Anatomical and Radiological Relevance of Common Hepatic Artery Tetrafurcation Without a Proper Hepatic Artery: A Cadaveric Insight

Abstract Introduction Hepatic arterial variations are common and have significant implications for hepatobiliary surgery, transplantation, and interventional radiology. While many variants are well documented, rare quadrifurcation patterns continue to challenge established anatomical classifications. Case report During routine cadaveric dissection of an 81-year-old female donated to the Department of Clinical Anatomy at the Mazovian Academy in Płock, Poland, an unusual branching pattern of the common hepatic artery (CHA) was identified. The abdominal cavity was opened via a midline incision, and arterial measurements were taken with an electronic digital caliper. The CHA quadrifurcated 35.5 mm distal to its origin into the gastroduodenal (GDA), right gastric (RGA), right hepatic (RHA), and left hepatic (LHA) arteries; a proper hepatic artery (PHA)was absent. External CHA diameters measured 9.50 mm at its origin, 10.50 mm just proximal to the branching point, and 12.55 mm at the quadrifurcation. No additional vascular anomalies were observed. Conclusion This CHA quadrifurcation with absent PHA is not captured by classical classification systems and may be overlooked without meticulous dissection or dedicated pre-operative imaging. Awareness of such rare configurations supports safer surgical planning and more effective interventional procedures; cadaveric documentation remains vital for refining anatomical knowledge and clinical protocols.