Aneurysms of the pancreaticoduodenal arteries in association with celiac axis occlusion.

Four patients with aneurysms of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery are described. All had occlusion of the celiac axis at its origin, with the inferior pancreaticoduodenal arcades serving as a collateral pathway. We propose that the association of the celiac axis occlusion and aneurysms in the collateral supply via the pancreatic arcades is more than coincidental. Awareness of this relationship may be of significance in planning therapeutic intervention.