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Retropharyngeal course of the superior thyroid artery - a novel finding

  • 0Division of Anatomy, Faculty of Dentistry, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, RO-020021, Romania.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : Sra +

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April 3, 2025

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April 3, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

A rare bilateral retropharyngeal course of the superior thyroid artery (STA) was discovered in a patient

Area Of Science

  • Anatomy
  • Vascular Anatomy
  • Surgical Anatomy

Background

  • The superior thyroid artery (STA) typically originates from the external carotid artery (ECA) and follows a predictable anatomical course.
  • Standard anatomical descriptions detail the STA's descent on the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle to supply the thyroid lobe.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To report the serendipitous discovery of a novel, bilateral retropharyngeal course of the superior thyroid artery (STA).
  • To highlight an extraordinary anatomical variant of the STA's trajectory.

Main Methods

  • Analysis of archived angioCT (angiography computed tomography) scan data from a 56-year-old male patient.
  • Detailed examination of the carotid bifurcation and the course of the superior thyroid arteries.

Main Results

  • The study identified a bilateral retropharyngeal course for both superior thyroid arteries (STAs).
  • Specific measurements and positional relationships of the STAs relative to the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage were documented.
  • Both STAs coursed posteriorly to the pyriform recess of the hypopharynx.

Conclusions

  • The bilateral retropharyngeal course of the STA, while extraordinary, is anatomically possible.
  • Preoperative angioCT scans are crucial for identifying such rare vascular variants.
  • Awareness of this variant is important for surgical planning in the head and neck region.

Keywords:

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