Variation in the branching pattern of celiac trunk: a case report

Abstract

Arterial supply for the derivatives of foregut in the abdomen is provided by the branches of the celiac trunk. Celiac trunk is the first ventral branch of abdominal aorta and usually branches into splenic, common hepatic and left gastric arteries. Variations in the branching pattern of celiac trunk are common but in most of the people, they remain asymptomatic and go unnoticed. A good knowledge of these anatomical variations is important for surgeons undertaking various surgeries in the abdominal region and will help to minimise the complications related to abdominal surgery. Clinicians and radiologists should also be aware of any variations in the vascular pattern of the celiac trunk before performing angiographic examinations. In the current case, the celiac trunk divided into two branches; left gastric artery and hepato-splenic trunk. The hepato-splenic trunk further divided into splenic and common hepatic arteries. The common hepatic artery trifitrcated into proper hepatic, gastroduodenal and accessory hepatic arteries. Hepatic artery proper divided into right and left hepatic arteries. The accessory hepatic artery was tortuous and was as large as the left hepatic artery. It gave origin to the right gastric artery and entered the liver through left end of porta hepatis.

Keywords

celiac trunk - common hepatic artery - splenic artery - accessory hepatic artery - right gastric artery