Bilateral comparison of the vascular pattern of the superficial temporal artery based on digital subtraction angiography.

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate any bilateral differences in the vascular pattern and microsurgical relevant parameters of the superficial temporal artery (STA) in vivo.

Methods: Digital subtraction angiographies of the STA of 38 individuals were retrospectively analyzed. A bilateral comparison of the branching pattern as well as of surgically relevant diameters and lengths of the main branches of the STA was performed. Moreover, gender-specific differences were assessed.

Results: Only 10 cases (26%) demonstrated an identical type and subtype of the STA pattern bilaterally. The diameters of the STA at its origin and bifurcation level as well as of its parietal branch were statistically significant wider on the right than on the left side (p(o) = 0.0009, p(b) = 0.006, p(p) = 0.030). Moreover, the diameters of the STA at its origin level on the right side, at its bifurcation level on both sides and of the frontal branch on both sides were statistically significant wider in males than females. No statistically significant differences of the lengths of the STA and its main branches between the right and the left side were identified.

Conclusion: The occurrence of the vascular pattern of the STA in vivo is random for each side of the same person and cannot be predicted by the vascular pattern of the opposite side. The calibers of the main branches of the STA are gender specific and commonly larger on the right than on the left side.