Bilateral Variation of the Vertebral Artery: Report of a Case and its Clinical Implication / Variación Bilateral de la Arteria Vertebral; Reporte de un Caso y su Implicancia Clínica

SUMMARY: There are many reports on anatomical variations of the vertebral arteries, which may be related to origin, trajectory, caliber, and side. Bilateral variations are less frequent, however, and less common are bilateral variants that differ from each other. The aim of this work was to report the presence of a bilateral variation of the vertebral artery and its functional and clinical implications. Dissection of a female cadaver, fixed in 10 % buffered formaldehyde, which had not undergone any previous surgeries in the study area and had anatomical variations in both vertebral arteries. In each one, follow-up was done from its origin to its end, determining its trajectory, diameters, branching, and anatomical relations. A left vertebral artery was found, starting in the aortic arch and making a sinuous trajectory of 4 curvatures to enter the transverse foramen of C4. The right vertebral artery began as the first branch of the subclavian artery. Its initial trajectory was rectilinear, followed by a right concave curve, a 360° loop that included a second ascending curve, and ended straight before entering the transverse foramen of C6. The coexistence of bilateral variations in the vertebral arteries is possible. This atypical situation can potentially generate vascular and neurological pathologies, but with different symptoms and causes. Knowing these variations and deliberately searching for them will enable the specialist to make a suitable differential diagnosis.

Existen múltiples reportes sobre variaciones anatómicas de las arterias vertebrales, las que se pueden relacionar con origen, trayecto, calibre y lateralidad. Sin embargo, las variaciones bilaterales son menos frecuentes, y menos común es que las variantes bilaterales sean diferentes entre ellas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue reportar la presencia de una variación bilateral de la arteria vertebral y su implicancia funcional y clínica. Disección en un cadáver de sexo femenino, fijado en formaldehido tamponado al 10 %, el cual no presentaba intervenciones quirúrgicas previas en la región de estudio y que tenía variaciones anatómicas en ambas arterias vertebrales. En cada una se realizó seguimiento desde su origen hasta su terminación, pudiendo determinar su trayecto, diámetros, ramificaciones y relaciones anatómicas. Se encontró una arteria vertebral izquierda originada en el arco aórtico, que realizaba un trayecto sinuoso de 4 curvaturas e ingresaba al foramen transverso de C4. La arteria vertebral derecha se originaba como primera rama de la arteria subclavia. Su trayecto inicial era rectilíneo seguido por una curva de concavidad derecha, un loop (giro) de 360° que incluía una segunda curva ascendente y terminaba en dirección recta antes de ingresar al foramen transverso de C6. La coexistencia de variaciones bilaterales en las arterias vertebrales es posible. Esta situación atípica, potencialmente puede generar en la persona patologías neurológicas de origen vascular, pero con sintomatología y causas diferentes. Conocer estas variaciones y realizar una búsqueda intencionada de ellas permitirá el especialista realizar un adecuado diagnóstico diferencial.

Clinical Effect of Surgical Reconstruction of Extracranial Vertebral Artery / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To evaluate the effect of surgical reconstruction of extracranial vertebral artery and to summarize the experience. Methods The clinical data of 15 patients undergoing surgical reconstruction of extracranial vertebral artery from September 2018 to June 2022 were collected.The operation methods,operation duration,intraoperative blood loss,operation complications,and relief of symptoms were retrospectively analyzed. Results Eleven patients underwent vertebral artery (V1 segment) to common carotid artery transposition,two patients underwent endarterectomy of V1 segment,two patients underwent V3 segment to external carotid artery bypass or transposition.The operation duration,intraoperative blood loss,and blocking time of common carotid artery varied within 120-340 min,50-300 ml,and 12-25 min,with the medians of 240 min,100 ml,and 16 min,respectively.There was no cardiac accident,cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome,cerebral hemorrhage or lymphatic leakage during the perioperative period.One patient suffered from cerebral infarction and three patients suffered from incomplete Horner's syndrome after the operation.During the follow-up (4-45 months,median of 26 months),there was no anastomotic stenosis,new cerebral infarction or cerebral ischemia. Conclusion Surgical reconstruction of extracranial vertebral artery is safe and effective,and individualized reconstruction strategy should be adopted according to different conditions.

