title: A Previously Unreported Arterial Variant of the Suboccipital Region Based on Cadaveric Dissection.
abstract: IntroductionSeveral arterial variants have been reported to occur around the posterior arch of the atlas. Understanding the various anomalies and diagnosing them preoperatively can dramatically reduce the risk of surgical insult during neurosurgical procedures. Herein we report a case of an arterial variant found just below the posterior arch of C1.Case ReportDuring the routine dissection of the suboccipital region via a posterior approach, an unusual bulge was identified just inferior to the inferior capitis oblique muscle. With further dissection, the structure was identified as a tortuous internal carotid artery.ConclusionArterial variants around the posterior arch of C1 are surgically significant and can result in catastrophic injuries if unappreciated. Most of these variants will be related to the vertebral artery. To our knowledge, an arterial variant of the internal carotid artery in this location, as reported herein, has not been previously reported.
authors.affiliation: Swedish Medical Center, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States; Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington, United States.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fisahn
authors.affiliation: Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington, United States.
authors.forename: Brittni
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Burgess
authors.affiliation: Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington, United States.
authors.forename: Joe
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Iwanaga
authors.affiliation: Swedish Medical Center, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States.
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Alonso
authors.affiliation: Swedish Medical Center, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States.
authors.forename: Jens R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Chapman
authors.affiliation: Swedish Medical Center, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States.
authors.forename: Rod J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Oskouian
authors.affiliation: Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington, United States.
authors.forename: R Shane
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Tubbs
keywords: C1; anatomy; anomaly; carotid artery; suboccipital triangle