Multidetector computed tomographic angiography evaluation of micropig major systemic vessels for xenotransplantation

Abstract

Due primarily to the increasing shortage of allogeneic donor organs, xenotransplantation has become the focus of a growing field of research. Currently, micropigs are the most suitable donor animal for humans. However, no standard method has been developed to evaluate the systemic vascular anatomy of micropigs and standard reference values to aid in the selection of normal healthy animals as potential organ donors are lacking. Using 64-channel multidetector row computed tomographic angiography (MDCTA), we evaluated morphological features of the major systemic vessels in micropigs and compared our results to published human data. The main vasculature of the animals was similar to that of humans, except for the iliac arterial system. However, diameters of the major systemic vessels were significantly different between micropigs and humans. Specifically, the diameter of the aortic arch, abdominal aorta, external iliac artery, and femoral artery, were measured as 1.50 ± 0.07 cm, 0.85 ± 0.06 cm, 0.52 ± 0.05 cm, and 0.48 ± 0.05 cm, respectively, in the micropigs. This MDCTA data for micropig major systemic vessels can be used as standard reference values for xenotransplantation studies. The use of 64-channel MDCTA enables accurate evaluation of the major systemic vasculature in micropigs.

Fig. 1

Volume-rendering image showing both the right and left common carotid arteries.

Fig. 2

Coronal maximum intensity projection showing the normal structure of the aortic arch including the ascending/descending thoracic aorta.

Fig. 3

Post-anterior views of the coronal maximum intensity projection (A) and the volume-rendered image (B) showing abdominal artery in the micropig. AA: abdominal aorta, CHA: common hepatic artery, SA: splenic artery.

Fig. 4

Coronal maximum intensity projection (A) and 3D-CTA images (B) of the pelvic region vascular system.