Branching Pattern of Inferior Mesenteric Artery in a Black African Population: A Dissection Study

Abstract

Background. Branching pattern of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and pattern of vascular supply to the left colon and rectosigmoid areas, though important during colorectal surgery, display interethnic variations. Further, these regions have notable vascular “weak points” reported to be highly susceptible to ischemic colitis. This study aimed at evaluating the branching pattern of IMA in a black African population. Materials and Methods. Fifty-seven formalin-embalmed cadavers (28 Male, 27 Female) were studied. The length, branching pattern, and diameter of IMA at its origin were recorded. Results. IMA mean length and diameter at origin were 30.57 ± 10.0 mm and 4.10 ± 0.9 mm, respectively. IMA most frequently branched into left colic artery and a common sigmoid trunk in 23 cases while the classical branching pattern was observed in only 7 cases. Colic marginal artery was absent at the splenic flexure and sigmoid colon in 7 and 5 cases, respectively. Arc of Riolan was observed in 9 cases. Conclusion. Branching pattern of IMA shows variations from the previously reported cases which might help account for some of the untoward outcomes observed following colon surgery. An angiographic study to further delineate functionality of the arterial anastomoses in this region is recommended.

Variations in the branching pattern in inferior mesenteric artery: a series of five cases

“…Moreover, knowledge of the pattern of collateral supply also constitutes a critical point of consideration during colic resections in cases of cancer management (SINKEET, PHILIP, JOHNSTONE et al, 2013). Therefore the aim of the present study is to examine the variations in the branching pattern of IMA responsible for blood supply to the left colon and rectosigmoid regions in series of seven cadavers from India.…”

“…The branching patterns of IMA have limited literature. In addition to this detailed knowledge of anatomical variations of visceral branches of the abdominal aorta is of extreme clinical importance, particularly, in laparoscopic abdominal surgery and colectomy (SINKEET, PHILIP, JOHNSTONE et al, 2013). Further colonic vascular supply has some weak areas such as Griffiths' point at the left colic flexure (GRIFFITHS, 1956;YAMAZAKI, SHIRAI, SAKAI et al, 1997a) and the Sudeck's point at the rectosigmoid region (MICHELS, SIDDHARTH, KORNBLITH et al, 1965;YAMAZAKI, SHIRAI, SAKAI et al 1997b) which have been reported to be highly predisposed to ischemic colitis (LONGO, BALLANTYNE and GUSBERG, 1992;BOWER, 1993;FARMAN, 1995).…”

“…When IMA or superior mesenteric artery is stenosed/ occluded collateral channels between these arteries, it plays an important role in maintaining the vascular supply to the affected region. Patency and continuity of collateral channels, namely, colic marginal artery and inferior mesenteric artery are highly variable (SINKEET, PHILIP, JOHNSTONE et al, 2013).…”

Comparative Characteristics of the Morphometric Parameters of the Abdominal Aorta and its Unpaired Branches in Men with Different Body Types

“…По данным большинства авторов, нижняя брыжеечная артерия (НБА) отходит на уровне нижнего края III поясничного позвонка [7]. S. Sinkeet et al [14] указывают, что в 91.4% случаев она начинается между LII-LIV позвонками.…”

“…Часть работ посвящена изучению особенностей анатомии указанного сосудистого бассейна у лиц различных национальностей [9,13,14].…”