Kaan ÇİMEN, Nisa BASPINAR
Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine - 2026;9(5):1249-1255
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 derece in females and 64.20+/-23.08 derece 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.
