The left inferior phrenic artery arising from left hepatic artery or left gastric artery: radiological and anatomical correlation in clinical cases and cadaver dissection.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to assess angiographic and CT appearance of left inferior phrenic artery (LIPA) arising from left hepatic or left gastric artery and to recognize its specific anatomical location with the help of cadaver dissection.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 761 abdominal angiographies and found 13 patients (1.7%) with LIPA arising from left hepatic or left gastric artery. We classified those origins and assessed radiological features. We also presented a cadaver dissection to identify anatomical location of LIPA arising from left hepatic artery.

RESULTS

The origin of the LIPA was classified as follows: (a) left hepatic artery: four, (b) accessory left gastric artery: one, (c) accessory left hepatic artery: three, and (d) left gastric artery: five patients. The proximal portion was located in gastrohepatic ligament and its distal portion was located in front of esophageal hiatus. In a cadaver dissection, the proximal portion ascends along ligamentum venosum and distal portion courses along superior aspect of left hemi diaphragm in front of esophagus.

CONCLUSION

The LIPA rarely arises from left hepatic or left gastric artery. The proximal portion was located in gastrohepatic ligament and the distal portion runs in front of the esophageal hiatus.