Mesenteric arterial insufficiency following abdominal aortic resection

The importance of the Moskowitz artery as a lesser-known collateral pathway in the medial laparoscopic approach to splenic flexure mobilisation and its evaluation with preoperative computed tomography

INTRODUCTION

The collateral pathways between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) play an important role in colonic surgery. The most well-known are the Drummond marginal artery and Riolan's arch. The Moskowitz artery, also known as the meandering mesenteric artery, is a lesser-known collateral pathway and represents another link between SMA and IMA. The Moskowitz artery runs along the colonic mesentery floor and represents the link between the proximal segment of the middle colic artery and the ascending branch of the left colic artery.

AIM

To comprehend the presence and importance of the Moskowitz artery (meandering mesenteric artery) in preoperative patients by using computed tomography (CT) studies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all abdominal CT images performed using intravenous contrast for any reason at the Radiology Department of Yeditepe University Hospital between April 2015 and September 2018. Patients older than 18 years with intravenous contrast (arterial and venous phases with a cross-section thickness of 0.625 mm), who underwent abdominal CT scan, and patients without any abdominal surgery were included in the study. As a result of the screening, 109 CT scans with eligibility criteria were included in this study.

RESULTS

There were 109 cases in this study; 50 (45.9%) of them were male and 59 (54.1%) were female. Moskowitz artery was found in 18 (16.5%) cases; 8 were males and 10 were females. Riolan's arch was present in 30 cases, of whom 15 were male and 15 were female. In our study Moskowitz artery and Riolan's arch were monitored as separate vascular structures, and in all cases with Moskowitz artery, Riolan's arch was also present. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the combined MCA emerging type and the presence of MA, and 12 cases with combined branch and 6 cases with single branch had Moskowitz artery. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between LCA types and the presence of MA, and the Moskowitz artery was the most common seen at type 1 LCA.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of the relationship between Riolan's arch and the Moskowitz artery is valuable, and preoperative evaluation of this artery may be beneficial in the presence of Riolan's arch. In addition, preoperative radiological evaluation and its importance are prominent in minimising intraoperative bleeding during splenic flexure mobilisation with a medial laparoscopic approach and reducing the risk of colorectal anastomosis leakage.

Importance of the Moskowitz artery in the laparoscopic medial approach to splenic flexure mobilization: a cadaveric study

BACKGROUND

The medial approach in laparoscopic splenic flexure mobilization is based on the entrance to the lesser sac just above the ventral edge of the pancreas (VEOP). The artery of Moskowitz runs through the base of the mesocolon, just above the VEOP. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of the artery of Moskowitz, its route and its distance from the VEOP.

METHODS

We performed a cadaveric study on 27 human cadavers. The vascular arcades of the splenic flexure were dissected, the number of vascular arches, and the origin and localization of its terminal anastomosis were recorded. The splenic flexure avascular space (SFAS) was defined as the avascular zone in the mesocolon delimited by the VEOP, middle colic artery, ascending branch of the left colic artery and the vascular arch of the splenic flexure nearest to the VEOP and was quantified as the distance between the VEOP and the most proximal arch RESULTS: The artery of Drummond was identified in 100% of the cadavers. In 5 of 27 (18%) Riolan's arch was present, and in 3 of 27 (11%) the Moskowitz artery was found. The mean distance from the VEOP to the artery of Moskowitz was 0.3 cm (SD 0.04). This vascular arch travelled from the origin of the middle colic artery to the distal third of the ascending branch of the left colic artery. The SFAS was greater (p = 0.001) in cadavers that only presented the artery of Drummond (mean 6.8 cm; SD 1.25) than in those with Riolan's arch (mean 4.5 cm; SD 0.5) CONCLUSIONS: In the medial approach for laparoscopic mobilization of the splenic flexure, when only one of the arches is present, the avascular area is an extensive and secure territory. If the artery of Moskowitz is present, the area is nonexistent and this would contraindicate the approach due to risk of iatrogenic bleeding. A radiological preoperatory study could be essential for accurate and safe surgery in this area.

Riolan's arch: confusing, misnomer, and obsolete. A literature survey of the connection(s) between the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries

BACKGROUND

There are 2 interpretations of Riolan's arch: (1) Riolan's arch is identical to a central part of the marginal artery (MA), connecting the superior (SMA) and the inferior mesenteric (IMA) arteries; and (2) Riolan's arch represents a rare artery, connecting the SMA and the IMA. The current review aims to emphasize the clinical importance of the colon's vasculature and to show the feasibility of abolishing the terms "Riolan's arch" and "meandering mesenteric artery."

