A Comparative Study Using CT Imaging and Cadaveric Dissection in the Evaluation of the Posterior Auricular Vein as an Alternative Recipient Vein for Facial and Scalp Reconstructions
Issued Date
2025-09-01
Resource Type
eISSN
22288082
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105016844244
Journal Title
Siriraj Medical Journal
Volume
77
Issue
9
Start Page
668
End Page
675
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Siriraj Medical Journal Vol.77 No.9 (2025) , 668-675
Suggested Citation
Unprasert P., Piyaman P., Ongsiriporn M., Kamnerdnakta S., Apichonbancha S., Sinmaroeng C., Yodrabum N. A Comparative Study Using CT Imaging and Cadaveric Dissection in the Evaluation of the Posterior Auricular Vein as an Alternative Recipient Vein for Facial and Scalp Reconstructions. Siriraj Medical Journal Vol.77 No.9 (2025) , 668-675. 675. doi:10.33192/smj.v77i9.276227 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/112379
Title
A Comparative Study Using CT Imaging and Cadaveric Dissection in the Evaluation of the Posterior Auricular Vein as an Alternative Recipient Vein for Facial and Scalp Reconstructions
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Abstract
Objective: To determine the diameter and anatomical location of the posterior auricular vein (PAV) and evaluate its suitability as an alternative recipient vein to the superficial temporal vein in microvascular facial and scalp reconstruction. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using 50 contrast-enhanced cranial CT scans (100 sides) and anatomical dissections on 10 fresh cadaveric heads (20 sides) between 2015 and 2019 at Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. Measurements of PAV diameter and its distance from the vertical tragus line were recorded at the trunk, tragus, and helix levels. Descriptive statistics and side-to-side comparisons were analyzed using appropriate analytical tools. Results: CT scans showed mean PAV diameters of 1.74 ± 0.51 mm (trunk), 1.67 ± 0.49 mm (tragus), and 1.33 ± 0.42 mm (helix). Corresponding cadaveric measurements were 1.47 ± 0.48 mm, 1.39 ± 0.41 mm, and 1.16 ± 0.34 mm, respectively. Statistically significant differences were noted at the trunk (p = 0.035) and tragus (p = 0.013). The ICC values ranged from 0.81 to 0.91. No significant differences in positional measurements were found (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The posterior auricular vein demonstrates consistent anatomical parameters and a diameter comparable to the superficial temporal vein. These findings support its feasibility as a reliable alternative for venous anastomosis in facial and scalp microvascular reconstruction, especially in vessel-depleted cases.