ABSTRACT

The common carotid arteries originate from brachiocephalic trunk on the right and directly from the aortic arch on the left. These arteries are contained within the carotid sheaths together with the internal jugular veins and vagus nerves. The structures enclosed in carotid sheath are of great importance, since they provide most of the vascular supply of the head and neck. They exhibit a great deal of variation and are related with a number of pathologic conditions and invasive procedures.

Thus we focused on morphology of the common carotid artery (CCA) and internal jugular vein (IJV) to determine these possible variations. Methods: Neck magnetic resonance images of 81 individuals (38 females and 43 males) were evaluated retrospectively. Diameter of the lumen of the common carotid artery (CD) and the diameters of the lumen of the internal jugular vein (ID) were measured at the same level that is one slice inferior to the slice in which the bifurcation of the CCA is observed firstly. CCA intima-media thickness (CIMT), IJV intima-media thickness (IIMT), CCA-midline distance (CMD) and IJV-midline distance (IMD) were also measured at the aforementioned level. The measurements were evaluated in relation to gender and asymmetry.

The values measured for Right CMD, Right IMD, Left CD, Left CMD and Left IMD of males were greater than those of females (p<0.05). The results stressed various morphometric parameters and topography of the IJV and CCA.

The results are suggested to be helpful in determination of normal values in terms of diagnostic purposes and treatment planning.