title: [Superior cervical ganglion: an anatomical variant. Are variations of the cranial carotid artery a risk factor for accidental intravascular injection?].
abstract: A variation of the cranial carotid artery is demonstrated in an anatomical specimen revealing possible complications of ganglionic local opioid analgesia at the superior cervical ganglion. Located in the area of the puncture site, a loop of the aberrant carotid artery adheres closely to the pharyngeal wall in the medial position, shortening the distance between the arterial lumen and the oral cavity to 5 mm. With an incidence of 25%, an aberrant carotid artery could possibly facilitate an accidental intravascular injection during ganglionic local opioid application at the superior cervical ganglion.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Anästhesiologie und Operative Intensivmedizin, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Bonn, Deutschland. s.wirz@web.de
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wirz
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Wartenberg
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nadstawek
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kinsky
mesh_terms: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000765:Anesthesia, Conduction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005730:Ganglionic Blockers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery; D010614:Pharynx / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D012307:Risk Factors; D017783:Superior Cervical Ganglion / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000033:anatomy & histology
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D005730:Ganglionic Blockers