Unusual Variation in the Branching Pattern of the Unpaired Arteries of the Abdominal Aorta

Abstract

Demonstrated typical anatomy of the human abdominal aorta shows that the unpaired branches the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries and the celiac trunk diverge from the aorta anteriorly, superior to the renal arteries, with slight angular variations. Presented is an example of an unusual variant of the spatial relationships of the aortic branches. While the renal arteries branch in typical fashion, the positions of the superior mesenteric artery and the celiac trunk are laterally placed on the left of the abdominal aorta. This creates a pattern where there is a close spatial relationship between the superior mesenteric artery and the left renal artery, and an extended common hepatic artery. Not only do these variants demonstrate an unusual developmental pattern, they may also present a challenge to surgeons attempting transplantation of abdominal organs such as the liver