Unusual origin of left colic artery from the superior mesenteric artery and its course across the left kidney

Introduction:Knowledge of variations of visceral arteries of the abdomen is important for a successful approach of invasive procedures. Unusual origin of the colic branches of the inferior mesenteric artery is rarely reported in the literature. This paper reports a case of an unusual origin of the left colic artery from the superior mesenteric artery and its course across the left kidney. Case report:During regular dissections of a formalin embalmed male cadaver, we came across the variant origin of the left colic artery. Left colic artery took origin form the superior mesenteric artery, proximal to the origin of the middle colic artery. It coursed in front of the trunk of the superior mesenteric artery, then anterior to the left kidney. Close to the wall of the colon, it divided into ascending and descending branches. The ascending branch anastomosed with the middle colic artery whereas the descending branch anastomosed with the branch of the first sigmoid artery. Conclusion:Knowledge of the morphological variations of the colic branches of the mesenteric arteries is important during laparoscopy surgeries and while performing the transcatheter arterial embolization.