or higher. The sensitivity and specifi city for
detecting stenoses by CT angiography were 99 % and 98 %, respectively [ 21 ]. Moreover, the use of advanced imaging tools, including 3-D reconstructions and multiplanar reformatted views, provide detailed visualization of stenotic lesions, normal vasculature, or previously revascularized lower extremity arter­ies along with nearby extravascular structures. Augmenting axial images with reformatted views has been shown to improve accuracy of interpretation [ 22 ].
Due to the speed and accessibility of imaging, CTA is also extremely useful in diagnosing acute limb ischemia and criti­cal limb ischemia, helping clinicians to promptly and effec­tively formulate treatment plans. CTA also possesses advantages in depicting peripheral vascular aneurysms, pro­viding clear, comprehensive images and precise dimensions along with delineating involvement of adjacent vessels and structures. Thus, CTA is a useful diagnostic and surveillance tool for aneurysm detection and follow-up.
Role of Peripheral CT Angiography for the Vascular Physician
The most important application of CT angiography for the vascular interventional specialist is pre-procedure planning, including: selection of patients best treated with endovascu­lar intervention versus open surgical procedures, identifi ca­tion of vascular access sites, pre-procedure selection of
Fig. 17.6 The thick MIP view ( a ) demonstrates the aortic stents. They are also well-seen on the volume rendered view ( b ) in this patient who is status post aortic stenting after repair for aortic coarctation and a bicuspid aortic valve
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appropriate angiographic views, and pre-procedural lesion characterization (thrombus burden, dissection, calcifi cation, tortuosity, etc.). CT angiography also provides valuable information for tailoring the most appropriate endovascular therapy, including: thrombolysis, laser, directional or orbital atherectomy, reentry device, distal embolic protection device, balloon angioplasty, self-expanding or balloon expandable stents, and covered stents (Table 17.1 ).
Patients who undergo intervention for peripheral arterial disease have a higher incidence of vascular access site compli­cations compared to patients who undergo percutaneous coro­nary intervention [ 23 ]. Patients with peripheral atherosclerotic disease commonly have a high burden of diffuse, often densely calcifi ed, atherosclerotic plaques. As a result, vascular access selection is important to ensure safe and successful peripheral interventions. The atherosclerotic burden in some patients may prevent adequate hemostasis, which predisposes these patients to hemorrhagic complications at access sites. CT angiography offers an overall view of the arterial system and, therefore, may allow for identifi cation of the most appropriate access site for peripheral interventions. In patients with severe, diffuse disease, alternative access sites or techniques (brachial, popliteal, antegrade, bypass grafts) may be utilized.
CT angiography also helps in the decision to use distal embolic protection devices, especially in cases where there is heavy atherosclerotic burden, soft or unstable plaque, or thrombus. The choice of an appropriate device for the pro­tection against distal embolization may be guided by vessel anatomy, tortuosity, and landing zone anatomy.
Normal Peripheral Arterial Anatomy and Variants
Symptomatic manifestations of arterial diseases may appear in the distal extremities, but may also arise from disease which is proximal and remote to the site of symptoms. For example, non-healing ulcers in the toes as a result of isch-
emia may arise from stenosis as far proximal as the aorta. Since disease anywhere in the arterial tree may produce symptoms, knowledge of normal anatomy of the entire arte­rial tree is necessary in order to accurately interpret periph­eral CT angiography.
Upper Extremities
The normal upper extremity arterial supply begins with the subclavian arteries. The left subclavian artery typically arises directly from the aortic arch. The right subclavian artery most commonly arises from the brachiocephalic (innominate) artery, which typically gives off a right common carotid artery as well a right subclavian artery. In 15 % of patients, the innominate artery also gives off the left common carotid artery, a variant described as a bovine arch. In these patients, the left common carotid artery commonly arises as the fi rst vessel off of the bovine innominate, although it may arise more cranially as a trifurcation vessel of the innominate artery [ 24 ].
Other commonly encountered variants of aberrant origina­tion of the subclavian artery exist. An aberrant right subcla­vian artery may either arise from a left sided aortic arch, as the last major vessel from the arch (left arch with aberrant right subclavian artery) (Fig. 17.7 ). In the case of a right aor- tic arch, the left subclavian artery may arise as the last major vessel from the arch (right arch with aberrant left subclavian artery). In either case, the aberrant subclavian artery usually takes a course posterior to the esophagus and may produce dysphagia, which is commonly referred to as dysphagia luso­ria. A double aortic arch may also cause dysphagia lusoria [ 25 ]. In addition, an aberrant subclavian artery may arise from a dilated trunk, termed a diverticulum of Kommerel. This is a true aneurysm that likely results from an embryo­logical remnant of a separate, incompletely formed aortic arch. Both the double aortic arch and the right arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery represent vascular rings. In the latter case, the ring is completed by the ligamentum arterio­sum. Clinically signifi cant atherosclerotic occlusive compli­cation rates resulting from aberrant subclavian arteries are likely similar to rates of atherosclerotic complications observed in normal arteries, although aberrant subclavian arteries are more prone to aneurysmal degeneration.