Experimental study of improved sclerotherapy injection in rat model of vertebral arteriocervical spondylopathy / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To improve the rat model of cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type (CSA) induced by injecting sclerosing agent. To evaluate the efficacy of injecting sclerosing agent to induce CSA.@*METHODS@#Forty Health SPF SD rats(20 males and 20 females), were randomly divided into two groups:the model group (20) and the blank group (20). All the animals were followed up for 4 weeks for the observation of general situation, transcranial Doppler(TCD) detection of blood flow velocity, pulsatility index and resistive index of the vertebral artery, measurement of mental distress by open-field test.@*RESULTS@#One to two days after establish the animal model, rats in the model group appeared apathetic with decreased autonomic activities, trembling, squinting, increased eye excrement, etc., and no rats died during the experiment. The mean blood flow velocity of the model group was lower than that of the blank group (P<0.05), and the pulsatilit index and resistive index of the model group were higher than that of the blank group (P<0.05). The mental distress of the model group was significantly higher than that of the blank group.@*CONCLUSION@#The modified injection of sclerosing agent is a practical method to establish the rat model of CSA, with high success rate, high stability, low mortality and simple operation.

The carotid and vertebral arteries discovery ­ initial findings / A descoberta das artérias carótidas e vertebrais ­ achados iniciais

The studies on the vascular system, including the cervicocephalic arteries (carotid and vertebral arteries), present a long trajectory, having their deep roots in the far past, considering the Western authors, having as representatives the Greek sages Alcmaeon, Diogenes, Hippocrates, Aristoteles, Rufus, and Galenus. They produced pivotal knowledge dissecting mainly cadavers of animals, and established solid bases for the later generations of scholars. The information assembled from these six authors makes it possible to build a quite clear picture of the vascular system, here specifically focused on the cervicocephalic arteries, and mainly of the extracranial segments. Thus, the carotid system became fairly well identified, origin, course, and name, as well as the origin of the still unnamed arteries running through the orifices of the transversal processes of the cervical vertebrae, and entering into the cranium. Almost all that was then known about human anatomy, since this period, and then throughout the Middle Ages, was extrapolated from animal dissections. This state of affairs was maintained until the 14th century, when human corpses dissections were again allowed.

Os estudos do sistema vascular, incluindo as artérias cervicocefálicas (artérias carótidas e vertebrais), apresentam um longo percurso, tendo suas raízes profundas no passado distante, considerando os autores ocidentais, tendo como representantes os doutos gregos Alcméon, Diógenes, Hipócrates, Aristóteles, Rufus e Galenus. Eles produziram conhecimento pivotal, dissecando principalmente cadáveres de animais e estabelecendo bases sólidas para as gerações futuras de estudiosos. A informação reunida desses seis autores permite construir um quadro bastante claro do sistema vascular, aqui focado especificamente nas artérias cervicocefálicas e principalmente nos seus segmentos extracranianos. Assim, o sistema carotídeo ficou bastante bem identificado, origem, trajeto e nome, assim como a origem das ainda não nomeadas artérias que percorrem os orifícios dos processos transversos das vértebras cervicais e entrando no crânio. Quase tudo que era conhecido sobre anatomia humana, desde esse período, e depois ao longo da Idade Média, foi extrapolado a partir de dissecções de animais. Esse estado de coisas foi mantido até o século 14, quando a dissecção de cadáveres humanos foi novamente permitida.

Arterial abnormalities and associated variations of the vertebrobasilar system on the brain base: apropos of a rare case / Anomalías arteriales y variaciones asociadas del sistema vertebrobasilar en la base del cerebro: un caso raro

SUMMARY: The presented case characterizes an association of primitive and definitive arteries with variations on the cadaveric brain base of a very old man. This case is found by the retrospective review of the data archive obtained during many years of cooperation of the author and co-authors. Fenestration of the (ectatic) basilar artery, partial and total duplication of some cerebellar arteries was associated with other variations of the vertebrobasilar and carotid systems. Although this is a case autopsied because of the myocardial infarction, the peculiarity of the case lies in the absence of the aneurysm based on the fenestration or dissection of one of the cerebral arteries.

RESUMEN: El caso presentado caracteriza una asociación de arterias primitivas y definitivas con variaciones sobre la base cerebral cadavérica de un anciano. Este caso se encuentra mediante la revisión retrospectiva de datos obtenidos durante muchos años de un trabajo de cooperación del autor y coautores. La fenestración de la arteria basilar (ectásica), la duplicación parcial y total de algunas arterias cerebelosas se asoció con otras variaciones de los sistemas vertebrobasilar y carotídeo. Si bien se trata de un caso de autopsia a causa de un infarto del miocardio, la peculiaridad del caso radica en la ausencia del aneurisma en base a la fenestración o disección de una de las arterias cerebrales.

