Hepato-spleno-mesenteric trunk: a case report

Area of Science:

• Vascular anatomy
• Surgical anatomy
• Abdominal vasculature

Background:

• The celiac trunk typically trifurcates into the hepatic, splenic, and left gastric arteries.
• Variations in the origin and branching patterns of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery are clinically significant.

Observation:

• A rare anatomical variation involving the abdominal aorta's arterial supply to the upper gastrointestinal tract was observed.
• This variation presented as a hepato-spleno-mesenteric trunk, with common origin of the hepatic artery, splenic artery, and superior mesenteric artery directly from the abdominal aorta.

Findings:

• The left gastric artery, a classical branch of the celiac trunk, arose directly from the abdominal aorta, separate from the hepato-spleno-mesenteric trunk.
• This configuration represents a significant deviation from the typical celiac trunk branching pattern.

Implications:

• Accurate anatomical knowledge of such variations is crucial for surgeons performing abdominal procedures.
• Understanding these arterial variations is essential for interventional radiologists during angiographic examinations and interventions.
• This case highlights the importance of pre-operative imaging to identify aberrant vascular anatomy and prevent surgical complications.