The report describes a very rare origin of two common trunks from arch of aorta.

What is it about?

The report describes a very rare origin of two common trunks from arch of aorta in a cadaver. The first is the common trunk of brachiocephalic and left common carotid arteries (so called bovine trunk) and the second common trunk of left vertebral and left subclavian arteries (Vertebrosubclavian trunk). Though bovine trunk is the most common variant branch of the arch, association with vertebrosubclavian trunk is extremely rare and to the best of our knowledge , we have reported the second such case. Understanding such variations is essential for any invasive procedures on carotid and vertebral arteries,interpretation of radiological images and cerebral angiography.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Supra-aortic branches supply brain and for safe invasive procedures thorough knowledge of normal and variant pattern of these arteries is essential. Occlusive disorders affecting supra-aortic branches have catastrophic effects on cerebral circulation leading to neurological complications. Atypical branching pattern of arch may be a potential anatomical marker for future development of thoracic aortic disease.