An anatomical investigation of the proximal vertebral arteries (V1, V2) in a select South African population

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.

Risk factors for in‐stent restenosis after vertebral artery stenting of V1 segment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…V1 tortuosity is not uncommon. Previous studies have found that about 33.3%–39.05% of vertebral arteries have V1 tortuosity 11,24,25 . In our included studies, Zhou et al 11 and Su et al 16 provided data on V1 tortuosity, but only the former described the definition of V1 tortuosity.…”

“…Previous studies have found that about 33.3%-39.05% of vertebral arteries have V1 tortuosity. 11,24,25 In our included studies, Zhou et al 11 and Su et al 16 provided data on V1 tortuosity, but only the former described the definition of V1 tortuosity. Chen et al 14 also found that V1 tortuosity was significantly more in the ISR group, but only the p-value was given.…”

The Application of the Cameriere’s Methodologies for Dental Age Estimation in a Select KwaZulu-Natal Population of South Africa

“…In this study, population groups were distinguished in accordance with “modern systems of racial classification”, which states that South Africa has four main population groups, viz. South African Black (origin in any of the native or African groups); South African Coloured, South African Indian (individuals of Asian descent) and South African White (individuals of European) descent [ 37 , 38 ]. The criteria used in the aforementioned racial classification scheme is skin colour and ancestry [ 38 ].…”

“…South African Black (origin in any of the native or African groups); South African Coloured, South African Indian (individuals of Asian descent) and South African White (individuals of European) descent [ 37 , 38 ]. The criteria used in the aforementioned racial classification scheme is skin colour and ancestry [ 38 ]. This age range was selected as the dentition undergoes various stages of development during this period, and in accordance with South African Census 2011, approximately 44% of South Africans is younger than 20 years [ 4 , 5 , 25 ].…”

Morphometric Analysis of V2 Segment of Vertebral Artery in Patients with Symptomatic Neck Pain in South Indian Population – A CT Angiography Based Study

“…The anatomical variation in the vertebral artery and inadequate information about its variation can cause increased risk of vertebral artery injury during cervical spine surgery [7,8]. Hence this study aims to describe the morphometric variation of the V2 segment of vertebral artery to prevent iatrogenic vertebral artery injury.…”