Total colonic supply via the inferior mesenteric artery
Anand Dhatt1, Leandro Cardarelli-Leite2, Ravjot Dhatt3
1Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. anand279@student.ubc.ca.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
|July 27, 2025
Summary
A rare vascular variant, total colonic supply via the inferior mesenteric artery, impacted a child's treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding. Recognizing such anatomical variations is crucial for patient care.
Area of Science:
- Vascular anatomy
- Gastrointestinal radiology
- Pediatric surgery
Background:
- Anatomical variants in gastrointestinal vascular supply are common.
- These variations can have significant clinical implications, necessitating careful consideration in diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight a unique case of anomalous vascular supply to the gastrointestinal tract.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing vascular variants to prevent adverse clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of embryological development of gastrointestinal vascularization.
- Presentation of a rare case identified via angiography.
- Discussion of relevant literature on vascular anomalies.
Main Results:
- A pediatric patient presented with massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Angiography revealed a rare anatomical variant: total colonic supply exclusively from the inferior mesenteric artery.
- The patient also had sacral neuroblastoma metastasis and mucormycosis colitis, complicating management.
Conclusions:
- Anatomical vascular variants in the gastrointestinal system can significantly alter patient management strategies.
- Prompt identification of these variants is essential for effective clinical intervention.
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