Origin of thyroid arteries in a Kenyan population

Abstract

The thyroid gland receives blood supply predominantly from paired superior and inferior thyroid arteries. The superior thyroid artery originates from external carotid while the inferior thyroid artery is a branch of thyrocervical trunk. Unusual origins of superior thyroid artery include common carotid and cervical part of internal carotid arteries while those for the inferior thyroid artery are subclavian, common carotid or the vertebral arteries. These origins vary between populations. Knowledge of variant anatomy of these arteries is important in surgical procedures within the neck. This study describes variant origin of the thyroid arteries in a Kenyan population Over 25% of superior thyroid arteries and 11 % of inferior thyroid arteries show variant origins. The common carotid and subclavian arteries were the most frequent variant sites of origin for superior and inferior thyroid arteries respectively. Bilateral asymmetry was observed. Neck surgeons should be aware of these variations during ligation and selective embolisation of thyroid arteries to avoid complications during surgery