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Anatomical variations of the carotid arteries in adult Kenyans

D. Anangwe, H. Saidi, J. Ogeng’o, K. O. Awori

Abstract


Objective: To describe the topography and anatomical variations of the carotid arteries among Kenyans.
Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study.
Setting: Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi.
Subjects: Eighty carotid arteries of forty cadavers were dissected.
Results: The bifurcation of the commonest carotid artery was high (above the reference points) in 63.8% of vessels and the external carotid was antero-lateral to the internal carotid artery in 30% of the vessels. A linguo-facial trunk was the most common variation of the external carotid artery. The origin
of the right common carotid artery was high and low in 10% and 2.6% of vessels respectively.
Conclusion: The carotid arteries show important variability and thus emphasise caution for clinicians during surgical procedures in the neck.

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The East African Medical Journal is published monthly by Kenya Medical Association.

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