METHODS

A literature survey was performed.

RESULTS

It appears that no distinct identity can be ascribed to Riolan's arch and that the "meandering mesenteric artery" represents an angiographically hypertrophied MA and/or the ascending branch of the left colic artery. However, a rare, centrally located, communicating artery has been described. Generally, the MA is sufficient for left colic circulation after ligation of the IMA, but at the splenic flexure, patency of the ascending branch of the left colic artery can be primordial.

CONCLUSION

As connections between the SMA and the IMA can be adequately described using structures mentioned in Terminologica Anatomica, the terms "Riolan's arch" and "meandering mesenteric artery" should be abolished.

The meandering mesenteric artery: a historic review and surgical implications

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to review the literature regarding collateral mesenteric circulation with emphasis on the mesenteric meandering artery (of Moskowitz). Standard vascular embryology and anatomy are described as are the collateral mesenteric vessels that can develop with arterial stenosis or occlusion. A discussion on the correct usage of terms for describing mesenteric collateral vessels follows.

METHODS

We undertook review of the historical literature to discuss the surgical implications of the meandering mesenteric artery.

RESULTS

Despite a long history of study by anatomists and surgeons, confusion still persists regarding both the number and correct descriptive terminology of the collateral mesenteric vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the vague historic term "arc of Riolan" should be discarded for the more precise term "meandering mesenteric artery." The meandering mesenteric artery should routinely be preserved in all surgical procedures, to include resection for cancer, given its critical function in providing collateral mesenteric circulation. Further evaluation in the asymptomatic patient, however, is unnecessary.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of visceral arterial stenoses: results and long-term clinical follow-up

PURPOSE

To determine the efficacy and safety of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the visceral arteries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the results of PTA performed in 20 visceral arteries in 19 patients (10 men, nine women; mean age, 63 years). Eleven patients had symptoms characteristic of mesenteric ischemia, four had atypical abdominal pain, and four were undergoing prophylactic dilation before undergoing another procedure involving the abdominal aorta. Clinical follow-up was possible in all patients.

RESULTS

PTA was technically successful in 15 of 19 patients (79%); among these 15 patients, 12 (80%) did well clinically. Of the seven PTA procedures that were immediate failures, five failed secondary to an occult malignancy or to extrinsic arterial compression by the median arcuate ligament. Ten (83%) of the 12 patients in whom the procedures were immediate clinical successes are still clinically improved at 4-73 months follow-up (mean, 25 months). PTA was successful in only one of the four patients who had symptoms atypical of mesenteric ischemia, but it was successful in 11 of the 15 patients who had symptoms of mesenteric ischemia or who underwent prophylactic dilation. Major complications occurred in three (16%) of the 19 patients.

CONCLUSION

PTA of visceral artery stenoses is effective in patients with symptoms of mesenteric ischemia. It is also effective as prophylaxis in patients undergoing additional procedures in the abdominal aorta.

Management of chronic visceral ischemia

The triad of postprandial pain, weight loss, and diarrhea are the hallmarks of abdominal angina. An anastomotic meandering mesenteric artery noted on frontal arteriogram is valuable in signaling significant disease, but lateral views are the sine qua non for diagnosis. Early surgical correction either by local endarterectomy or bypass of a stenotic or occluded segment and accurate selection of cases results in long-term correction of the intestinal ischemia. When advanced occlusive disease of the mesenteric arteries is noted on the preoperative arteriogram of patients selected for aortoiliofemoral, renal artery, or aortic aneurysm reconstructive surgery, concomitant reconstitution of the mesenteric vascular circulation is advisable. It is our opinion that such an approach can be a significant deterrent to subsequent catastrophic bowel infarction from mesenteric arterial occlusive disease.

Severe leg ischaemia caused by anterior resection of the rectum

A 45-year-old man developed severe leg ischaemia following anterior resection for rectal carcinoma. A previously unrecognized infrarenal aortic occlusion was also present. Division of important collateral arterial pathways during the anterior resection was the cause of ischaemia which contributed to the patient's death. Patients having rectal or colonic resection should be carefully assessed for aortoiliac occlusive disease. Extra-anatomical arterial reconstruction before the bowel resection would avoid this complication.

The aorto-iliac steal: a review of this syndrome and a report of one additional case

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Intestinal ischemic syndromes

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