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Updated: Oct 24, 2025

2D and 3D Echocardiography in the Axolotl Ambystoma Mexicanum
Published on: November 29, 2018
Anatomical and positional variants of the brachiocephalic trunk in a Mexican population
Nadia Gabriela Jasso-Ramírez1,2, Rodrigo E Elizondo-Omaña1, Ingrid Abigail Garza-Rico3
1Human Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
Background:
Brachiocephalic trunk (BCT) variants may have a clinical impact during surgical procedures, some of which could be fatal. The objective of this study was to classify height positions of the BCT and report their prevalence in a Mexican population.
Methods:
Patients: A retrospective, descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional was performed using computed tomography angiography (CTA) of adult (> 18 years of age) patients, without gender distinction, of Mexican origin. Measuring techniques were standardized using the suprasternal notch to analyze linear and maximum heights, linear and curved lengths, and the vertebral origin and bifurcation levels of the BCT.
Results:
A total of 270 CTA were obtained (66.7% men and 33.3% women). A high position of BCT was present in 64.81% (n 175/270). The mean linear medial height was 0.58 ± 1.91 cm, the maximum height of the free edge was 3.85 ± 2.04 cm, side length of the midline at the maximum height of the free edge was 1.46 ± 2.59, linear length 3.72 ± 0.70, and a curve length 3.99 ± 0.79. The BCT origin was most predominant at the T3 (57.9%) and T4 (27.0%) vertebral levels, with the bifurcation at T2 (57.9%) and T1 (36.2%).
Conclusions:
There is a high prevalence of high position BCT in our population. Patients should be assessed before any procedures in the area, due to the potential risk of complications.
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