Persistent first intersegmental artery (PFIA) visualized by three-dimensional computed tomography angiography in...

Area of Science:

• Vascular anatomy
• Medical imaging
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Persistent first intersegmental artery (PFIA) is a frequent vertebral artery (VA) variation.
• PFIA presence complicates vertebral lesion treatment, necessitating preoperative identification.
• 3D computed tomography angiography (3D-CTA) utility for PFIA detection was evaluated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the diagnostic value of 3D-CTA for identifying PFIA.
• To determine the prevalence of PFIA in the north Chinese population.
• To inform surgical planning for vertebral artery lesions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 200 north Chinese patients undergoing CTA.
• Image reconstruction using Materialise's interactive medical image control system (MIMICS).
• Calculation of PFIA incidence and dominant VA prevalence.

Main Results:

• PFIA detected in 2.25% (9/400) of VA-cervical atlas complexes.
• Dominant VA observed in 0.75% (3/400) of cases.
• All spinal surgeries were successful without VA injury or complications.

Conclusions:

• The incidence of PFIA is relatively high (2.25%) in the studied north Chinese population.
• Preoperative detection of PFIA using 3D-CTA is recommended.
• 3D-CTA aids in managing complex vertebral artery variations.