Hepato-Mesentric Trunk and Gastro-Splenico-Phrenic Trunk- A Rare Anatomic Variation

Abstract

During academic dissection for undergraduate students of abdominal region in 55 years old male cadaver we found that two anomalous arterial trunks arising separately from ventral aspect of abdominal aorta which are 12mm apart. The proximal one was gastro-splenico-phrenic trunk, giving right and left inferior phrenic arteries, left gastric artery and splenic artery , whereas distal one was hepato-mesentric trunk branching into common hepatic artery and superior mesenteric artery. The common hepatic artery was passing posterior to the neck of pancreas and anterior to the portal vein. Gastroduodenal artery was arising from left hepatic artery. Left inferior phrenic artery was giving a branch to supply the spleen. The splenic artery was giving a branch to supply the transverse colon. These anomalies are due to variation and ramifications in the development of ventral splanchnic arteries from dorsal aorta. Knowledge of these kinds of variations is very important for surgeons while performing surgeries on upper abdomen, laparoscopic surgeons of hepato-biliary tract, liver transplant surgeons, and interventional radiologists to avoid catastrophes. Therefore we feel presenting this rare case is very significant.