Rare variations of hepatic arteries in association with variable origin of gastroduodenal artery found in...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Anatomy
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Hepatic arterial anatomy is crucial for liver surgery and transplantation.
• Variations in hepatic artery origin can complicate procedures and diagnostic imaging.
• Michels' classification is a standard for describing hepatic arterial variations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report three rare anatomical variations of the hepatic arterial vascularization.
• To analyze these variations in the context of existing classifications.
• To highlight potential clinical implications for surgeons and radiologists.

Main Methods:

• Multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCT) was used.
• Analysis of hepatic arterial branching patterns and origins was performed.
• Comparison with Michels' classification of hepatic arterial anatomy.

Main Results:

• Variation 1: CHA supplies the right lobe; left lobe supplied by an aberrant artery from a common trunk with left gastric and splenic arteries (Michels Type 2 variant).
• Variation 2: Early CHA bifurcation from celiac trunk; GDA arises from the left hepatic artery (Michels Type 1 variant).
• Variation 3: CHA terminates as the right hepatic artery; left hepatic artery arises from the GDA (unclassified by Michels).

Conclusions:

• The study presents three rare hepatic arterial variations not fully covered by current classifications.
• Accurate identification of these variations is vital for interventional radiology and liver surgery.
• MDCT angiography is effective in visualizing complex hepatic arterial anatomy.