PhD Scientific Days 2025

Poster Session III. - V: Cardiovascular Medicine and Research

The Influence of Vessel Geometry on Steno-Occlusive and Dilatative Pathologies of the Common Iliac Artery

Name of the presenter

Szőnyi Ádám

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Semmelweis University, Heart and Vascular Centre

Authors

Dr. Ádám Szőnyi¹

1: Semmelweis University, Heart and Vascular Centre

Text of the abstract

Introduction: Among the various factors influencing the clinical outcomes of common iliac artery pathologies, the role of geometrical characteristics is not fully established.

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the relation between vessel geometry and the presence of steno-occlusive and dilatative pathologies affecting the common iliac artery (CIA).

Methods: This retrospective, single-center study included 100 participants: 60 patients with unilateral, isolated common iliac artery pathology, comprising 20 with stenosis, 20 with occlusion, and 20 with aneurysm, and 40 control subjects with no common iliac artery pathology. All participants underwent abdominal and pelvic computed tomography angiography, followed by three-dimensional reconstruction of the aortoiliac region. Arterial elongation was quantified using a custom Python-based program that calculated the tortuosity index (TI) and absolute average curvature (AAC). Aortic bifurcation geometry was analyzed through measurements of iliac take-off, iliac planarity, and aortic bifurcation angles. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA, chi-square tests, t-tests, Wilcoxon tests, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and multivariate linear regression.

Results: In patients with occlusion, TI and AAC values were significantly elevated on the contralateral side (p < 0.001). In contrast, AAC values were higher on the ipsilateral side in patients with CIA aneurysms (p = 0.001). Both TI and AAC were significantly greater in the aneurysm group compared to other groups (p < 0.001). Age was a significant determinant of all elongation parameters (p < 0.010), except for the TI of the infrarenal aorta. Additionally, iliac AAC values showed a significant association with obesity (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in aortic bifurcation geometry across the study groups.

Conclusion: Iliac artery occlusions tend to develop in relatively straight arterial segments, whereas unilateral CIA aneurysms occur more commonly in elongated aortoiliac systems.

Funding: Supported by the 2024-2.1.1-EKÖP-2024-00004 university research scholarship programme of the Ministry for Culture and Innovation from the source of the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund.