Duplication Of Vertebral Artery Research Articles

Vertebrobasilar system variations; Analysis with multi-detector CT angiography

Objective: The vertebrobasilar system provides vascular nutrition to the posterior part of the brain, medulla spinalis, medulla oblongata, and cerebellum. Anatomical variations in these vascular structures increase the incidence of thrombus and aneurysms in patients. This study examines the presence of anatomical anomalies in the vertebrobasilar system. Material and Methods: Retrospective CT angiogram images of 93 adult cases over 18 years of age who were examined for any reason in KSU, Training and Research Hospital Radiology Unit. Results: Vertebral artery hypoplasia was observed in 15% of the cases. Left dominance was observed in 64.2% of the cases, right dominance in 28.6%, and co-dominance in 7.2%. Vertebral artery duplication was not observed. Vertebral artery fenestration was observed in 2.1% of cases. Vertebral artery of flexible origin was detected in 7.5%. In 57% of cases with a variable origin, the vertebral artery originated as the second branch of the subclavian artery. The right vertebral artery originating from the brachiocephalic artery was seen in 14.2%, the left vertebral artery originating from the arcus aorta was seen in 14.2%, and the left aberrant vertebral artery was seen in 14.2%. Fenestration of the basilar artery was observed in 2.1%, and hypoplasia of the basilar artery in 1.1%. Fetal type PCA variation was observed in 35.4% of cases, bilateral fetal PCA in 3.2%, right fetal PCA in 17.2%, and left fetal PCA in 15%. PCA duplication was observed in 3.2%, SCA duplication in 16.1%, unpaired single SCA in 2.1%, and SCA fenestration in 1.1%. An unpaired single AICA was observed in 15%, duplication of AICA in 2.1%, hypoplastic AICA in 6.4%, and AICA originating from SCA in 1.1%. An unpaired single PICA was observed in 12.9%, hypoplastic PICA in 2.1%, basilar artery originating PICA in 9.6%, AICA originating PICA in 4.3%, and PICA duplication in 1.1%. Conclusion: This study provides a detailed analysis of anatomical variations in the vertebrobasilar system using multi-detector CT angiography. The findings highlight the prevalence and diversity of these variations, such as vertebral artery hypoplasia, dominance patterns, fenestrations, and origin variations. These variations have significant clinical implications, particularly in the context of interventional and surgical procedures, as well as in the diagnosis and management of cerebrovascular diseases. Recognizing and understanding these anatomical differences can aid clinicians in planning more effective treatment strategies, potentially reducing the risk of complications associated with thrombus and aneurysm formation. Further research with larger and more diverse populations is recommended to validate these findings and to explore the impact of these variations on clinical outcomes. Ultimately, this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge and underscores the importance of personalized approaches in the management of vertebrobasilar system anomalies.

Posterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke in Association with Vertebral Artery Duplication: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Posterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke in Association with Vertebral Artery Duplication: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Dual Origin of Left Vertebral Artery- A Case Report of an Uncommon Vascular Variant

Vertebral artery duplication is relatively an uncommon vascular variant. It is a developmental anomaly with a dual origin and has different levels of fusion in the neck. It is usually an incidental finding found during workup of other clinical conditions. Due to its anatomical similarity with arterial dissection it is often misinterpreted on vascular imaging so a thorough understanding of this vascular variant is necessary to avoid diagnostic and therapeutic complications during endovascular interventions. A 43-year-old male presented with complaints of pain and discolouration of fingers of left hand since 2 days. Computed Tomography (CT) angiography of upper limb was done which revealed short segment near complete to complete occlusion/thrombosis of proximal left subclavian artery which was seen 8 mm from its origin with distal reformation by the collaterals. There was an evidence of hypoplastic V1 segment of native left vertebral artery, a small artery was seen arising from the aortic arch in the middle of common carotid and left subclavian artery origins, which was found to be duplicated vertebral artery with dual origin from both the subclavian artery and aorta with fusion of both the limbs at C4-C5 levels.

