Origin of ascending pharyngeal artery from cervical internal carotid artery: A case report of rare anatomical variation

Typically, the cervical segment of the internal carotid artery does not have any branches in the neck. However, there are many variations reported in the branching pattern of the common carotid artery in the neck with variations in the origin of the named branches of the external carotid artery either from the common or internal carotid artery. Knowledge about these possible variations is important while planning any vascular procedure in the neck. We report one such variation where the ascending pharyngeal artery was originating from the cervical segment of the internal carotid artery discovered in a patient who underwent digital subtraction angiography for stroke.