Riolan’s arch: confusing, misnomer, and obsolete. A literature survey of the connection(s) between the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries - 22/08/11
, Germaine Akkerman, M.D. a, Erik Nout, M.D. a, Herman Horstmanshoff, Ph.D. c, Frans Schlesinger, M.D. d, Jaap Bonjer, M.D., Ph.D. e, Gerrit-Jan Kleinrensink, Ph.D. a
Corresponding author. Department of Surgery, Erasmus Medical Centre, Dr. Molewaterplein 50, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31-10-408 76 83; fax: +31-10-408 94 77.Abstract |
Background |
There are 2 interpretations of Riolan’s arch: (1) Riolan’s arch is identical to a central part of the marginal artery (MA), connecting the superior (SMA) and the inferior mesenteric (IMA) arteries; and (2) Riolan’s arch represents a rare artery, connecting the SMA and the IMA. The current review aims to emphasize the clinical importance of the colon’s vasculature and to show the feasibility of abolishing the terms “Riolan’s arch” and “meandering mesenteric artery.”
Methods |
A literature survey was performed.
Results |
It appears that no distinct identity can be ascribed to Riolan’s arch and that the “meandering mesenteric artery” represents an angiographically hypertrophied MA and/or the ascending branch of the left colic artery. However, a rare, centrally located, communicating artery has been described. Generally, the MA is sufficient for left colic circulation after ligation of the IMA, but at the splenic flexure, patency of the ascending branch of the left colic artery can be primordial.
Conclusion |
As connections between the SMA and the IMA can be adequately described using structures mentioned in Terminologica Anatomica, the terms “Riolan’s arch” and “meandering mesenteric artery” should be abolished.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Riolan, Arterial circulation of colon, Marginal artery of Drummond, Colon resection, Aorta surgery
Plan
Vol 193 - N° 6
P. 742-748 - juin 2007 Retour au numéro
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