Simultaneous Evaluation of the Whole Aorta and Artery of Adamkiewicz by MDCT

Recent technical advancement has allowed simultaneous visualization of the artery of Adamkiewicz and whole aorta by multidetector-row-CT (MDCT). Although we could visualize the artery of Adamkiewicz in a high percentage of patients with thoracoabdominal aortic diseases, CT scanning with an adequate protocol and careful post-processing are necessary for accurate evaluation. Noninvasive evaluation of the artery of Adamkiewicz is useful in planning surgery. Preoperative evaluation of the intercostal arterial level from which the artery of Adamkiewicz originates is reportedly important for preventing postoperative spinal cord ischemia. Although, the usefulness of preoperative information on the artery of Adamkiewicz is still controversial, preoperative identification of the artery of Adamkiewicz by imaging has gradually spread since our first report, and has been included in preoperative evaluation items at many institutions, revealing its contribution to improvement in surgical results. (*English Translation of J Jpn Coll Angiol, 2004, 44: 693-699.).