Meandering Arteria Thyroidea Ima, an Anatomical Case Report

Introduction: we report a case of arteria thyroidea ima, which originated as a branch from the brachiocephalic trunk. This variant artery was supplying the isthmus of thyroid gland and the inferior aspect of left lobe. The inferior thyroid artery was absent over the left side. It was also observed that, there was solitary inferior thyroid vein, which was arising from the left lower pole of thyroid and this was draining into the brachiocephalic vein of right side. Both the thyroidea ima artery and inferior thyroid vein had tortuous course, which were running anterior to the trachea, slightly towards the left side. The isthmus of thyroid gland was high located, obscuring the cricoid cartilage. We believe that, reporting of this case will enlighten the head and neck surgeon. The preoperative knowledge about the thyroidea ima artery and variation of inferior thyroid vein are essential to the operating surgeon to prevent the complications like catastrophic bleeding.