Aortic arch anomalies classifications bovine arch

The bovine arch, refers a common branching patten variant of the aortic arch, where the brachiocephalic artery (aka innominate) shares a common origin with the left common carotid artery.

In actuality it is a misnomer as the true bovine arch – i.e that found in cattle – comprises a common single brachiocephalic trunk which trifurcates into bilateral subclavian arteries and a single bicarotid trunk. This variation is very rare in humans.

(Images shown below are courtesy of radiopaedia.org)

• 
  Normal anatomy
• 
  Aortic variations: Bovine arch
• 
  Aortic variations: True Bovine arch
• 
  Aortic variations: Left common carotid has its origin from brachiocephalic trunk

• 
  MSCT: Bovine arch
• 
  MSCT: Bovine arch
• 
  MSCT: Bovine arch
• 
  MSCT: Bovine arch
• 
  MSCT: Bovine arch

A bovine arch may be observed through multiple diagnostic techniques:

• MRI
• CT

Template:WH Template:WS CME Category::Cardiology