Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2025

Microvascular Decompression: Salient Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances
Published on: July 5, 2011
Compression of the Vertebral Artery by the Thyroid Cartilage Causing Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency
Ryland N Spence1, Christopher Shumrick2, John Tarro3
1Division of ENT/Head and Neck Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
Background:
This retrospective case report describes a rare presentation of VBI in a young male patient.
Aims:
Share a rare cause of VBI in a young patient.
Materials & Methods:
The patient presented with recurrent episodes of dizziness and a history of several cerebellar infarcts. Imaging revealed the right vertebral artery was being mechanically compressed by the right superior cornu of the thyroid cartilage during mouth opening. Surgical resection of the right superior cornu of the thyroid cartilage was performed.
Results:
Intraoperative angiography revealed a right vertebral artery without compression during mouth opening.
Discussion:
Clinicians should consider the thyroid cartilage as a potential source of recurrent VBI due to mechanical compression of the VA.
Conclusion:
Resection of the causative portion of the thyroid cartilage resolved the compression in this case, and should be employed in similar cases. Laryngoscope, 133:1214-1217, 2023.
Related Concept Videos
Arteries of the Head and Neck
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
The Arch of Aorta
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Veins of Head and Neck
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Measurement of Blood Pressure

