The anatomy of the inferior mesenteric artery: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

This evidence-based systematic review with meta-analysis aims to synthesize the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) variants including their origin level, branching patterns, and morphometric characteristics.

Materials and methods

The study adhered to the latest guidelines. Four online databases were used for the systematic review, and studies that reported the prevalence of IMA variants were considered eligible for inclusion. A statistical meta-analysis was conducted using R programming software with a random-effects model to calculate the pooled prevalence of the variants.

Results

Twenty-three (23) studies were included in this analysis. The IMA typically originated at the 3rd lumbar vertebra (L3) level, occurring in 70.16% of cases. The most common branching p

SUBMITTER: Triantafyllou G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12103349 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature