Abstract:

Objective To investigate the anatomical characteristics of predominant artery feeding pancreatic body and tail (PBT). Methods One hundred and eight patients with diabetes (61 males and 47 females) underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Selective DSA of the celiac trunk, gastroduodenal artery, and superior mesenteric artery were performed to localize the potential predominant feeding artery of the PBT. The feeding artery was catheterized and DSA was performed. All images were documented for later analysis. Results The feeding arteries for the PBT included the sole dorsal pancreatic artery (DPA, 58.3%), sole great pancreatic artery (GPA, 13.9%), both DPA and GPA (11.1%), and transverse pancreatic artery (TPA, 14.8%). The DPA originated from the first segment of the splenic artery (52.0%), common hepatic artery (21.3%), or superior mesenteric artery (24.0%). The GPA was mostly from the middle segment of the splenic artery (96.3%) The TPA was from either the gastroduodenal artery (68.8%) or the pancreaticoduodenal artery (31.2%). Conclusion The origins and identities of the predominant artery in the PBT are variable, which require comprehensive study before interventional therapy for diabetic patients.

Key words: Diabetes, Digital subtraction angiography, Pancreatic body and tail, Artery, Human