Vertebral artery loop

Vertebral artery loops occur when a portion of the vertebral artery contains an unusual coil. It can be a rare anatomical variant or can be acquired.

Epidemiology

Vertebral artery loops tend to be mostly diagnosed in the 5 and 6 decades. Its prevalence is uncertain but is thought to be present in <3% of patients.

Pathology

Its exact etiology is uncertain. Some propose an association with spondylotic changes or trauma, whilst others suggest hypertension and atherosclerosis may be responsible .

Complications

It can be capable of causing bony erosion, encroachment on the cervical neural exit foramen, neurovascular compression, or vertebrobasilar insufficiency.

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