Analysis of morphometric characteristics of aortic bifurcation: Computed tomography angiography study

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the diameter and angle of the aortic bifurcation (AB) and its level in relation to the lumbar vertebra to provide useful information to surgeons interested in this region and contribute to the existing literature.Material and Methods: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) images of 299 patients (156 females, 143 males) retrieved from Gaziantep University Hospital archives were reviewed.The long-and short-axis diameters of the AB were measured on two-dimensional images.The internal and external angles and the vertebral level of the AB were measured on three-dimensional reconstructions.Results: The mean age of patients was 49.85 ± 18.74 years (range: 5 -89).AB was most commonly observed at the middle L4 level (25.76%).The mean shortaxis diameter of the AB was 1.29±0.26cm, and the long-axis diameter of the AB was 1.92 ± 0.62 cm.Both diameter values were significantly greater in males than in females (p<0.05).The mean internal angle of the AB was 41.74±10.81°,and the mean external angle of the AB was 36.97±4.85°,with no significant difference between sexes (p>0.05).While the short-axis diameter of the AB and both internal and external angle values showed a very weak positive correlation with age, a moderate positive correlation was found between the long-axis diameter of the AB and age (0<r<0.2;p<0.05).Discussion: Providing further insight into the morphology and morphometry of the AB, this study is expected to be useful in preoperative assessment and stent selection in anterior lumbar spine surgeries and endovascular aortic repair treatments.