Effect of popliteal artery anatomy on selecting monitor level in lower extremity peripheral arterial computed tomography angiography / 第二军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the popliteal artery anatomy courses at different levels of knee using computed tomography angiography (CTA) scan, so as to explore the best CTA monitoring level in lower limb popliteal artery. Methods A retrospective analysis of popliteal artery images was conducted in 47 (94 sides) diabetic patients from May 2012 to April 2013. The image data were divided into three groups, namely, the upper edge (group A), the middle portion (group B) and the lower edge (group C) of the patella. The relation between popliteal artery and popliteal vein was analyzed and the occurrence of popliteal artery plaqueswas evaluated. Results In group A, 76 sides of popliteal artery were observed in the anteromedian of the popliteal vein, 11 sides in the front, 1 side in the anterolateral, 1 side in the lateral of the popliteal vein, and 5 sides were unclear due to disturbance by other vessels. In group B, 68 sides of popliteal artery were recorded in the anteromedian of the popliteal vein, 10 sides in the front, 3 sides in the anterolateral, 1 side in the posterior of the popliteal vein, and 12 sides were unclear due to disturbance by other vessels. In group C, 41 sides of popliteal artery were found in the anteromedianof the popliteal vein, 17 sides in the front, 4 sides in the anterolateral, 1 side in the lateral, 2 sides in the posterior of the popliteal vein, and 29 sides were unclear due to disturbance by other vessels. Results of χ2 test indicated that the stability of the popliteal artery in group A and B was significantly higher (P<0. 05) and the vascular disturbance was significantly less (P<0. 05) than those in group C. The incidence of plaque in group A (44. 68%, 42/94) was significantly higher than that in group B (25. 53%, 24/94, P<0. 05). Conclusion Themedian patella level is the best CTA monitoring level for lower limb popliteal artery. When the popliteal artery at the median patella level is hard to identify, the upper edge level of the patella can be chosen as an alternative.