Romanian Neurosurgery (Mar 2024)

Posterior auricular artery

  • Zahraa A. Alsubaihawi,
  • Ahmed Muthana,
  • Zahraa M. Kareem,
  • Fatimah Oday Ahmed,
  • Hagar A. Algburi,
  • Younus M. Al-Khazaal,
  • Oday Atallah,
  • Mustafa Ismail,
  • Samer S. Hoz

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 38, no. 1

Abstract

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Introduction: The posterior auricular artery (PAA) is the preterminal branch of the external carotid artery (ECA), arising superiorly to the occipital artery (OA). The PAA has quite a few anatomical variations and established neurosurgical applications. We conducted this study as an overview to illustrate all neurosurgical aspects regarding this artery, its reconstructive uses, and anatomical variation. Method: We performed a literature review in Google Scholar and PubMed medical databases for studies discussing the PAA, its anatomical variations, and neurosurgical applications. Results: We identified 30 articles that discuss the anatomical variations and neurosurgical applications of the PAA. While reviewing the available articles and original works regarding PAA. Conclusion: The PAA has considerable anatomical variations regarding its origin, course, branches, and length. The related neurosurgical applications of PAA include bypass, embolization, aneurysm, AVM, and reconstruction flaps.

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