Research Information System
Thesis Type: Doctorate
Institution Of The Thesis: Gazi Üniversitesi, Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Turkey
Approval Date: 2013
Student: BANU ALICIOĞLU
Supervisor: İSMAİL NADİR GÜLEKON
Abstract:The purpose of the study was to determine anatomical variations of the vertebral artery (VA) and it?s relationships with it?s neigbouring cervical spine related to ageing. CT angiography of the 110 subjects were retrospectively reviewed. The subjects were divided into three groups according to the age: Group A: <45; group B: 45-65; group C: >65 years-old. Stenosis and dissection of the VA cases were excluded from the quantitative analysis. First, the area of the VA and transverse foramen (TF) was measured, accordingly VA/TF occupation ratio (OR) was calculated. Secondly the distance between the VA and uncinate process (UP) was measured. The VA entered the C6 TF in 92% of all subjects. An unusual level of entry was observed as follows: 0.9% from C7, 5.4% from C5, 0.9% from C4. In 3.6% of the subjects, left VA was originated from the aortic arch. Hypoplastic VA was found in 3.1% of the subjects. The VA/TF OR was between 0.34-0.52; there was not any significant statystical difference between the groups (p>0.05). At the levels of C4-7, the distance between VA and UP were significantly smaller in the old age group (p<0.01). There was strong correlation between the areas of the VA and TF in all levels (p<0.01). Knowledge of the variations of the V2 segment of the VA is important to prevent dangerous iatrogenic trauma during cervical instrumentation surgery. Close relation of the VA and cervical spine, in old subjects anatomically increases predisposition for vertebrobasillary system stroke.