Galyna Ivashchuk1, Fabian N Fries2, Marios Loukas1, David Paulson3, Stephen J Monteith3, Jens R Chapman3, Rod J Oskouian3, R Shane Tubbs4,5. 1. St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada. 2. Saarland University Faculty of Medicine and Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany. 3. Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA, USA. 4. St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada. Shane.tubbs@childrensal.org. 5. Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA. Shane.tubbs@childrensal.org.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Neurosurgical approaches often involve the atlas. Therefore, the arterial relationships and anatomical variations are of paramount importance to the neurosurgeon. METHODS: Using standard search engines, a literature review of arterial variants near the first cervical vertebra was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial variations around the atlas are surgically significant. Awareness of their existence and course may provide better pre-operative planning and surgical intervention, potentially leading to better clinical outcomes. Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (3D CTA) is an important tool for identifying and diagnosing such abnormalities and should be used when such vascular anomalies are suspected.
INTRODUCTION: Neurosurgical approaches often involve the atlas. Therefore, the arterial relationships and anatomical variations are of paramount importance to the neurosurgeon. METHODS: Using standard search engines, a literature review of arterial variants near the first cervical vertebra was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial variations around the atlas are surgically significant. Awareness of their existence and course may provide better pre-operative planning and surgical intervention, potentially leading to better clinical outcomes. Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (3D CTA) is an important tool for identifying and diagnosing such abnormalities and should be used when such vascular anomalies are suspected.