Variations of Bifurcation of the Common Carotid Artery, and Origin of Superior Thyroid Artery, in Sudanese: A Cadaveric Study

Abstract

Background: Knowledge of the bifurcation level of the common carotid artery (CCA) is important during surgery, mummification, and radiological studies. This study aim to evaluate the anatomical variations in the bifurcation level of CCA, and the origin of the superior thyroid artery (STA), in Sudanese populations. Their knowledge reduces risk during surgery and helps in arterial ligation. Materials and Methods: 30 neck cadaveric specimens were evaluated on sides, using natural anatomical tools and methods for the anatomical studies. Results: The bifurcation of CCA was found at 36.7% at the level of the upper border of thyroid cartilage (TC), 61.7% above, and 1.6% below. No big differences were found in carotid bifurcation on both sides. The right side showed 30% were normal, 66.7 % high, and 3.3% were low-level bifurcation, left showed 43.3% were normal, 56.7% high, and no low level of bifurcation was observed. Origin of STA either from external 50% or bifurcation 46.7% was nearly about the same, with a few incidences 3.3% from the common carotid. Significance differences were observed in origin STA between both sides, on the right the artery commonly originates from external, and on the left commonly from the bifurcation. Conclusion: CCA bifurcates at a higher level in Sudanese, with no big difference in carotid bifurcation on both sides. Statistically, a significant difference was found in the origin of STA on both sides. Recommendation: higher bifurcation of CCA, and side variations in origin of STA, should be put into consideration during surgery and radiology.