A rare case of Cystic artery arising from Gastroduodenal artery

Abstract

An uncommon anatomical variation in the origin and course of cystic artery was found during human cadaveric dissection in our laboratory. A blood vessel was seen arising from the gastroduodenal artery about 1 cm distal to its origin from the common hepatic artery. The vessel when traced towards its termination was found to be cystic artery and was supplying the peritoneal surface of the gall bladder. The visceral surface of the gall bladder was receiving its blood supply by fine twigs from the right hepatic artery. The tortuous cystic artery arose outside hepatobiliary triangle, crossed the common bile duct anteriorly and was lying anterior to the cystic duct hiding it from view. On reaching the neck of gall bladder, it again travelled for short distance before its termination. The non-peritonealised surface of the gall bladder was receiving its blood supply by fine twigs from the right hepatic artery in the gall bladder fossa. The knowledge of this rare variant will aid surgeons to avoid accidental haemorrhage during surgery in and around the hepatobiliary triangle.

Keywords: Cystic artery, Gastroduodenal artery