Variant mesenteric and pancreatic vasculature. A case report

The vasculature of the pancreas and colon is highly variable and clinically relevant in pancreatic and colon surgeries. Although variant arterial branching between colonic and pancreatic arteries has been described, the variant in this study has not previously been reported. This study highlights variant arterial anatomy between the colon and pancreas to enhance anatomic knowledge for surgical planning.

During a routine cadaveric dissection in our medical school anatomy laboratory, we identified an unusual branching pattern of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) on a 72 y/o male donor.

An unnamed artery originated from the posterior middle colic artery (MCA). This artery descended from its origin and bifurcated into an inferior branch and a transverse branch that crossed the SMA anteriorly. The transverse branch bifurcated into a small intestinal branch and a long ascending branch that supplied the head, uncinate process, body, and tail of the pancreas.

This case represents a previously undescribed arterial branching pattern of the colon and pancreas. Knowledge of unique arterial variants benefits fields of anatomy and surgery and supports efforts to reduce operative complications in colorectal and pancreatic surgeries.