Variability of the hepatic arterial anatomy: a sonographic demonstration.

The variable origin of the hepatic arteries is well known from pathological and angiographic studies. Four main variants have been described. The common hepatic artery arising from the celiac artery is the most common type found in 70% of subjects. It can be helpful to be aware of the different patterns of hepatic artery branching in the interpretation of ultrasound examinations. This anatomy is most easily demonstrated by the use of real-time equipment.