Key result
An anatomic variant positioning the external carotid artery lateral and posterior to the internal carotid artery was noted in 5.3% of patients, affecting Doppler ultrasound interpretation.
Awareness of the anatomic variant where the ECA is lateral and posterior to the ICA (present in 5.3% of patients) is mandatory for accurate Doppler ultrasound interpretation.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
May reduce carotid Doppler misinterpretation; leaves open prospective validation of prevalence and outcomes.
Prendes et al. (1980) studied this question. An anatomic variant positioning the external carotid artery lateral and posterior to the internal carotid artery was noted in 5.3% of patients, affecting Doppler ultrasound interpretation.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: