In-vivo imaging of a rare constellation of arterial variants: Aberrant subclavian artery, bicarotid trunk, and ectopic vertebral arteries

Abstract

We report in-vivo imaging of a constellation of arterial variants found incidentally on CT-angiography in a 23-year-old woman presenting with an ischaemic stroke. This extremely rare combination includes a common origin of both common carotid arteries, an abnormal origin of the right vertebral artery (VA) from the right common carotid artery and of the left VA from the aortic arch, associated with an aberrant right subclavian artery. This constellation, previously described in a female cadaver, has not been reported in-vivo. Awareness of this configuration is crucial for radiological diagnosis and when performing angiography and endovascular or surgical procedures in thorax, head and neck, to avoid complications.