Morphological characteristics of the first part of the vertebral artery
Journal
Prilozi (Makedonska akademija na naukite i umetnostite. Oddelenie za medicinski nauki)
Date Issued
2011
Author(s)
Lazareska, Menka
Aliji, Vjolca
Abstract
Because of their anatomical localization, vertebral arteries were
neglected in research for a long period of time. Vertebral arteries are responsible for
about 30% of the brain blood supply. The aim of this study was to examine the vertebral
artery’s course in the first segment, and to define the anatomic variations and percentage
of their appearance in the adult population using CT angiography. The data derived
from this study may find useful application in a wide range of medical fields, such as
anatomy, radiology and surgery. For that purpose during a 6-month period we examined
30 patients with CT angiography. The origin of the vertebral artery in all 30 patients
was from the subclavian artery. The diameter of the left vertebral artery was from 1.6–
5.20 mm., average 3.35 mm. The diameter of the right vertebral artery was from 1.64–
5.40 mm., average 3.19 mm. Hypoplasia of the vessel was found in four patients. We
found no aplasia of the vessel in this series. A contorted course was found in 12 (40%)
patients. In all 30 (100%) patients the vertebral artery entered the foramen transversum
at the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. Although the incidence of anatomical variations is rare, their presence is significant in the diagnostic and surgical procedures in the
head and neck region. Insufficient knowledge can lead to serious iatrogenic injures.
neglected in research for a long period of time. Vertebral arteries are responsible for
about 30% of the brain blood supply. The aim of this study was to examine the vertebral
artery’s course in the first segment, and to define the anatomic variations and percentage
of their appearance in the adult population using CT angiography. The data derived
from this study may find useful application in a wide range of medical fields, such as
anatomy, radiology and surgery. For that purpose during a 6-month period we examined
30 patients with CT angiography. The origin of the vertebral artery in all 30 patients
was from the subclavian artery. The diameter of the left vertebral artery was from 1.6–
5.20 mm., average 3.35 mm. The diameter of the right vertebral artery was from 1.64–
5.40 mm., average 3.19 mm. Hypoplasia of the vessel was found in four patients. We
found no aplasia of the vessel in this series. A contorted course was found in 12 (40%)
patients. In all 30 (100%) patients the vertebral artery entered the foramen transversum
at the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. Although the incidence of anatomical variations is rare, their presence is significant in the diagnostic and surgical procedures in the
head and neck region. Insufficient knowledge can lead to serious iatrogenic injures.
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