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Two Variants in One: Celiomesenteric Trunk with a Proximal SMA-originated Trunk with a Retrograde Hepatic Artery
Ampuriire Nyakubaho1,2, Catherine Nagadya3, Julius Sewankambo4
1Department of Anatomy, Ernest Cook University (ECU), Kampala, Uganda. nyakubaho7@gmail.com.
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery
|July 21, 2026
Summary
A rare celiacomesenteric trunk (CMT) with a retrograde hepatic artery from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was found incidentally. This anatomical variation impacts surgical planning for aortic, mesenteric, and hepatopancreatobiliary procedures.
Area of Science:
- Vascular anatomy
- Medical imaging
- Surgical anatomy
Background:
- Anatomical variations in visceral arteries are crucial for surgical outcomes.
- The celiacomesenteric trunk (CMT) and aberrant hepatic arteries present unique challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of incidentally discovered celiacomesenteric trunk (CMT).
- To describe an associated aberrant retrograde hepatic artery originating from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA).
- To highlight the implications of this anatomical variant for surgical interventions.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution ultrasonography with color Doppler was employed.
- Abdominal aorta and visceral branches were visualized in sagittal and transverse planes.
Main Results:
- A single common trunk bifurcated into the celiac trunk and SMA.
- A distinct arterial branch arose from the proximal SMA, coursing superiorly as a retrograde replaced right hepatic artery.
Conclusions:
- The combination of CMT and retrograde replaced right hepatic artery is an uncommon configuration.
- This variant has direct implications for aortic debranching, mesenteric revascularization, and hepatopancreatobiliary surgery.
- Point-of-care ultrasound is valuable for identifying such anatomical variations.
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