Topics

Topic

design image
Right colic artery

The right colic artery is a branch of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) that supplies the ascending colon. Its origin is variable: it may arise directly from the SMA, from a common trunk with the middle colic artery, or from the ileocolic artery. After branching, it courses to the right, passing through the mesentery toward the ascending colon.

The artery divides into ascending and descending branches that form anastomoses with adjacent arteries: the ascending branch anastomoses with the middle colic artery, and the descending branch anastomoses with the ileocolic artery. These connections contribute to the marginal artery of Drummond, ensuring collateral supply to the colon.

Clinically, the right colic artery is important in right hemicolectomy, ischemic colitis, GI bleeding, and interventional embolization procedures. Its anatomical variations are relevant in surgical planning and radiological interpretation.

Synonyms

  • Arteria colica dextra

  • Ascending colon artery

  • Right branch of SMA

Function

  • Supplies the ascending colon and part of the hepatic flexure

  • Provides collateral circulation through the marginal artery

  • Important for maintaining colonic blood supply during surgery

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Appears as a thin flow void (black lumen) in the mesentery, adjacent to ascending colon

T2-weighted images:

  • Lumen remains a signal void

  • In colitis or ischemia, adjacent bowel wall edema highlights its course

STIR:

  • Suppresses mesenteric fat, making the artery stand out

  • Adjacent inflammation or edema appears bright hyperintense

T1 Fat-Saturated (Pre-contrast):

  • Arterial lumen appears as intermediate signal intensity, standing out against suppressed mesenteric fat

  • Improves visualization in high-resolution abdominal MRI

T1 Fat-Saturated Post-Contrast (Gadolinium):

  • Enhances brightly and homogeneously, delineating branches along ascending colon

  • Detects stenosis, aneurysm, or neovascularization

MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography):

  • Demonstrates origin from SMA, its course, and branching pattern

  • Useful for vascular mapping, ischemic colitis, and pre-surgical planning

  • 3D reconstructions show anastomoses with middle colic and ileocolic arteries

CT Appearance

CT Pre-Contrast:

  • Appears as a small soft-tissue tubular structure in mesentery

  • Difficult to visualize without contrast unless calcified

CT Post-Contrast:

  • Artery enhances brightly, outlining ascending and descending branches

  • Reveals active bleeding, ischemia, or neoplastic vascularity

CT Angiography (CTA):

  • Best non-invasive method for evaluation

  • Clearly depicts origin from SMA, branching, and anastomoses in marginal artery

  • Detects bleeding, arterial stenosis, aneurysms, and anatomical variants

  • 3D CTA reconstructions aid in surgical and interventional planning

MRI images

Right colic artery MRI coronal anatomy image -img-00000-00000

MRI images

Right colic artery MRI coronal anatomy image -img-00000-00000_00001

CT images

Right colic artery CT axial anatomy image -img-00000-00000

CT images

Right colic artery CT axial anatomy image -img-00000-00000_00001