Prevención, manejo y seguimiento de las lesiones de la arteria vertebral. Conocimiento actual de los cirujanos de columna de la Argentina / Prevention, management and monitoring of vertebral artery injuries. Current state of knowledge of spine surgeons in Argentina

Introducción: La lesión de la arteria vertebral es un evento grave. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el grado de conocimiento de los cirujanos de columna en la Argentina sobre las medidas diagnósticas y terapéuticas de la lesión de la arteria vertebral. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo observacional mediante una encuesta difundida a través de la AANC y la SAPCV. Resultados: Se recibieron 157 respuestas. El 47,4% considera relevante evaluar la anatomía de la arteria vertebral en todo tipo de patología mediante métodos angiográficos. La mitad de los encuestados diagnosticó una variante anatómica de la arteria. El 29,2% manifestó haber tenido en su práctica una lesión de la arteria. Solo el 35% tiene un protocolo de acción para el manejo de este evento adverso. El 77% adopta como primera medida el taponamiento. En el seguimiento posquirúrgico, la mayoría estudia el estado final mediante métodos angiográficos. Alrededor del 10% procuraría instaurar alguna medida de profilaxis antitrombótica. El 76,6% dispone de Servicio de Hemodinamia con cirujano endovascular. Conclusión: Esta complicación está subestimada. Menos de la mitad de los cirujanos utiliza, como rutina, herramientas de diagnóstico de posibles alteraciones anatómicas. No se han observado protocolos de manejo ni seguimiento de estas lesiones. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Vertebral artery injury is a serious event. The objective of this work is to evaluate the degree of knowledge of spinal surgeons in Argentina regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic measures of vertebral artery injury. Materials and methods: An observational descriptive study was carried out through a survey transmitted through AANC and SAPCV. Results: Of 157 responses, 47.4% consider it relevant to evaluate the anatomy of the vertebral artery in all types of pathology by angiographic methods. Half of those surveyed diagnosed an anatomical variant of the artery, 29.2% reported having encountered an artery injury during their practice and only 35% had an action protocol for the management of this adverse event. 77% adopted tamponade as their first measure. In the postoperative follow-up, the majority of surgeons studied the final state of the situation using angiographic methods. Around 10% would try to establish some measure of antithrombotic prophylaxis. 76.6% have an hemodynamics service with an endovascular surgeon. Conclusion: We found an underestimation of this complication. Less than half of surgeons routinely use diagnostic tools for possible anatomical changes. Management or monitoring protocols for these injuries have not been observed. Level of Evidence: IV

The arterial circle described by Willis, and the contribution of his predecessors / O círculo arterial descrito por Willis e a contribuição de seus predecessores

The description of arteries at the base of the human brain forming an 'arterial circle', named after Thomas Willis, has had a long history after the restoration of human dissection, partly due to the studies of many outstanding anatomists that preceded Willis. He provided, with the collaboration of Richard Lower and Christopher Wren, the first incontestable complete description, as recognized nowadays, accompanied by a superb illustration. Additionally, he presented an explanation for its meaning, indicating for the first time the functional significance of this structure, in health and disease. However, it should be recognized that the initial studies of the arteries of the base of the human brain by Willis' predecessors, as well as those from ancient times, despite their fragmentary descriptions, were certainly pivotal in paving the way for further and more detailed knowledge of this vascular formation.

A descrição das artérias da base do cérebro humano, formando um 'círculo arterial', designado com o nome de Thomas Willis, tem uma longa história após o restauro de dissecções humanas, em parte devido aos estudos de muitos anatomistas de renome que precederam Willis. Ele proveu, com a colaboração de Richard Lower e Christopher Wren, a primeira descrição completa e incontestável, assim como a reconhecida atualmente, acompanhada por uma ilustração soberba. Adicionalmente, apresentou uma explicação quanto ao seu significado, indicando pela primeira vez a importância funcional dessa estrutura, na saúde e na doença. Entretanto, deve ser reconhecido que os estudos iniciais das artérias da base do cérebro humano pelos predecessores de Willis, assim como os de tempos antigos, apesar de suas descrições fragmentárias, certamente foram fulcrais na pavimentação do caminho para o conhecimento mais avançado e detalhado dessa formação vascular.

