Novel Variations in the Celiac and Hepatobiliary Arterial Anatomy: A Cadaveric Case Report

Abstract

The celiac trunk and hepatobiliary anatomy often display variations in origin and branching patterns. A particularly rare variant involving the cystic artery giving rise to a common trunk for the supraduodenal and an aberrant right gastric artery, with an additional accessory right gastric artery originating from the splenic artery, has not been previously documented. We report a unique variation in the branching pattern of the celiac trunk and the cystic artery revealed during routine dissection of the hepatobiliary region of a male cadaver at Louisiana State University, Health Sciences Center, Shreveport. In this case, the cystic artery originated from the gastroduodenal artery and gave rise to a common trunk of an aberrant right gastric artery and the supraduodenal artery. Additionally, the cadaver lacked a proper hepatic artery, and an additional (accessory) right gastric artery originated from the splenic artery. This report is the first documented instance of such combined variations in the celiac and hepatobiliary arterial anatomy. Recognizing potential variations in these anatomies is crucial for radiological and surgical interventions in the hepatobiliary area to avoid iatrogenic hemorrhage or biliary complications.