Atypical coeliomesenteric anastomosis: The presence of an anomalous fourth coeliac trunk branch

The presence of more than three coeliac trunk branches is a commonly encountered variant. Literature occasionally describes cases of middle or left colic arteries originating from the celiac trunks or its branches; however, the presence of an anomalous arterial connection between the celiac trunk and both the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries (SMA and IMA, respectively) has yet to be reported. Routine abdominal dissection of a male Caucasian cadaver, revealed the presence of an anomalous fourth arterial branch on the 4‐cm long coeliac trunk. The course of this artery was traced, and it terminated by anastomosing with the marginal artery of the mesenteric circulation. The distal termination point of this anomalous fourth coeliac branch was the marginal artery, 5 cm medial of the splenic flexure, anastomosing almost perpendicularly. The diameter of this anomalous artery was comparable with the left gastric artery at their origins. The artery coursed inferiorlaterally toward the splenic flexure, passing immediately posterior to both the pancreas and the splenic vein. The anastomosis point of this artery, near Griffith's Point, is normally considered a watershed region with dual arterial supply from both the SMA and IMA, allowing collateral circulation. This region has a relatively higher susceptibility to irreversible damage in ischemic diseases because of lower perfusion, thus, the anastomosis of atypical coeliac branches represents a rare case for consideration. Awareness of the possibility of embryological variants will minimize the risk of complications in surgical or clinical procedures, and exploration of rare variants will benefit the understanding of vascular embryology. Clin. Anat., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Rare case of the inferior mesenteric artery and the common hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery

We found a case in which inferior mesenteric artery and the common hepatic artery arose from the superior mesenteric artery, forming the common hepatomesenteric trunk, during a routine dissection carried out at Iwate Medical University in 2002. This variation is rare, but can be embryonically explained. A change in the positions of the disappearance of the ventral splanchnic arteries and the longitudinal anastomotic channel results in variations in the system of arteries distributed to the digestive organs. In the present case, the longitudinal anastomotic channel between the superior and the inferior mesenteric arteries survived to form the common mesenteric artery, which was joined by the common hepatic artery, forming the common hepatomesenteric trunk.     

Surgical and radiological significance of variants of Bühler’s anastomotic artery a report of three cases

Abstract Arterial anastomoses between the celiac trunk (CT) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) include three variants. 1) The main anastomosis is the gastroduodenal artery (GDA), which is an important branch of the common hepatic artery and anastomoses with branches of the inferior pancreatic duodenal artery, a branch of the SMA. 2) The dorsal pancreatic artery (DPA) is usually a branch of the splenic artery, which anastomoses with the anterior and posterior pancreaticoduodenal arcades via a right transverse branch of the DPA (Kirk’s arcade). 3) A less well known and rarely reported arterial anastomosis between the CT and SMA described by Buhler (1904). Three patients in whom variants of this anastomosis were present on retrospective analysis of three hundred consecutive combined CT and SMA arteriograms are reported. The embryological basis of its development, the surgical and radiological significance of the anastomotic artery are discussed.     

A case of celiacomesenteric trunk with some other arterial anomalies in a Japanese woman

We found a case of multiple arterial anomalies in a Japanese female cadaver during a routine dissection course. In the present case, a combination of three arterial anomalies was recognized in the abdominal digestive organs: (i) a celiacomesenteric trunk; (ii) a right accessory hepatic artery; and (iii) a left colic artery arising from a portion corresponding to the superior mesenteric artery. The typical celiacomesenteric trunk can be regarded as a variation of the arterial convergence at its origins progressing further between the celiac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery. The celiacomesenteric trunk in the present case included the left colic artery, which is usually one branch of the inferior mesenteric artery. Previously, a case had been reported in which all three arteries supplying the abdominal digestive organs had converged into one trunk, the celiac-bimesenteric trunk. Therefore, the celiacomesenteric trunk in the present case showed an intermediate degree of arterial convergence between that of the typical celiacomesenteric trunk and the celiac-bimesenteric trunk.     

The congenital anastomoses between hepatic arteries:angiographic appearance

The purpose of this study was to evaluate congenital anastomoses between hepatic arteries demonstrated on angiography in ten patients and to correlate the anastomosis with types of hepatic arterial anatomy. We evaluated the types of the hepatic arterial anatomy based on Michels’ classification for 720 patients and compared the anatomic types between the patients with the anastomoses (ten patients) and without the anastomoses (710 patients). The diameter of the anastomoses ranged from 1.5 to 3.0 mm (mean, 2.4 mm). Five anastomoses were classified as tortuous type and five as straight type. Based on Michels’ classification for types of hepatic arterial anatomy, eight (80%) of ten patients with the congenital anastomoses were classified as type III (replaced right hepatic artery from superior mesenteric artery). The remaining two patients were classified as type IV (replaced right hepatic artery from superior mesenteric artery and replaced left hepatic artery from left gastric artery) and type VIIIa (replaced right hepatic artery from superior mesenteric artery and accessory left hepatic artery from left gastric artery). Eight (16%) of 48 patients who were classified as type III have the anastomoses. In conclusion, the congenital anastomoses were observed especially in patients with replaced right hepatic artery from superior mesenteric artery.     

