Abstract

To quantify respiration-induced deformations of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), left renal artery (LRA), and right renal artery (RRA) in patients with small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).Sixteen men with AAAs (age 73 y ± 7) were imaged with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography during inspiratory and expiratory breath-holds. Centerline paths of the aorta and visceral arteries were acquired by geometric modeling and segmentation techniques. Vessel translations and changes in branching angle and curvature resulting from respiration were computed from centerline paths.With expiration, the SMA, LRA, and RRA bifurcation points translated superiorly by 12.4mm ± 9.5, 14.5mm ± 8.8, and 12.7mm ± 6.4 (P < .001), and posteriorly by 2.2mm ± 2.7, 4.9mm ± 4.2, and 5.6mm ± 3.9 (P < .05), respectively, and the SMA translated rightward by 3.9mm ± 4.9 (P < .01). With expiration, the SMA, LRA, and RRA angled upward by 9.7° ± 6.4, 7.5° ± 7.8, and 4.9° ± 5.3, respectively (P < .005). With expiration, mean curvature increased by 0.02mm(-1) ± 0.01, 0.01mm(-1) ± 0.01, and 0.01mm(-1) ± 0.01 in the SMA, LRA, and RRA, respectively (P < .05). For inspiration and expiration, RRA curvature was greater than in other vessels (P < .025).With expiration, the SMA, LRA, and RRA translated superiorly and posteriorly as a result of diaphragmatic motion, inducing upward angling of vessel branches and increased curvature. In addition, the SMA exhibited rightward translation with expiration. The RRA was significantly more tortuous, but deformed less than the other vessels during respiration.

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jvir.2013.04.006

View details for PubMedID 23796090

View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3694359