Aberrant branching pattern and uncommon origin of inferior thyroid artery - dual rarity

Abstract

Thyroid surgery is one of the most common neck procedures, and surgeons need to have a thorough understanding of the blood supply to this gland to prevent significant haemorrhage. In this report, we describe an aberrant branching pattern of the inferior thyroid artery (ITA) on the right side during a total thyroidectomy performed for papillary carcinoma of the thyroid with retrosternal extension at the ENT-HNS department of Command Hospital (Eastern Command). The left inferior thyroid artery appeared normal. The aberrant ITA originated from the right common carotid artery (CCA). Shortly after its origin, the aberrant branch ascended alongside the middle thyroid vein and entered the thyroid gland near the tubercle of Zuckerkandl. The superior thyroid arteries showed no unusual distribution. This uncommon origin and aberrant branching pattern is extremely rare, and PubMed review found no articles on this specific variation. Understanding such dual rarities and aberrant arterial patterns related to the thyroid gland is invaluable for surgeons, helping to prevent unnecessary haemorrhage.