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Arterial variations around the atlas: a comprehensive review for avoiding neurosurgical complications
Galyna Ivashchuk1, Fabian N Fries2, Marios Loukas1
1St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada.
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.
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