
Incidence Of The Anomalous Origins Of The Vertebral Artery – Anatomical Study And Clinical Significance
2626-2631
Correspondence
Dr. Poonam Asstt. Professor, Department of Anatomy
Jhalawar Medical College, Jhalawar (Rajasthan) –
326001Ph. No.: 09602512911, 09799333445,
Email: drpoonamdel@yahoo.co.in
Context: The anatomical and the morphological variations of the vertebral artery are significant for diagnostic and surgical procedures in the head and neck region, where an incompatible knowledge can lead to serious implications
Aims: This study was conducted to know the variations in the origins of vertebral arteries and to discuss their clinical implications while performing diagnostic and interventional angiography, both to identify them correctly and to know where to look when vertebral arteries are not seen in the normal position.
Material And Methods: Eighty vertebral arteries belonging to 40 cadavers were dissected in the head and neck region. Their source and mode of origin were studied. Out of the total cadavers, four were found to have abnormal origins of vertebral arteries, which were studied in detail along with their clinical implications.
Results: An extremely rare and interesting case of the origin of the left vertebral artery from the external carotid artery was encountered in one of these specimens. The direct origin of the left vertebral artery from the aortic arch was also found in three cadavers, out of which one was found to be bifurcating after taking origin. No abnormality in the origin was encountered on the right sided vertebral arteries.
Conclusion: The described morphological variations have clinical applications in the wide field of surgery, in the head and neck region. To know about these findings seems to be very important before undertaking any surgery or endovascular treatment in that region. Cerebral angiography must be included in the evaluation of patients with unexplained neurological findings.