Persistent carotid-vertebrobasilar anastomoses: how and why differentiating them?
The persistent carotid-vertebrobasilar anastomoses (PCVBA) can be explained by an interruption of the vertebrobasilar system (VBS) embryogenesis. We present two very rare cases of persistent anastomoses: a hypoglossal artery and a type I proatlantal artery, insisting on the angiographic criteria allowing differentiation. After a brief review of the embryogenesis of the VBS, we describe the different types of persistent anastomoses (hypoglossal, type I and II proatlantal, trigeminal and otic arteries). We will insist on the potential risks, not well-known, but typical of each anastomosis. PCVBA usually are incidental findings but imaging follow-up may be required since aneurysms may develop.
Pasco
A
A
Département de Radiologie, Hôpital Larrey, CHU, 49033 Angers, France.
Papon
X
X
Bracard
S
S
Tanguy
J Y
JY
Ter Minassian
A
A
Mercier
P
P
D017542:Aneurysm, Ruptured / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology*; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology; D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000098:blood supply*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007002:Hypoglossal Nerve / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000196:embryology*; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology; D014711:Vertebral Artery / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology