The costocervical trunk: A detailed review

Abstract

The number of studies on the anatomy of the costocervical trunk (CCT) is scarce, and the actual prevalence of this structure is unknown. Therefore, the authors of the present study would like to propose a set of four types of CCT, which were created based on observations of computed tomography angiographies (75 CCTs). A retrospective study was conducted to establish variations and the morphometric properties of the CCT. The results of 55 consecutive patients who underwent neck and thoracic computed tomography angiography (CTA) were analyzed in March 2022.The analysis was performed on a total of 75 CCTs. Of these, 32 were from women (42.7%) and 43 were from men (57.3%). Branching variations of each CCT were thoroughly analyzed. A classification of the branching pattern of the CCTs was made and consisted of four types. In the present study, the variety of branching and morphology of CCT was analyzed, proposing its novel classification based on the four most frequently observed types. Type 1 was the most prevalent (76.1%), having a similar origin and branching pattern as described in the major anatomical books. CCT was found to be absent in 23.94% of the cases, making it a somewhat less consistent branch of the SA. Understanding the variability of the anatomy of the CCT can be a great tool for physicians performing endovascular procedures in the cervical region.

An aberrant right subclavian artery in a 63-year-old male cadaver

“…The costocervical trunk had a more inferior origin in the thoracic cavity, more specifically, originating at the level of the 1st intercostal space, rather than posteroinferiorly to the clavicle. The branching pattern of this arterial trunk has been proven to be quite variable [4]. However, no abnormalities considering the branches of the costocervical trunk were observed in the present case.…”

The occipital-vertebral anastomosis revisited

“…Interestingly, the OA formed an anastomosis with the deep cervical artery, which is the branch of the costocervical trunk, in 27.3% of the cases (Figure 4). The deep cervical artery may have a variable origin, originating either from the costocervical trunk or directly from the subclavian artery [4,5,14]. Nevertheless, these results show that the OA can form anastomoses between both the vertebral but also the subclavian systems.…”

Treatment options for oropharyngeal carcinoma — An umbrella review

“…The anatomy of the head and neck region is highly complex, making surgical treatment of OPSCC challenging [38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45]. Surgical treatment of OPSCC has historically consisted of extensive open surgeries with large incisions and mandibulotomies.…”