| Autor: |
Branca JJV; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Firenze, L.go Brambilla 3, 50134 Firenze, Italy., Lascialfari Bruschi A; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Firenze, L.go Brambilla 3, 50134 Firenze, Italy., Pilia AM; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Firenze, L.go Brambilla 3, 50134 Firenze, Italy., Carrino D; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Firenze, L.go Brambilla 3, 50134 Firenze, Italy., Guarnieri G; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Firenze, L.go Brambilla 3, 50134 Firenze, Italy., Gulisano M; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Firenze, L.go Brambilla 3, 50134 Firenze, Italy., Pacini A; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Firenze, L.go Brambilla 3, 50134 Firenze, Italy., Paternostro F; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Firenze, L.go Brambilla 3, 50134 Firenze, Italy. |
| Abstrakt: |
Background : 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. Methods : 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. Results : 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. Conclusion : 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. |
