Iliac Artery (Human Anatomy): Image, Functions, Diseases and Treatments

The major artery known as the iliac artery is responsible for delivering blood to the pelvis and the legs. It originates from the abdominal aorta, which is the primary artery that distributes oxygenated blood from the heart to the other organs and tissues of the body, and it branches off from there.

There are two primary branches that come off of the iliac artery:

• The internal iliac artery and
• The external iliac artery.

Blood is delivered to the pelvic organs by the internal iliac artery, which includes the rectum, bladder, and either the uterus or the prostate. The blood that flows to the legs and feet comes from the external iliac artery.Pain in the pelvis or legs, tingling or weakness in the legs, and difficulty walking are just some of the symptoms that can be brought on by issues with the iliac artery. Blockages in the artery, which may be the source of these difficulties in some people and may be treated with medication, changes in lifestyle, or surgery, are just some of the options.

The iliac arteries run from the lower back to the lower abdomen. The iliac arteries begin their journey from the aorta above the kidneys and continue on via the lower back, pelvis, and legs.

There are two types of iliac arteries: the external iliac arteries and the common iliac arteries. The external iliac arteries run along the inside sides of the thighs and deliver blood to the legs, whereas the common iliac arteries supply blood to the pelvis.

Each common iliac artery branches off from the aorta and proceeds about 1 inch (three centimetres) downward. This is where it divides into the internal and external iliac arteries. More of your lower body can be supplied by these branching offs of the main iliac arteries.

Blood for the lower body is carried by two large arteries called the external iliac arteries, which branch out from the common iliac arteries in the pelvis. From the aorta, blood travels mostly through the common iliac arteries to the pelvis, legs, and feet. The external iliac arteries begin on the outer side of the pelvis and go downhill along the inner thigh.

Lower extremities receive oxygenated blood from the heart via the external iliac arteries. The muscles, tissues, and organs of the legs and feet receive blood from these larger arteries, which then divide into smaller arteries. The lower extremities rely on a healthy supply of oxygen and nutrients brought to them by the blood circulating through the external iliac arteries.

• Large arteries called the iliac arteries carry blood from the heart to the pelvis and the legs. The abdominal aorta is the primary artery that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart and to the rest of the body.
• The iliac arteries are branches of the abdominal aorta. It is in the pelvic area that you will find the iliac arteries.The iliac arteries play an important role in the regulation of blood flow to the lower half of the body.
• They are also the vessels that are in charge of transporting oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and organs that are located in the pelvis and the legs. In addition to this, they aid to maintain healthy circulation while also playing a part in the regulation of blood pressure in the lower body.

The iliac arteries are the main arteries that supply blood to the pelvis and legs. Some common disorders that can affect the iliac arteries include:

• Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the walls of the arteries become thick and rigid due to the buildup of plaque, which is made up of cholesterol and other substances. This condition can be prevented by maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. The iliac arteries can become constricted or blocked due to atherosclerosis, which can result in a reduction in the amount of blood that flows to the pelvis and legs.
• Aneurysm: An aneurysm is a bulging or inflating in the wall of an artery, also known as an aneurysm. Pain, swelling, and other symptoms are some of the possible outcomes of aneurysms developing in the iliac arteries. When an aneurysm bursts, it poses a significant risk to the patient's life.
• Embolism: An embolism is a blockage in an artery that can be caused by a blood clot or another substance that has migrated from one place of the body to another. An embolism in one of the iliac arteries might reduce the amount of blood that flows to the pelvis and the legs.
• Stenosis: Stenosis refers to the constriction of an artery, which can be caused by the accumulation of plaque or other reasons. A decrease in blood flow to the pelvis and legs can be caused by stenosis of the iliac arteries.

It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to a disorder of the iliac arteries, as these conditions can be serious and may require treatment.

The iliac arteries, much like other vessels in the body, are susceptible to the accumulation of fatty deposits and cholesterol (plaque). Plaque buildup has the potential to impede blood flow and lead to peripheral artery disease (PAD). Leg discomfort is one of the symptoms of PAD, which can make walking difficult.

Here are some additional disorders that can affect the iliac arteries:

• Thrombosis: Thrombosis is a condition that refers to the creation of a blood clot inside of an artery. A decrease in the amount of blood that flows to the pelvis and legs might be caused by thrombosis of the iliac arteries.
• Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels is a common symptom of a set of diseases known collectively as vasculitis. Vasculitis can affect the iliac arteries, which can result in a decrease in blood flow to the pelvis and the legs.
• Arteriovenous Malformation: An arteriovenous malformation is a type of congenital malformation that arises when an artery and a vein are not joined to one another in the correct manner (often abbreviated as AVM). It is conceivable for the iliac arteries to develop arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), which would lead to a reduction in blood flow to the pelvis and the legs.
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): AAA refers to a bulge or ballooning in the abdominal aorta, the main artery that carries blood away from the heart and into the rest of the body. When AAA is present, the iliac arteries are at risk of being damaged, which reduces blood flow to the pelvis and legs.

