Anomalous origin of both vertebral arteries.

The authors describe a case of an unusual origin of both vertebral arteries in a singular cadaver. On the left, the artery arises directly from the common trunk of vertebral and subclavian artery at the aortic arch and enters the transverse cervical foramina at C VI. On the right, the artery originates from the right common carotid artery and enters the transverse foramina at C III. Additional anomalies were observed on the aortic arch: the common trunk of both common carotid arteries, the common trunk of the left vertebral and subclavian artery, and as a last branch, the retroesophageal right subclavian artery. The morphometric measurements of the vertebral arteries were performed. The literature on the variations of the vertebral arteries is reviewed and their clinical importance for diagnostical procedures and head and neck surgery stressed. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.