Case report of type B branching of the internal iliac artery in Córdoba, Argentina

Abstract

The pelvis is supplied with blood by the internal iliac artery (IIA), also referred to as hypogastric artery, which arises at the level of the lower border of the fifth lumbar vertebra as the medial bifurcation branch of the common iliac artery. Its three main branches are the superior gluteal artery (SGA), the inferior gluteal artery (IGA), and the internal pudendal artery (IPA). The literature describes a classification (Yamaki et al., 1998) of its branching into four subtypes. Type A: The SGA arises independently and the IGA and IPA arise from a common trunk (79.5%). Type B: The IGA and SGA arise from a common trunk, while the IPA arises independently (15%). Type C: Each branch arises independently from the IIA (5.3%). Type D: The IGA arises independently, while the IPA and SGA arise from a common trunk (0.3%). The objective of the study was to describe the origin of the main branches of the IIA in a left female hemipelvis.

The dissection work was performed using cadaveric material corresponding to a left adult female hemipelvis preserved in 10% formalin, belonging to Cátedra de Anatomía Normal (FCM, UNC), and originating from Córdoba, Argentina. Each artery was isolated and recognized, followed by coloring.

The anatomical dissection revealed the origin of the IGA from a posterior trunk along with the SGA, and the IPA from an anterior trunk. This arrangement corresponds to type B of the classification, the second most frequent type. This finding highlights the importance of acknowledging the anatomical variations in the origins of the main branches of the IIA, which allows for their correct identification during surgical procedures and diagnostic interventions.