Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Weerakkody Y, Elfeky M, Knipe H, et al. Vertebral artery loop. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 04 Jul 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-61571
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.
Vertebral artery loops tend to be mostly diagnosed in the 5th and 6th decades. Its prevalence is uncertain but is thought to be present in <3% of patients 2.
Its exact aetiology is uncertain. Some propose an association with spondylotic changes or trauma, whilst others suggest hypertension and atherosclerosis may be responsible 2.
It can be capable of causing bony erosion, encroachment on the cervical neural exit foramen, neurovascular compression, or vertebrobasilar insufficiency.
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