Evaluation of morphometric characteristics and positional variations of the carotid sinus using computed tomography angiography

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the morphometric characteristics and spatial variations of the carotid sinus (CS) using computed tomography angiography (CTA) images. Methods In the study, cervical CTA images of a total of 100 individuals (200 sides) comprising 55 men and 45 women were examined. The diameters of the proximal and distal segments of the common carotid artery (CCA) and the internal carotid artery (ICA), as well as the proximal diameter of the external carotid artery (ECA), were measured. In addition, measurements of the maximum transverse diameter and length of the CS were taken; the resulting data were compared according to the variables of age, gender and side. Results All artery diameters, CS length (mean 8.78 ± 1.33 mm), and maximum CS diameter (mean 8.27 ± 1.10 mm) were found to be significantly higher in men than in women (p < 0.001). It was determined that the diameters of the CCA and ICA on the left side were statistically significantly wider than those on the right side (p < 0.001). It was found that CS localization was asymmetric in 29% of cases and most commonly occurred in the proximal ICA (Type I) in 74.5% of cases. In addition, a positive and statistically significant correlation (r = 0.554; p < 0.001) was found between age and CS length. Conclusion Understanding the morphological variations of the CS is of critical importance in preventing unintended CS stimulation and related complications during surgical procedures in this region, particularly carotid endarterectomy.