meandering mesenteric artery

The meandering mesenteric artery is a collateral arterial pathway that links the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, supplying the colon. It represents a functional anastomosis that can enlarge when either mesenteric artery is occluded.

The meandering mesenteric artery runs along the mesenteric border of the colon within the mesentery, connecting the superior and inferior mesenteric arterial territories. It follows a winding course from the right to the left colon.

The meandering mesenteric artery serves as a collateral circulation pathway, allowing blood to flow between the superior and inferior mesenteric arterial systems. This becomes critically important in maintaining colonic perfusion when one mesenteric artery is stenosed or occluded.

The meandering mesenteric artery may become enlarged and prominent in the setting of mesenteric artery occlusion or chronic mesenteric ischemia, where it serves as a collateral vessel. Its presence or absence is relevant in planning aortic and mesenteric vascular surgery.

The meandering mesenteric artery appears on CT angiography or mesenteric angiography as a tortuous, winding vessel running along the mesenteric border of the colon, often more prominent when acting as a significant collateral pathway.