The arterial supply of pancreas: clinical and anatomical correlation

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: The main arterial blood supply to pancreas is provided by splenic, superior (SPDA) and inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries (IPDA). These arteries are susceptible to anatomical variations which affect the outcome in various embolization and invasive techniques especially involved in management of GI bleed. The present study was performed with the objective of streamlining variations of the arterial pattern, classify them and to document the presence of accessory arteries which will aid in success of various surgical and radiological interventions. Methods: The study was conducted on 23 cadavers during routine dissection. The origin, course, branching pattern of splenic as well as superior and inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries were studied carefully. Results: significant variants were seen in case of SPDA & IPDA. The variants of SPDA and IPDA were classified based upon the origin, course, branching pattern and presence of accessory arteries into group I, II and III respectively. Conclusions- The knowledge of the rare anatomic variants can help the interventional radiologists to plan further treatment for aneurysms and prevent risk of hemorrhage during surgical procedures.