Intrathoracic bifurcation of the left common carotid artery associated with rib fusion and Klippel-Feil syndrome

Kandemirli S. G.

SURGICAL AND RADIOLOGIC ANATOMY, vol.42, no.4, pp.411-415, 2020 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 42 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00276-019-02338-0
  • Journal Name: SURGICAL AND RADIOLOGIC ANATOMY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.411-415
  • Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Common carotid artery usually bifurcates at the superior border of thyroid cartilage, corresponding to the C3-4 junction, however bifurcation level may vary. Common carotid bifurcation may have rare variations like separate origins of left internal and external carotid arteries from aortic arch, or bifurcation of common carotid artery within thoracic cavity. Intrathoracic carotid bifurcation is a rare variation with limited number of cases reported. The occurrence of a low carotid bifurcation seems to be embryologically related to the persistence of the ductus caroticus. Additionally, intrathoracic carotid bifurcation can be accompanied by findings of Klippel-Feil syndrome. Herein, we present imaging findings of an incidentally detected intrathoracic left common carotid artery bifurcation in a pediatric patient accompanied by fusion of the cervical vertebrae and ribs.