A rare case of coeliac-colica-mesenteric anastomosis: distal anastomosis between the coeliac trunk and the left colic artery.

purposeThis case report aims to describe a rare anastomosis between the coeliac trunk (CT) and the left colic artery (LCA), which originates from the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), and to highlight its clinical significance. CASE REPORT: During abdominal dissection of a formalin-fixed anatomical specimen of a 52-year-old male, a fourth arterial branch arising from the CT was observed, coursing between the common hepatic artery and the splenic artery. This variant artery has not been previously classified and appears to represent a rarely reported anatomical variation. The artery was found to descend inferiorly and form an anastomosis with the LCA at the level of the left renal hilum. The length of this variant artery from the CT to the LCA was measured as 52 mm. Notably, its diameter was relatively narrow and tapered as it descended. No connections were identified between this variant artery and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and there was no direct anastomosis between the SMA and the IMA.

conclusionThe accurate identification of vascular variations through preoperative imaging plays a critical role in surgical planning and in preventing potential complications. Such arterial variations are clinically significant, especially in minimizing the risk of ischemic complications during surgery and supporting postoperative recovery.