Separate Origins of the Internal and External Carotid Arteries Depicted on CT Angiography: A Case Report

Abstract

The congenital absence of the common carotid artery (CCA) with separate origins of the external carotid artery (ECA) and internal carotid artery (ICA) is a rare anomaly. The literature includes fewer than 25 such cases (1-6). The technological advances of noninvasive imaging modalities can better delineate anatomical variants and vascular pathologies in the major intracranial and cervical arteries (6, 7). Although congenital vascular anomalies are rare, the identification of these variants can be significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in clinical practice (2). We presented a rare case of a right CCA agenesis in a 61-yearold female patient that was detected by head and neck CT angiography (CTA). We also reviewed the relevant literature regarding this congenital anomaly and discussed its embryologic development and clinical significance. CASE REPORT