The Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Anatomic Features of Internal Carotid Artery-Ophthalmic Artery.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nThis research aimed at exploring the measurement of anatomic parameters of internal carotid artery-ophthalmic artery (ICA-OA) and the clinical significance with 3-dimensional (3D) separating, fusing, opacifying, false-coloring, and volume rendering (SFOF-VR) technique.\n\n\nMETHODS\nA total of 109 patients with no significant lesions in ICA-OA were randomly selected, including 56 males and 53 females, who were divided into 3 groups: young age group (18-40 years, n\u200a=\u200a36), middle age group (41-60 years, n\u200a=\u200a40) and old age group (>60 years, n\u200a=\u200a33). The 3D images were constructed by AW 4.6 workstation, and the anatomic parameters were measured. The SFOF-VR technique explicitly displayed ICA, OA, and their concomitant relationship with ophthalmic nerves (ONs) and adjacent structures. The study protocol was approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of Shaanxi Provincial People s Hospital and all patients have signed consent forms.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe diameters of initial segment of left and right ophthalmic ICA (ICA-C6) were 3.58\u200a±\u200a0.51\u200amm and 3.58\u200a±\u200a0.43\u200amm, respectively; the diameters of the left and right OA were 1.16\u200a±\u200a0.16\u200amm and 1.15\u200a±\u200a0.19\u200amm, respectively; the lengths of left and right ICA-C6 were 10.43\u200a±\u200a2.08\u200amm and 10.01\u200a±\u200a2.32\u200amm, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between bilateral ICA-C6 lengths, right ICA-C6 diameter, right OA diameter, and OA-ON space between male and female.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nThe SFOF-VR technique can distinctly present the structures of ICA-OA and adjacent tissues, providing valuable information for surgical operation. The 3D computed tomography data about ICA-OA can enrich references for basic and clinical researches.