Bilateral type 1 proatlantal arteries with absence of vertebral arteries.
The persistent proatlantal artery is a well-described communication between the carotid and vertebrobasilar system. However, persistence of bilateral proatlantal arteries is exceptionally rare. Although usually noted as an incidental finding, the presence of a proatlantal artery, particularly when bilateral, may result in unusual symptoms or may have implications for therapy. We report a case of bilateral proatlantal arteries, describe their embryology, and consider potential clinical implications of this finding.
Woodcock
R J
RJ
Emory University Hospital, Department of Radiology, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Cloft
H J
HJ
Dion
J E
JE
D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D001269:Atlanto-Occipital Joint / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000196:embryology; D002533:Cerebral Angiography; D002536:Cerebral Arteries / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014711:Vertebral Artery / Q000002:abnormalities*