Rare Absent Right Common Carotid Anomaly: Case Report and Current Information

Abstract

This case report provides a review of the occurrence, variations, signs/symptoms, and gender/side preferences of an absent common carotid artery (CCA) anatomical variant. Normal embryology of the carotid arteries and associated structures are also discussed. The relationship between absent common carotid bifurcations and the risk for plaque development is also considered but is limited due to the lack of empirical evidence. This report also outlines and demonstrates an absent right CCA with direct, separate origins of the right external carotid artery and right internal carotid artery from the right subclavian artery. An absent CCA is a rare vascular anomaly with multiple variations. There are typically no associated signs/symptoms, and there are no gender or side preferences.