The celiac trunk (from the Latin coeliacus, from the Greek koiliakis) is an artery located in the abdomen and intended to supply the organs of the digestive system.

Position. The celiac trunk is a short artery, measuring 1 to 3 cm, and located within the abdomen (1) (2).

Origin. The celiac trunk begins at the level of the anterior aspect of the abdominal aorta, at the level of the lower part of the thoracic vertebra T121 (2).

Path. The celiac trunk travels a short distance, moving forward and down, and passing over the upper surface of the pancreas (2).

Terminations. The celiac trunk ends by dividing into three branches (2) (3):

• The left gastric artery is the smallest of the three branches, and runs up and to the left. It divides to give esophageal branches to the esophagus, collateral branches to the stomach and cardia region, and terminal gastric branches to the right gastric artery.
• The splenic artery is the largest of the three branches, and runs to the left to terminate near the hilum of the spleen. The collateral branches of the splenic artery serve the pancreas, while the terminal branches serve the stomach and spleen.
• The common hepatic artery divides and gives rise to different arteries such as the proper hepatic artery, the gastroduodenal artery, or the right gastric artery. The latter is distributed at the level of the stomach then joins the left gastric artery. The gastroduodenal artery and its branches are intended for the stomach and duodenum.

Irrigation. The celiac trunk plays a major role in the blood supply of the body. The different branches supply the organs of the digestive system such as the stomach, pancreas, duodenum, liver, spleen, and gallbladder (1).

arteritis. Arteritis is an alteration in the walls of the arteries and can occur in the wall of the celiac trunk (4). This pathology leads to an obstruction of the artery causing a decrease in the supply of blood and oxygen. The structures are poorly irrigated and the muscles lack oxygen. This is called ischemia. Arteritis is often due to the deposition of cholesterol with the formation of plaques, atheromas. These cause an inflammatory reaction: atherosclerosis. These inflammatory reactions can reach red blood cells and cause thrombosis.

Thrombosis. This pathology corresponds to the formation of a blood clot in a blood vessel. When this pathology affects an artery, it is called arterial thrombosis.

Hypertension artérielle. This pathology corresponds to an excessive pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries, occurring in particular at the level of the celiac trunk. It can increase the risk of vascular disease (5).

Drug treatments. Depending on the pathology diagnosed, certain drugs may be prescribed, in particular to lower blood pressure.

Thrombolyse. Used during strokes, this treatment consists of breaking up the thrombi, or blood clots, with the help of drugs.

Surgical treatment. Depending on the pathology diagnosed and its evolution, surgery may be necessary.

Physical examination. First, a clinical examination is carried out in order to identify and assess the pain perceived by the patient.

Medical imaging exams. X-ray, CT, CT, and arteriography examinations can be used to confirm or further the diagnosis.

• Doppler ultrasound. This specific ultrasound makes it possible to observe the blood flow.

Jacques-Ambroise Monprofit (1857-1922) is a French surgeon who worked on the abdomen and more particularly on the surgical methods of the organs of the abdominal cavity. He is the author of major works on the subject such as “Introduction to gastric surgery” or “Large intestine surgery – new methods of anastomosis, exclusion and resection of the intestine, double implantation and drainage. through the intestine ”(6).