The lateral spinal artery of the upper cervical spinal cord

1985 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Lasjaunias ◽  
Bernard Vallee ◽  
Hervé Person ◽  
Karel Ter Brugge ◽  
Ming Chiu
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Cervical Spinal Cord ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spinal Nerves ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Upper Cervical ◽  
Dentate Ligament ◽  
Lateral Spinal Artery

✓ The lateral spinal artery corresponds to the most rostral extent of the posterolateral arterial axis of the spinal cord. It supplies the posterior and lateral aspects of the spinal cord, and courses anterior to the posterior roots of the upper cervical spinal nerves (C-1 to C-4), and posterior to the dentate ligament. The lateral spinal artery anastomoses rostrally with the branches of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) at the restiform body and laterally with the extraspinal arteries at the emergence of each nerve. It may originate either from the vertebral artery or from the PICA lateral to the medulla. Certain variations will cause an unusual but normal enlargement of the vessel in a specific portion of its course; these variations include vertebral artery duplication, a C-1 or C-2 vertebral origin of the PICA, a C-1 or C-2 occipital origin of the PICA, and an intradural course of the vertebral artery at C-2. Knowledge of these variations in the arterial supply to the area allows for an understanding of the different anatomic peculiarities present and their angiographic importance.

Combined surgical and endovascular treatment of a giant vertebral artery aneurysm in a child

1994 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 304-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mazen H. Khayata ◽  
Robert F. Spetzler ◽  
Jan J. A. Mooy ◽  
James M. Herman ◽  
Harold L. Rekate
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Mass Effect ◽  
Left Vertebral Artery ◽  
Parent Artery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Coil Occlusion ◽  
Surgical Bypass

✓ The case is presented of a 5-year-old child who suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage from a giant left vertebral artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysm. Initial treatment consisted of surgical occlusion of the parent vertebral artery combined with a PICA-to-PICA bypass. Because of persistent filling of the aneurysm, the left PICA was occluded at its takeoff from the aneurysm. Endovascular coil occlusion of the aneurysm and the distal left vertebral artery enabled complete elimination of the aneurysm. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging and arteriography performed 6 months postoperatively showed persistent occlusion and elimination of the mass effect. Combined surgical bypass and endovascular occlusion of the parent artery may be a useful adjunct in the management of these aneurysms.

Surgery on a saccular vertebral artery—posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm via the transcondylar fossa (supracondylar transjugular tubercle) approach or the transcondylar approach: surgical results and indications for using two different lateral skull base approaches

2001 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshio Matsushima ◽  
Koichiro Matsukado ◽  
Yoshihiro Natori ◽  
Takanori Inamura ◽  
Tsutomu Hitotsumatsu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Surgical Results ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hypoglossal Canal ◽  
Transcondylar Approach ◽  
Lateral Skull Base ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors report on the surgical results they achieved in caring for patients with vertebral artery—posterior inferior cerebellar artery (VA—PICA) saccular aneurysms that were treated via either the transcondylar fossa (supracondylar transjugular tubercle) approach or the transcondylar approach. In this report they clarify the characteristics of and differences between these two lateral skull base approaches. They also present the techniques they used in performing the transcondylar fossa approach, especially the maneuver used to remove the jugular tubercle extradurally without injuring the atlantooccipital joint. Methods. Eight patients underwent surgery for VA—PICA saccular aneurysms (six ruptured and two unruptured ones) during which one of the two approaches was performed. Clinical data including neurological and radiological findings and reports of the operative procedures were analyzed. The Glasgow Outcome Scale was used to estimate the activities of daily living experienced by the patients. In all cases the aneurysm was successfully clipped and no permanent neurological deficits remained, except for one case of severe vasospasm. In seven of the eight patients, the transcondylar fossa approach provided a sufficient operative field for clipping the aneurysm without difficulty. In the remaining patient, in whom the aneurysm was located at the midline on the clivus at the level of the hypoglossal canal, the aneurysm could not be found by using the transcondylar fossa approach; thus, the route was changed to the transcondylar approach, and clipping was performed below the hypoglossal nerve rootlets. Conclusions. Both approaches offer excellent visualization and a wide working field, with ready access to the lesion. This remarkably reduces the risk of development of postoperative deficits. These approaches should be used properly: the transcondylar fossa approach is indicated for aneurysms located above the hypoglossal canal and the transcondylar approach is indicated for those located below it.

