The celiac trunk is the very short segment of the celiac artery between its origin from the aorta and its trifurcation into the left gastric, splenic, and common hepatic arteries. On ultrasound, the celiac trunk can usually be visualized in the sagittal plane as it arises from the anterior surface of the aorta, just below the diaphragm, and in the transverse plane as it branches into its three divisions. This vessel is an important landmark in abdominal ultrasound, helping sonographers orient themselves and locate surrounding structures. Doppler evaluation of the celiac trunk is part of mesenteric arterial studies used to evaluate patients with chronic abdominal pain after eating, which may suggest mesenteric ischemia.
Sonography Term