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Symptomatic duplication of the vertebral artery
Surgical Neurology
|September 1, 1983
Summary
A rare case of extracranial vertebral artery duplication caused long-term spinal cord compression. This bypass artery compressed the upper cervical spinal cord, leading to chronic symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Extracranial duplication of the vertebral artery is a rare congenital anomaly.
- Spinal cord compression can result from various vascular pathologies.
- Chronic neurological symptoms may be linked to previously undiagnosed vascular malformations.
Observation:
- A patient presented with a 26-year history of spinal cord symptoms.
- Diagnostic imaging, including vertebral angiography and CT with metrizamide enhancement, revealed an unusual vascular structure.
- The imaging identified an extracranial duplication of the vertebral artery forming a bypass.
Findings:
- The bypass artery from the vertebral artery duplication was found to be compressing the upper cervical spinal cord.
- This compression was located intradurally at the level of the atlas.
- Surgical exploration confirmed the presence and location of the compressing bypass artery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare vascular anomalies in the differential diagnosis of chronic spinal cord symptoms.
- Accurate diagnosis through advanced imaging is crucial for identifying the cause of compression.
- Understanding the symptomatology and clinical significance of vertebral artery duplication is vital for effective patient management and surgical planning.