Pyramidal artery: An artery to pyramidal lobe—A new nomenclature

Abstract

Thyroid lobes are supplied by superior and inferior thyroid arteries. We dissected out a specific arterial pattern always present along with a well developed pyramidal lobe. Authors named this as ‘‘Pyramidal Artery’’. This may be a common unnoticed bleeding site during surgery. Thyroid anomalies are commonly observed as incidental finding during surgery. Presence of pyramidal lobe is the most common finding among other thyroid anomalies due to persistence of thyroglossal duct. Present study reported incidence of pyramidal lobe in 41.46% cases and pyramidal lobe branches off more frequently from left lobe than right. Special attention has to be paid during total thyroidectomy in order not to leave the thyroid tissue. Few such anatomical variations and surgical importance of vascular pattern in such cases is discussed in paper.