Morphological and morphometric variations of the aorta and brachiocephalic trunk in human cadaveric dissection:  A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Korlam  Vijayalakshmi; Vanajakshi  Bothsa; G.V  Sivaprasad

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1809

Authors

Dr. Korlam Vijayalakshmi Asssociate Professor, Department of Anatomy, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Sangivalasa, Visakhapatnam. Andhra Pradesh, India
Dr. Vanajakshi Bothsa Asssociate Professor , Department of Anatomy, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Sangivalasa, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Dr. G.V. Sivaprasad Professor and Head, Department of Anatomy, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Sangivalasa, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1809

Keywords:

Aortic arch, Brachiocephalic trunk, Morphometry, Anatomical variations, Cadaveric study, Trifurcation, Bovine arch

Abstract

Background

Knowledge of anatomical variations in the aortic arch and brachiocephalic trunk is crucial for cardiovascular and thoracic surgeries, radiological interpretations, and interventional procedures. These variations, though often asymptomatic, can pose significant challenges during clinical practice if unrecognized.

Objectives: To investigate the morphological patterns and morphometric measurements of the aortic arch and brachiocephalic trunk in formalin-fixed human cadavers.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 36 formalin-fixed adult human cadavers during routine dissection sessions in anatomy laboratories. Morphological variations were observed through careful dissection, and morphometric parameters were measured using digital calipers and measuring tapes. Descriptive statistics were applied to summarize the findings.

Results

The classic aortic arch pattern (Type I) was the predominant morphology, present in 77.8% of cadavers, followed by the bovine-type arch in 16.7% and a rare four-branch variant in 5.5%. Morphometric analysis showed the aortic arch had an average length of 5.9 ± 0.8 cm and a diameter of 2.5 ± 0.3 cm. The brachiocephalic trunk demonstrated normal bifurcation in 91.7% of specimens, trifurcation in 5.6%, and was absent in 2.7%. Its mean length and diameter measured 3.8 ± 0.5 cm and 1.2 ± 0.2 cm, respectively. Incidental pathological findings included atherosclerotic changes in 11.1% and tortuous aortic arches in 5.6% of cases.

Conclusion

A wide range of anatomical variations in the aorta and brachiocephalic trunk exist and should be considered during surgical and radiological planning to prevent iatrogenic complications. The data also contributes to anatomical education and clinical reference.

Recommendations

Routine preoperative imaging and careful anatomical assessment are recommended to identify aortic arch and brachiocephalic trunk variations, minimizing surgical risks and improving outcomes in cardiovascular and thoracic interventions.

Author Biographies

Dr. Korlam Vijayalakshmi, Asssociate Professor, Department of Anatomy, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Sangivalasa, Visakhapatnam. Andhra Pradesh, India

Dr. K.Vijayalakshmi is currently serving as an Associate Professor of Anatomy at NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Sangivalasa, Visakhapatnam District, and Andhra Pradesh, India. She holds a doctoral degree in Medical Anatomy from the prestigious Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai. With over 18years of teaching experience in various medical institutions, her academic work includes nine research publications in reputed national and international journals, including one article indexed in Scopus. K.Vijayalakshmi:https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6212-6141

Dr. Vanajakshi Bothsa, Asssociate Professor , Department of Anatomy, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Sangivalasa, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Dr.Vanajakshi Bothsa is an Associate Professor of the Anatomy department at NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Sangivalasa, Visakhapatnam, India. She earned her Doctoral degree in Medical Anatomy from the esteemed LNCT Deemed University (Bhopal), Madhya Pradesh. With over 10 years of teaching experience in various private medical institutions across Andhra Pradesh, Dr. vanajakshi has made academic and research contributions. She authored 5 international research publications. Vanajakshi Bothsa: https://orcid.org/00000-0003-3334-6094.

Dr. G.V. Sivaprasad, Professor and Head, Department of Anatomy, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Sangivalasa, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Dr.G.V.Sivaprasad is currently serving as a Professor & H.O.D of Anatomy at NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Sangivalasa, Visakhapatnam District, and Andhra Pradesh, India. He holds his post-graduation M.D Anatomy from the prestigious Andhra Medical College, Andhra Pradesh, India. With over 18 years of teaching experience in various medical institutions, Dr. Siva Prasad has made significant contributions to the field of Anatomy. His academic work includes nine research publications in reputed national and international journals. His dedication to research and education continues to enrich the academic and clinical landscape of Anatomy. Dr.G.V.Sivaprasad: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5410-4249.

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https://doi.org/10.7860/IJARS/2022/51945.2758