The vascular system of the upper eyelid. Anatomical study and clinical interest

Thorough knowledge of the vascular supply is indispensable for repair and oncologic surgery of the eyelids, and has a significant impact on the management of complex defects of this region. This anatomic study was performed with five fresh cadavers after arterial injection of coloured neoprene latex. The distribution of the vascular system of the upper eyelid was examined after dissection and photographic study. It is made up of three arcades: the preseptal arcade, the supratarsal arcade, and the marginal arcade, under the orbicularis oculi muscle. These arcades are supplied by branches of the ophthalmic artery (supraorbital artery, supratrochlear artery and medial palpebral artery) and branches of the facial artery and temporal artery. Small vertical branches arising out of these arcades provide an anastomotic network. This anatomical study aimed to describe the vascular system of the upper eyelid in order to search for constant features and to map the blood supply of the principal upper lid flaps.     

Unusual blood supply to the pancreas by a dorsal pancreatic artery

A variation of the blood supply to the pancreas was observed in an 89-year-old female, in which the celiac trunk gave off four arteries the hepatic, splenic, left gastric arteries and an additional dorsal pancreatic artery. One of the branches the dorsal pancreatic artery joined with the superior mesenteric artery to form a longitudinal anastomosis. The anterior and posterior pancreaticoduodenal arcades arose from branches of the superior pancreaticoduodenal and the dorsal pancreatic arteries. The inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery, a branch of the superior mesenteric artery, was missing. The majority of the pancreas was, therefore supplied by the dorsal pancreatic artery. The clinical implications of this finding are that the size, location and course of a dorsal pancreatic artery should be established given its central role in the blood supply to the pancreas observed in the present study.     

咽升动脉分支的解剖分组及其临床意义

目的:探讨咽升动脉及其主要分支在颈部颅底区域走行规律及其在血管内外治疗中的临床意义。方法:选择以10%甲醛固定并用乳胶灌注的8具（16侧）成人颅颈部标本,自颈总动脉分叉水平向上解剖至颅底骨质,分离显露咽升动脉及周围相关结构,观察咽升动脉的起源部位及主要分支,测量相关解剖学参数。依据咽升动脉主要分支与颈动脉鞘的位置关系分...     

Angioarchitecture of the coeliac sympathetic ganglion complex in the common tree shrew (Tupaia glis)

The angioarchitecture of the coeliac sympathetic ganglion complex (CGC) of the common tree shrew ( Tupaia glis ) was studied by the vascular corrosion cast technique in conjunction with scanning electron microscopy. The CGC of the tree shrew was found to be a highly vascularised organ. It normally received arterial blood supply from branches of the inferior phrenic, superior suprarenal and inferior suprarenal arteries and of the abdominal aorta. In some animals, its blood supply was also derived from branches of the middle suprarenal arteries, coeliac artery, superior mesenteric artery and lumbar arteries. These arteries penetrated the ganglion at variable points and in slightly different patterns. They gave off peripheral branches to form a subcapsular capillary plexus while their main trunks traversed deeply into the inner part before branching into the densely packed intraganglionic capillary networks. The capillaries merged to form venules before draining into collecting veins at the peripheral region of the ganglion complex. Finally, the veins coursed to the dorsal aspect of the ganglion to drain into the renal and inferior phrenic veins and the inferior vena cava. The capillaries on the coeliac ganglion complex do not possess fenestrations.     

The relationship of the inferior mesenteric vein with arteries

The investigation was based on the results of roentgen-anatomical study of 155 digestive tract complexes obtained from 155 cadavers of humans of both genders aged 17-90 years. It was established that in 91% (in 141 of 155) of the cases the trunk of the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) was accompanied by the arteries only in the lower part (by inferior mesenteric artery) and in the middle part (by the left colic artery). The terminal part of IMV was separated from the artery. In 9% of (in 14 of 155) cases the trunk of the IMV is accompanied along the whole extent by different arteries (from down upwards): by inferior mesenteric artery and left colic artery from inferior mesenteric artery, and in its terminal part either by an additional anastomosis between the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries (in 5 of 14 cases), or by an additional anastomosis between superior and inferior mesenteric arteries and the branch or trunk of the proximal colic artery from the superior mesenteric artery (in 9 of 14 cases).     

