INFERIOR PHRENIC ARTERY EMERGING FROM THE PHRENIC-ADRENAL TRUNK: A RARE ANATOMICAL FINDING

Resumo

Introduction: The inferior phrenic arteries (IPAs) are small, paired vessels that most commonly arise from the abdominal aorta and celiac trunk. However, a wide spectrum of anatomical variations has been described, including origins from the renal, left gastric, hepatic, and gonadal arteries. These variations have relevant clinical and surgical implications, especially in procedures involving the diaphragm, adrenal glands, liver, and upper abdominal organs. Case Report: During a routine dissection of a female human fetus at 33 weeks of gestational age, an unusual origin of the right inferior phrenic artery (RIPA) was observed. The vessel emerged from a common trunk with the right inferior suprarenal artery, herein designated as a phrenico-adrenal trunk, which originated from the right renal artery. The trunk measured 1.16 mm in length and 1.1 mm in diameter, located 2.55 mm from the lateral surface of the abdominal aorta. From this trunk, the RIPA ascended anteriorly to the right diaphragmatic crus toward the inferior surface of the right hemidiaphragm, while the inferior suprarenal artery supplied the ipsilateral adrenal gland. No additional vascular anomalies were identified. Conclusion: This case describes a rare anatomical variant of the RIPA arising from a phrenico-adrenal trunk originating from the right renal artery. Awareness of such variations enhances anatomical knowledge and supports safer and more effective clinical, surgical, and radiological interventions in the upper abdomen.