Morphometric evaluation of the vertebral origin level, aortomesenteric angle, and distance of the superior mesenteric artery using computed tomography angiography
Abstract
Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the vertebral origin level of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), the aortomesenteric angle (SMA-angle), and the aortomesenteric distance (SMA-distance) using computed tomography angiography (CTA) in adults and to investigate their relationship with age and gender.
Methods: This retrospective radiological anatomy study included abdominal CTA images of 1000 adults (500 females and 500 males) obtained between October 2021 and February 2024. The vertebral origin level of the SMA was determined relative to vertebral body subdivisions. The SMA-angle was measured in the sagittal plane and the SMA-distance in the axial plane at the level of the left renal vein. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Chi-square test, student’s t-test, ANOVA, and Mann-Whitney U test were applied where appropriate. Correlations between variables were evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis (p<0.05).
Results: The SMA originated between T12 and L2, most commonly at the L1-middle level in both females (31.8%) and males (35.2%). Significant gender differences were observed at the L1-upper and L1-lower levels (p=0.005). The mean SMA-angle was 58.69±23.36° in females and 64.20±23.08° in males (p=0.001). The mean SMA-distance was 12.54±5.97 mm in females and 15.32±7.16 mm in males (p=0.001). A positive correlation was found between the SMA-angle and distance. Age-related analysis demonstrated significant differences in both SMA-angle and SMA-distance among age groups, with the highest values observed in individuals aged 68-77 years.
Conclusion: The SMA most commonly originates at the L1 vertebral level. The aortomesenteric angle and distance were significantly greater in males and showed a positive correlation. These findings may provide reference values for normal populations and aid radiological evaluation of vascular compression syndromes.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Radiology and Organ Imaging
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
September 19, 2026
Submission Date
June 17, 2026
Acceptance Date
July 23, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 9 Number: 5
APA
Çimen, K., & Başpınar, N. (2026). Morphometric evaluation of the vertebral origin level, aortomesenteric angle, and distance of the superior mesenteric artery using computed tomography angiography. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine, 9(5), 1249-1255. https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1973449
AMA
1.Çimen K, Başpınar N. Morphometric evaluation of the vertebral origin level, aortomesenteric angle, and distance of the superior mesenteric artery using computed tomography angiography. J Health Sci Med / JHSM. 2026;9(5):1249-1255. doi:10.32322/jhsm.1973449
Chicago
Çimen, Kaan, and Nisa Başpınar. 2026. “Morphometric Evaluation of the Vertebral Origin Level, Aortomesenteric Angle, and Distance of the Superior Mesenteric Artery Using Computed Tomography Angiography”. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine 9 (5): 1249-55. https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1973449.
EndNote
Çimen K, Başpınar N (September 1, 2026) Morphometric evaluation of the vertebral origin level, aortomesenteric angle, and distance of the superior mesenteric artery using computed tomography angiography. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine 9 5 1249–1255.
IEEE
[1]K. Çimen and N. Başpınar, “Morphometric evaluation of the vertebral origin level, aortomesenteric angle, and distance of the superior mesenteric artery using computed tomography angiography”, J Health Sci Med / JHSM, vol. 9, no. 5, pp. 1249–1255, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.32322/jhsm.1973449.
ISNAD
Çimen, Kaan - Başpınar, Nisa. “Morphometric Evaluation of the Vertebral Origin Level, Aortomesenteric Angle, and Distance of the Superior Mesenteric Artery Using Computed Tomography Angiography”. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine 9/5 (September 1, 2026): 1249-1255. https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1973449.
JAMA
1.Çimen K, Başpınar N. Morphometric evaluation of the vertebral origin level, aortomesenteric angle, and distance of the superior mesenteric artery using computed tomography angiography. J Health Sci Med / JHSM. 2026;9:1249–1255.
MLA
Çimen, Kaan, and Nisa Başpınar. “Morphometric Evaluation of the Vertebral Origin Level, Aortomesenteric Angle, and Distance of the Superior Mesenteric Artery Using Computed Tomography Angiography”. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine, vol. 9, no. 5, Sept. 2026, pp. 1249-55, doi:10.32322/jhsm.1973449.
Vancouver
1.Kaan Çimen, Nisa Başpınar. Morphometric evaluation of the vertebral origin level, aortomesenteric angle, and distance of the superior mesenteric artery using computed tomography angiography. J Health Sci Med / JHSM. 2026 Sep. 1;9(5):1249-55. doi:10.32322/jhsm.1973449
