Helical CT anatomy of pancreatic arteries.

BACKGROUND

To assess the frequency of visualization of pancreatic arteries in the arterial phase of helical computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

The visibility of pancreatic and peripancreatic arteries in helical CT images was evaluated in 20 consecutive patients who had no evidence of pancreatic disease. CT examinations were performed by using a continuously rotating CT scanner and intravenous injection of contrast media. The scans were taken 35 s after the start of injection and with a table speed of 3 mm/s. Images were reconstructed in 3-mm section increments.

RESULTS

Frequently visualized arteries were the gastroduodenal, anterior and posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal, and right gastroepiploic arteries. Infrequently visualized arteries were the dorsal pancreatic, pancreatica magna, caudal pancreatic, transverse pancreatic, and common, anterior, and posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries.

CONCLUSION

Helical CT enabled us to recognize small pancreatic arteries, and the evaluation of these arteries should be considered in the staging of pancreatic carcinoma.