Traumatic Dissection of Arterial Cervical Vessels: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review

Even though traumatic dissection of cervical arterial vessels is themajor cause of stroke among adults, it is still an underdiagnosed disease in neurosurgical emergencies, since most patients do not have or present subtle clinical signs in the acute phase. The authors report two interesting cases of cervical artery dissection with different traumatic mechanisms and present a broad literature review about this subject.

Endovascular management of dissecting posterior cerebral artery aneurysm associated with persistent hypoglossal artery: A case report / Tratamento endovascular do aneurisma dissecante da artéria cerebral posterior associado à artéria hipoglossa persistente: relato de caso

Abstract Persistent embryological connections between the anterior and posterior circulations are rare entities. Persistent hypoglossal artery is the second most common persistent carotid-basilar anastomosis. As it is often associated with hypoplasia of vertebral arteries, it poses a challenge during endovascular interventions. We present a case of a 32-year-old woman who presented with occipital headache of four weeks' duration. Magnetic Resonance Angiography showed hypoplastic vertebral arteries with a persistent hypoglossal artery arising from the cervical segment of the left internal carotid artery and supplying the entire posterior circulation, associated with a dissecting aneurysm of the right posterior cerebral artery. Endovascular parent vessel occlusion was performed for the dissecting posterior cerebral artery aneurysm by navigating the guide catheter, microwire, and microcatheter through the persistent hypoglossal artery because the vertebral arteries were hypoplastic. Post-intervention, the patient did not develop any neurological deficit and was discharged in a stable condition.

Resumo Conexões embriológicas persistentes entre as circulações anterior e posterior são entidades raras. A artéria hipoglossa persistente é a segunda anastomose carotídeo-basilar persistente mais comum. Como está frequentemente associada à hipoplasia das artérias vertebrais, apresenta um desafio durante as intervenções endovasculares. Apresentamos o caso de uma mulher de 32 anos que apresentou cefaleia occipital com duração de quatro semanas. A angiografia por ressonância magnética mostrou artérias vertebrais hipoplásicas com artéria hipoglossa persistente surgindo do segmento cervical da artéria carótida interna esquerda e suprindo toda a circulação posterior com um aneurisma dissecante da artéria cerebral posterior direita. A oclusão endovascular do vaso parental foi realizada para o aneurisma da dissecção da artéria cerebral posterior pela passagem de cateter guia, microfio e microcateter pela artéria hipoglossa persistente, pois as artérias vertebrais eram hipoplásicas. Após a intervenção, a paciente não apresentou déficit neurológico e recebeu alta em uma condição estável.

Characteristics and Forensic Identification of Blunt Vertebral Artery Injury / 法医学杂志

Blunt vertebral artery injury occurs frequently in forensic practice. However, injuries of the vertebral artery are easily ignored or overlooked because of its relatively deep location. Through literatures review, this paper finds that the manners of blunt vertebral artery injury are varied and one or more injury mechanisms may be involved simultaneously. Patients often undergo immediate or delayed cerebral apoplexy as well as compression and injury of surrounding structures, due to direct injury or secondary aneurysm or dissection, resulting in disability or death. Diseases such as, vertebral atherosclerosis and dysplasia can increase the disability and death risk and the difficulty of forensic identification. In forensic identification, the details of the case should be considered. For cases of suspected vertebral artery injury, in addition to routine examination of intracranial segment, attention should be paid to the examination of extracranial segment. If conditions permit, angiography can be used prior to or during the autopsy to improve the identification efficiency and accuracy of opinions.

Presentation of cerebral and cervical arterial dissections in Botucatu, Brazil: case series / Apresentação de dissecções arteriais cerebrais e cervicais em Botucatu, Brasil: uma série de casos

Abstract Spontaneous dissection of the cervical and cerebral arteries is an important cause of stroke and disability in young patients. In this report, the authors present a case series of patients with spontaneous carotid, vertebral, or cerebral artery dissection who underwent digital angiography. A review of the published literature on this subject is also presented.

Resumo A dissecção espontânea das artérias cervicais e cerebrais é uma causa importante de acidente vascular cerebral e incapacidade em pacientes jovens. Neste relato, é apresentada uma série de casos de pacientes com dissecção espontânea da artéria carótida, vertebral ou cerebral submetidos à angiografia digital. Além disso, é fornecida uma revisão da literatura sobre esse assunto.

