arc of Riolan

The arc of Riolan, also known as the mesenteric meandering artery (of Moskowitz) or central anastomotic mesenteric artery, is an arterioarterial anastomosis between the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries.

Gross anatomy

It is an inconstant artery that connects the proximal superior mesenteric artery or one of its primary branches to the proximal inferior mesenteric artery or one of its primary branches. It is classically described as connecting the middle colic branch of the SMA with the left colic branch of the IMA. It forms a short loop that runs close to the root of the mesentery.

When present, the arc of Riolan is an important connection between the SMA and IMA in the setting of arterial occlusion or significant stenosis. In proximal SMA occlusion, the arc of Riolan provides collateral flow from the IMA to the SMA territory, and vice versa. In distal abdominal aortic occlusion, it provides collateral flow from SMA to IMA to iliac vessels (via the superior rectal artery) and then to the lower limbs (via the external iliac artery).

Clinical significance

Both its actual existence and the general need for terms other than those mentioned in Terminologia Anatomica have been questioned by surgeons .

History and etymology

It was named after Jean Riolan (1580-1657), French anatomist, not because he discovered the vessel (there is no evidence that he did), but it was named in his honor in 1743 by the Swiss anatomist Albrecht von Haller (1708–1777) .

See also

• marginal artery of Drummond and arc of Riolan mnemonic
• marginal artery of Drummond

Siehe auch:

• marginal artery of Drummond
• arc of Barkow
• Mesenterium
• Arteria mesenterica inferior
• Arteria mesenterica superior
• arc of Buhler
• Arteria colica media
• Arteria colica sinistra

und weiter:

• Type IV endoleak
• Marginal artery of Drummond and arc of Riolan (mnemonic)
• endoleak after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Endoleaktypen
• Endoleak Typ 1 (Graftende nicht anliegend)