Congenital Aplasia of the Common Carotid Artery: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

In an attempt to describe the morphofunctional consequences of uni- and bilateral aplasia of the common carotid artery (CCA), which is usually a vascular source of the external carotid (ECA) and internal carotid (ICA) arteries, we investigated online databases of anatomical and clinical papers published from the 18th century to the present day. We found 87 recorded cases of uni- and bilateral CCA aplasia in subjects from the first hours to the eighth decade of life, which had been discovered in 14 (known) countries. Four crucial parameters were described: the embryology of the carotid arteries, morphophysiology of the carotid arteries, CCA aplasia, and unilateral versus bilateral CCA aplasia, including history, general data, diagnosing, vascular sources, caliber, course of the separated ECA and ICA, associated vascular variants, and pathological disorders. To complete the knowledge of the morphofunctional consequences of the absence of some artery of the carotid system, and risking the possibility of repeating some words, as “carotid artery”, or “carotid aplasia” and the headings from our previous article about bilateral ICA absence, this review is the first in the literature that recorded all cases of the CCA aplasia published and/or cited for the past 233 years. Main characteristic of the CCA absence is its association with 21 different diseases, among which the aneurysms were in 13.69% of cases, and 17.80% of cases were without pathology.

Atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic changes in brachiocephalic arteries as predictors of cerebral and coronary events (literature review)

“…Эти случаи были обнаружены у пациентов или трупов обоих полов (37 женщин, 24 мужчин и 26 неизвестного пола) в возрасте от 0 до 77 лет. По результатам такого обзора можно сделать вывод, что аплазия ОСА -настоящая редкость [23].…”

Previously unreported variant collateral supply in an acute stroke patient with anomalous common and internal carotid artery anatomy undergoing mechanical thrombectomy

“…Agenesis of the common carotid and internal carotid arteries are rare entities. Approximately 100 cases of internal carotid artery (ICA) agenesis are reported in the literature, 1 and even fewer cases of common carotid agenesis 2 . The collateral supply in such cases is well described and typically follows one of only a small number of variations.…”

“…Approximately 100 cases of internal carotid artery (ICA) agenesis are reported in the literature, 1 and even fewer cases of common carotid agenesis. 2 The collateral supply in such cases is well described and typically follows one of only a small number of variations. Lie classically described six major pathways of collateral supply in ICA agenesis.…”

Coexistence of the Absence of the Left Common Carotid Artery, a Common Origin of the Left External Carotid Artery and the Right Common Carotid Artery, and an Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery: A Case Report

“…The absence of the common carotid artery (CCA) is a rare anomaly of the vascular system. The incidence of agenesis of the CCA is unknown, and only 87 cases have been reported up to 2019 ( 1 2 ). This anomaly can occur at both sides and generally coexist with independent origins of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and external carotid artery (ECA) ( 2 ), and the common origin of the ECA and the contralateral CCA is even rare.…”

“…The incidence of agenesis of the CCA is unknown, and only 87 cases have been reported up to 2019 ( 1 2 ). This anomaly can occur at both sides and generally coexist with independent origins of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and external carotid artery (ECA) ( 2 ), and the common origin of the ECA and the contralateral CCA is even rare. We present a case of coexistence of these vascular anomalies with an aberrant right subclavian artery, which is a common congenital anomaly in the aortic arch ( 3 ), and reviewed the embryologic mechanism and clinical importance.…”