• Angiography: This is a specialised imaging test that uses contrast dye and X-rays to visualise the blood vessels. It can provide detailed images of the iliac artery and help identify blockages or other abnormalities.
• Duplex ultrasonography: This is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the blood vessels. It can help evaluate the blood flow in the iliac artery and identify blockages or other problems.
• CT angiography: A contrast dye is used in this particular kind of CT scan so that the blood vessels may be seen more clearly. It is able to generate comprehensive pictures of the iliac artery, which assists in the identification of blockages and other anomalies.
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA): This is a specialised type of MRI scan in which contrast dye is used to make the blood arteries visible on the image. It is able to produce in-depth pictures of the iliac artery, which assists in the detection of any blockages or other abnormalities.
• Arterial Doppler ultrasound: This is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to measure the speed and direction of blood flow in the iliac artery. It can help identify blockages or other problems with the artery.
• Ankle-brachial index (ABI): This is a simple test that involves taking blood pressure measurements in the ankle and arm to determine the level of blood flow in the legs. A low ABI may suggest a problem with the iliac artery or other blood vessels in the legs.
• Cardiac stress test: This test involves exercising while hooked up to special monitors that measure the heart's function. It can help identify blockages in the iliac artery or other blood vessels that may be causing symptoms such as leg pain or weakness.
• Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG): This is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It can help identify problems with the blood flow to the legs that may be caused by blockages in the iliac artery or other blood vessels

The iliac arteries are large blood vessels that are responsible for supplying blood to the lower extremities. An iliac artery surgery is a procedure that can be performed to repair or reconstruct the iliac arteries.

Surgical procedures on the iliac artery can take a number of forms and are performed in accordance with the individual requirements of the patient as well as the factors that led to the development of the condition being treated. Among the most frequent operations involving the iliac artery are:

• Endovascular repair: Endovascular repair is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a small tube called a catheter through a small incision in the groyne and then threading it up to the iliac artery. This is done in order to repair damage that has been caused to the iliac artery. After that, a stent or another type of device will be inserted into the artery to assist in keeping it open and enhancing blood flow.
• Open repair: Open repair is a type of surgery in which an incision is made in the patient's groyne or abdomen in order to access the damaged segment of the iliac artery, which is then surgically repaired. In this case, the damaged segment of the artery might be bypassed with a graft, or a patch might be used to restore the artery.
• Atherectomy: During an atherectomy, a specialised tool is utilised in order to remove any plaque or other obstructions that have accumulated in the iliac artery.
• Angioplasty: Angioplasty is a technique that involves the use of a balloon catheter to expand and enlarge the iliac artery, which ultimately results in improved blood flow.

There are several steps you can take to help protect your iliac arteries and maintain good cardiovascular health:

• A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats can help protect your arteries and minimise your chance of developing cardiovascular disease.
• Quit smoking- Tobacco use destroys artery walls and increases the risk of heart disease. Cessation of smoking can safeguard your iliac arteries and boost your cardiovascular health as a whole.
• High blood pressure can place additional strain on your arteries and raise your risk of heart disease. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure helps protect your iliac arteries and lower your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Consult a physician if you encounter any symptoms that could be related to iliac artery problems. These are some frequent signs of iliac artery problems:

• Lower abdominal, groyne, or buttocks pain
• Instability or numbness in the legs
• Legs affected by numbness or frostbite
• Variations in leg skin's hue or temperature
• Leg cramps or muscle spasms
• Infertility or difficulties achieving or sustaining an erection
• Hair loss on the legs or feet

• Steroids for inflammation of iliac artery: corticosteroids, glucocorticoids, and other types of steroids are used to treat inflammation of the iliac artery. Some of these examples include: ( dexamethasone and prednisone)
• Analgesics for pain in the iliac artery: It includes acetaminophen, morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone as some of the most significant and beneficial medications.
• Muscle relaxant for stiffness in iliac artery: Medicines such as cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol, and tizanidine are examples of muscle relaxants that can be used to treat the stiffness that can occur in the iliac artery.
• Antibiotics for infection in iliac arteries: Penicillins, cephalosporins, and vancomycin are three examples of essential antibiotic drugs that can be used to treat infections in the iliac artery.
• Nutritional supplements to reduce the pain in iliac arteries: It includes medicines such as omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, and ginger, are some examples of those that can help reduce pain in the iliac artery.
• Supplement for repair of iliac artery: At the time of an iliac artery fracture, dietary supplements that promote growth include things like iron, protein, and vitamin C. These are important medicines that are useful.
• Antiviral for the infection of iliac artery: In the treatment of an infection of the iliac artery, antivirals such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and peramivir are three significant and helpful medications (Rapivab).
• Chemotherapeutic medicines for Iliac Artery: important medicines useful are cyclophosphamide and cisplatin, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil etc.