Anomalous origin of the left vertebral artery in humans: A rare anatomical finding?

  • Authors

    • José Aderval Aragão Associado Professor I, Department of Morphology and the Postgraduate Physical Education and Applied Health Sciences Programs, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), and Titular Professor of the Medical School, Tiradentes University (UNIT), Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil.
    • Júlio César Claudino dos Santos Medical Student, State University of Health Sciences of Alagoas (UNCISAL), Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil.
    • Dhayanna Rolemberg Gama Cabral Medical Student, Center for Higher Studies of Maceió (CESMAC), Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
    • Carlos Augusto de Oliveira Filho Medical Student, Tiradentes University (UNIT), Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
    • Henrique Pereira Barros Adjunct Professor I, Department of Anatomy of University Center Tiradentes (UNIT), Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
    2015-05-11
    https://doi.org/10.14419/ijbas.v4i2.4615
  • Anatomical Variations, Vertebral Artery, Aortic Arch, Brachiocephalic Trunk, Subclavian Artery, Common Carotid Artery.

  • Abstract

    Context: Anatomical and morphological variations of the aortic arch and its branches are important in relation to thoracic and neck surgery. However, developmental abnormalities of the vertebral arteries are generally considered to be very rare. They have mostly been described in single case reports or small series. Thus, there is a need for further knowledge as an aid in planning surgery on the aortic arch or endovascular interventions. Objective: To report on a case of anomalous origin in the left vertebral artery. Case report: In a male cadaver, a left vertebral artery with its origin in the aortic arch between the left common carotid and left subclavian arteries was observed. Its length was 120 mm, and its diameter was 5.5 mm. It entered the transverse foramen of the third cervical vertebra. Conclusion: Knowledge of the anatomical variation of the origin of the vertebral artery is important not only diagnostically but also in planning surgery on the aortic arch or endovascular interventions.

  • References

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  • How to Cite

    Aragão, J. A., Claudino dos Santos, J. C., Gama Cabral, D. R., Oliveira Filho, C. A. de, & Barros, H. P. (2015). Anomalous origin of the left vertebral artery in humans: A rare anatomical finding?. International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 4(2), 224-227. https://doi.org/10.14419/ijbas.v4i2.4615

    Received date: 2015-04-11

    Accepted date: 2015-05-04

    Published date: 2015-05-11