ANATOMICAL VARIATION IN CADAVERIC SPECIMENS: THE “BOVINE AORTIC ARCH” AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THORACIC AORTIC DISEASES

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the anatomical variation of the aortic arch, with emphasis on the so-called “bovine arch,” and its possible association with thoracic aortic diseases. This is a quantitative, descriptive field study conducted through the analysis of cadaveric specimens from an anatomy laboratory at a university located in the interior of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, combined with an integrative literature review. A total of 52 hearts were evaluated, observing the presence or absence of the anatomical variation. The results showed that the bovine arch was present in 7.69% of the analyzed cases (4/52), a frequency consistent with the literature, which reports a prevalence ranging from 1% to 35% in the general population. Furthermore, evidence indicates that individuals with this variation have approximately 1.4 times higher risk of developing thoracic aortic diseases, in addition to an association with events such as cardioembolic stroke. It is concluded that the recognition of the bovine arch has significant clinical relevance and should be considered in medical practice, as anatomical variations may directly impact patient diagnosis, prognosis, and management.