Posterolateral protrusion of the vertebral artery over the posterior arch of the atlas: quantitative anatomical study using three-dimensional computed tomography angiography

2008 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoshi Yamaguchi ◽  
Kuniki Eguchi ◽  
Yoshihiro Kiura ◽  
Masaaki Takeda ◽  
Kaoru Kurisu
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Ct Angiography ◽  
Preoperative Evaluation ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Anatomical Variations ◽  
Posterior Arch ◽  
Outer Cortex ◽  
The Right ◽  
Dominant Side

Object The vertebral artery (VA) often takes a protrusive course posterolaterally over the posterior arch of the atlas. In this study, the authors attempted to quantify this posterolateral protrusion of the VA. Methods Three-dimensional CT angiography images obtained for various cranial or cervical diseases in 140 patients were reviewed and evaluated. Seven patients were excluded for various reasons. To quantify the protrusive course of the VA, the diameter of the VA and 4 parameters were measured in images of the C1–VA complex obtained in the remaining 133 patients. The authors also checked for anomalies and anatomical variations. Results When there was no dominant side, mean distances from the most protrusive part of the VA to the posterior arch of the atlas were 6.73 ± 2.35 mm (right) and 6.8 ± 2.15 mm (left). When the left side of the VA was dominant, the distance on the left side (8.46 ± 2.00 mm) was significantly larger than that of the right side (6.64 ± 2.0 mm). When compared by age group (≤ 30 years, 31–60 years, and ≥ 61 years), there were no significant differences in the extent of the protrusion. When there was no dominant side, the mean distances from the most protrusive part of the VA to the midline were 30.73 ± 2.51 mm (right side) and 30.79 ± 2.47 mm (left side). When the left side of the VA was dominant, the distance on the left side (32.68 ± 2.03 mm) was significantly larger than that on the right side (29.87 ± 2.53 mm). The distance from the midline to the intersection of the VA and inner cortex of the posterior arch of the atlas was ~ 12 mm, irrespective of the side of VA dominance. The distance from the midline to the intersection of the VA and outer cortex of the posterior arch was ~ 20 mm on both sides. Anatomical variations and anomalies were found as follows: bony bridge formation over the groove for the VA on the posterior arch of C-1 (9.3%), an extracranial origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (8.2%), and a VA passing beneath the posterior arch of the atlas (1.8%). Conclusions There may be significant variation in the location and branches of the VA that may place the vessel at risk during surgical intervention. If concern is noted about the vulnerability of the VA or its branches during surgery, preoperative evaluation by CT angiography should be considered.

scholarly journals Posterior inferior cerebellar artery with an extradural origin from the V3 segment: higher incidence on the nondominant vertebral artery

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taiki Isaji ◽  
Muneyoshi Yasuda ◽  
Reo Kawaguchi ◽  
Masahiro Aoyama ◽  
Aichi Niwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Anatomical Variations ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Ponticulus Posticus ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
3D Ct Angiography ◽  
Relationship Of

OBJECTIVEThe posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) and the vertebral artery (VA) often exhibit anatomical variations at the craniovertebral junction (CVJ). An example of this is the PICA originating extradurally from the V3 segment of the VA. To date, some cadaveric investigations have been reported, but the incidence and relationship of this variation to the VA and the atlas as observed on clinical imaging have not been discussed. This study evaluated the prevalence of PICAs originating from the V3 on CT scanning. Other variations of the atlas and VA were also analyzed.METHODSCT images from a series of 153 patients who underwent 3D CT angiography (CTA) were analyzed, and variations of the PICA, VA, and atlas were investigated.RESULTSA total of 142 patients (284 sides) were analyzed; 11 patients (7.2%) were excluded due to poor image quality. The most common VA variation was the PICA originating from V3 (9.5% of 284 sides), which was more frequently observed on the nondominant VA than the dominant VA (22.5% vs 6.25%, p = 0.0005). A VA with a PICA end was identified in 4 sides (1.4%), which is the same incidence as observed in the persistent first intersegmental VA (1.4%). VA fenestration was only found in 1 side (0.35%). Regarding the atlas, ponticulus posticus was observed in 24 sides (8.5%). There was no relationship between the incidence of ponticulus posticus and the variations of the VA.CONCLUSIONSA PICA originating from V3 was the most common VA variation at the CVJ and was more common on the nondominant VA. Three-dimensional CTA is useful for the evaluation of this variance. Surgeons should be mindful of this variation during operations.

