Evaluation of left gastric vein in Chinese healthy adults with multi-detector computed tomography

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To evaluate the classification and diameter of left gastric vein (LGV) in healthy Chinese adults with multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT).

Methods: MDCT angiography was performed in 234 healthy adults for the portal venous system. CT cross-sectional thin-layer reconstruction combined with maximum intensity projection, volume rendering and multiplanar reconstruction were applied. The diameter of LGV was measured at the point within 2 cm from LGV origination.

Results: Of 234 subjects, 11 subjects (4.70%) who did not have clear images were excluded, and 223 subjects (95.30%) with excellent images were included. The LGV was originated from the portal vein in 46.15%, splenic vein in 30.77%, portal splenic angle in 14.53%, and the left branch of the portal vein in 3.85%. The maximal diameter of LGV was 4.74 ± 0.84 mm with a 95% confidence interval of 4.63–4.85 mm, and the LGV diameter was positively correlated with the weight of patients (R = 0.26, P = 0.006). No significant difference existed in the maximal diameter of LGV at different origination sites (P = 0.35). The diameter of LGV was significantly greater in males than in females (4.90 ± 0.85 vs. 4.56 ± 0.80 mm, P = 0.002), and the maximal diameter of LGV was significantly (P = 0.02) greater in the age range of 30–39 and 40–49 years than in the range of >70 years. No statistical significance (P = 0.36) was detected in the other groups.

Conclusion: MDCT can clearly display the detailed anatomy and variation of LGV in healthy adults, providing a normal range of LGV diameter for clinical reference for diagnosing possible portal hypertension and for possible intervention.

KEYWORDS:

• Left gastric vein
• classification
• diameter
• computed tomography
• esophageal varices

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.