Location
Moultrie, GA
Start Date
17-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 1:00 PM
Description
INTRODUCTION:
Arterial variation within the upper abdominal cavity is a common finding in anatomical studies. The inferior phrenic arteries are the principal vascular supply to the diaphragm and most frequently originate directly from the abdominal aorta. However, alternative origins from the celiac trunk or its branches have been described. Because of their proximity to major hepato-biliary surgical fields, unexpected variations in these vessels may complicate operative dissection. The present study documents an unusual origin and course of the right inferior phrenic artery identified during routine cadaveric dissection.
METHODS:
This study was conducted during systematic abdominal dissection in a gross anatomy laboratory. Standard dissection techniques were utilized to expose the celiac trunk and associated branches. Blunt and sharp dissection allowed for visualization of vascular relationships within the upper abdominal cavity. The observed vascular pattern was documented and compared with previously described variations in the anatomical literature.
RESULTS:
Dissection revealed that the common hepatic artery (CHA) arose directly from the superior mesenteric artery rather than the celiac trunk. Instead, the right inferior phrenic artery replaced the CHA, branching off the celiac trunk. The vessel coursed to the right before going posteriorly and deep to the liver, traveling compactly to the vertebral body. The artery appeared compressed between the posteromedial surface of the liver and adjacent vertebral segments before continuing superiorly toward the diaphragm. Distally, the vessel supplied the inferior surface of the posterior-medial portion of the right diaphragmatic dome with three separate vascular insertions into the muscle.
DISCUSSION:
The identification of these abdominal arterial anomalies is a crucial preoperative finding, as variations may alter expected surgical landmarks and require modified approaches to vascular identification. Failure to recognize these variants may increase the risk of inadvertent vascular injury and subsequently compromise the majority of the right diaphragmatic dome’s perfusion. Enlargement of the liver from conditions causing hepatomegaly may theoretically increase compression of such an aberrant vessel as it courses tightly between the liver and vertebral segments. Preoperative imaging, particularly computed tomography angiography, plays a critical role in identifying these vascular variants and facilitating appropriate surgical approaches.
Embargo Period
5-28-2026
Included in
Anomalous origin and retrohepatic course of the right inferior phrenic artery identified during cadaveric dissection
Moultrie, GA
INTRODUCTION:
Arterial variation within the upper abdominal cavity is a common finding in anatomical studies. The inferior phrenic arteries are the principal vascular supply to the diaphragm and most frequently originate directly from the abdominal aorta. However, alternative origins from the celiac trunk or its branches have been described. Because of their proximity to major hepato-biliary surgical fields, unexpected variations in these vessels may complicate operative dissection. The present study documents an unusual origin and course of the right inferior phrenic artery identified during routine cadaveric dissection.
METHODS:
This study was conducted during systematic abdominal dissection in a gross anatomy laboratory. Standard dissection techniques were utilized to expose the celiac trunk and associated branches. Blunt and sharp dissection allowed for visualization of vascular relationships within the upper abdominal cavity. The observed vascular pattern was documented and compared with previously described variations in the anatomical literature.
RESULTS:
Dissection revealed that the common hepatic artery (CHA) arose directly from the superior mesenteric artery rather than the celiac trunk. Instead, the right inferior phrenic artery replaced the CHA, branching off the celiac trunk. The vessel coursed to the right before going posteriorly and deep to the liver, traveling compactly to the vertebral body. The artery appeared compressed between the posteromedial surface of the liver and adjacent vertebral segments before continuing superiorly toward the diaphragm. Distally, the vessel supplied the inferior surface of the posterior-medial portion of the right diaphragmatic dome with three separate vascular insertions into the muscle.
DISCUSSION:
The identification of these abdominal arterial anomalies is a crucial preoperative finding, as variations may alter expected surgical landmarks and require modified approaches to vascular identification. Failure to recognize these variants may increase the risk of inadvertent vascular injury and subsequently compromise the majority of the right diaphragmatic dome’s perfusion. Enlargement of the liver from conditions causing hepatomegaly may theoretically increase compression of such an aberrant vessel as it courses tightly between the liver and vertebral segments. Preoperative imaging, particularly computed tomography angiography, plays a critical role in identifying these vascular variants and facilitating appropriate surgical approaches.