Variation in common carotid artery bifurcation level: A Computed Tomographic study

Manisha B Sinha; Nibedita Naik; Human P Sinha; Neeraj Gautam; Pooja Singh

Volume : VIII, Issue : VI, June - 2019

Variation in common carotid artery bifurcation level: A Computed Tomographic study

Manisha B Sinha, Nibedita Naik, Human P Sinha, Neeraj Gautam, Pooja Singh

Abstract :

Introduction: The anatomy of common carotid artery (CCA) bifurcation is of paramount importance in both surgical and medical specialties. However, on account of significant variation seen in its anatomy we believe that the topography of CCA bifurcation now needs to be readdressed especially for surgical procedures of neck. The aim of our study is to substantiate the available knowledge about the anatomy of CCA and to look for its any unusual occurrence in the population of Chhattisgarh state. Furthermore, very few CT based studies are available on CCA. Therefore, it will enrich the available medical literature on this subject. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on both sides of 24 subjects retrospectively. Non–consecutive CT carotid angiograms were enrolled for the study. Results: Anteriorly, we found the commonest location of bifurcation of common carotid artery (CCB) at the level of greater cornu of hyoid bone (38.63%) and above the greater cornu of hyoid bone (38.63%). Posteriorly, the commonest verteal level was detected at the lower part of vertea C4. Conclusion: In our study, we found that the higher carotid bifurcation is the most common type of bifurcation. The implication of this finding is that any surgery in this region could be potentially risky particularly if the surgeon is not familiar with this variation. Furthermore, this study supplements data regarding the level of division of CCA in situ by CT angiography as compared to earlier cadaveric studies