A case of an anomalous cricothyroid artery

Abstract

The cricothyroid artery typically originates as a branch of the superior thyroid artery and courses medially to reach the median cricothyroid ligament. Anatomical variations of this pattern are not well documented in the literature. We present a case in which the left cricothyroid artery originated from the left superior thyroid artery near the superior border of the thyroid cartilage and coursed medially to pierce the thyroid lamina. This variation was found during a routine anatomy dissection at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. The possible clinical implications and their relevance to emergency airway management procedures are discussed.