Variant Arterial Supply of the Descending Colon by the Coeliac Trunk: A Case Report

Sandra Petzold1, Silke Diana Storsberg2, Karin Fischer1

  • 1Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.

Insights

An unusual variation in intestinal arteries was found. The left colic artery, typically from the inferior mesenteric artery, instead originated from the common hepatic artery in this case.

Area of Science:

  • Anatomy
  • Vascular anatomy
  • Surgical anatomy

Background:

  • Accurate knowledge of intestinal arterial variations is crucial for visceral surgery and interventional radiology.
  • Understanding normal and variant arterial supply is essential for procedural success and patient safety.

Observation:

  • A rare arterial variation was identified in a Caucasian female body donor during a dissection study.
  • The descending colon's blood supply exhibited an unusual pattern.

Findings:

  • The left colic artery, normally a branch of the inferior mesenteric artery, originated from the common hepatic artery.
  • This aberrant left colic artery represents a significant deviation from typical intestinal vascularization.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of recognizing rare arterial anomalies in surgical and radiological interventions.
  • Awareness of such variations can prevent intraoperative complications and improve diagnostic accuracy in interventional procedures.
  • Further studies on vascular variations are needed to enhance anatomical knowledge and clinical practice.

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