Intrapetrous carotid artery branches: radioanatomic analysis

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Vascular Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• The intrapetrous portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is a critical anatomical structure.
• Understanding its branches is vital for surgical procedures and interpreting vascular imaging.
• Variations in these branches can impact surgical approaches and diagnostic accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the prevalence and characteristics of intrapetrous carotid artery branches.
• To identify specific branches such as the vidian artery and periosteal arteries.
• To describe the vascular anastomoses involving the vidian artery.

Main Methods:

• Angiographic analysis of normal carotid angiograms.
• Anatomical dissection in microsurgical studies.
• Detailed examination of vascular patterns and connections.

Main Results:

• Intrapetrous carotid artery branches were observed in 23% of angiograms and 38% of dissections.
• The vidian artery and small periosteal arteries were identified as significant branches.
• The caroticotympanic artery was not clearly visualized in either method.
• The vidian artery formed anastomoses within the posterior-superior and anterior nasopharynx.

Conclusions:

• Branches of the intrapetrous internal carotid artery are frequently encountered.
• The vidian artery plays a role in nasopharyngeal vascularity through distinct anastomoses.
• These anatomical findings are relevant for neurovascular and head and neck surgery.