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Arterial variations around the atlas: a comprehensive review for avoiding neurosurgical complications

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Abstract

Introduction

Neurosurgical approaches often involve the atlas. Therefore, the arterial relationships and anatomical variations are of paramount importance to the neurosurgeon.

Methods

Using standard search engines, a literature review of arterial variants near the first cervical vertebra was performed.

Conclusions

Arterial variations around the atlas are surgically significant. Awareness of their existence and course may provide better pre-operative planning and surgical intervention, potentially leading to better clinical outcomes. Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (3D CTA) is an important tool for identifying and diagnosing such abnormalities and should be used when such vascular anomalies are suspected.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. St. George’s University, St. George’s, Grenada

    Galyna Ivashchuk, Marios Loukas & R. Shane Tubbs

  2. Saarland University Faculty of Medicine and Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany

    Fabian N. Fries

  3. Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA, USA

    David Paulson, Stephen J. Monteith, Jens R. Chapman & Rod J. Oskouian

  4. Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA

    R. Shane Tubbs

Authors
  1. Galyna Ivashchuk
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  2. Fabian N. Fries
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  3. Marios Loukas
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  4. David Paulson
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  7. Rod J. Oskouian
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Correspondence to R. Shane Tubbs.

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Ivashchuk, G., Fries, F.N., Loukas, M. et al. Arterial variations around the atlas: a comprehensive review for avoiding neurosurgical complications. Childs Nerv Syst 32, 1093–1100 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-016-3066-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-016-3066-6

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