Published in:
01-01-2018 | Anatomic Variations
A median sacral artery anterior to the iliocaval junction: a case report—anatomical considerations and clinical relevance for spine surgery
Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy | Issue 1/2018
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Background and importance
The median sacral artery (MSA) is a relatively small vessel that always arises from the posterior, terminal part of the infrarenal aorta. In most cases, the MSA runs behind the iliocaval junction. Here, we describe a very rare case of an MSA running in front of this junction.
Case report
During a human cadaveric dissection of the retroperitoneal area, we unexpectedly observed that the MSA passed in front of the left common iliac vein.
Conclusion
The anatomy of the MSA has been extensively described and variations are quite rare. On the basis of this specific case, knowledge of the anatomic interactions between the MSA and other lumbar retroperitoneal vessels may help to avoid potential complications during surgery.