Cerebellar infarction after sneezing

SUMMARY Vertebral Artery Dissection (VAD) is a rare condition that can be caused by a wide amplitude of neck movement, which injures the vessel wall and can cause ischemia in the cerebellum. We present a 37-year-old man with herniated lumbar disc and allergic rhinosinusitis, which caused sneezing spells. After one of these bouts with a ricochet of the head, he presented C3 misalignment with local pain. Twenty-one days later, affected by a new crisis, he presented left temporal headache, nystagmus, and vertigo. After 3 days, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) identified 2 regions of cerebellar ischemia and filling failure of the right vertebral artery. After 2 days, Computed Angiotomography (CT Angiography) was performed and showed right VAD with a local thrombus, without aneurysmal signs. Transcranial Doppler did not indicate an increase in blood flow from this artery. The suggested treatment involved administration of anticoagulant Apixabana 5mg, 12/12h, for 3 months, until the condition was reevaluated with new Angio CT and MRI. It was recommended that the patient was released from work for 1 month and forbidden from doing intense physical exercises for 3 months; however, due to setbacks, these deadlines were extended until a new appointment, 4 months after the first visit. The new tests showed no changes, indicating that the condition was stable. This case aims to indicate the possible investigations of the diagnosis and therapeutic options of the rare association between VAD with cerebellar infarction in a well-documented case.

RESUMO A Dissecção da Artéria Vertebral (DAV) é quadro raro que pode ser causado por movimentação de grande amplitude do pescoço, que lesiona a parede desse vaso, podendo provocar isquemia no cerebelo. Apresentamos um homem de 37 anos, com hérnia de disco e rinossinusite alérgica que lhe causava crises de espirros em salva (CE). Após uma dessas crises com ricocheteamento da cabeça, apresentou desalinhamento de C3 com dor local. Vinte e um dias depois, acometido por nova crise, apresentou cefaleia temporal esquerda, nistagmo e vertigem. Decorridos 3 dias, o paciente foi submetido a Ressoânncia Magnética (RM), que identificou 2 regiões de isquemia cerebelar e enchimento comprometido da artéria vertebral direita. Após 2 dias, foram feitos Angiotomografia Computadorizada (Angio TC), que constatou DAV direita com trombo local, sem sinais aneurismáticos, e Doppler Transcraniano, que não indicou aumento do fluxo sanguíneo dessa artéria. O tratamento sugerido envolvia administração de anticoagulante Apixabana 5mg, 12/12h, por 3 meses, até que o quadro fosse reavaliado com novas Angio TC e RM. Foi recomendado que o paciente ficasse afastado do trabalho por 1 mês e de exercícios físicos intensos por 3 meses, porém devido a contratempos, esses prazos foram prorrogados até nova consulta, 4 meses após a primeira. Os novos exames não apresentaram alterações, indicando que o quadro estava estável. Esse caso tem como objetivo indicar as possíveis investigações do diagnóstico e opções terapêuticas da rara associação entre DAV com infarto cerebelar em caso bem documentado.

Scapulothoracic dissociation and blunt vertebral vascular injury: case report / > Disociación escapulo-torácica y trauma cerrado de arteria vertebral: reporte de un caso

Abstract Case Description: A 24-year-old male suffers from a motor vehicle accident with penetrating neck trauma and concomitant closed left cervicothoracic trauma. Clinical Findings: High impact trauma causing hypovolemic shock, left zone I penetrating neck trauma, ischemia due to blunt trauma to the axillary vessels, and brachial plexus injury. Transection of the vertebral artery on angiotomography. Diagnosed with scapulothoracic dissociation and vertebral artery trauma. Treatment and outcome: Axillary arteriovenous reconstruction, fasciotomies, non-surgical approach of the vertebral artery trauma, and deferred treatment of the brachial plexus trauma were performed. Survival of the patient and his limb, with major neurologic sequelae Clinical Relevance: The case presented here is an example of scapulothoracic dissociation with associated trauma to the vertebral artery, injuries that are uncommon and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early recognition of the injuries and a multidisciplinary approach for this complex case by surgical board reviews at various levels within the course of care were key determinants in the patient's improved prognosis. This case report presents an analysis of the diagnostics, treatment, and course; considering in-hospital care and the decision-making process as determinants for the prognosis in a polytrauma patient.

