Variations in the branching pattern of the celiac trunk and its clinical significance

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Vascular Biology
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• The celiac trunk, originating from the abdominal aorta, is a primary arterial supply to the foregut.
• It typically trifurcates into the left gastric, common hepatic, and splenic arteries.
• Anatomical variations in the celiac trunk are relatively common and significant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document and describe rare variations in the branching pattern of the celiac trunk observed during routine abdominal dissections.
• To highlight the clinical significance of these anatomical anomalies.

Main Methods:

• Routine dissection of the abdomen for undergraduate medical students.
• Observation and documentation of aberrant celiac trunk branching patterns.

Main Results:

• Observed variations included absence of the celiac trunk with a hepatomesenteric trunk.
• Other findings included quadrifurcation with the dorsal pancreatic artery or middle colic artery arising from the celiac trunk.
• Additional variations noted were the left inferior phrenic artery arising from the celiac trunk and a highly tortuous splenic artery.

Conclusions:

• The study identified several rare variations in celiac trunk anatomy.
• Knowledge of these variations is essential for successful liver and pancreas transplantation, pancreaticoduodenectomy, and various abdominal interventions.