Nonrecurrent Laryngeal Nerve and Associated Anatomical Variations: The Art of Prediction

Abstract

INTRODUCTION A nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN) is a rare anatomical variation in which the nerve enters the larynx directly off the cervical vagus nerve. CASE REPORT We present 2 patients who underwent thyroid surgery for benign disease. Intraoperatively, type 2a and 1 NRLN were identified. Due to the frequent association with a vascular abnormality, an ultrasound and a computed tomography were performed which showed a right aberrant subclavian artery with a retroesophageal course and a common trunk of the common carotids in both patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The presence of an NRLN is a major risk during surgical procedures and the surgeon should be aware of the possibility of its existence. NRLN may be associated with rare vascular anomalies, such as arteria lusoria and a bicarotid trunk. This paper reveals this association in 2 patients for the first time.