Non-recurrent laryngeal nerves. The role of digital subtraction angiography to identify subjects.
Three cases of non-recurrence of the right recurrent laryngeal nerve are reported. In one, the predicted anomaly of dorsal origin of the right subclavian artery was confirmed by intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IVDSA). The surgical anatomy and embryology of this rare condition are discussed. Non-recurrent laryngeal nerves are at increased risk of injury, especially during re-operative thyroid surgery. It is, therefore, suggested that an IVDSA be performed in that small subset of patients in whom re-operative thyroid surgery is contemplated on the right, and in whom the nerve was not found at the previous operation.
Campbell
P R
PR
Department of Surgery, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
Serpell
J W
JW
Young
A E
AE
D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012009:Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013348:Subclavian Artery / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000379:methods