scholarly journals Unilateral Upper Cervical Posterior Spinal Cord Infarction after a Neuroendovascular Intervention: A Case Report

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kareem Elzamly ◽  
Christa Nobleza ◽  
Ellen Parker ◽  
Rebecca Sugg
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Cervical Spinal Cord ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Substantial Improvement ◽  
Spinal Cord Infarction ◽  
Adequate Understanding ◽  
Upper Cervical ◽  
Sensory Changes

Context. We describe a case of unilateral posterior upper cervical spinal cord infarction and propose a pathophysiologic mechanism causing this lesion after vertebral artery endovascular intervention. Findings. A 70-year-old male presented with subacute onset of left hemibody sensory changes and gait instability following a left vertebral angioplasty procedure. MRI cervical spine revealed upper posterior cervical spinal cord infarction (PSCI). After 3 months patient had substantial improvement of his symptoms. Conclusion. PSCI is rare but can present as a complication from vertebral artery angioplasty procedure. Early diagnosis of PSCI can be achieved with adequate understanding of its clinical signs and the blood supply of the spinal cord.

Microsurgical anatomy of the extracranial—extradural origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery

1999 ◽  
Vol 91 (4) ◽  
pp. 645-652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew D. Fine ◽  
Alberto Cardoso ◽  
Albert L. Rhoton
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Third ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
The Common ◽  
Bone Anomalies ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors describe the microsurgical anatomy of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) with an extradural origin and discuss its importance as a common variation.Methods. The microsurgical anatomy of paired PICAs with an extradural origin were examined.Conclusions. Five to 20% of PICAs have an extradural origin. In the case described, both PICAs arose extradurally from the third segment of the vertebral artery (VA). Both origins were less than 1 cm proximal to the site at which the VA penetrated the dura, and neither PICA gave rise to extradural branches. Extradurally, the PICAs coursed parallel to the VA and the C-1 nerve and the three structures penetrated the dura together. Intradurally, the PICAs remained lateral and posterior to the brainstem, whereas, in the common PICA configuration, the first segment of the PICA courses anterior to the medulla. Neither PICA sent branches to the anterior brainstem, which is commonly found in PICAs with an intradural origin. There were no soft-tissue or bone anomalies.

Hyperactive pectoralis reflex as an indicator of upper cervical spinal cord compression

1997 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph C. Watson ◽  
William C. Broaddus ◽  
Maurice M. Smith ◽  
Wayne S. Kubal
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Spinal Cord Compression ◽  
Cervical Spondylosis ◽  
Cervical Spinal Cord ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Disc Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Upper Cervical

✓ Myelopathy from cervical spondylosis is often accompanied by hyperreflexia of the upper-extremity deep tendon reflexes (DTRs). Reflexes such as the pectoralis jerk and the deltoid jerk may only be apparent in the context of hyperreflexia. Although the nerve roots involved in the reflex arcs are well described, levels of cervical spinal cord compression that lead to the hyperreflexia are not as clear. This is of particular significance for patients with multilevel cervical spondylosis in determining the levels responsible for their symptoms. The authors examined 15 consecutive patients who presented for treatment of cervical myelopathy. The clinical examination was then correlated with levels of cervical spinal cord compression by cervical magnetic resonance imaging or computerized tomography with intrathecal contrast enhancement. The presence of a prominent pectoralis jerk was seen only in patients with spinal cord compression at the C2–3 and/or C3–4 levels (nine patients). No patient with compression at or below the C4–5 disc space without coexisting compression at a higher level had hyperactive pectoralis reflexes. This association between the C3–4 level and a hyperactive pectoralis reflex was significant (p < 0.004, Fisher's exact test). The deltoid reflex was tested in the last nine consecutive patients. It was present in patients with compression of the upper spinal cord at levels C3–4 and C4–5 (four of five patients) but appeared in only one of four patients with compression below C4–5. This association did not attain statistical significance. The presence of a hyperactive pectoralis reflex is specific for lesions of the upper cervical spinal cord. Examination of upper-extremity DTRs may be helpful in planning the appropriate levels for surgical decompression in patients with multilevel spondylosis and myelopathy.

