What is the significance of the right internal iliac artery measuring 1.6 x 1 cm and the left internal iliac artery measuring 1.4 x 1.4 cm?

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Last updated: April 30, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

The measurements of the common iliac arteries show mild dilation, and no immediate intervention is needed at these dimensions. The right internal iliac artery measures 1.6 x 1 cm, while the left iliac artery measures 1.4 x 1.4 cm. These findings suggest early aneurysmal changes, as normal iliac arteries typically measure less than 1.0-1.1 cm in diameter 1. Regular monitoring with vascular ultrasound every 6-12 months is recommended to track any progression. Lifestyle modifications are advised, including:

  • Smoking cessation
  • Blood pressure control
  • Cholesterol management If you have hypertension, medications such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs may be beneficial 1. These aneurysms likely result from atherosclerotic changes causing arterial wall weakening. While currently below the typical 2.0 cm threshold for surgical consideration, continued surveillance is important as growth rates vary among individuals, and faster expansion may indicate increased rupture risk 1. The treatment approach should prioritize medical management, including supervised exercise programs and antiplatelet therapies, as recommended by the Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) guidelines 1.

From the Research

Common Iliac Artery Measurements

  • The right internal iliac artery measures 1.6 x 1 cm.
  • The left internal iliac artery measures 1.4 x 1.4 cm.

Relevance of Measurements

  • There are no specific studies that directly relate to the given measurements of the internal iliac arteries 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • However, studies have shown that internal iliac artery stenosis or occlusion can cause buttock claudication, and endovascular treatment can be effective in relieving symptoms 2, 3, 5.

Internal Iliac Artery Disease

  • Internal iliac artery stenosis or occlusion can be challenging to diagnose, as lower extremity pulses and vascular studies can be normal 2.
  • Endovascular treatment, such as angioplasty and stenting, can be a viable option for treating internal iliac artery obstructive disease 3, 5.
  • Studies have shown that percutaneous angioplasty and stenting of the internal iliac artery can be technically feasible and safe, with a high success rate and low morbidity 3, 5.

Anatomy of the Internal Iliac Artery

  • The internal iliac artery is a major vascular supply of the pelvis, divided into anterior and posterior trunks 4.
  • The anterior trunk supplies the pelvis, visceral organs, and the posterior trunk supplies pelvic parietal structures 4.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Color Doppler used to detect kinking and intravascular lesions in the iliac arteries in endurance athletes with claudication.

European journal of ultrasound : official journal of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, 2001

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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