Normal and Abnormal Development of Left Vertebral Artery and Its Implications in Cervical Region Surgery

Aortic arch (AA) anomalies occur in approximately 3-5% of cadavers, but these atypical branches remain a point of discussion in cervical region surgery. This case report describes a 73-year-old Caucasian female who died of renal failure following a complicated urinary tract infection whose left vertebral artery (LVA) originated from the AA between the left common carotid and subclavian arteries. The preforaminal part of the LVA was 5 mm in diameter and entered the C6 transverse foramen while the right vertebral artery (RVA) arose from the right subclavian was 6.5 mm in diameter and entered the C5. Embryologically, VAs are formed during weeks four through eight by development of longitudinal anastomoses linking the cervical intersegmental arteries (ISA). The ISA regress except the seventh, which becomes the proximal subclavian artery, the point of origin of the adult VA. Persons with LVA that arises from the AA may be asymptomatic; however, secondary dilatation of the RVA may be implicated in the development of cerebrovascular disorders and atherosclerotic changes due to increased blood flow. Additionally, the anatomical positioning of a left vertebral artery is important when considering an anterior approach for cervical spine surgery and other head-neck procedures when soft structures arteries, veins and muscles are retracted to reach the cervical spine.

Sturge Weber syndrome: a case report / Síndrome de Sturge Weber: um relato de caso

PURPOSE: The Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare congenital disorder that occurs sporadically and features lesions of both skin and nervous system. We report a case of 7 year-old girl with Sturge-Weber syndrome and discuss its clinicopathological features, differential diagnosis and also emphasize the importance of its diagnosis in the clinical oral practice. CASE DESCRIPTION: The classic pathognomonic manifestations include angioma of the leptomeninges extending to cerebral cortex with ipsilateral angiomatous lesions, unilateral facial nevus affecting a division of trigeminal nerve, hemiparesis, intracranial calcification, mental retardation and refractory epilepsy. The most apparent indication of SWS is a facial birthmark or "Port Wine Stain" present at birth and typically involving at least one upper eyelid and the forehead. Management of a patient with Sturge-Weber Syndrome may be challenging due to risk of hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: The dentists should focus on comprehensive therapy, starting with behavior management and stress on preventive measures.

OBJETIVO: A síndrome de Sturge-Weber (SWS) é uma rara doença congênita que ocorre esporadicamente e apresenta lesões de pele e do sistema nervoso. Este artigo é um relato de caso de uma menina de 7 anos com SWS para discutir suas características clinicopatológicas, diagnóstico diferencial e enfatizar a importância do seu diagnóstico na prática clínica odontológica. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: As manifestações clássicas patognomônicas incluem angioma das leptomeninges que se estendem para o córtex cerebral com lesões angiomatosas ipsilaterais, nevo facial unilateral, que afetam uma divisão do nervo trigêmeo, hemiparesia, calcificação intracraniana, retardo mental e epilepsia refratária. A indicação mais evidente de SWS é uma marca de nascença facial ou "mancha vinho do porto" presente no nascimento e tipicamente envolvendo pelo menos uma pálpebra superior e a testa. O controle clínico de um paciente com SWS pode ser desafiador devido ao risco de hemorragia. CONCLUSÃO: Os dentistas devem adotar uma abordagem terapêutica abrangente, começando com o controle de comportamento e de estresse com medidas preventivas.