Accessory right hepatic artery originating from the superior mesenteric artery: report on three cadaveric cases from Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria and review of literature

Abstract

Background: The superior mesenteric artery may be the source of the common hepatic, gastroduodenal, accessory right hepatic, accessory pancreatic or splenic arteries.
Objective: To present three cases of accessory right hepatic artery originating from the superior mesenteric artery in black African cadavers as found during routine cadaveric dissections.
Materials and Method: The abdomens of 8 adult male black African cadavers were dissected according to the description and guidance by Romanes (1996). The superior mesenteric arteries, liver (especially the visceral surfaces), gall bladders, cystic ducts, portal veins and gastroduodenal arteries were exposed.

Results: Three cadaveric cases of the accessory right hepatic arteries arising from the superior mesenteric arteries were observed. One of the cases was noticed to give a cystic branch.
Conclusion: Since there are no Nigerian studies on the accessory right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery, these reports might contribute useful data to the literature regarding the same.

Keywords: Accessory, cadaver, right hepatic artery, Sokoto