Anatomical variations of the arterial component of hepatic pedicle in Egyptians

ABSTRACT

The structure of organs in the people varies considerably. The course and relations of the arterial component of hepatic pedicle are highly variable. Frequency of variations often differs among various human groups and variations seen in one population cannot be assumed to apply to members of another population. Hence, this study was intended to investigate the types of variations commonly encountered among Egyptians and analyze whether there might be sex difference in the variations. The study was carried out in 55 autopsy specimens [31 male and 24 females] collected from Egyptians. The human extrahepatic biliary parts for this stud] were dissected and any arterial variations in the hepatic pedicle were recorded. Arterial variations were encountered in 80% of specimens. The presence of aberrant hepatic and cystic arteries and the abnormal origin and course of these arteries were found to be common arterial variations. Higher percentage of arterial variations was found in females than in males. Whether or not these differences have some contributions to higher rate of biliary tract diseases in females than in males has to be further investigated