Rotational vertebral artery occlusion from occipital bone anomaly: a rare cause of embolic stroke

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (6) ◽  
pp. 1456-1459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teiji Tominaga ◽  
Toshiyuki Takahashi ◽  
Hiroaki Shimizu ◽  
Takashi Yoshimoto
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Artery Occlusion ◽  
Occipital Bone ◽  
Atlantoaxial Instability ◽  
Posterior Arch ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Right ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Vertebral artery (VA) occlusion by rotation of the head is uncommon, but can result from mechanical compression of the artery, trauma, or atlantoaxial instability. Occipital bone anomalies rarely cause rotational VA occlusion, and patients with nontraumatic intermittent occlusion of the VA usually present with compromised vertebrobasilar flow. A 34-year-old man suffered three embolic strokes in the vertebrobasilar system within 2 months. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated multiple infarcts in the vertebrobasilar territory. Angiography performed immediately after the third attack displayed an embolus in the right posterior cerebral artery. Radiographic and three-dimensional computerized tomography bone images exhibited an anomalous osseous process of the occipital bone projecting to the posterior arch of the atlas. Dynamic angiography indicated complete occlusion of the left VA between the osseous process and the posterior arch while the patient's head was turned to the right. Surgical decompression of the VA resulted in complete resolution of rotational occlusion of the artery. An occipital bone anomaly can cause rotational VA occlusion at the craniovertebral junction in patients who present with repeated embolic strokes resulting from injury to the arterial wall.

scholarly journals Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Due to Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysm Arising from a Vertebral Artery-Bihemispheric Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Bifurcation

2017 ◽  
Vol 08 (04) ◽  
pp. 654-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasushi Ogasawara ◽  
Hiroshi Kashimura ◽  
Kenta Aso ◽  
Hiroaki Saura
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Distal Portion ◽  
Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysm ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Complications Of Surgery ◽  
Subsequent Loss ◽  
The Right

ABSTRACTAlthough the anatomy of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) is highly variable, a solitary PICA supplying both hemispheres of the cerebellum is rare. A 76-year-old woman presented with severe headache and subsequent loss of consciousness and was admitted to our hospital. Initial computed tomography showed subarachnoid hemorrhage. Three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography revealed a saccular aneurysm arising from the right vertebral artery (VA)-PICA bifurcation. The PICA branching from the right VA was enlarged, tortuous, and crossed the midline to supply both cerebellar hemispheres. This right PICA was interpreted as a bihemispheric PICA. Recognizing this variant preoperatively could help prevent complications of surgery. Careful follow-up studies are necessary in cases with bihemispheric PICA to monitor for the development of aneurysm at the junction between the bihemispheric PICA and the VA or the distal portion of the bihemispheric PICA.

Anomalous vertebral artery at the craniovertebral junction in a patient with Down syndrome

2004 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 338-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masashi Yamazaki ◽  
Masao Koda ◽  
Minori Yoneda ◽  
Atsuomi Aiba ◽  
Hideshige Moriya
Keyword(s):  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Ct Angiography ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Odontoid Process ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Transverse Foramen ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ossiculum Terminale ◽  
The Right

✓ The authors report a case of a patient with Down syndrome in whom the abnormal course of the right vertebral artery (VA) at the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) was accurately demonstrated on three-dimensional (3D) computerized tomography (CT) angiography. The patient was a 5-year-old boy, who developed severe myelopathy. Bone abnormalities were also present at the CVJ, including atlantoaxial and occipitoatlantal instabilities, a hypoplastic odontoid process, and ossiculum terminale. Three-dimensional CT angiography revealed that the right VA was duplicated after emerging from the C-2 transverse foramen. One half of the duplication, an artery that was as large as the left VA, turned posteromedially and entered the spinal canal between C-1 and C-2. The other half, a very small artery, ran as usual and passed through the C-1 transverse foramen. The authors performed an occipitocervical posterior fusion and a C-1 laminectomy. Intraoperatively the course of the anomalous VA was identified on Doppler ultrasonography, and the surgical approach and bone excision were undertaken carefully to avoid VA injury. Postoperatively, resolution of myelopathy was marked. In the surgical treatment of patients with Down syndrome, surgeons should consider the possibility that a VA anomaly is present at the CVJ. With preoperative 3D CT angiography, the anomalous VA can be identified precisely and the possible risk of intraoperative VA injury predetermined.

scholarly journals The Prevalence of Skeletotopy Variation of the Atlas and Vertebral Arteries Among Lithuanians and Its Significance for Physical Medicine Procedures and Rehabilitation

