A Case of Multiple Posterior Intercostal Artery Common Trunks in Conjunction with Additional Arterial Variations

Figure 4

Left posterior thoracic wall with exposed ICS: (a) superior common trunk arising from TA between 6th and 7th thoracic vertebrae supplying 3rd-5th ICS; (b) middle common trunk arising from TA between 7th and 8th thoracic vertebral level supplying 6th-7th ICS; (c) inferior common trunk arising from TA between 12th thoracic and 1st lumbar vertebrae supplying 11th ICS and subcostal space. Numbers 1-11: ICS number; 12: subcostal space; HICA: highest intercostal artery; 1st CT: first (superior) common trunk; 2nd CT: second (middle) common trunk; 3rd CT: third (inferior) common trunk; TA: thoracic aorta.