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Cervicobrachial neuralgia due to vertebral artery loop. Surg Radiol Anat 2022; 44:223-226. [PMID: 35066610 DOI: 10.1007/s00276-022-02885-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The main anatomic variations should be taught along with the classical anatomy curriculum, since they can mislead both diagnosis and treatment. We report here a clinical and radiological case of left C6 cervicobrachial neuralgia recurrence due to a vertebral artery loop, we then describe 13 published cases of such neurovascular conflicts. CASE A 51-year-old woman suffered from recurrence of C6 cervicobrachial neuralgia after an initial C5-C6 decompression-fusion. Additional cervical angio-MR and CT scans found a tortuous aspect of the left vertebral artery that came into conflict with the left C6 spinal root, just after its emergence of the C5-C6 intervertebral foramen. A large posterior decompression was performed including a C5 and C6 left lateral mass resection to enlarge the foraminal space. The vertebral artery was kept in place. The patient reported a slow but consistent decrease in pain that disappeared after 3 months. Thirteen cases of a compressive vertebral loop are thereafter detailed. CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSION Vascular precursors disarrangements can lead to a vertebral artery loop in contact with emerging cervical roots and potential clinical impact. This differential diagnosis should be considered for cervico-brachial neuralgia management. Moreover, the present case highlights the key role of a careful preoperative imaging assessment, as well as the need for robust knowledge of anatomy.
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Tack L, Linden P, Mortelé P, Rosseel F, Floré P. Cervical radiculopathy caused by vertebral artery loop formation: a case report. Radiol Case Rep 2021; 16:1919-1923. [PMID: 34093937 PMCID: PMC8167806 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2021.04.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebral artery loop formation is a rare cause of cervical radiculopathy. We report a case of a 70-year-old man who was referred because of a chronic cervicobrachialgia. Initial plain cervical x-ray showed widening of the left C3-C4 intervertebral foramen. Additional magnetic resonance angiography revealed the presence of a vertebral artery loop, which had migrated into the left C3-C4 neural foramen and caused compression of the left C4 nerve root. Surgery was considered, but the patient’s symptoms resolved with conservative treatment. The aim of this case report is to raise the knowledge of both clinicians and radiologists about vertebral artery loop formation as a rare but potentially life-threatening cause of cervical radiculopathy. If overlooked, cerebrovascular stroke during transforaminal cervical steroid injections or catastrophic vertebral artery damage during surgery may occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tack
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, AZ Delta Hospital, Torhout/Roeselare, Belgium
| | - Patrick Linden
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, AZ Delta Hospital, Torhout/Roeselare, Belgium
| | - Piet Mortelé
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, AZ Delta Hospital, Torhout/Roeselare, Belgium
| | | | - Pierre Floré
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, AZ Delta Hospital, Torhout/Roeselare, Belgium
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Omotoso BR, Harrichandparsad R, Moodley IG, Satyapal KS, Lazarus L. An anatomical investigation of the proximal vertebral arteries (V1, V2) in a select South African population. Surg Radiol Anat 2021; 43:929-941. [PMID: 33689007 PMCID: PMC8164601 DOI: 10.1007/s00276-021-02712-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The most common type of vascular complication during cervical spine surgery is the vertebral artery (VA) injury. The presence of anatomical variation in the artery's morphology has been a significant factor for arterial injury during surgery. Therefore, physicians planning interventions in the craniospinal region need to be aware of the extents of variations. In addition to vascular injury, anatomical variations can predispose to some pathologies in the posterior circulation territory. To provide useful data to interventional radiologists, anatomists, and surgeons, we evaluated the anatomical features of the V1 and V2 segments of the VA in a South African population. Materials and methods The study is an observational, retrospective chart review of 554 consecutive South African patients (Black, Indian and White) who had undergone computed tomography angiography (CTA) from January 2009 to September 2019. Results The VA exhibited morphological variation in its course. We report the incidence of variant origin of the left VA, all from the aortic arch. Variation in the level of entry into the transverse foramen ranged between C7 and C3. A left dominant pattern was observed; we also report on hypoplasia of the VA. In addition, we report incidence of VA tortuosity at V1, V2 to be 76.6% and 32.1%, respectively. Conclusions The baseline data established in this study regarding the diameter, variant origin, and level of entry into the transverse foramen will assist neurosurgeons and interventional radiologists in interpreting, diagnosing, and planning and executing various vascular procedures and treatment of pathology in the vicinity of the VA.
