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Updated: Jul 31, 2026
05:10
Gasless Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via the Trans-Axillary Approach
Published on: September 15, 2023
Summary
A rare anatomical variation, the superior thyroid artery, was found originating unusually high on the common carotid artery during a dissection. This finding is the most proximal origin recorded and the first in a Black individual.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Vascular Anatomy
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- The superior thyroid artery (STA) typically arises from the external carotid artery (ECA).
- Variations in STA origin, including from the common carotid artery (CCA) or its bifurcation, have reported incidences ranging from 5% to 45% across different populations.
- Previous literature suggests a higher prevalence of low-origin STAs in females and a greater occurrence on the left side compared to the right.
Observation:
- During a routine dissection of a Black male cadaver, an anomalous right superior thyroid artery was identified.
- This aberrant artery originated from the common carotid artery (CCA), approximately 27 mm proximal to the bifurcation into the external carotid artery (ECA) and internal carotid artery (ICA).
Findings:
- This case represents the most proximal origin of the STA from the CCA documented to date.
- It is the first reported instance of such a proximal STA origin in a Black individual.
- The observed origin significantly exceeded the typical proximal limit of 1 cm, with only one prior case reported at 25 mm proximal.
Implications:
- A significantly low-origin STA, as observed in this case, has considerable implications for surgical procedures involving the thyroid gland and neck.
- Surgeons must be aware of this rare anatomical variation to avoid potential complications during thyroidectomies or other neck surgeries.
- This finding underscores the importance of detailed pre-operative anatomical assessment and highlights potential challenges in surgical approaches to the thyroid.
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