Abstract: Objective To retrospective study the morphological features of normal aortic arch in population of Tianjin area by computed tomography angiography (CTA). Methods From Jan 2016 to Dec 2016, 142 volunteers undergoing thoracic aorta CTA in our institution were retrospectively reviewed. In each patient, 10 measurements were made in GE AW4.6 workstation, including diameters, distances, and angles of branch vessels of aortic arch. SPSS statistical software was used to analyze data. Results The diameter of the origin of brachiocephalic trunk (BCT) D1 was (15.2 ± 3.0) mm, left common carotid artery (LCCA) D2 was (11.8±2.2) mm and left subclavian artery (LSA) D3 was (13.6±1.9) mm. The distance between the BCT and the LCCA (E1) was (4.0±2.5) mm, between the LCCA and the LSA (E2) was (8.2±3.7) mm. The angle between the BCT and arch (α) was 29.5°±14.4°, between the LCCA and arch (β) was 40.3°±17.5°, between the LSA and arch γ was 57.9°±21.6°. The angle formed by BCT, LCCA, and LSA(Φ) was 144.1°±10.1°. The distance between center of LCCA ostia and line between center of ostia of BCT and LSA (L) was (4.5±1.2 )mm. Values of D2 and D3 were larger in male than that in female. In the three age groups of 19-40 y, 41-60 y and ≥61 y, values of D1 increased gradually, while α and γ decreased gradually. When in the two age groups of 41-60 y and ≥61 y, values of D2, D3, E2 and L were significantly larger than those in the age group of 19-40 y, while Φ was smaller (P＜0.05). Conclusion The data obtained by this study on the diameter and angle of branching vessels arising from the normal aortic arch may provide support for various studies of endovascular repair of aortic arch.

Key words: aorta, thoracic, angiography, tomography, X-ray computed, anatomy, aortic arch, computed tomography angiography