The Open Anatomy Journal

2010, 2 : 76-78
Published online 2010 May 14. DOI: 10.2174/1877609401002010076
Publisher ID: TOANATJ-2-76

RESEARCH ARTICLE
 Left Hepatic Artery Arising from the Superior Mesenteric Artery: A Case Study of a Rare Anatomic Variation

Eleazar Chaib, * , Yngrid E.D.M de Souza , Marcelo Y Maruyama , Leonardo F.B Marinucci , Matheus R Aranha , Isabela A. de Siqueira , Lucas Chen , Mariana P.D de Campos Carvalho and Luiz A.C D’Albuquerque
Liver Transplantation Unit, and LIM37, Department of Gastroenterology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil

*Address correspondence to this author at the Liver Transplantation Unit, and LIM 37, Hospital das Clinicas, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar 255, Level 9, CEP 05403-010, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Tel: 55-11-3061.8322; Fax: 55-11-30617270; E-mail: eleazarchaib@yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACT

Knowledge of hepatic arterial vascularization and its variations have a significant relevance for the daily practice of hepato-biliary surgeon as well as radiologists. Human cadaver livers (n=60) were obtained from routine autopsies. Resections were carried out en bloc with liver, celiac trunk (CT), left gastric artery (LGA), lesser omentum, superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and head of the pancreas. We have found one case with an exceptional anatomic variation, replaced left hepatic artery (LHA) coming off the SMA directly to the hepatic left lobe. We would like to draw attention for this particularly anatomic variation of the origin of the LHA ensuring that no damage will be made during gastrointestinal surgery.

Keywords:

Liver anatomy, left hepatic anomaly, superior mesenteric artery.