Abstract
Introduction: Common carotid and its two major branches, external and internal carotid arteries
form arterial network for blood supply in the head and neck region. Variations in
configuration and branching pattern of these arteries change the irrigation pattern
and complicate the identification of specific arteries during surgical intervention
coupled with imagery interpretation for diagnosis. Though handful variations have
been documented yet there is strong need to report unusual, new and virgin organization
of configuration and branching pattern in these arteries. Case Report: During dissection of head and neck region, anomalous branching pattern consisting
of bilateral trifitrcation/quadrification of common and external carotid arteries
and abnormal trifitrcation of distal external carotid artery was observed. Conclusion: Lack of knowledge of these variants in branching coniguration may lead to unfortunate
differential diagnosis and iatrogenic complications.
Keywords
common carotid - external carotid artery - quadriication - trifurcation - branching
pattern
