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Ileocolic artery colic branches

The colic branches of the ileocolic artery are terminal branches of the ileocolic artery, itself a branch of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). After the ileocolic artery descends toward the right iliac fossa, it gives off the anterior and posterior cecal arteries, appendicular artery, and ileal branches, before continuing as colic branches that ascend to supply the terminal ascending colon and the cecum.

The colic branches form arterial arcades with the right colic artery (if present) and contribute to the marginal artery of Drummond, providing important collateral circulation to the right colon. These vessels ensure a dual supply to the ileocecal region, which is vital in maintaining perfusion, particularly in cases of arterial stenosis or surgical resections.

Clinically, the colic branches are critical in right hemicolectomy, ileocecal resections, Crohn’s disease, and lower GI bleeding, as well as in interventional radiology procedures such as embolization for hemorrhage.

Synonyms

  • Colic branches of ileocolic artery

  • Ascending branch of ileocolic artery

  • Right lower colic branches

Function

  • Supply arterial blood to the cecum and proximal ascending colon

  • Contribute to the marginal artery and anastomose with right colic and middle colic arteries

  • Maintain collateral circulation in the right colon

  • Serve as target vessels in embolization for GI bleeding

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Colic branches appear as thin linear flow voids (black lumina) within mesenteric fat near the cecum and ascending colon

T2-weighted images:

  • Arteries are seen as signal voids against bowel wall and mesenteric tissues

  • Edematous bowel in colitis increases surrounding signal

STIR:

  • Suppresses mesenteric fat, allowing arteries to stand out as hypointense tubular structures

  • Perivascular edema and inflammation appear hyperintense

T1 Fat-Saturated (Pre-contrast):

  • Lumen appears intermediate signal, contrasting against suppressed fat background

  • Helps in differentiating vessels from mesenteric fat and lymph nodes

T1 Fat-Saturated Post-Contrast (Gadolinium):

  • Colic branches enhance brightly and homogeneously

  • Visualizes arcades supplying the ascending colon and marginal artery continuity

MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography):

  • Contrast-enhanced MRA shows the colic branches arising from ileocolic artery and joining the marginal artery

  • Depicts vascular arcades, anastomoses, and variants

  • Useful in ischemic colitis assessment and pre-surgical mapping

CT Appearance

CT Pre-Contrast:

  • Colic branches appear as small linear soft-tissue densities in mesenteric fat

  • Calcifications may be seen in older patients with atherosclerosis

CT Post-Contrast:

  • Arteries enhance brightly, highlighting their course toward the cecum and ascending colon

  • Demonstrates continuity with marginal artery and collateral circulation

CT Angiography (CTA):

  • Best modality for detailed mapping

  • Shows origin from ileocolic artery, course to cecum/ascending colon, and connections with right colic artery

  • 3D reconstructions highlight arcades and marginal artery contribution

  • Essential in GI bleeding, ischemia, Crohn’s disease, and colectomy planning

CT images

ileocolic artery colic branches CT axial anatomy image -img-00000-00000

CT images

ileocolic artery colic branches CT axial anatomy image -img-00000-00000_00001

CT images

ileocolic artery colic branches CT axial anatomy image -img-00000-00000_00002