Posterior inferior to posterior inferior cerebellar artery anastomosis combined with trapping for vertebral artery aneurysm

1990 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 462-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
James I. Ausman ◽  
Fernando G. Diaz ◽  
Sean Mullan ◽  
Randy Gehring ◽  
Balaji Sadasivan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Artery Ligation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Vertebrobasilar Junction ◽  
Vertebral Aneurysm ◽  
The Right ◽  
Fine Print

✓ A case is presented in which a giant intracranial vertebral artery aneurysm gave rise to an associated ipsilateral posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) from its waist. Proximal vertebral artery ligation at C-1 was achieved. The aneurysm filled from the opposite vertebrobasilar junction. Direct intracranial trapping of the right vertebral aneurysm was followed by successful anastomosis of the proximally sectioned right PICA to the adjacent left PICA in an end-to-end fashion.

Treatment of vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm by aneurysm trapping and posterior inferior cerebellar artery reimplantation

1995 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quentin J. Durward
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Dissecting Aneurysm ◽  
Normal Blood ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Normal Blood Flow ◽  
Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysm ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The author presents the case of a patient with a ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm in which the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) arose from the wall of the aneurysm. The aneurysm was treated by trapping and the PICA was anastomosed to the vertebral artery proximal to the dissection. This technique allows intraoperative obliteration of the aneurysm while maintaining normal blood flow to the PICA.

Synovial cyst and degeneration of the transverse ligament: an unusual cause of high cervical myelopathy

1997 ◽  
Vol 86 (6) ◽  
pp. 1027-1030 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Fransen ◽  
Gian Paolo Pizzolato ◽  
Philippe Otten ◽  
Alain Reverdin ◽  
René Lagier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Spinal Cord ◽  
Synovial Cyst ◽  
Cystic Degeneration ◽  
Transverse Ligament ◽  
Radiological Findings ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Upper Cervical ◽  
High Cervical ◽  
Fine Print

✓ A case of cystic degeneration of the transverse ligament located posteriorly to the dens and causing compression to the lower medulla and upper cervical spinal cord is reported. The clinical, pathological, and radiological findings are described and compared to the literature to characterize this syndrome more fully. The advantages of a posterolateral surgical approach are stressed.

Reconstruction of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery in the treatment of giant aneurysms

1996 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 496-499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun-Ichiro Hamada ◽  
Shinji Nagahiro ◽  
Chikara Mimata ◽  
Takayuki Kaku ◽  
Yukitaka Ushio
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Fourth Ventricle ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Temporal Artery ◽  
Aneurysm Surgery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Giant Aneurysms ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Normal Blood Flow

✓ Two techniques of revascularizing the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) during aneurysm surgery are presented. One involves transposition of the PICA to the vertebral artery proximal to the aneurysm using a superior temporal artery (STA) as a graft. This is used in cases in which the PICA has branched off from the wall of the giant vertebral artery aneurysm. The other technique involves end-to-end anastomosis of the PICA after excision of a giant distal PICA aneurysm located at the cranial loop near the roof of the fourth ventricle. The reconstructions of the PICA described here are surgical procedures designed to preserve normal blood flow in the PICA in patients treated for giant aneurysms involving that artery.

Vertebral artery section for treating arterial compression of the medulla oblongata

1993 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuhiro Hongo ◽  
Shigeaki Kobayashi ◽  
Masanobu Hokama ◽  
Kenichiro Sugita
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Medulla Oblongata ◽  
Pyramidal Tract ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Term Effect ◽  
Left Vertebral Artery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Long Term Effect ◽  
Cerebellar Artery

✓ A case of a 30-year-old man who showed progressive pyramidal tract signs caused by compression of the left vertebral artery is presented. Initial decompression of the vertebral artery by placing a piece of sponge between the artery and medulla had no long-term effect. The left vertebral artery distal to the origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery was then sectioned, decompressing the medulla oblongata. The patient's symptoms improved postoperatively. This is the first reported case of brain-stem compression by an elongated vertebral artery treated by sectioning of the artery.

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