Preoperative Localization of Adamkiewicz Arteries and Their Origins by Using MDCT Angiography
Wiwithawan Sukeeyamanon MD*, Thanongchai Siriapisith MD*, Jitladda Wasinrat MD*
Affiliation : * Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : To evaluate the ability of thoraco-abdominal MDCT angiography to visualize Adamkiewicz arteries for preoperative
planning in patients diagnosed with aortic disease.
Material and Method: The present study retrospectively reviewed clinical data from 73 patients who underwent a thoraco-
abdominal 64-slice MDCT angiography. The Adamkiewicz artery was evaluated on multiplanar reformation images in each
case. The visualization of the Adamkiewicz artery, level of origin, side of origin and continuation from an intercostal artery
was investigated.
Results : The Adamkiewicz arteries were visualized in 52 of the 73 patients (71.2%), and the total number of the delineated
Adamkiewicz arteries was 64. Two Adamkiewicz arteries were found in nine patients (17.3%). Four Adamkiewicz arteries
were found in one patient (1.9%). Most of the delineated arteries arose from the T9-L2 levels (89.1%). A left side of origin was
found in 41 of 64 arteries (64.1%), and a right side of origin was found in 23 of 64 arteries (35.9%). Only 12 of 64 delineated
arteries (18.8%) showed continuity from their origins to the anterior radiculomedullary artery.
Conclusion : The preoperative detection rate of the Adamkiewicz artery with the routine technique of 64-slice MDCT
angiography was 71.2%. The preoperative location of the Adamkiewicz artery may help to reduce the risk of perioperative
ischemic changes in the spinal cord.
Keywords : Adamkiewicz arteries, MDCT angiography, Preoperative evaluation image visualization
