Superior pancreaticoduodenal artery

Last revised by Travis Fahrenhorst-Jones on 13 Aug 2022

The superior pancreaticoduodenal artery is a branch of gastroduodenal artery that supplies the duodenum and pancreas.

Superior pancreaticoduodenal artery arises after branching off from gastroduodenal artery. It divides into anterior and posterior divisions which supply the pylorus, head of pancreas and duodenum.

The anterior and posterior division of the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery anastomose with branches of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery, which is a branch of superior mesenteric artery.  

The transverse pancreatic artery may arise from the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery rather than the splenic artery.

Knowledge of this collateral pathway is essential when carrying out embolization procedures for upper GI bleeding to ensure satisfactory embolization.

This collateral pathway also provides a route to access the hepatic circulation via the superior mesenteric artery in case of celiac axis occlusion. 

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