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rimvydas Stropus ◽  
Ernesta Naujokaitė ◽  
Ieva Sakalauskaitė
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Anatomical Variations ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Posterior Arch ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Physical Medicine ◽  
Ponticulus Posticus ◽  
Lateral Cephalograms ◽  
Orthodontic Patients

Research background. Vertebral artery relation with atlas anatomical variations can lead to sensomotor disorders of head and neck, and vertebrobasilar insuffciency. Kimmerle’s anomaly, a bony ring around vertebral artery, is also known as a risk factor for physical medicine procedures. To the best of our knowledge, this is the frst study of Ponticulus posticus prevalence in Lithuania. Aim. The research aim was to investigate the prevalence of skeletotopy variations of the posterior arch and vertebral artery among Lithuanian orthodontic patients of various ages and both genders. Research methods. We randomly selected 870 digital lateral cephalograms of Lithuanian orthodontic patients of various ages and both genders. 706 images with good visualization of VA bony socket shadow on the superior surface of the atlas posterior arch were chosen for the investigation. According to the degree of depth of the bony socket we categorized them into three variations: sulcus, groove and bony ring. If contours around VA of bony arch were equal or greater than 180°, we included those cases into the group of bony groove. Research results. We estimated predominance of sulcus (67.6%) of bony socket variations. A bony groove of various depths was found in 24.0% and a bony ring was found in 7.5% of the subjects studied. Vertebral artery groove was found to be more prevalent in females than in males and bony ring was more common in males than in females, but there was no signifcant difference (p > 0.05). Statistically signifcant predominace of bony ring in the age group of 17–20 years (13.2%) was observed and it was higher than in the age group of 8–16 years (5.1%) (p < 0.05). Conclusions. 1. Variations of bony socket including sulcus, groove, and bony ring (Kimmerle’s anomaly) develop in adolescence when ossifcation is most active. 2. The bony ring and semi open groove, which limit mobility of distal part of the vertebral artery, can be a risk factor of physical medicine procedures, especially in the elderly, whose artery walls are less elastic.Keywords: Ponticulus posticus, Kimmerle’s anomaly, atlas, vertebral artery, manual therapy of neck.

scholarly journals Neurosurgery (Neuro Interventional)

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (S1) ◽  
pp. S43-S44
Author(s):  
JJ Shankar ◽  
L Hodgson
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Retrospective Analysis ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
The Third ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Incomplete Coverage ◽  
Negative Findings ◽  
The Right

Purpose: CTA is becoming the frontline modality to reveal aneurysms in patients with SAH. However, in about 20% of SAH patients no aneurysm is found. In these cases, intra-arterial DSA is still performed. Our aim was to evaluate whether negative findings on CTA can reliably exclude aneurysms in patients with acute SAH. Materials and Method: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all DSA performed from August 2010 to July 2014 in patients with various indications. We selected patient who presented with SAH and had a negative CTA. Findings of the CTA were compared with DSA. Results: 857 DSA were performed during the study period. 51(5.95%) patients with SAH and negative findings on CTA who underwent subsequent DSA were identified. Of these, only 3(5.9%) of patients had positive findings on the DSA. One patient had a posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm on the DSA, not seen on CTA due to the incomplete coverage of the head. Second patient’ CTA did not show any evidence of aneurysm. DSA showed suspicious dissection of the right vertebral artery, potentially iatrogenic. The third patient’s DSA showed suspicious tiny protuberance from left ICA, possibly infundibulum. Conclusion: In patients with SAH, negative CTA findings are reliable in ruling out aneurysms in any pattern of SAH on CT.

scholarly journals P725 An unexpected direction: a case report of a double aortic arch in an asymptomatic woman in adulthood

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Campos ◽  
C Vieira ◽  
N Salome ◽  
V H Pereira ◽  
A Costeira Pereira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Aortic Arch ◽  
Ct Angiography ◽  
Vascular Ring ◽  
Double Aortic Arch ◽  
Posterior Arch ◽  
Vascular Rings ◽  
Thoracic Ct ◽  
Extrinsic Compression ◽  
The Right

