Anastomotic loop between common hepatic artery and gastroduodenal artery in coexistence with an aberrant right hepatic artery

Anatomical variations of the hepatic arteries are not uncommon. The anomalous hepatic arterial supply is of paramount importance in hepatobiliary, pancreatic or liver transplantation and in laparoscopic surgery. We describe an unusual case of a 66-year-old Greek male cadaver, where a rare anastomosis (in the form of an enlarged arterial loop, 4.84 mm in diameter) between the common hepatic artery (6.42 mm) and the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) (4.82 mm) coexisted with an aberrant right hepatic artery (ARHA) (6.38 mm) originating from the superior mesenteric artery. The proper hepatic artery was absent. The ARHA followed a route posterior to the portal vein and the common hepatic duct, entering the liver and supplying the right hepatic segment. A hypoplastic right gastric artery emanated from the GDA. Our case report highlights the combined variations of hepatic arteries and possible anastomoses emphasizing that a thorough knowledge of the classic and variable hepatic arterial anatomy are mandatory for surgeons and radiologists performing hepatic surgery and arteriography to avoid potential iatrogenic injuries in hepatobiliary and pancreas area and further medico-legal implications. (Folia Morphol 2017; 76, 4: 752–756)