Abstract
Background: The “classic” thyroid gland arterial vascularization takes into account two superior thyroid arteries (STA), two inferior thyroid arteries (ITA) and, occasionally, a thyroid ima artery (TIMA). The present review focuses on exploring the available data concerning thyroid gland arterial vascularization and its variations. Methods: Here, we analysed 49 articles from the last century, ranging from case reports to reviews concerning cadaver dissection classes, surgical intervention, and non-invasive techniques as well. Results: The harvested data clearly highlighted that: (i) the STA originates predominantly from the external carotid artery; (ii) the ITA is a branch of the thyrocervical trunk; and (iii) the TIMA is a very uncommon variant predominantly occurring to compensate for ITA absence. Conclusion: A systematic review of a highly vascularized organ is of great relevance during surgical intervention and, thus, the knowledge of normal anatomy and its modification is essential both for fact-finding and in surgery.
Highlights
The thyroid gland is a richly vascularized endocrine gland [1]
Background: The “classic” thyroid gland arterial vascularization takes into account two superior thyroid arteries (STA), two inferior thyroid arteries (ITA) and, occasionally, a thyroid ima artery (TIMA)
The present review focuses on exploring the available data concerning thyroid gland arterial vascularization and its variations
Summary
The thyroid gland is a richly vascularized endocrine gland [1]. It is an uneven organ located in a median position in the antero-lower region of the neck, between the fifth cervical vertebra and the first thoracic vertebra.The importance of studying the vascularization of the thyroid gland and its variation is mainly due to its close relationship with other structures, especially muscle and vascular nerve bundles.Topographically, the medial face of the thyroid gland is placed directly on the ventral surface of the larynx and the trachea, while the ventral surface of the gland, starting from the anterior and medial face of the organ, is covered by the subhyoid muscles (such as the sternothyroid, homohyoid and sternohyoid muscle) that are enclosed by the splitting of the middle cervical fascia.Laterally, in correspondence of the lobes, there are the sternocleidomastoid muscle and, more superficially, the superficial cervical fascia and the platysma. The thyroid gland is a richly vascularized endocrine gland [1] It is an uneven organ located in a median position in the antero-lower region of the neck, between the fifth cervical vertebra and the first thoracic vertebra. The importance of studying the vascularization of the thyroid gland and its variation is mainly due to its close relationship with other structures, especially muscle and vascular nerve bundles. In correspondence of the lobes, there are the sternocleidomastoid muscle and, more superficially, the superficial cervical fascia and the platysma. The lateral surface of the two lobes is related to the vascular nerve bundle of the neck, covered by the carotid sheath holding the common carotid artery, the internal jugular vein, and the vagus nerve. The present review focuses on exploring the available data concerning thyroid gland arterial vascularization and its variations. Conclusion: A systematic review of a highly vascularized organ is of great relevance during surgical intervention and, the knowledge of normal anatomy and its modification is essential both for fact-finding and in surgery.
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