Vasc Spec Int.  2016 Sep;32(3):133-136. 10.5758/vsi.2016.32.3.133.

Bovine Aortic Arch and Bilateral Retroesophageal Course of Common Carotid Arteries in a Symptomatic Patient

• Bissacco D
• Domanin M
• Schinco G
• Gabrielli

• KMID: 2354248
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5758/vsi.2016.32.3.133

Abstract

Anatomical variations of carotid arteries may be related to their development (agenesis, aplasia, hypoplasia) or course (coiling, kinking, tortuosity). Partial or total aberrancies in carotid vessel anatomy rarely occur. We describe the case of a 95-year-old woman presented with sudden onset of confusion and disorientation together with upper limb clonus. Computed tomography (CT)-scan revealed a left frontal brain injury with a not conclusive carotid doppler ultrasound. CT angiography reported a bovine aortic arch with bilateral retroesophageal course of both common carotid arteries and left severe (>70%) internal carotid artery stenosis. The knowledge of anatomical variations of the course of carotid arteries is relevant for possible surgical or endovascular repair or in case of otolaryngology or intubation procedures.

Keyword

Carotid arteries; Carotid stenosis; Tomography; x-ray computed; Cardiovascular abnormalities

MeSH Terms

Angiography
Aorta, Thoracic*
Brain Injuries
Cardiovascular Abnormalities
Carotid Arteries
Carotid Artery, Common*
Carotid Stenosis
Female
Humans
Intubation
Otolaryngology
Ultrasonography
Upper Extremity