Abstract
BACKGROUND: Variation in the branching patterns of the three major arteries that supply the digestive system may occur due to different embryological mechanisms. CASE PRESENTATION: The present case report describes the celiac artery and the superior mesenteric artery originating from the abdominal aorta through a common trunk. The celiac artery in turn gave rise to the splenic artery and a common trunk for common hepatic and left gastric artery. The superior and inferior mesenteric arteries had normal branching patterns. CONCLUSION: Awareness of these variations on the part of the surgical team before surgery can help avoid iatrogenic arterial injury.