Thyroidea Ima Artery in Cadavers of a Medical College in Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Thyroidea ima artery is a variant arterial branch of arch of aorta supplying the thyroid gland. Understanding the anatomic variances and correctly identifying the thyroidea ima artery is crucial to preventing serious complications both before and after neck surgery. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of thyroidea ima artery in cadavers of a medical college in Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the department of anatomy in Janaki Medical College, Dhanusha, Nepal from 27 December 2022 to 30 June 2023 after ethical clearence from the same institution. Origin of thyroidea ima artery was observed, recorded and photographed. Convenience sampling method was used. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results: Out of 35 cadavers, thyroidea ima artery was present in 2 (5.71%), arising from brachiocephalic trunk just proximal to its bifurcation and there was absence of inferior thyroid artery. Conclusions: Findings from our study showed that thyroidea ima artery originated from brachiocephalic trunk with absence of inferior thyroid artery.