Accessory inferior pancreatic artery and aberrant left colic artery: a case report

The left colic artery generally emerges from the inferior mesenteric artery and then divides into ascending and descending branches. Arterial supply of the pancreas is provided by the superior mesenteric artery and the celiac trunk. During a routine cadaver dissection in a male body donor, two anatomical variations in the arterial pattern of the pancreas and colon were observed. An anomalous common trunk, originating from the superior mesenteric artery, gave rise to two branches: an accessory inferior pancreatic artery to the head of the pancreas, and the aberrant left colic artery. A comprehensive knowledge of vascular variations of this region is valuable in visceral surgery and interventional radiology. Hence, this case report may provide further anatomical knowledge for vessel management in the pancreas and colon surgical procedures.