The Thyroid Gland: A Revision Study on Its Vascularization and Surgical Implications

oleh: Jacopo J. V. Branca, Alfredo Lascialfari Bruschi, Antonino Marcello Pilia, Donatello Carrino, Giulia Guarnieri, Massimo Gulisano, Alessandra Pacini, Ferdinando Paternostro

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2022-01-01

Deskripsi

<i>Background</i>: The “classic” thyroid gland arterial vascularization takes into account two superior thyroid arteries (STA), two inferior thyroid arteries (ITA) and, occasionally, a thyroid ima artery (TIMA). The present review focuses on exploring the available data concerning thyroid gland arterial vascularization and its variations. <i>Methods</i>: Here, we analysed 49 articles from the last century, ranging from case reports to reviews concerning cadaver dissection classes, surgical intervention, and non-invasive techniques as well. <i>Results</i>: The harvested data clearly highlighted that: (i) the STA originates predominantly from the external carotid artery; (ii) the ITA is a branch of the thyrocervical trunk; and (iii) the TIMA is a very uncommon variant predominantly occurring to compensate for ITA absence. <i>Conclusion</i>: A systematic review of a highly vascularized organ is of great relevance during surgical intervention and, thus, the knowledge of normal anatomy and its modification is essential both for fact-finding and in surgery.