Impairment of vertebral artery flow caused by extrinsic lesions

In a consecutive series of 71 cases of extrinsic lesions involving the vertebral artery (VA), 51 patients presented with external compression of this vessel. The compressive agents included 34 tumors, 4 osteophytes, 5 fibrous bands, 4 traumatic lesions, 2 neural elements, and 2 infectious processes. The main site was the second portion of the VA (C2-C6) (30 of 51 patients). Compression always induced at least significant stenosis, and in 8 patients caused complete occlusion. The compression was either permanent (44 patients) or intermittent (7 patients). Symptoms were observed in 11 patients, including 2 with permanent deficits. Surgical release of compression was performed each time symptoms could be explained by a reduction in VA flow and also when the compressing agent needed to be removed, as in the cases involving tumors. VA decompression was achieved by direct approach in 37 patients, by reduction and fixation of a traumatic dislocation in 2 patients, and by distal revascularization in 4 patients. Medical treatment or roentgenotherapy was used in the other patients. Results were excellent in all but 2 patients, who died from traumatic and ischemic lesions, respectively. Therefore, it seems important to identify external causes of compression of the VA for two reasons: 1) to suppress symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency when their relation to VA compression is clearly established, and 2) to remove compressive agents like tumors safely while preserving the VA.