Morphological variations of Superior Mesenteric Artery: A cadaveric study.

Background: Anatomical knowledge of the variations of Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and its branches is important to minimize the complications and hence this article will be helpful for the clinicians planning surgery and intervention around the aforementioned vessels. Materials and Methods: In the present study, we studied the pattern of arrangement and distribution of the SMA in twenty cadavers in the gross anatomy dissection room in the department of anatomy, AIIMS, New Delhi. Results and Discussion: On the basis of branching pattern of SMA, the cadavers were divided into three groups I, II, III. Group I consisted of the most usual pattern of arrangement of SMA, in 70% of cases (14 cadavers). In Group II i.e. in 25 % cases (5 cadavers) we observed a common trunk of ileocolic and right colic arteries. Group III consisted of the rarest variation in the branching pattern of SMA, where we got a common trunk of left colic artery with an accessory splenic artery arising from anterior aspect of SMA, instead of Inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) which was seen in 5% cases (1 cadaver).Main splenic artery took origin from coeliac trunk as usual. Conclusions: These uncommon and rare variations in the branching pattern of arteries of the gut are clinically very important for surgeons and radiologists to prevent damage to these vessels which otherwise may lead to severe haemorrhage and other complications. In the present article we discuss about the morphology and development of the SMA along with its variations.

An unusual pancreatic arterial pattern: A case report.

Back ground: Pancreas is an important digestive gland in our body with wide range of both exocrine and endocrine functions. Pancreas has a rich vascular supply from the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery. The superior pancreatico-duodenal artery (from gastro-duodenal artery) and the inferior pancreatico-duodenal artery (from superior mesenteric artery) runs in the groove between the pancreas and the duodenum to supply the head of pancreas. Pancreas also derives its blood supply from splenic artery which supplies its head, body and tail region. Profuse vascular supply makes it prone for haemorrhage and that may be the reason that pancreatic blood supply has always been an area of constant interest. In depth knowledge of the variations of blood vessels in this region is utmost important for the successful accomplishment of complex surgical procedures like resection of head of pancreas. The present case report brings in light abnormal pattern of vascularisation in the head region of pancreas and an unusual pancreatic branch from the junction of superior and inferior pancreatic arteries.