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Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy
Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy 10/2022

29-09-2022 | Original Article

Combined unusual origin and course of the right vertebral artery and right inferior thyroid artery: a case report

Authors: Natália Hvizdošová, Janka Vecanová, Stanislav Matéffy, Ingrid Hodorová

Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy | Issue 10/2022

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Abstract

Purpose

An unusual unilateral origin and course of the prevertebral part of the right vertebral artery and anomalous course of the right inferior thyroid artery was observed during dissection of the neck of a cadaver.

Methods

An accidental finding in the cadaver within the anatomical dissection was assessed.

Results

The right vertebral artery originated a nonstandard from brachiocephalic trunk and travelled in the anterior cervical region, along the longus colli muscle in front of the transverse processes from C7 to C4, and it entered the transverse foramen of C3. During its course, the position of the right inferior thyroid artery varied: it turned medially and passed posterior to the vertebral vessels and later curved inferomedially to its termination. Additionally, the left vertebral artery of the same cadaver arose directly from the subclavian artery and entered the transverse foramen at C6, and the left inferior thyroid artery passed anterior to the vertebral artery.

Conclusion

Variation in the vertebral artery and inferior thyroid artery alone have been reported, but a combined variation is rare. The anatomical information from this study will be useful during dissection, angiography, endovascular surgery, thyroidectomy and non-invasive procedures in the cervical region.
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Metadata
Title
Combined unusual origin and course of the right vertebral artery and right inferior thyroid artery: a case report
Authors
Natália Hvizdošová
Janka Vecanová
Stanislav Matéffy
Ingrid Hodorová
Publication date
29-09-2022
Publisher
Springer Paris
Published in
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy / Issue 10/2022
Print ISSN: 0930-1038
Electronic ISSN: 1279-8517
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-022-03026-2

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