Anteriorly placed splenic vein: a case report

Area of Science:

• Vascular anatomy
• Congenital anomalies
• Surgical anatomy

Background:

• The spleno-portal axis is crucial for hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery.
• Anatomical variations and anomalies require thorough understanding for preoperative evaluation.
• Congenital anomalies of the splenic vein are exceptionally rare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of an anteriorly placed splenic vein.
• To emphasize the significance of imaging in identifying spleno-portal venous anomalies.
• To contribute to the limited literature on splenic vein anatomical variations.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 40-year-old female prospective renal donor.
• Review of relevant anatomical literature on the spleno-portal axis.
• Preoperative imaging for anatomical assessment.

Main Results:

• An anteriorly positioned splenic vein was identified, a rare congenital anomaly.
• This represents the second reported case in medical literature.
• Imaging confirmed the unusual anatomical course of the splenic vein.

Conclusions:

• Anteriorly placed splenic vein is a rare congenital anomaly.
• Preoperative imaging is essential for surgeons to identify and manage such anatomical variations.
• Awareness of rare spleno-portal axis anomalies improves surgical outcomes.