A hitherto undocumented variation of the inferior mesenteric artery in man

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Abstract
The variation appeared in a cadaver, male, Negro, 71 years old. Estimated stature and weight: 6′1″ and 180 lbs. Stated cause of death: Bronchopneumonia.In place of a single inferior mesenteric trunk, two arteies orginated from the aorta 2.6 cm apart, the inferior one located 3 cm superior to the bifurcation of the aorta. The superior artry was directed superiorly and gave origin to two branches: one to the superior portion of the descending colon and another which supplied the entirety of the transverse colon. The inferior artery also gave rise to two branches: one to the inferior portion of the descending colon and the other to the sigmoid colon and rectum.The superior mesenteric artery gave rise to one major trunk to the colon, which divided into ileocolic and right colic branches only.The marginal artery of the colon was well developed and patent throughout its length.Search of the literature, to date, has revealed no description of this variation. Two references to a variation in which the inferior mesenteric artery gave rise to a branch corresponding to the middle colic artery have been found. There is a paucity of literature regarding variations of the inferior mesenteric artery. Consequently it is uncertain whether this is due to lack of observation, small amount of variation, or both.