Demonstration of inferior phrenic arteries on spiral CT--case report

An unusual case is presented in which normal noncollateral left and right inferior phrenic arteries (IPAs) are clearly visualized on two successive CT axial sections for long continuous lengths of their courses, presumably due to their relative horizontal orientation. They are both noted to penetrate the diaphragm (infradiaphragmatic to supradiaphragmatic) as a normal variation. There was no liver pathology, other tumor, or other unusual anatomy.