title: Persistent carotid-vertebrobasilar anastomoses: how and why differentiating them?
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Département de Radiologie, Hôpital Larrey, CHU, 49033 Angers, France.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pasco
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Papon
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bracard
authors.forename: J Y
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Tanguy
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ter Minassian
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mercier
mesh_terms: 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