Anomalous inferior mesenteric artery supplying the ascending,transverse, descending,and sigmoid colons

We have encountered in our anatomical practice the first case and an extremely rare second case in which the ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colons were supplied by the inferior mesenteric artery. The causes of colic artery anomalies are generally explained in conjunction with the development of the superior mesenteric artery, which is intimately related to embryonic elongation and midgut rotation. However, this embryological model was inapplicable to both cases. This difficulty motivated us to seek possible relationships with reported anomalous inferior mesenteric arteries in adults as well as their embryological causes. We consider that the aberrant right colic artery found in 2009 is an “intermesenteric artery” which anastomoses the superior (or its middle colic branch) and inferior mesenteric artery, but secondarily lost its origin from the superior mesenteric artery. The aberrant colic artery found in 2010 is a “middle–inferior mesenteric artery” in which the inferior mesenteric artery formed a common trunk with remnant middle mesenteric artery.     

Variations in the source of origin of inferior phrenic artery: a cadaveric study

Introduction: The right and left inferior phrenic arteries perfuse the diaphragm. They may originate either from the aorta, celiac trunk, or from the renal artery. Most textbooks of human anatomy give little information regarding the functional anatomy of the inferior phrenic artery. In the past few years, however, more articles have been published regarding the arterial supply in cases of hepatocellular carcinoma. The inferior phrenic artery is seen as an important source of collateral arterial supply to hepatocellular carcinoma, the hepatic artery being the main source. Materials and methods: A cadaveric study was conducted in the Anatomy Department of Bangalore Medical College during the years 2009–2011. Manual dissection was done to identify the inferior phrenic arteries, and their origins were traced. Results: The inferior phrenic artery arose from the aorta in 53.125%, celiac trunk in 28.125%, renal artery in 15.625%, and the superior mesenteric artery in 3.125% of the 32 cadavers studied. The right inferior phrenic artery arose from aorta in 56.25%, celiac trunk in 18.75%, renal artery in 18.75%, and superior mesenteric artery in 6.25% cases. The left inferior phrenic artery arose from aorta in 50%, from celiac trunk in 37.5%, and the rest arose (12.5%) from the renal artery. Discussion: The results were compared with those of earlier studies so that such findings could be applied in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. The significance of this information is due to the fact that an unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma can be treated by transcatheter embolization of the right inferior phrenic artery, in case it is involved.     

Variations of the celiac trunk branches in the fetus

The study was performed on 60 human foetuses, aged between 4 to 9 months, using as methods dissection and plastic and contrast substances injection. We studied the celiac trunk in what concerns the division into its terminal branches, insisting on the possible morphological variations, some rare collateral branches starting from the common arterial trunk, the dimensional relations between the branches at their origin and the level of the celiac trunk origin from the aorta, in relation with the vertebral column, the diaphragmatic passage of the aorta and with the superior mesenteric artery. We also assessed the dimensional relations (calibers at origin) between the branches of the celiac trunk. Ass possible variations of the division of the celiac trunk, we assessed: gastro-hepatic trunk, with the splenic artery directly from the aorta or from the hepatic artery; gastro-splenic trunk, with the hepatic artery originating from the aorta; hepato-splenic trunk, with origin of the left gastric artery either directly from the aorta or from the hepatic artery. Rare variations: celiaco-mesenteric trunk; two arterial trunks, hepato-splenic and hepato-gastric; separate aortic origin for all three "classic" branches of the celiac trunk; two hepatic arteries, one from the celiac trunk and the other from the aorta or superior mesenteric artery; celiac trunk that divides into several terminal branches; one or two suprarenal arteries originating from the celiac trunk.     

肝动脉的应用解剖

在 6 3例成尸上观察了肝动脉的起源和行程 ,腹腔干及主要分支外径和腹腔干至肠系膜上动脉间的距离。结果肝右、左动脉 ,肝固有动脉 ,肝总动脉和腹腔干外径分别为 3.1± 0 .5 ,2 .8± 0 .3,4.0± 0 .12 ,5 .3± 0 .2 2和 7.4± 0 .4mm ;正常型肝动脉占 5 0 .79% (32例 ) ;Hiatt 、 型分别占 19.0 5 % (12例 )和 6 .34% (4例 ) ;腹腔干至肠系膜上动脉间距离为 7.4± 0 .33 mm。讨论了肝动脉变异及其临床意义。     

Anatomy and blood supply of the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex of the rat

