Bilateral variations in the divisions of common carotid artery – a case report

During routine dissection, we found bilateral variation in the division of common carotid artery in a 48-year-old male cadaver. The right carotid, originated from the brachiocephalic trunk behind the right sternoclavicular joint. The left carotid, originated directly from the aortic arch. Division of common carotid artery occured at higher level; i.e., above the level of superior lamina of thyroid cartilage. On the right side 4.2 cm and on left side 3.5 cm above the superior lamina of thyroid cartilage and just behind the angle of mandible. The arteries did not have any branches; except on the right side the superior thyroidal artery arose from the 2.5 cm below the bifurcation. Knowledge of origin and bifurcation of common carotid artery is very important to the ENT surgeons, general surgeons, endocrinologist and vascular surgeons.