The right vertebral artery arising from the right common carotid artery: report of a rare case

Surg Radiol Anat. 2020 Oct;42(10):1263-1266. doi: 10.1007/s00276-020-02514-7. Epub 2020 Jun 9.

Abstract

Anomalous origins of the vertebral arteries are uncommon and generally associated with other abnormalities of the supra-aortic vessels. We present an extremely rare case where the right vertebral artery is arising from the right common carotid artery, with an absent brachiocephalic trunk, and the right common carotid artery as the first branch of the aortic arch followed by right subclavian artery, without any other abnormalities of the supra-aortic vessels. This vessel variation can affect endovascular procedures, surgical interventions and cause some unexpected clinical symptoms.

Keywords: Cerebral circulation; Right vertebral artery; Variant anatomy; Vertebral artery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anatomic Variation*
  • Angiography, Digital Subtraction
  • Carotid Artery, Common / abnormalities*
  • Carotid Artery, Common / diagnostic imaging
  • Endovascular Procedures / instrumentation
  • Endovascular Procedures / methods*
  • Female
  • Headache / etiology
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / complications
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnosis
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / surgery*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Middle Aged
  • Ophthalmoplegia / etiology
  • Vertebral Artery / abnormalities*
  • Vertebral Artery / diagnostic imaging