A new type of non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve in a cadaver with a right retroesophageal subclavian artery

Newton BW, Rodgers SA, Rau JN,

Abstract

The presence of the retroesophageal right subclavian artery predicts the presence of a right non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve (NRILN). Three different right NRILNs have been previously described: Types Ia, Ib and II. This case describes a new variant of right NRILN, termed Type III, which arises from the vagus nerve as it exits the jugular foramen. Unlike previously described NRILNs, which enter the inferior aspect of the larynx, the Type III NRILN enters the larynx through the thyrohyoid membrane. The unusual course of the Type III NRILN makes it vulnerable to injury during neck surgeries.