Concurrent origin of right gastroepiploic and left colic arteries from inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery: rare variation of splanchnic anastomosis

Abstract

In the present case, inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery, the first branch of superior mesenteric artery, was exceptionally giving rise to right gastroepiploic artery and left colic artery simultaneously. Right gastroepiploic artery is a branch of foregut artery, while left colic artery is a branch of hindgut artery. Concurrent origin of branches of foregut as well as hindgut arteries from a midgut artery i.e. superior mesenteric artery is very rare. Usual left colic artery from inferior mesenteric artery was also present but was supplying smaller area than usual. It can be explained as persistence of unusual channels and obliteration of usual ones along the dorsal splanchnic anastomosis during the embryonic development. The field of vascularization of superior mesenteric artery was extended beyond its usual boundaries both proximally as well as distally, which is clinically important as unawareness of the variations may lead to significant morbidity and mortality.