Abstract

Asymptomatic isolated splenic artery occlusion in adults is a rare splanchnic circulatory disorder. Isolated splenic artery thrombosis can occur due to various aetiological factors like trauma, chronic pancreatitis, live transplantation etc. We present a case of isolated asymptomatic occlusion of splenic artery in a 60 year old male cadaver. There was no evidence, historical or otherwise, suggestive of the aetiology. Splenic artery thrombosis was well-compensated by the right gastroepiploic artery with its unusual branching pattern. Apart from the pancreatic branches, the right gastroepiploic artery was playing the role of splenic artery also. Care should be exercised, because in such cases, the splanchnic vascularity may get affected if the right gastroepiploic artery is used for coronary artery bypass grafting.

Key words: Splenic artery; thrombosis; gastroepiploic artery; splanchnic circulation.