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Affiliation(s)
- B R Omotoso
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - R Harrichandparsad
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - I G Moodley
- Department of Radiology, Jackpersad and Partners Inc, Specialist Diagnostic Radiologists, Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre, Durban, South Africa
| | - K S Satyapal
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - L Lazarus
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
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AydoĞmuŞ E, Çavdar S. Morphometric Study of the Cervical Spinal Canal Content and the Vertebral Artery. Int J Spine Surg 2020; 14:455-461. [PMID: 32986564 DOI: 10.14444/7060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The morphological features of the cervical spinal nerves (C1-C8), their dimensions, and their anatomical relations with the vertebral artery are important for safe spinal surgery. The aim of the present study is to give detailed morphological data of the region to avoid complications. METHODS Five formalin-fixed adult cadavers were studied. The cervical spinal nerves and the vertebral artery were exposed via the posterior approach, and detailed anatomy and morphometric measurements were evaluated. The following measurements were documented: angles between the spinal nerve and the spinal cord of C1 to C8, width of the C1 to C8 spinal nerves at their origin, distance of the spinal cord to the vertebral artery, number of dorsal rootlets, length of the dorsal root entry zone of C1 to C8, and distance between respective spinal nerves. Further, the average length and width of the transverse foramen were measured. RESULTS The average angle between the spinal cord and the spinal nerve within the vertebral canal ranged between 54 and 87 degrees and were most acute at C5 (54 degrees) compared to the rest of the cervical spinal nerves. The average width of the spinal nerves (mean ± SD), was thickest at C5 (5.7 ± 1.2 mm) and C6 (5.8 ± 0.7 mm). The average largest distance between the vertebral artery and the spinal cord was at C2 (14.3 ± 1.7 mm) and the smallest at C5 (7.3 ± 0.9 mm) and C6 (7.3 ± 2.2 mm) spinal levels. The number of dorsal rootlets was most numerous at C6 (8.25 ± 0.6) and C7 (7.25 ± 0.9). The dorsal root entry zone length was the largest at C5 (13.0 ± 1.6 mm) and C6 (13.75 ± 0.5 mm). The distance between respective spinal nerves was largest between C2 and C3 (11.8 ± 2.2) and C7 and C8 (11.5 ± 0.6). CONCLUSION The knowledge of detailed anatomy of the cervical spine (C1-C8) and its relations with the vertebral artery will reduce the unwanted damage to the vital structures of the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evren AydoĞmuŞ
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dr. Lütfi Kirdar Kartal Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Safiye Çavdar
- Department of Anatomy, Koç University, School of Medicine Istanbul, Turkey
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Naldemir IF, Unlu EN, Onbas O. Tortuous vertebral artery triggering vertebral foramen expansion and radiculopathy in a 19-year-old patient: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2020; 14:170. [PMID: 32981528 PMCID: PMC7520948 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-020-02493-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Arterial tortuosity is a widespread condition commonly occurring in cerebral arteries and often associated with the elderly. Moderate arterial tortuosity is often not symptomatic, but if there is severe tortuosity, various symptoms may occur, depending on the localization. In the literature, many factors have been reported as causing tortuosity in the vertebral arteries. In this case report, considering the age of our patient, we propose that, in addition to these previously reported reasons, congenital factors may also contribute to this situation. Case presentation We present a case of a 19-year-old Turkish patient with a tortuous vertebral artery causing pain and tingling in the right shoulder and neck. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed vertebral foramen enlargement thought to be secondary to a loop formation in the vertebral artery. The diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance angiography. Conclusions There are many causes of cervical radiculopathy. Arterial tortuosity, a rare cause of radiculopathy, should be considered as a differential diagnosis. Consideration of the existence of this variation is of great importance in preventing possible dangerous complications during surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim F Naldemir
- Department of Radiology, Duzce University, Konuralp Yerleşkesi Konuralp Merkez, 81620, Düzce, Turkey.