Vertebral artery duplication with hyoid bone contact: a rare cause of dissection and stroke.

Vertebral artery duplication with hyoid bone contact: a rare cause of dissection and stroke.

C1-2 Pedicle Screw Fixation for Ponticulus Posticus and Duplication of Vertebral Artery: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

We previously introduced C1 pedicle screw placement to treat C1-2 pathology in a patient with normal vertebral artery anatomy.1 However, we should prepare to meet various anatomic variations. Ponticulus posticus is a bony prominence arising from the posterior arch or the superior articulating process of the atlas that completely or partially encircles the vertebral artery.2 We herein report a 79-yr-old female who presented with myelopathy and was diagnosed with compressive myelopathy at the C1 level in magnetic resonance imaging. A computed tomography showed ponticulus posticus (complete type to the right side) with duplication of vertebral artery. She underwent surgical treatment of C1-2 pedicle screw placement and reduction of C1 vertebra under a microscopic view. After C1 laminectomy, both-side vertebral arteries were dissected with a microscissor. The mobilization of upper divisions of vertebral artery was identified to secure the entry point and pedicle to insert a C1 pedicle screw. After complete protection of the upper and lower divisions of vertebral artery and identification of pedicle, a C1 pedicle screw was inserted by a freehand technique. We inserted autologous bone chips in the distracted C1-2 facet joint for facet joint fusion, and the C1 vertebra was pulled out by a rod reducer. After surgery, the patient's symptoms disappeared, and no vertebral artery injury was identified in postoperative 3-dimensional computed tomography angiography. Patient consent was obtained prior to performing the procedure.

Síndrome de Wallenberg asociado a una arteria vertebral derecha hipoplásica bifurcada: Primer reporte de un caso en el Perú.

El síndrome de Wallenberg es el accidente cerebrovascular isquémico más común de la circulación posterior, causado por una obstrucción aterotrombótica en la arteria vertebral o la arteria cerebelosa posteroinferior. Esta oclusión origina una isquemia en la porción lateral del bulbo que resulta en la triada representativa del síndrome de Horner, ataxia ipsilateral a la lesión y alteraciones sensitivas. El riesgo de padecer este cuadro es mayor si se tiene variaciones anatómicas tales como una arteria vertebral hipoplásica y/o duplicada. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 45 años admitida por hipoestesia en el lado derecho del rostro y en el hemicuerpo izquierdo, así como disfagia y vómitos. La resonancia magnética reveló una lesión isquémica en la zona bulbar lateral derecha; en la angiorresonancia se evidenció una arteria vertebral derecha hipoplásica, en tanto que la angio-TEM del cuello mostró una arteria vertebral derecha hipoplásica y bifurcada. En base a la clínica y exámenes radiológicos se confirmó el diagnóstico de Síndrome de Wallenberg, causado por isquemia en el territorio de la arteria vertebral derecha hipoplásica bifurcada.

A Case of Duplicated Origin of the Left Vertebral Artery: CTA and MRA Findings and Literature Review

: Duplication of the vertebral artery (VA) is rare but clinically significant. This variant shows a dual origin of VA with fusion at variable levels in the neck. It can be misdiagnosed as a dissection of the VA, arterial hypoplasia, or narrowing on selective catheter angiography. Thorough knowledge of this variation before an endovascular procedure is helpful in preventing unintentional diagnostic or therapeutic challenges. We report a case of a 52-year-old female patient with left duplicated VA, which was incidentally detected by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA). We have also reviewed the literature and discussed the embryological development of duplicated VA. This report can be helpful in identifying unexpected vascular variations on CTA or MRA and differentiate this anatomical variation from other pathologic conditions in clinical practice such as dissection, arterial hypoplasia, or arterial narrowing.

