Thyrolinguofacial trunk arising laterally from the common carotid artery with superior laryngeal artery and high carotid bifurcation.

During routine dissection of a 59-year-old male cadaver, we identified a rare anatomical variation consisting of a thyrolinguofacial trunk (TLFT) arising from the lateral aspect of the right common carotid artery (CCA), which also gave rise to the superior laryngeal artery (SLA). The trunk measured 3 mm in diameter and branched successively into the superior thyroid artery, SLA, lingual artery, and facial artery. This variation coexisted with a very high carotid bifurcation at the C2 vertebral level (angle of the mandible). To the best of our knowledge, this specific combination, lateral CCA origin, SLA contribution from the TLFT, and C2-level bifurcation, has not been previously reported. Recent meta-analyses confirm the rarity of such common trunks. Embryologically, the anomalies likely share a mechanism involving disrupted remodeling of the third aortic arch derivatives. Clinically, this variation increases the risk of extensive ischemia and complicates head and neck surgeries, including carotid endarterectomy and thyroidectomy. Preoperative imaging is essential for surgical planning.