Anatomically, the subclavian artery is divided into proxi­mal, middle, and distal portions. The proximal portion of the subclavian artery is defi ned as the portion medial to the ante­rior scalene muscle. The mid portion of the subclavian artery is located posterior to the anterior scalene muscle and usu­ally contains the most cranial portion of the subclavian arch. The distal portion of the subclavian artery lies lateral to the lateral border of the anterior scalene muscle and ends at the lateral border of the fi rst rib. At this point the subclavian artery changes name to become the axillary artery.
The vertebral artery is usually the fi rst vessel that arises from the subclavian artery and most commonly arises from the
Table 17.1 Advantages of CT angiography in patients with peripheral arterial disease prior to endovascular interventions
1. Selection of patients for endovascular versus open surgical revascularization.
2. Vascular access selection.
3. Lesion characterization (thrombus, degree of calcifi cation, lesion length, vessel size).
4. Arterial vascular infl ow and outfl ow.
5. Selection of interventional angiographic views and angulations.
6. Equipment selection based on lesion characteristics and vessel size (thrombolysis, sheaths, wires, balloons, stents, atherectomy, distal embolic protection).
7. Decreased contrast use.
8. Decreased radiation exposure.
9. Evaluation of extravascular arterial disease (popliteal entrapment, cystic adventitial disease, bony exostosis, thoracic outlet syndrome).
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fi rst portion of the subclavian artery, usually within 1.2–2.5 cm of the vessel origin. The other vessels include the internal mammary artery (Fig. 17.8 ), thyrocervical trunk, and costo- cervical trunk. These vessels also most commonly arise from the fi rst portion of the subclavian artery and are usually clus­tered near the medial border of the anterior scalene muscle.
At the lateral border of the fi rst rib, the subclavian artery transitions to become the axillary artery, which proceeds to predominantly supply arterial blood fl ow to the upper chest wall and the proximal portion of the upper extremity. In the case of axillary artery occlusion proximal to the origin of the subscapular artery, collateral fl ow may be provided through chest wall and scapular collaterals. By defi nition, the axillary artery ends at the lateral border of the teres major, where it changes name to become the brachial artery. The axillary artery is surrounded by the brachial plexus.
The brachial artery is the main vessel to the upper extrem­ity. Most commonly, the brachial artery gives off a profunda branch in the upper portion of the upper extremity. Below the elbow, the brachial artery usually trifurcates into a radial artery laterally and a common trunk that gives off an interos­seous artery and an ulnar artery medially. In 15 % of patients, the brachial artery gives off the radial artery proximal to the elbow as it courses in the upper arm. The radial or ulnar artery may rarely arise aberrantly from the axillary artery. There is a close relationship with the median nerve which normally runs just medial to the brachial artery throughout the upper arm. The median nerve may overlie the brachial artery rendering it vulnerable to injury during brachial artery access.
Lower Extremity
The aortic bifurcation most commonly occurs at the level of the L4 vertebral body, although some patients may have an unusually high aortic bifurcation as a normal variant. The common iliac arteries are usually 4–5 cm in length, although the right common iliac artery is usually slightly longer than the left. The common iliac arteries course medial to the psoas muscles and beneath the ureters to the inferior pelvic brim before bifurcating into external and internal branches. The common iliac artery may give rise to an iliolumbar trunk, which can be a source of endoleak in patients who have undergone aortic aneurysm repair. Accessory renal arteries may rarely arise from the common iliac arteries, especially when a pelvic or ptotic kidney is present.
The internal iliac artery runs posteriorly from the com­mon iliac artery, and subsequently gives off anterior and pos­terior divisions. The main branch of the posterior division is the superior gluteal artery, which exits the sciatic foramen. The posterior division may also give rise to an iliolumbar artery. The anterior division gives off several important branches including the internal pudendal artery, and the uter­ine artery in women. The external iliac artery courses more anteriorly in comparison to the internal iliac artery. Below the inguinal ligament, it changes name to become the com­mon femoral artery. Vascular landmarks for the inguinal lig­ament are the origins of the deep circumfl ex iliac artery and the inferior extent of the inferior epigastric artery, which also mark the delineation between external iliac artery and
Fig. 17.7 On this CT scan of the chest performed to evaluate for an etiology of shortness of breath, a right-sided aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery ( white arrow ) is incidentally noted. This is shown on the transverse view ( a ) and volume rendered ( b ) view
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