Three-Dimensional Time-of-Flight Magnetic Resonance Angiography Detection of Duplication of the Vertebral Artery in a Large Chinese Population.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate duplication of the vertebral artery (VA) using three-dimensional time-of-flight (3D TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in a large study population to further our understanding of vascular variations.Material/MethodsA retrospective analysis of 3D TOF-MRA data in 12 826 cases was performed. The occurrence rate of VA duplication was calculated and accompanied vascular anomalies were recoded.ResultsTwenty-one VA duplication patients were found, with an occurrence rate of 0.164%; 12 of them had left VA duplication with 2 branches initially arising from the aortic arch and left subclavian artery; 9 of them were right VA duplication with the branches originating from the right subclavian artery. In the 21 cases, 11 had other vascular abnormalities.ConclusionsVA duplication is very rare and often associated with other vascular abnormalities. 3D TOF-MRA can accurately display the duplication variation. Better understanding of the variation is instrumental for disease diagnosis, interventional therapy, and surgical operation.

Duplication of the right vertebral artery: MRA findings and review of the literature.

IntroductionDuplication of the vertebral artery (VA) is a rare vascular variant. To the best our knowledge, only fourteen cases have been reported with angiographic findings that they have dual origin of the VA from ipsilateral subclavian artery. Herein, we present a case of duplication of right VA which was incidentally detected by magnetic resonance (MR) angiography.Case descriptionA 69-year-old female patient presented with headache for 30 days. She underwent brain MR imaging with MR angiography for evaluating possible intracranial cause. There was a dual origin of the right vertebral artery (VA) as an incidental finding without other significant abnormalities.Discussion and EvaluationDiagnosis of duplicated VA can be difficult due to its rarity and misinterpreted as the vascular dissection. In addition, a detailed knowledge of this variation is potentially important to prevent inadvertent challenges during endovascular procedure. Because duplicated VA has smaller lumen and usually enters the higher transverse foramen than those of normal side, it can be influence the choice or route of endovascular treatment.ConclusionsWe suggested that the understanding of embryologic background about VA can be helpful to identify unexpected vascular findings on imaging studies in clinical practice.

Duplication of the left vertebral artery in a patient with dissection of the right internal carotid artery and Ehlers–Danlos syndrome: case report and review of the literature

Duplication of the left vertebral artery was observed in a 43-year-old Caucasian male with dissection of the right internal carotid artery during multidetector 64-row computer tomography and Doppler ultrasonography B-flow mode. Both duplicated segments arose from the left subclavian artery and united at levels C5–C6 to form a single vessel. The presented case describes precisely the origin and diameter of both vertebral arteries. Additionally, after all procedures associated with diagnosis and treatment of the patient, Ehlers–Danlos syndrome type IV was diagnosed. The lumen of the duplicated vertebral artery was smaller than normal; it can be concluded that this variant has clinical implications and should be taken into consideration when vertebral arteries need catheterization.

Congenital vertebral duplication: A predisposing risk factor for dissection

Spontaneous cervical-artery dissection (CAD) is a major cause of cerebral ischaemia in young adults. While their pathophysiology remains still poorly understood, CAD is considered today as a multifactorial disease determined by general and local predisposing factors; these predisposing factors being predominantly constitutional abnormalities of the arterial wall.Here, we report an MRI-confirmed dissection of a duplicated vertebral artery, in a patient with attacks of vertigo due to cerebellar infarction following a minor neck trauma.Knowing that another case of vertebrobasilar CAD on a duplicated vertebral artery has been reported, these rare anatomical variants probably predispose to vertebral CAD, via local histological defects or significant hemodynamics alterations, as reported for the classical local predisposing conditions for vertebral dissection, i.e.: fibromuscular dysplasias or carotid redundancies (including loops, kinks and coils).

Vertebral artery duplication and aneurysms: 64-slice multidetector CT findings

Duplication of vertebral artery is a very rare finding. Here, we present a case of vertebral artery duplication, cervical vertebral artery aneurysm and multiple intracranial aneurysms in a 59-year-old woman. This is the first case of vertebral artery duplication with cervical vertebral artery and intracranial aneurysms.

The lateral spinal artery of the upper cervical spinal cord. Anatomy, normal variations, and angiographic aspects.

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.