anterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal vein

The anterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal vein is a vein that is a tributary of the superior mesenteric vein, draining the ventral surface of the second and third portions of the duodenum and the ventral surface of the head and uncinate process of the pancreas.

It is located along the anterior surface of the pancreatic head and uncinate process in the upper abdomen, coursing to drain into the superior mesenteric vein.

Its function is to return deoxygenated blood from the ventral surfaces of the second and third duodenal segments and the anterior head and uncinate process of the pancreas into the portal venous circulation via the superior mesenteric vein.

Periampullary or pancreatic head tumors may be associated with involvement of this vein, and its precise anatomy is a consideration in planning pancreatic surgery.

Contrast-enhanced CT or MRI of the abdomen is commonly used to evaluate the anterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal vein and its relationship to surrounding structures.