Anomalous brachiocephalic trunk crossing the trachea: a rare vascular challenge in tracheostomy-case report and surgical considerations
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: A 66-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer diagnosed 2 years ago, hypertension, and hypothyroidism developed progressive quadriparesis and autonomic dysfunction, diagnosed as Guillain-Barré syndrome. She required mechanical ventilation due to severe respiratory distress. Tracheostomy was planned for prolonged ventilator support; however, abnormal neck pulsations at the surgical site raised concern for a vascular anomaly. Doppler ultrasonography and computed tomography angiography revealed a high-riding aberrant brachiocephalic trunk (BCT) traversing anterior to the trachea, altering the standard surgical approach. BCT anomalies, though rare, can pose life-threatening risks during neck surgeries. This case underscores the importance of pre-operative imaging when vascular anomalies are suspected. Recognizing such variations is crucial for surgical planning, enhancing patient safety, and guiding modified procedures to reduce complications.
Source: Indian Journal of Case Reports
Authors: Jomy George, Lijo James, K C Puneeth, Aiswarya Mohan
Institutions: Saad Specialist Hospital, Caritas Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414347725
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