Resumen Descripción del caso: Varón de 24 años que sufre accidente automovilístico con trauma penetrante de cuello y trauma cerrado cervico torácico izquierdo concomitante. Hallazgos clínicos: Shock hipovolémico, trauma en zona I cuello izquierdo, isquemia por trauma cerrado de vasos axilares y lesión por trauma cerrado del plexo braquial; producto de trauma de alto impacto. Sección de arteria vertebral por angiotomografia. Se diagnostica disociación escapulo-torácica y trauma de arteria vertebral. Tratamiento y resultado: Reconstrucción vascular arterio-venosa axilar, fasciotomías y abordaje no operatorio del trauma de arteria vertebral, con manejo diferido del trauma del plexo braquial. Sobrevida del paciente y su extremidad, con secuelas neurológicas mayores. Relevancia clínica: Es un caso de disociación escapulotorácica y lesión de arteria vertebral concomitante, siendo esta una asociación infrecuente y de alta morbi-mortalidad. El reconocimiento temprano de las lesiones y un abordaje multidisciplinario de este escenario de complejidad por medio de juntas quirúrgicas en varios niveles del proceso de atención, fueron determinantes para cambiar el pronóstico del paciente. Se presenta un análisis del diagnóstico, manejo y evolución; considerando el proceso de atención hospitalaria, toma consensuada de decisiones y el pronóstico en un paciente politraumatizado.

Safety ranges in V3 segment of the vertebral artery for surgical procedures at the craniocervical junction / Rangos de seguridad en el segmento V3 de la arteria vertebral para procedimientos quirúrgicos en la unión craneocervical

The aim of this study was to establish safety ranges for the third vertebral artery segment (V3) for craneocervical procedures. Injury to V3 represents a potentially catastrophic complication. Its tortuous path and complex relationship with neighboring structures, increasing the risk. Ten male adult cadavers (20 vertebral arteries) with arterial infiltration of red latex were studied. The length, angles and anatomical measurements were obtained between the selected surgical landmarks and the portions of V3 segment. The horizontal portion has a length of 32.7 ± 3.6 mm with an angulation of 115.1 ± 8.3 degrees. The mean distances of the horizontal portion were: from the midline to the V3 groove of C1 posterior arch (24.7 ± 6.3 mm); from C1 pars interarticularis to the V3 distal loop of V3 (8.9 ± 1.4 mm). The vertical portion has a length 32.5 ± 5.6 mm with an angulation of the proximal loop of 113.6 ± 5.8 degrees. The mean distances between the C2 spinous process to the medial surface of the distal loop (43.8 ± 4.2 mm); from the C1-C2 joint to the V3 vertical portion (9.5 ± 1.5 mm); from C2 pars interarticularis to V3 in the C2 transverse foramen (6.5 ± 3.4 mm); from C2 pars interarticularis to V3 in the C1 transverse foramen (17.5 ± 4.5 mm). We reported four potential sites where V3 can be injured during four different surgical procedures: exposure of the posterior arch of C1, and pars interarticularis of C1 in the horizontal portion and exposure of the C1C2 joint, and placement of C1-C2 transarticular screws one in the vertical portion. We provide measurements of redundancy and safety ranges to reduce the risk of injury to the V3 segment during craniocervical surgical procedures.

El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer rangos de seguridad en el tercer segmento de arteria vertebral (V3) para cirugías de la región craneocervicales. La lesión de V3 representa una complicación potencialmente catastrófica. Su tortuoso trayecto y compleja relación con las estructuras aledañas, aumenta el riesgo. Se estudiaron diez cadáveres adultos masculinos (20 arterias vertebrales) con infiltración arterial de látex rojo. La longitud, ángulos y medidas anatómicas se obtuvieron respecto a los puntos de referencia quirúrgicos y las porciones del segmento V3. La porción horizontal tiene una longitud de 32,7 ± 3,6 mm con una angulación de 115,1 ± 8,3 grados. Las distancias medias de la porción horizontal fueron: desde la línea media hasta el surco V3 del arco posterior C1 (24,7 ± 6,3 mm); desde C1 pars interarticularis hasta el bucle distal V3 de V3 (8,9 ± 1,4 mm). La parte vertical tiene una longitud de 32,5 ± 5,6 mm con una angulación del bucle proximal de 113,6 ± 5,8 grados. Las distancias medias entre el proceso espinoso C2 y la superficie medial del bucle distal (43,8 ± 4,2 mm); desde la unión C1-C2 hasta la porción vertical V3 (9,5 ± 1,5 mm); de C2 pars interarticularis a V3 en el foramen transversal C2 (6,5 ± 3,4 mm); de C2 pars interarticularis a V3 en el foramen transversal C1 (17,5 ± 4,5 mm). Informamos cuatro sitios potenciales donde la V3 puede lesionarse durante cuatro procedimientos quirúrgicos diferentes: exposición del arco posterior de C1 y pars interarticularis de C1 en la porción horizontal y exposición de la articulación C1-C2, y colocación de C1-C2 Tornillos transarticulares uno en la porción vertical. Proporcionamos mediciones de los rangos de redundancia y seguridad para reducir el riesgo de lesiones en el segmento V3 durante procedimientos quirúrgicos craneocervicales.

