Preoperative Identification of Adamkiewicz Artery in Pediatric Posterior Thoracic Tumors: Fact or Fiction? A Systematic Review from the International Society of Pediatric Surgical Oncology (IPSO)

In brief

This systematic review examines whether preoperative identification of the Adamkiewicz artery improves surgical outcomes in children with posterior thoracic tumors, particularly neuroblastoma. The study evaluates impact on achieving complete tumor resection while minimizing neurologic complications from spinal cord ischemia.

• Preoperative identification of the Adamkiewicz artery may reduce spinal cord ischemia risk during posterior thoracic tumor resection.
• The artery of Adamkiewicz supplies critical blood flow to the anterior spinal cord in the lower thoracic region.
• Complete macroscopic excision of neuroblastoma must be balanced against risk of neurologic complications from vascular injury.
• Advanced imaging techniques can map spinal vascular anatomy before resecting posterior mediastinal masses in children.
• Systematic review evaluates whether preoperative arterial mapping improves surgical outcomes in pediatric thoracic oncology.

Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.