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Cervical root compression by a loop of the vertebral artery: case report
R Duthel1, C Tudor, M J Motuo-Fotso
1Department of Neurosurgery, Bellevue Hospital, Saint-Etienne, France.
Neurosurgery
|July 1, 1994
Summary
A rare anatomical variation of the extracranial vertebral artery caused neurovascular compression, leading to cervicobrachial neuralgia. Surgical decompression successfully treated the patient.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Vascular Anatomy
- Spinal Neurology
Background:
- Anatomical variations of the extracranial vertebral artery can lead to complex neurological symptoms.
- Neurovascular compression of cervical nerve roots is a known cause of persistent pain syndromes.
Observation:
- A rare case is presented involving an abnormal loop of the extracranial vertebral artery.
- This loop enlarged the C5-C6 intervertebral foramen and the C5 transverse foramen.
Findings:
- The anatomical abnormality resulted in neurovascular compression of the C6 nerve root.
- This compression was the cause of the patient's cervicobrachial neuralgia.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering vascular anomalies in the differential diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy.
- Microvascular decompression is an effective treatment for neuralgia caused by vertebral artery anatomical variations.
- Understanding these rare vascular variations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and surgical planning in spinal neurosurgery.