Abstract
An abnormal origin of a left inferior thyroid artery from the left vertebral artery that in turn originated from the aortic arch was observed on a 72-year-old Caucasian male cadaver during a dissection anatomy practice. We describe in detail the morphology of this extremely rare anatomical variation and refer to its clinical importance.
Highlights
Variations have been described for almost every artery of the human body each one having more or less clinical significance, except from the pure anatomical interest [1].The inferior thyroid artery usually originates from the thyrocervical trunk
The left vertebral artery usually originates from the first part of the subclavian artery but it may arise from the left common carotid artery, from the root of the subclavian, close to the aortic arch, or directly from the aortic arch [1]
What is commonly described as “normal” aortic arch is that giving rise to three branches: 1. brachiocephalic trunk, which in turn branches to the right subclavian and to the right common carotid artery, 2. left common carotid artery and 3. left subclavian artery [1,2]
Summary
Variations have been described for almost every artery of the human body each one having more or less clinical significance, except from the pure anatomical interest [1]. Case presentation During an anatomy practice, at the Department of Anatomy of the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, a 72-year-old, Greek, Caucasian, formaline-embalmed male cadaver was dissected, in accordance with all legal requirements posed by the University’s Ethical Committee, and a rare anatomical variation in the vessels of the aortic arch was observed. His height was 1.77 m and his weight 85 kg. The remaining vasculature of the upper thorax and the neck was according to the normal pattern
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