Variation in distribution of level of bifurcation of the common carotid artery among black African population in western, Kenya

Résumé

Variations in the bifurcation of the common carotid artery (CCA) are clinically important because they influence the safety and effectiveness of carotid angiography, endarterectomy, thyroid surgery, and other head and neck interventions. Several studies have shown inconsistent incidences of CCA variations, with only reports of a single case study, used non homogenous study sample or failed to correlate the variations with the populace demographic characteristics such as sex and laterality. Although such variations have been documented in different populations, there is limited anatomical data among Black Africans in Kenya. This study evaluated the anatomical variations in the bifurcation of the CCA and assessed their association among the Black African population in Western Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional cadaveric study was conducted in the anatomy laboratories of universities in western Kenya. Seventy-two embalmed adult cadavers of Black African descent, with 57 males (114 arteries) and 15 females (30 arteries) were examined, yielding a total of 144 carotid artery specimens. Standard dissection techniques were used to expose the common carotid arteries from their origin to their terminal bifurcation. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 27. Frequencies and percentages were used to summarize anatomical patterns. Majority of common carotid arteries bifurcated at the superior border of the thyroid cartilage 120 (83.3%), while 18 (12.5%) bifurcated at the body of the thyroid cartilage and 6 (4.2%) at the body of the hyoid bone, representing high bifurcation. Thus significant anatomical variations exist in the bifurcation, of the common carotid artery among the Black African population in Western Kenya. The right common carotid artery presented with a higher frequency as compared to the left. These findings provide important region-specific anatomical reference data that can enhance surgical planning, improve radiological interpretation, and reduce the risk of vascular injury during head and neck procedures.