Rare anatomic variant: Celiac-mesenteric trunk in an Afro-Caribbean population

Abstract

Background: The celiac-mesenteric trunk is an anatomic variant where there is a common origin for the superior mesenteric artery and celiac trunk. We sought to determine the prevalence of this variation in an Afro-Caribbean population. Methodology: Anatomic dissections were observed over 5 years, and specimens with celiac-mesenteric trunks were identified for detailed investigation. We measured celiac-mesenteric trunk diameters at their origin from the aorta. Results: Dissections were performed in sixty-nine cadavers at a mean age of 68 years (range 55–85). Only one celiac-mesenteric trunk (1.5%) was encountered in an Afro-Caribbean male. This cadaver had no other morphologic anomalies. The celiac-mesenteric trunk had an internal diameter of 13.06 mm at its origin (55% aortic diameter). Conclusion: In this Afro-Caribbean population, a celiac-mesenteric trunk was found in 1.5% of unselected cadavers. This formidable vessel was 55% of the aortic diameter. Therefore, healthcare professionals must be aware of this variant to avoid inadvertent injury during clinical interventions.

Keywords

• aorta
• arterial
• caribbean
• coeliac
• coeliaco-mesenteric
• mesenteric
• variants
• vascular