An arc of Bühler variant

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Vascular Anatomy
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• Celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) anastomoses are crucial vascular connections.
• The arc of Bühler is a rare form of celiacomesenteric anastomosis.
• Anatomical variations in these vessels can have significant clinical implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a newly identified variant of the arc of Bühler.
• To describe the specific anatomical features of this variant.
• To discuss the potential clinical relevance of this finding.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of computed tomography angiograms.
• Incidental finding during routine imaging review.
• Detailed morphological description of the vascular anomaly.

Main Results:

• A novel variant of the arc of Bühler was discovered in a 62-year-old male.
• The arc originated from the splenic artery and terminated in the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA) proximal to its bifurcation.
• An associated mesenterico-jejunal branch descended anterior to the SMA.

Conclusions:

• This unique arc of Bühler variant presents a significant deviation from typical anatomy.
• Such vascular anomalies may complicate surgical and interventional procedures in the duodenopancreatic region.
• These variations could also play a role in collateral blood flow between the celiac and mesenteric territories.