Morphological variability in thyroid gland vascularisation and its clinical significance.

BACKGROUND

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine organ with an extremely rich vascular supply. Although variations in the thyroidal vessels are rare, knowledge of such phenomena and the ability to recognise them are necessary to prevent clinical errors in many medical fields.

AIM OF THE REVIEW: The aim of this study was to summarise the available information on the prevalence of morphological variabilities in the vasculature of the thyroid gland and their clinical significance.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS: By understanding the morphological variability that occurs in the vasculature of the thyroid gland, surgeons can minimise the risk of complications, such as haemorrhage and nerve injury.