Origin of the Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery over the C1 Posterior Arch / Origem da artéria cerebelar inferoposterior sobre o arco posterior de C1

Resumo The posterior inferior cerebellar artery usually arises from the intracranial segment (V4) of the vertebral artery. Despite its mean diameter of 2 mm, it usually irrigates important areas of the brain. When occluded, whether due to trauma or surgery, it may cause infarction in the brain stem and cerebellum. The present report describes a case of incidental finding of a posterior inferior cerebellar artery arising from the cervical segment (V3) of the vertebral artery, demonstrated by angiography. The findings were recorded and compared to those of earlier publications. Brief explanations regarding anatomy, vascular anomalies and embryology were provided. A literature review showed that anomalous branches of the cervical segment of the vertebral artery are infrequent andmust be known. A better understanding of anatomy and its variations enables an accurate topographic diagnosis, as well as the planning of the optimal surgical approach and therapy. Knowledge of this anatomical variation is essential because, if it is mistaken for a muscle branch and coagulated, this can cause ischemia and disabling sequelae.

Resumo A artéria cerebelar inferoposterior geralmente nasce do segmento intracraniano (V4) da artéria vertebral. Apesar de ter diâmetro médio de 2 mm, usualmente irriga áreas eloquentes do encéfalo. Quando ocluída, seja por trauma ou cirurgia, pode causar infarto no tronco encefálico e no cerebelo. Apresentamos um caso de artéria cerebelar inferoposterior com origem anômala no segmento cervical (V3) da artéria vertebral, demonstrado por angiografia. Os resultados foram registrados e comparados com os de publicações anteriores. Foram fornecidas breves explicações sobre a anatomia, anomalias vasculares e embriologia. A revisão da literatura mostrou que os ramos anômalos do segmento cervical da artéria vertebral são infrequentes e devem ser conhecidos. Uma melhor compreensão da anatomia e suas variações permite fazer um diagnóstico topográfico preciso, bem como planejar a abordagem e a terapia cirúrgicas ideais. O conhecimento dessa variação anatômica é essencial, pois, se confundida com um ramo muscular e coagulada, pode causar isquemia com sequelas incapacitantes.

Síndrome de Barré-Lieou en un anciano / Barre-Lieou syndrome in an elderly

Se describe el caso clínico de un anciano de 85 años de edad a quien se le diagnosticó síndrome de Barré-Lieou en el Hospital Provincial General Docente Dr. Antonio Luaces Iraola de Ciego de Ávila, por lo cual fue atendido en consultas multidisciplinarias. Mediante la radiografía contrastada del esófago se observó compresión extrínseca de su tercio distal por grandes osteofitos cervicales anteriores, así como estrechamiento anterior y posterior desde la cuarta hasta la séptima vértebras cervicales; asimismo, las imágenes de la resonancia magnética de cráneo y columna cervical permitieron comprobar la presencia de complejos disco-osteofitos de vértebras cervicales con edema óseo, de carácter compresivo. Se comenta sobre el tratamiento empleado y se ofrecen las sugerencias terapéuticas de los expertos en el tema.

The case report of a 85 years elderly to whom the Barré-Lieou syndrome was diagnosed in Dr. Antonio Luaces Iraola Teaching General Provincial Hospital in Ciego de Ávila is described, reason why he was assisted in multidisciplinary visits. By means of the contrasted x-ray of the esophagus, extrinsic compression of his distal third was observed caused by huge anterior cervical osteophytes, as well as early and posterior narrowing of the fourth to the seventh cervical vertebrae; also, the magnetic resonance images of skull and cervical spine allowed to check the presence of disk-osteophytes complexes of cervical vertebrae, with bony edema, of compressive character. It is commented on the used treatment and the therapeutic indications of experts in the topic are offered.