"Duplicated" or "multiple" cervical internal carotid and vertebral arteries from fenestration, duplication and vasa vasorum to segmental rete.

SUMMARY: The appearance of multiple cervical arteries may be due to a variety of anatomic situations. Arterial fenestrations and duplications have different anatomic origins, with distinct appearances on angiography. They are associated with incomplete segmental development. The vasa vasorum of the internal carotid artery are rarely seen unless enlarged in pathological situations. They represent a peculiar segmental, in-situ, collateral circulation. Retes, on the other hand, correspond to a more complex reconstitution of an early segmental regression. Careful analysis of each of these features is required to choose the best appropriate terminology. The purpose of this paper is to report illustrative cases to enhance the distinctive features of each disposition.