Thyrolinguofacial trunk arising from the carotid bifurcation determined by cadaver dissection

Long linguofacial trunk with infrahyoid origin

The linguofacial trunk (LFT) is the conjoined origin of the lingual (LA) and facial (FA) arteries. We present an uncommon case of LFT due to its origin, length, and diameter. The computed tomography angiogram of an adult male case was evaluated. On the right side, the external carotid artery (ECA) gave off a large LFT before reaching the greater hyoid horn, with an outer diameter of 3.7 mm. The outer diameter of the ECA of 3.4 mm. The ECA and the LFT were on the outer side of the greater hyoid horn. After an ascending course of 20.9 mm anteriorly to the ECA, the LFT branched into the LA and FA. Bilateral elongated styloid processes reaching laterally to the oropharyngeal isthmus were also assessed. In conclusion, care should be taken not to confuse a large LFT with the ECA on the outer side of the greater hyoid horn.

Thyrolinguofacial trunk arising from the common carotid artery and diagnosed by computed tomography angiography

PURPOSE

Various variations in the head and neck vasculature have been reported. The purpose of this report is to describe an extremely rare case of thyrolinguofacial trunk (TLFT) arising from the common carotid artery (CCA).

METHODS

A 66-year-old woman with vertigo, dizziness, and heaviness in the head underwent computed tomography (CT) angiography of the neck and head region for evaluation of cerebrovascular diseases.

RESULTS

The TLFT originated from the anterior wall of the right CCA and was divided into the superior thyroid artery and linguofacial trunk (LFT). The LFT was divided into lingual and facial arteries. In addition, we observed fusiform dilatation of the intracranial right vertebral artery, which might have caused these symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The presence of a common trunk of the external carotid artery (ECA) branches increases the risk of complications such as bleeding and ischemia during treatment of the head and neck region, including chemoradiotherapy for oral bleeding and tongue cancer. Therefore, this is an area of significant interest across various medical specialties, including surgery, otolaryngology, and radiology. Understanding the diverse variations in the neck vasculature is expected to lead to a reduction in complications associated with various procedures.

Bilateral thyrolinguofacial trunk: unusual and rare branching pattern of external carotid artery

Prior knowledge of arterial supply to the head and neck is of substantial importance for well-planned surgeries involving the concerned region. We are reporting an unusual and rare variation in the branching pattern of external carotid artery in a 60-year-old female cadaver. A common trunk known as thyrolinguofacial trunk, originating from the anterior surface of the external carotid artery (right and left) giving of superior thyroid artery and a linguofacial trunk during a routine neck dissection. The linguofacial trunk then divided into a lingual and a facial artery. Vascular abnormalities are usually detected either on the dissection table or by the radiologists during imaging or accidently during surgeries leading to serious consequences.