Segmental intervertebral anastomosis in subclavian steal

Area of Science:

• Vascular anatomy
• Interventional radiology
• Cerebrovascular disease

Background:

• Segmental intervertebral arterial connections arise from typical vascular channels.
• These connections are frequently observed during selective vertebral arteriography.
• In subclavian steal syndrome, these vessels can enlarge and create significant collateral circulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the origin and significance of segmental intervertebral arterial connections.
• To evaluate their role as collateral pathways in subclavian steal syndrome.
• To outline imaging techniques for assessing these vessels.

Main Methods:

• Selective vertebral arteriography was employed.
• Assessment of vessel multiplicity and calibre.
• Utilized frontal, lateral, and oblique imaging projections.

Main Results:

• Segmental intervertebral arterial connections originate from normal vascular channels.
• These channels can hypertrophy to form crucial collateral pathways in subclavian steal.
• Vessel multiplicity and calibre determine haemodynamic significance.
• Anterior and posterior transcervical channels require multi-projection visualization.

Conclusions:

• Segmental intervertebral arterial connections are important collateral pathways in subclavian steal.
• Their haemodynamic contribution is related to their size and number.
• Multi-projection arteriography is essential for fully characterizing these transcervical channels.