Abstract Introduction Complete vascular rings represent about 0.5-2% of all congenital cardiovascular malformations, with the double aortic arch (DAA) being the most common of the complete vascular rings, causing tracheoesophageal compression. The right (posterior) arch is usually dominant (70%), although the two arches can have the same size (5%). The left (anterior) arch is dominant in only approximately 25% of cases. In most cases, this anomaly is diagnosed during childhood due to symptoms caused by oesophageal or tracheal compression. For this reason, case reports of adults are rare. This report describes a case of a 61-year-old woman with DAA with dominant left arch, diagnosed accidentallyby thoracic CT angiography. Case Report Description A 61 years old woman with a previous story of hypertension and type 1 diabetes presented to the emergency service with dyspnoea and thoracic pain. She also referred a history of intermittent dysphagia and cough with at least 12 years of progression. All the parameters of the physical examination were within normal limits. The electrocardiogram showed a normal sinus rhythm with no evidence of acute ischemia and her blood analyses did not show any abnormalitie. She also performed a thoracic CT angiography, which excluded signs of pulmonary embolism, but revealed a vascular ring suggesting a double aortic arch with permeability in both right and left arches as well as their collaterals. The Cardiac MRI was performed with the purpose of excluding ischemia, confirming the double aortic arch with left dominance. The right arch, posterior to the oesophagus and trachea, and the left arch, in an anterior position, showed an anatomic compression of the oesophagus as well as the proximal trachea, capable of eliciting the symptoms mentioned. Other congenital anomalies were excluded. The echocardiography did not demonstrate any additional cardiac malformation. Endoscopy shows a pulsatile extrinsic compression of the esophagus (aortic ring). The patient is currently being studied and closely monitored in the Cardiology consultation. Discussion The most common type of complete vascular ring is the double aortic arch, which accounts for 70% of the complete rings. In most cases, there are two permeable arches, usually with right dominance (70% of the cases). Rarely, both arches are symmetrical. Symptoms usually appear in the fifth month of life. In most cases, only supportive treatment is required. Conclusion This case illustrates the atypical features of this congenital malformation, namely the diagnosis during adulthood as well as the left dominance. Abstract P725 Figure. A double aortic arch

scholarly journals Direct puncture of the V3 segment of the vertebral artery in acute basilar artery stroke: an alternative approach in desperate circumstances

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. e231335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Thomas O’Reilly ◽  
Ian Rennie ◽  
Jim McIlmoyle ◽  
Graham Smyth
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Basilar Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Left Vertebral Artery ◽  
Basilar Artery Thrombosis ◽  
Direct Puncture ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
First Pass ◽  
The Right

A patient in his mid-40s presented with acute basilar artery thrombosis 7 hours postsymptom onset. Initial attempts to perform mechanical thrombectomy (MT) via the femoral and radial arterial approaches were unsuccessful as the left vertebral artery (VA) was occluded at its origin and the right VA terminated in the posterior inferior cerebellar artery territory, without contribution to the basilar system. MT was thus performed following ultrasound-guided direct arterial puncture of the left VA in its V3 segment, with antegrade advancement of a 4 French radial access sheath. First pass thrombolyisis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 3 recanalisation achieved with a 6 mm Solitaire stent retriever and concurrent aspiration on the 4 French sheath. Vertebral closure achieved with manual compression.

Stent-assisted coil embolization for an unruptured vertebral artery–posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm with retrograde access via type 1 persistent primitive proatlantal artery: A case report

2020 ◽  
pp. 159101992097384
Author(s):  
Yasuhiko Nariai ◽  
Tomoji Takigawa ◽  
Ryotaro Suzuki ◽  
Akio Hyodo ◽  
Kensuke Suzuki
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Coil Embolization ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
External Carotid ◽  
Proatlantal Artery ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
The Right ◽  
Pica Aneurysms

Vertebral artery (VA)-posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms are rare lesions that are difficult to treat with both endovascular and surgical techniques. Tight angulation of the PICA from VA may make access to the PICA difficult from ipsilateral VA if adjunctive techniques are needed. Recently, the safety and efficacy of retrograde access have been reported. We report a case of endovascular treatment for a VA-PICA aneurysm with a stent-assisted technique using retrograde access via contralateral persistent primitive proatlantal artery (PPA). The patient was a 76-year-old woman with an unruptured VA-PICA aneurysm on the dominant VA side. Coil embolization with a stent-assisted technique using retrograde access seemed appropriate. However, the origin of the left VA was not confirmed. Left common carotid artery angiography demonstrated that the PPA (type 1) branching from external carotid artery joined the VA V4 segment. Retrograde access via the PPA for stenting was performed. A microcatheter for stenting was retrogradely advanced to the right PICA at ease. After deploying the stent, coil insertion was completed from the right VA, and the final angiogram showed adequate occlusion of the aneurysm with preservation of the PICA. Thus, PPA may be an approach route in the treatment of VA-PICA aneurysms with unconfirmed contralateral VA orifice and apparent PPA on angiography, when retrograde access is needed.

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