Origin of left common carotid artery examined with CTA

Abstract

Introduction: The aortic arch usually gives rise to three major branches: the brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery. The left common carotid artery is the second and longest branch of the aortic arch; it ascends from the apex of the arch to the left carotid bifurcation in the neck, which typically occurs between the third and fourth midcervical vertebral bodies. The aim of this study was to describe the variations in origin of left common carotid artery and to emphasize their clinical significance. Materials and methods: We examined radiographs of 103 patients who had CT angiography undertaken for a variety of clinical reasons, performed as a part of their medical treatment at the University Clinic for Radiology in Skopje, RN Macedonia. The study population included 103 patients, 58 male and 45 females, age range from 25 - 82, mean age 58.4 years. Results: The left common carotid artery arose from the aortic arch in 88 patients (85.43%). In 15 patients (14.56%) we found atypical arisen of the left common carotid artery from the brachiocephalic trunk. Conclusion: Although anatomically interesting, an awareness of the left common carotid artery anatomy and variations is clinically important. A sound knowledge of left common carotid artery anatomy and variations is important during diagnostic, endovascular and surgical procedures.