A Rare Case of Anatomical Variation of Inferior Thyroid Artery Originated From the Brachiocephalic Trunk During Retrosternal Goiter Excision

Vascular variations are prevalent among the human population. However, the occurrence of anatomical variations in the inferior thyroid artery originating directly from the brachiocephalic trunk (BCT) is exceptionally rare, as confirmed by numerous research studies. In addition, reliable departmental statistics reveal that the incidence rate of retrosternal goiter is approximately 19%. In this case study, the variation blood vessels in the neck were accidentally found and analyzed. Simultaneously, we conducted an analysis on the clinical significance of a rare anatomical variation. The study focused on a 60-year-old female patient who underwent a surgery for retrosternal goiter, during which it was discovered that the inferior thyroid artery originated from the BCT. Our report presented a unique case involving this particular combination of anatomical variations within the BCT. The anatomical variation reported in our study will effectively reduce the risk of patients and enhance our comprehension of this anatomy's characteristics, thereby avoiding the occurrence of iatrogenic complications.