Summary The anatomy of the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion (CSMG) complex of 28 female Wistar rats was studied by serial paraffin sections and found to be consistent in composition and in relations. The CSMG comprises two suprarenal ganglia in continuity with the major splanchnic nerves, these continuing as splanchnic trunks into paired coeliac ganglia. The left coeliac ganglion is larger than the right as it has a superior mesenteric component related to the artery of that name. Lastly, intermesenteric ganglia are related to the renal and ovarian arteries and to the origin of the intermesenteric nerves.Ink injections and microvascular casts indicate that the main extrinsic blood supply to the CSMG is derived from the inferior phrenic artery, a branch of which enters the complex at the suprarenal ganglia and supplies the CSMG via the splanchnic trunks. Also, recurrent branches of the ovarian arteries enter the intermesenteric nerves to supply the complex at its caudal pole. A few small arteries not associated with nerves and probably derived from lumbar arteries also supply the CSMG complex. The two major postganglionic nerve trunks have an abundant vasculature in continuity with that of the CSMG but whose origin and direction of blood flow has yet to be determined.     

胎儿脾动脉（脾外部分）的解剖学观察

本文用30例胎尸,经灌注后进行解剖剥离.在手术放大镜下进行观察,并对脾动脉的分支及侧支循环进行了观察,其结果如下.(1)脾动脉均起于腹腔干并沿胰腺上缘走行,脾动脉发出胰腺支,胃短动脉,胃网膜左动脉,胃后壁动脉,脾叶动脉和脾极动脉.(2)脾动脉的侧支循环十分丰富,脾动脉与胃左动脉,左膈下动脉,胃网膜右动脉,肠系膜上动脉,胰动脉等均有侧支吻合,并且胃网膜左动脉与胃网膜右动脉吻合形成网膜弓.     

Rare case of the inferior mesenteric artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery

The authors observed a variation of the inferior mesenteric artery, which arose from the superior mesenteric artery, in a 69-year-old Japanese male cadaver during dissection in 1984. In this case, no rudiment of the ordinary inferior mesenteric artery could be found on the abdominal aorta. There are few reports of this variation, and an extensive search of the available literature revealed only four cases, including two in Japan. Such a variation had been somewhat inadequately described as an "absence of the inferior mesenteric artery" in the previous reports, but we avoided this terminology, because all of the cases possessed an artery, which, though arising from the superior mesenteric artery instead of the abdominal aorta, had the same branches as a normal inferior mesenteric artery. Consistent with findings observed in the previous cases, the unusual inferior mesenteric artery arose as the first branch of the superior mesenteric artery, with the common trunk of both mesenteric arteries originating from the abdominal aorta at a level at which an ordinary superior mesenteric artery would arise. It is for this reason that we did not adopt another acceptable name, that is, "the common mesenteric artery," for this variation. The variation can be explained as the result of an unusual development of the embryonic artery system, which comprises a number of ventral splanchnic arteries interconnected by longitudinal anastomotic channels to supply the primitive digestive tube.     

Evolution of the Human Mind: Modularity, Language and Meta-Cognition. Edited by P. CARRUTHERS and A. CHAMBERLAIN. (Pp. 331; illustrated; 0521 789087 paperback; £14.95.) Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 2000

The branching and distribution patterns of the superior mesenteric artery were studied in 10 adult bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) after injection of coloured latex solution into the vasculature. The abdominal digestive organs in the bullfrog were mainly supplied by the coeliac artery and the superior mesenteric artery, both of which arose as a common trunk, the coeliacomesenteric artery, from the abdominal aorta. The coeliac artery supplied the stomach, liver, gallbladder and the pancreas, whereas the first branch of the superior mesenteric artery was the splenic artery with other branches supplying the greater part of intestine. The apex of the intestinal loop was defined as the region supplied by the trunk of the superior mesenteric artery, and its intestinal branches constituted a ‘nested formation' which had the following characteristics. (1) The branches of the trunk were distributed to both sides of the apex, and the distribution regions of younger branches were located more distant from the apex than those of older branches. (2) Two branches directed towards both sides of the trunk frequently made a common stem arising from the trunk. The second branch of the superior mesenteric artery constituted a secondary trunk and its distribution region could be defined as a secondary apex, since 1 of its branches also constituted a nested formation which was distributed to both sides of the primary and secondary apices. The intestinal branches of the superior mesenteric artery were divided into 4 types on the basis of their pattern of branching and course. It is suggested that the nested formation of the superior mesenteric artery in the bullfrog is a remnant of the vascular pattern of the tadpole, which possesses a double spiral mode of intestinal convolution, probably supplied by arteries with the nested formation in a latent form.