Vertebro-Subclavian Trunk: A Rare Aortic Arch Anomaly
AC01-AC04
Correspondence
Dr. Vinay Sharma,
Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Muzaffarnagar Medical College, N.H.-58, Begrajpur Industrial Area,
Muzaffarnagar-251203, Uttar Pradesh, India.
E-mail: vinay_sharma1979@yahoo.com
Introduction: Variations in the branching pattern of the arch of aorta are not uncommon. The common trunk of origin of left vertebral and left subclavian arteries from the arch of aorta, named as the Vertebro-Subclavian Trunk (VST), is a very rare aortic arch branching anomaly sporadically reported in the literature.
Aim: To assess the aortic arch branching anomalies especially the presence of the VST.
Materials and Methods: Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomographic (CECT) scans of chest of 410 patients were analysed and interpreted by two radiologists.
Results: The VST was noted in three male patients with an estimated incidence of 0.73%. In one male patient the VST was associated with the presence of a common stem of origin of brachiocephalic trunk and left common carotid artery (so called bovine arch). Thus, there were two common trunks originating from the arch.
Conclusion: Careful observation of aortic arch branching pattern has revealed the presence of origin of left vertebral artery from the root of left subclavian artery just above the arch, the common trunk designated as VST. Catheterisation of left vertebral artery in such cases may be difficult and adequate pre-procedural knowledge can help in successful accomplishment of interventional procedures.