A wider angle of carotid bifurcation is a predisposing factor of Atherosclerosis in carotid arteries of South African cadavers

ABSTRACT

¹Mabeba O,
²Xhakaza NK

¹Department of Human Anatomy and Histology
²Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, SMU

Background

A significant correlation between the angle of bifurcation and the ICA intima and media thickness has been previously demonstrated in a study conducted on live patients. There is a correlation between the intima and media thickness of the common carotid artery (CCA) to the degree of atherosclerosis present at the point of the carotid bifurcation. We investigated the angle of bifurcation and relation of the ICA and ECA, and its effect on the walls of the said arteries in a sample of the South African Population.

Method

The common carotid artery and its terminal branches were dissected bilaterally (n=60 arteries) in 30 embalmed South African cadavers. The angle of the carotid bifurcation was calculated using the cosine rule. Blocks of transverse sections of the ECA and ICA were sampled and stained with haematoxylin and eosin for histological analyses.

Result

The average angle of carotid bifurcation was 55,31˚. Caucasians had an angle of 61,98˚, while it was 48,16˚ in Africans. The textbook relation of the ICA and ECA was in 54/60 (90%) cases. Other variable relations of ECA and ICA were found in 6/60 (6,67%) cases. Wider angle of bifurcation correlated with thick tunica intima in ICA.

Discussion:
The bifurcation angle was wider (55,31˚) compared to a previous study (34,0˚). It has been suggested that a greater angle of bifurcation increases the intima and media thickness. Literature also suggests that atherosclerosis is more prevalent in Caucasians than in Africans. The wide angle of carotid bifurcation of the Caucasians in the current study support the above theories.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the angle of carotid bifurcation is wider in South Africans, more especially in Caucasians. The thick tunica intima of the ICA in arteries with wider angle suggests that a wider angle is a predisposing factor to atherosclerosis.

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PRESENTING AUTHOR

Ms. Onalerena Mabeba, Master of Science (Medicine)

Student, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

As a Master of Science in Medicine (Anatomy) candidate at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, I bring a strong foundation in life sciences and medical anatomy, supported by hands-on experience in clinical and research environments. My research interests lie at the intersection of anatomical science and health risk assessment, leveraging my postgraduate training in risk management to approach medical research with a strategic and analytical lens. My presentation highlights evidence-based findings in anatomical science with implications for clinical application and academic advancement.

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