Rare Case of Double Looped Ansa Cervicalis Associated with its Deep Position in the Carotid Triangle of the Neck

Author(s):

Kumar N, Patil J, Mohandas RKG, Sirasanagandla SR, Nayak SB, Guru A

Ansa cervicalis (AC) frequently shows its variations in the formation and distribution pattern. However, variation in its looping pattern associated with abnormal topographic disposition is relatively rare. Knowledge on the possible deviations in the looping pattern is clinically important, to avoid iatrogenic injuries in surgical procedures. We report here a concurrent rare case of double looped AC located deep to internal jugular vein. Anatomy of its superior root was normal, but the usual appearance of inferior root had gone astray due to formation of double loop. AC is being popularly used for nerve reconstructive surgery in treating paralyzed larynx, tongue hemiatrophy. Anatomical variation of it may potentially jeopardize the surgical procedures. Therefore, it is essential to the surgeons to be familiar with its unusual variations.