Background: A relationship between the height of the carotid bifurcation and the extent of disease in the internal carotid artery has not been reported. The aim of the present study was to determine if such a correlation exists.
Methods: Fifty-one patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy had measurements made of the height of the carotid bifurcation from the sternoclavicular joint. The length of disease removed distal to the bifurcation after carotid endarterectomy was also measured. Correlation analysis was performed.
Results: There is a statistically significant negative correlation between the extent of disease in the internal carotid artery and the height of the bifurcation.
Conclusions: A low carotid bifurcation correlates with a longer extent of disease in the internal carotid artery.