A STUDY OF ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS IN THE EXTERNAL CAROTID ARTERY IN CADAVERS

Abstract

Background: The External Carotid Artery primarily supplies blood to the scalp, neck, and facial regions of the body. A comprehensive understanding of the vasculature and nerves in these areas is invaluable for various therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, including surgical resections for head, neck, facial, and oral cancers, radical neck dissections, as well as plastic and reconstructive surgeries in this critical region. Cerebrovascular strokes resulting from conditions such as atherosclerosis, hemorrhage, or embolism necessitate radiological investigations like carotid angiograms, while surgical interventions such as carotid endarterectomy also demand a thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the external carotid artery and its branches. Methods: This study utilized 50 cadavers preserved with 10% formalin, yielding a total of 100 neck halves for analysis. Among these cadavers, 42 were male, and 8 were female, obtained from the Department of Anatomy at Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Naganur Karimnagar, Telangana State. Anomalous branching patterns of the carotid arteries and variations in the relative positions of the internal and external carotid arteries can potentially damage the cranial nerves associated with them. Consequently, a morphometric study of the external carotid artery through meticulous cadaver dissections was undertaken. Results: the most common variation observed is the Linguofacial Trunk, with frequencies of 15 (30%) on the right side and 16 (32%) on the left side. The Direct origin from STA and Thyrolingual Trunk
variations have lower frequencies compared to other variations. Thyrolinguofacial Trunk and Terminal trifurcation of ECA are relatively rare occurrences. Accessory branches of ECA and SLA direct branch of ECA are observed at similar frequencies on both sides. APA at a higher level is more frequently observed on the left side compared to the right side. The sternocleidomastoid branch from CCA is a rare occurrence, with only one instance observed on the left side. Conclusion: The branching pattern of the ECA in the neck exhibits significant variability. A comprehensive understanding of its angioarchitecture is essential for enhancing procedural outcomes
and averting life-threatening complications. Preoperative angiographic evaluation to determine the carotid bifurcation level and arterial branching pattern can be invaluable in preventing injury to critical structures like the hypoglossal nerve and minimizing hemorrhage during surgical exploration of the head and neck region.