title: Craniovertebral junction malformation and rotational occlusion of the vertebral artery.
abstract: An unusual case of rotational occlusion of a non-dominant vertebral artery (VA) is presented. This clinical syndrome is associated for the first time with a complex craniovertebral junction malformation. Rotational occlusion of the VA is usually asymptomatic, vertebro-basilar insufficiency has been rarely observed in cases of involvement of a dominant VA, and concomitant occlusion or hypoplasia of the contralateral artery. Diagnosis of rotational VA occlusion is based on haemodynamic demonstration of the effects of head rotation. The importance of the awareness of this syndrome is stressed.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Neurosurgery, Catholic University, Rome, Italy. alfredopuca@hotmail.com
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Puca
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Scogna
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rollo
mesh_terms: D001269:Atlanto-Occipital Joint / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012399:Rotation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014715:Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*