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01-01-2012 | Diagnostic Neuroradiology

Vertebral artery variations at the C1–2 level diagnosed by magnetic resonance angiography

Authors: Akira Uchino, Naoko Saito, Takeyuki Watadani, Yoshitaka Okada, Eito Kozawa, Naoko Nishi, Waka Mizukoshi, Kaiji Inoue, Reiko Nakajima, Masahiro Takahashi

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Introduction

The craniovertebral junction is clinically important. The vertebral artery (VA) in its several variations runs within this area. We report the prevalence of these VA variations on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed MRA images, obtained using two 1.5-T imagers, of 2,739 patients, and paid special attention to the course and branching of the VA at the level of the C1–2 vertebral bodies.

Results

There were three types of VA variation at the C1–2 level: (1) persistent first intersegmental artery (FIA), (2) VA fenestration, and (3) posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) originating from the C1/2 level. The overall prevalence of these three variations was 5.0%. There was no laterality in frequency, but we found female predominance (P < 0.05). We most frequently observed the persistent FIA (3.2%), which was sometimes bilateral. We found VA fenestration (0.9%) and PICA of C1/2 origin (1.1%) with almost equal frequency. Two PICAs of C1/2 origin had no normal VA branch.

Conclusions

We frequently observed VA variations at the C1–2 level and with female predominance. The persistent FIA was most prevalent and sometimes seen bilaterally. Preoperative identification of these variations in VA is necessary to avoid complications during surgery at the craniovertebral junction.

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Title: Vertebral artery variations at the C1–2 level diagnosed by magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Akira Uchino
Naoko Saito
Takeyuki Watadani
Yoshitaka Okada
Eito Kozawa
Naoko Nishi
Waka Mizukoshi
Kaiji Inoue
Reiko Nakajima
Masahiro Takahashi
Publication date: 01-01-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Neuroradiology / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-011-0849-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Vertebral artery variations at the C1–2 level diagnosed by magnetic resonance angiography

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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