A Rare Variant of Right Vertebral Artery from the Aorta After the Level of the Left Subclavian Artery: Review of the Literature and Reporting a Case

Abstract

The aim of this study is to review the reported cases in the literature due to a rare variant of the right vertebral artery (VA) origin of the aorta after the left subclavian artery. We reviewed the literature and provide information about this rare variant, summarizing cases reported (21 similar cases) previously by Google Academic and PubMed screening and discussing the importance of embryological development underlying this variant. Based on our current case and previously reported cases, this abnormality is a very rare finding. In these cases, it is important to understand the abnormal anatomy and embryological basis. This abnormality should be considered during endovascular treatment and-or thoracic surgery for the prevention of injury and complications, and in the case of VA catheterization, which cannot be found during diagnostic cerebral angiography, and also for the prevention of injuries and complications.