Normal anatomy of the pyloric branch and its diagnostic significance in angiography.

The course of the pyloric branch, usually arising from the distal end of the gastroduodenal artery, was investigated using angiography of 15 specimens and of 200 patients. It was found that the pyloric branch usually supplies the greater curvature of the gastric antrum and of the duodenal bulb, pylorus and the oral portion of the descending duodenum, although there may be some variations. A correct diagnosis of the primary site and extent of a malignant tumor in the gastric antrum, duodenum or pancreatic head, needs a thorough knowledge of the normal anatomy of the pyloric branch.