The celiac artery, also called the celiac trunk, is the first major branch of the abdominal aorta below the diaphragm. It is a short vessel that quickly divides into three branches: the left gastric artery supplying the stomach, the splenic artery supplying the spleen and pancreas, and the common hepatic artery supplying the liver and gallbladder. In abdominal Doppler ultrasound, the celiac artery is evaluated for stenosis, which can be caused by atherosclerosis or compression by the median arcuate ligament. Normal celiac artery peak systolic velocity is typically below 200 centimeters per second, and elevated velocities suggest narrowing that may require further investigation.
Sonography Term