Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42611071›Full record

SynthesisSurgical and radiologic anatomy : SRA2026

The evolving role of computed tomography angiography in superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap mapping from anatomy to surgery: a systematic review.

Zhongchong Liu, Zhaoqin Liu, Lei Han, Xiaojun Zhu, Xiwei Zhang, Liangcheng Ding

Abstract readSystematic Review
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Surgical and radiologic anatomy : SRA, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Zhongchong LiuDepartment of Medical Imaging, The 80th-Group Army Hospital of PLA, No. 256, Beigong Road, Weifang, 261000, Shandong, China.
Zhaoqin LiuDepartment of Medical Imaging, The 80th-Group Army Hospital of PLA, No. 256, Beigong Road, Weifang, 261000, Shandong, China.
Lei HanDepartment of Medical Imaging, The 80th-Group Army Hospital of PLA, No. 256, Beigong Road, Weifang, 261000, Shandong, China.
Xiaojun ZhuDepartment of Medical Imaging, The 80th-Group Army Hospital of PLA, No. 256, Beigong Road, Weifang, 261000, Shandong, China.
Xiwei ZhangDepartment of Medical Imaging, The 80th-Group Army Hospital of PLA, No. 256, Beigong Road, Weifang, 261000, Shandong, China.
Liangcheng DingDongying Peoples Hospital, No. 317, Nanyi Road, Dongying, 257091, Shandong, China. adlc2322309@163.com.

Funding

Science and Technology Bureau of Weifang City NO. 2025YX079
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeThe reliable application of the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flaps is frequently hindered by significant anatomical variability in its vascular supply. Preoperative mapping through computed tomography angiography (CTA) has become an essential method for visualizing perforator pathways, potentially enhancing the safety and precision of flap harvesting. Nevertheless, discrepancies in imaging protocols and interpretations have restricted the standardization of CTA utilization. This systematic review seeks to assess the consistency and clinical utility of CTA in delineating SCIP vasculature and its influence on surgical outcomes in SCIP flaps reconstruction.

methodsA systematic search and data processing were carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines. Patient demographics, the characteristics and outcomes of flaps, and the characteristics of SCIP based on CTA were analyzed.

resultsFourteen articles involving 876 patients and the regions of 1752 groin were included in the analysis. CTA, particularly multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) utilizing axial, maximum intensity projection (MIP), and three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions, consistently identified key anatomical features of the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA). These included the origin of SCIA, its branching pattern into superficial and deep perforators, courses, fascial penetration points, and spatial relationships with adjacent vascular structures. Preoperative CTA mapping guided the design and harvesting of 391 SCIP flaps, encompassing free, pedicled, chimeric, and other specialized types. Outcome data were accessible for 368 cases, revealing a flap survival rate of 96.74% and a complication rate of 14.65%.

conclusionsThe visualization of the SCIA origin and its anatomical context within the surrounding vascular network through MDCT is reliable. This modality significantly enhances the safety and success of SCIP flap reconstruction, especially for the harvesting of chimeric and combined flaps.

Indexed as

Computed Tomography AngiographyIliac ArteryPerforator FlapPlastic Surgery ProceduresHumansImaging, Three-DimensionalPreoperative CareComputed tomography angiographyMappingSCIP flapsSuperficial circumflex iliac artery perforator

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.