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Cited by 26Thyroid and Parathyroid SurgeryVascular anomalies and interventionsReconstructive Surgery and Microvascular Techniques

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The superior thyroid artery origin pattern: a systematic review with meta-analysis

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Triantafyllou, George, Paschopoulos, Ioannis, Duparc, Fabrice, Tsakotos, George, Tsiouris, Christos, Olewnik, Łukasz, Georgiev, Georgi, Zielinska, Nicol, Piagkou, Maria·2024·Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy
DOI 10.1007/s00276-024-03438-2

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Abstract

Purpose The current systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to investigate the pooled prevalence of the superior thyroid artery (STA) pattern of origin (distinct or fused-common origin with adjacent arteries in the form of a common trunk). The standard and uncommon variants were also studied, considering the STA's exact surface of origin and the relationship with the upper border of the thyroid cartilage (TC, reference point), considering the laterality effect. Thus, the STA topographical anatomy was considered. Methods An evidence-based systematic review with meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A literature search was conducted in four online databases using specific keywords, the pooled prevalence was calculated using statistical analysis in the R programming language, and multiple subgroup analyses were performed. Results The most common distinct origin of the STA was from the external carotid artery (ECA) (56.94% pooled prevalence, 95%CI: 50.89-62.89), and the rarest one was from the internal carotid artery (ICA) (< 0.01%, 95%CI: 0.00-0.00). Common trunks were also investigated, with the thyrolingual trunk emanating from the ECA estimated at 0.61% (95%CI: 0.21-1.14), representing the most common. Subgroup analysis based on the nationality, type of study, and sample size, as well as a comparison between left and right sides and males and females, were investigated. Conclusions The most common STA origin was estimated as the ECA, the medial surface of origin, and above the TC upper border. Adequate knowledge of STA origin is paramount for surgeons, especially during thyroidectomy, not to cause iatrogenic injury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.

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Authors
Triantafyllou, G., Paschopoulos, I., Duparc, F., Tsakotos, G., Tsiouris, C., Olewnik, Ł., Georgiev, G., Zielinska, N., & Piagkou, M.
Affiliations
  • National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (GR)
  • Université de Rouen Normandie (FR)
  • Mazovian University in Płock (PL)
  • Queen Giovanna Hospital (BG)
Corresponding author
Triantafyllou, George
ORCID
Venue
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2024-07-23
Volume
46
Issue
9
Pages
1549-1560
ISSN
  • 0930-1038 (ISSN-L)
  • 1279-8517
DOI
10.1007/s00276-024-03438-2
OpenAlex
W4400913893
Cited by
26
References
2
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 15 · 2024: 4
FWCI
2.88
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy (publishedVersion)
  • Research Square (acceptedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Vascular anomalies and interventions
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Reconstructive Surgery and Microvascular Techniques
Keywords
superior thyroid artery, external carotid artery, internal carotid artery, thyroid cartilage, superior laryngeal nerve injury, thyroidectomy, vascular anatomical variation, prevalence
MeSH terms
Carotid Artery, External, Carotid Artery, Internal, Humans, Thyroid Gland, Anatomic Variation

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