A cadaveric study of aortic arch variations and its embryological basis

Abstract

Background-Aortic arch variations are usually asymptomatic and are identified incidentally in radiological imaging and in autopsy finding.The aim of this study is to observe the incidence of variation in the branching pattern of arch of aorta in cadavers of Indian origin.Materials and Methods: A total of 45 cadavers were included in the study. Arch of aorta and its branches were dissected and noted. Origin of Brachiocephalic trunk,Left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery were noted.Results: Type 1-Normal three branching pattern was observed in 82.3%. Type II with twobranches was seen in 17.7% specimens.In this variant a common trunk giving rise to brachiocephalic trunk (BCT)and left common carotid artery(LCCA) and a separate origin of left subclavian artery to the left of common trunk was seen.A single heart with posterior and leftorigin of BCT was noted.Conclusion: Variation of aortic arch branching is ofradiological and surgical significance, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of head,neck, and chest diseases.Awareness of these variations is particularly relevant for interventionalists who access these vessels during endovascular surgery.