Left inferior phrenic artery feeding hepatocellular carcinoma: angiographic anatomy using C-arm CT.

Abstract

The left inferior phrenic artery (LIPA) is one of the common extrahepatic collateral arteries that supply hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). The purpose of this study is to describe the anatomy of the LIPA that supplies HCCs using C-arm CT in 23 patients. The anteromedial limb of the ascending branch was present in 14 patients and accessory gastric branches were noted in 11 patients. The use of angiography and C-arm CT of the LIPA showed 26 tumor feeders in 23 patients. The feeders were seen in the anteromedial limb (n = 12), lateral limb (n = 9), anterior limb (n = 3), and descending branch (n = 2). The anteromedial limb of the ascending branch is a common tumor feeder of the LIPA and can supply HCCs located in the right liver dome. Gastric staining is also frequently depicted on LIPA angiography and should not be confused with tumor staining.