Duplicated Vertebral Artery : Literature Review and Clinical Significance

Objective Duplication of the vertebral artery (VA) is a rare vascular variant. This paper describes the anatomy and embryological development of duplicated VAs and reviews the clinical significance. Methods Computed tomography (CT) angiography was performed in 3386 patients (1880 females, 1506 males) between March 2014 and November 2015. We defined duplication of the VA as a condition in which the VA has two origins that fused at different levels of the neck. Results Ten of the 3386 patients (0.295%) who received CT angiography had a dual origin of the VA; three on the left side, and seven on the right side. In all seven with right dual origin of the VA, both limbs of the VA origin originated from the right subclavian artery. In all three patients with left dual origin of the VA, both limbs of the VA originated from the left subclavian artery and aortic arch. In all 10 patients, the medial limb of the duplicated VA was located posteriorly and medially to the common carotid artery (CCA) and anteriorly and laterally to the vertebral transverse foramen. In two patients, the medial limb of the duplicated VA was located in close proximity to the CCA. In another two patients, the medial limb of the duplicated VA was located in close proximity to the CCA, carotid bifurcation, and proximal internal carotid artery. Conclusion Although duplication of the VA is asymptomatic in most patients, clinicians should consider this anomaly during diagnosis and treatment.