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Internal carotid artery anatomy - not always straightforward
Maroš Rudnay1,2, Gabriela Rjašková1, Viera Lehotská2
1Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, L. Pasteur University Hospital, Košice, Slovakia.
Vascular
|January 5, 2022
Summary
A rare internal carotid artery variant, the occipital artery originating from the cervical portion, was identified. This anatomical variation, though uncommon, may have clinical significance in surgical and endovascular procedures.
Area of Science:
- Vascular anatomy
- Radiology
- Embryology
Background:
- The cervical portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is typically characterized by a lack of branches.
- This anatomical feature serves as a landmark in procedures like ultrasound examinations.
Observation:
- A case report detailing an unusual origin of the occipital artery from the cervical ICA is presented.
- This finding was incidentally discovered during computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the carotid arteries.
Findings:
- The study documents a rare anatomical variant where the occipital artery arises from the cervical segment of the ICA.
- Discussion includes the potential embryological origins, prevalence, and clinical relevance of this variant.
Implications:
- Anatomical variations in the carotid arteries, though rare, can impact endovascular access and surgical treatment strategies.
- Awareness of such variants is crucial for accurate diagnosis and safe interventional procedures.
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