| | - Elif Nisa Unlu
- Department of Radiology, Duzce University, Konuralp Yerleşkesi Konuralp Merkez, 81620, Düzce, Turkey
| | - Omer Onbas
- Department of Radiology, Duzce University, Konuralp Yerleşkesi Konuralp Merkez, 81620, Düzce, Turkey
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Aroyo I, Prenosil V, Kollmar R. P126. Identification by ultrasound of a cervical nerve root edema caused by vertebral artery loop. Clin Neurophysiol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2018.04.740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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The diagnosis and management of a vertebral artery loop causing cervical radiculopathy. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2017; 30:1-6. [PMID: 28528478 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-017-5123-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 02/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical radiculopathies are rarely caused by vertebral artery loop formation, which is estimated to be present in less than 3% of patients. It is uncertain what causes the loop formation: some propose an association with spondylotic changes or trauma, whilst others suggest hypertension and atherosclerosis may be responsible. CASE REPORT 1: A 35-year-old male patient presented with signs and symptoms of cervical radiculopathy that was not improved with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery performed 2 years beforehand. Vertebral artery loop was discovered at the level C5/6 on the MRI. Vertebral artery transposition surgery via a lateral approach was performed at the level of the left C5/6 for symptoms of left C6 radiculopathy. Deroofing of the transverse process was performed with post-surgical complete improvement in weakness and pain. CASE REPORT 2: A 48-year-old female patient presented with a 10-year history of left shoulder pain with occasional radiation into her middle three fingers accompanied by intermittent paraesthesia and weakness. Numerous shoulder surgeries, Botox injections and suprascapular nerve blocks had not provided any significant benefit. A vertebral artery loop was identified at the level of C3/4 and C4/5 on the left with cervical MRI. Transposition surgery of these two levels provided some post-surgical improvement in pain. CONCLUSION Vertebral artery loop formations are a rare but potential cause for cervical radiculopathy. In two cases, the loop formations were not radiographically reported on MRI, thus clinicians should be aware of this as a differential diagnosis in the management of cervical radiculopathy. The presented surgical approach may be useful in managing future cases of vertebral artery loop formation causing cervical radiculopathy resistant to conservative measures.
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Ekşi MŞ, Toktaş ZO, Yılmaz B, Demir MK, Özcan-Ekşi EE, Bayoumi AB, Yener Y, Akakın A, Konya D. Vertebral artery loops in surgical perspective. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2016; 25:4171-4180. [PMID: 27388018 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-016-4691-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vertebral artery loop is a congenital or acquired anomaly. Vertebral artery loops are incidentally diagnosed during evaluation of neck problems and trauma. We aimed to present the incidence of VA loops using magnetic resonance angiography in consecutive patients and discuss epidemiological data including the gender, age, location, signs and symptoms, treatment approaches and outcomes of VA loops via analyzing literature. METHODS In the first leg of our two-legged study, consecutive patients were evaluated using magnetic resonance angiography to detect any medial loop of vertebral arteries. The study period was from October 2015 to March 2016. In the second leg, academic databases about medial loop of vertebral artery were screened. Case reports, case series, abstracts and references of relevant literature were searched manually to avoid any missing cases. RESULTS We evaluated 239 consecutive patients using magnetic resonance angiography. Twenty-one patients were excluded from the study due to inadequate image acquisition, aplastic vertebral artery and/or concomitant vertebral artery stenosis. Medial loop of V2 vertebral artery was observed in 13 patients (5.9 %): 9 with left, 2 with right and 2 with bilateral medial V2 loop. Patients with medial V2 loop were significantly older than patients with straight vertebral arteries (70.30 vs. 62.36, p = 0.028). In the literature analysis, VA loops were more commonly observed at V2 segment (90.5 %). Vertebral artery loops were mostly diagnosed at the 5th and 6th decades of life predominantly in females. The most common signs and symptoms were radiculopathy and/or neck pain, and signs and symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS Concise pre-operative evaluation of the vertebral arteries is essential to avoid the injury of undiagnosed VA loops during surgery, which might result in catastrophic circumstances. Further evaluation of the vertebral arteries using MR angiography is required, especially in elder age, before cervical spine surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Şakir Ekşi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery-Spine Center, University of California at San Francisco, Medical Center, 500 Parnassus Avenue MU320 West, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0728, USA.
| | - Zafer Orkun Toktaş
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bahçeşehir University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Baran Yılmaz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bahçeşehir University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Kemal Demir
- Department of Radiology, Bahçeşehir University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emel Ece Özcan-Ekşi
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Antalya Ataturk State Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ahmed B Bayoumi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bahçeşehir University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yasin Yener
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Park Göztepe Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Akın Akakın
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bahçeşehir University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Deniz Konya
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bahçeşehir University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
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