Abstract
The vertebral artery (VA), whose embryogenesis differs from that of any other vessel, is characterized by a great variety of malformations and anomalies. Some of the malformations are truly pathological (that is symptomatic); the anomalies are either found by chance postmorten or by angiography. All of these should be kept in mind by the surgeon approaching the deep cervical and craniospinal regions as well as by the interventional radiologist. In the context of a literature review we discuss the width and length anomalies of the VA, tortuosity and kinking, course anomalies, duplication and fenestration, persistence of primitive arteries, and anomalies of collateral branches. Other pathologies of the cervical VA associated exclusively with genetic diseases, such as spontaneous aneurysms and arteriovenous fistulae in neurofibromatosis type 1 are also considered.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 3 January 2000
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Giuffrè, R., Sherkat, S. Maldevelopmental pathology of the vertebral artery in infancy and childhood. Child's Nerv Syst 16, 627–632 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00013718
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00013718