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Variations of the popliteal artery branching with multidetector CT angiography

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Abstract

Objective

To date the anatomy of the popliteal artery variations using multidetector-row computed tomography angiography (MD CTA) was not assessed. The objective of this study is to establish 3D CT anatomy of the popliteal artery variations.

Materials and methods

A total of 126 lower limbs that underwent CTA using 64-detector MDCT were retrospectively reviewed. The anatomical variations of the distal popliteal artery branching were assessed.

Results

Ninety-seven lower limbs (83.6 %) had the usual branching pattern (type 1 A) with tibialis anterior artery (TA) arising first followed by the tibial-peroneal trunk, which then gives rise to the tibialis posterior artery (TP) and peroneal artery. Variations in popliteal branching pattern were seen in 19 (16.4 %) limbs. The commonest variation was first branch of the TP in 5 (4.4 %) of the limbs (type 1 C) or high origin with anterior course of popliteus muscle of the TA in 5 (4.4 %) limbs (type 2 A II).

Conclusion

Many variations exist in the running patterns of the branching pattern of the popliteal artery. Knowledge of the branching pattern of the popliteal artery will be beneficial to radiologist for the evaluation of CT angiograms and interventional vascular procedures, and to vascular surgeons for various surgical approaches. MD CTA provides noninvasive means of assessing distal popliteal artery variations.

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Conflict of interest

I certify that there is no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this article. All other authors have no conflicts of interest.

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Institutional ethics committee approval was obtained prior to the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Balikesir University, Cagis Yerleskesi, Bigadic yolu üzeri 17.km Altieylul, Balıkesir, Turkey

    Bahar Yanik, Erdogan Bulbul & Gulen Demirpolat

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  1. Bahar Yanik
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  2. Erdogan Bulbul
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  3. Gulen Demirpolat
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Correspondence to Erdogan Bulbul.

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Yanik, B., Bulbul, E. & Demirpolat, G. Variations of the popliteal artery branching with multidetector CT angiography. Surg Radiol Anat 37, 223–230 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-014-1346-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-014-1346-y

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