Three-Dimensional Computed Tomographic Study of the Supratrochlear Artery and Supraorbital Artery to Determine Arterial Variations and Their Relationship

Abstract

BACKGROUND The forehead has high risks associated with filler injection considering its highly complex vascular system. This study aims to thoroughly describe the anatomical variations and relationships between the supratrochlear artery (STA) and supraorbital artery (SOA). MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied 56 cadaveric heads by computed tomography after contrast-agent injection. RESULTS The deep branch of the STA originated in the deep superior orbital arcade and the ophthalmic artery (OA), whereas that of the SOA originated at 3 locations: the deep superior orbital arcade, deep superior orbital artery, and OA. The superficial branch of the STA also had 3 origins: the superficial superior orbital arcade, OA, and angular artery, whereas the superficial branch of the SOA had 2 origins: the superficial superior orbital arcade and OA. Based on the relationship between the STA and SOA, 2 main arterial distribution patterns were observed in both superficial and deep layer arteries: STA/SOA connected pattern and STA/SOA disconnected pattern, of which the latter pattern has 3 subtypes. CONCLUSION The forehead arteries have complex origins. The relationship of the supratrochlear and supraorbital arteries could be categorized into 2 main patterns. The study elucidated the complexity of the forehead vasculature.

Delineation of the central retinal artery using computed tomography: a pilot study

“…Therefore, contrast-enhanced CT was considered sensitive in detecting CRA segments coursing through the optic sheath. The ndings have not been documented in previous investigations using CT [4,7,10,14,15]. In the study, the scan timing, which was set to start 5.0 s after the circle of Willis began to be delineated, was optimal in most cases.…”

“…However, to the best of our knowledge, only a few studies have visualized the CRAs using computed tomography (CT) [4,7,10,14,15]. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the CRAs using contrastenhanced CT.…”

Aesthetic considerations for treating the Asian patient: Thriving in diversity international roundtable series

“…At all times, the injector should be aware of the supratrochlear (STA) and supraorbital (SOA) arteries (Figure 2). 37 When injecting the lateral forehead, injections should stay lateral to the STA and SOA, and the injector should respect the frontal portions of the superficial temporal artery. In the central forehead, below the medial frontal septum, it is especially important to be aware of the close proximity of these major vessels.…”