Variant anatomy of the celiac trunk –review of literature with a case report

Usha Kundankumar Dandekar,Kundankumar Narayan Dandekar

doi:10.7439/ijbar.v5i10.907

Usha Kundankumar Dandekar, Kundankumar Narayan Dandekar

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.7439/ijbar.v5i10.907

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Abstract

Variations of arteries in the abdomen frequently include the celiac, renal and gonadal arteries. These anatomic variations are often responsible for variety of clinical conditions and pose major considerations during surgeries. Thorough knowledge of normal and variant anatomy of major unpaired arteries originating from the abdominal aorta is necessary to accomplish successful abdominal operations and to avoid complications. During routine dissection we came across a variation in the celiac trunk. Instead of normal trifurcation of the celiac trunk, we observed three separate trunks arising from the abdominal aorta: gastrophrenic trunk, hepatosplenic trunk and hepatophrenic trunk. The incidence and developmental as well as clinical significance of these variations having crucial surgical importance are discussed with a detailed review of the literature.

Highlights

The coeliac artery, commonly known as the coeliac trunk (CT), is a major visceral branch of the abdominal aorta originating at its anterior contour just below the aortic hiatus of diaphragm at the level of T12- L1 vertebral bodies
This “Tripus Halleri” is still considered to be the normal appearance of the CT5-11, many variational patterns of the CT have been described. It appears that only 87.6% of the CT exhibited the classical trifurcation, while an incomplete CT accounted for 12.2% and absence of the CT was extremely rare[8]
Anatomical variations in the branching pattern of the CT are of considerable importance in liver transplants, laparoscopic surgery, radiological abdominal interventions and penetrating injuries to the abdomen

Summary

Introduction

The coeliac artery, commonly known as the coeliac trunk (CT), is a major visceral branch of the abdominal aorta originating at its anterior contour just below the aortic hiatus of diaphragm at the level of T12- L1 vertebral bodies. It is about 1.5-2 cm long and 6-8 mm in diameter. Anatomical variations in the branching pattern of the CT are of considerable importance in liver transplants, laparoscopic surgery, radiological abdominal interventions and penetrating injuries to the abdomen. The aim of this review is to emphasize the importance of variation of the CT in previously reported cases in literature to discuss the incidence and its developmental significance and to report a case which prompted this review

Case report

Review of literature and Discussion

Findings

CHA originating from the aorta