Anatomical variants of the vertebral artery and their relationship with craniocervical disorders and surgical considerations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

IF 1.7 4区 医学 Q3 ANATOMY & MORPHOLOGY
Juan José Valenzuela-Fuenzalida, Javiera Del Villar-Valdebenito, Lorenzo Aburto, Fernanda Berríos, Diego Nazar Izquierdo, Macarena Rodriguez- Luengo, Maja Czerniachowska, Pablo Nova Baeza, Mathias Orellana-Donoso, Alejandra Suazo-Santibañez, Alejandro Bruna-Mejias, Gustavo Oyanedel-Amaro, Heather F Smith, Juan Sanchis-Gimeno
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Abstract

The vertebral artery (VA) supplies almost one-third of the blood flow to the brain, contributing mainly to its posterior circulation. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the different anatomical variations related to the origin, course, and termination of the VA and associated clinical implications. Data were compiled from numerous published studies accessed from the databases Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS) as of January 2024. Methodological quality was evaluated with an assurance tool for anatomical studies (AQUA). Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effects model, and differences in VA variant rates were assessed. VA variants were identified that could be separated into three categories: variation in origin, course, and terminal branches. A total of 16 studies met the established selection criteria for the current meta-analysis. VA variations were reported at an overall prevalence of 11% (CI: 7%-15%) and a heterogeneity of 77%. Statistically significantly higher rates were revealed in the following subgroups of the sample: imaging examinations versus cadavers (p = 0.032); right side of the body versus left (p = 0.034); and bilaterally versus unilaterally (p = 0.019). Concerns listed in included studies primarily focused on the possibility of iatrogenic damage during surgical procedures. A few studies also indicated higher rates of VA variants in patients who reported symptoms of recurrent headaches, vertigo, dizziness, and/or syncope. The presence of VA variants is high and can occur in various regions. However, the most important clinical consideration is that individuals with this variant must be constantly monitored since their posterior cerebral circulation could be affected. To avoid iatrogenic damage to the VA, clinicians should employ medical imaging to evaluate its course and branches prior to surgical interventions in the region.

椎动脉的解剖变异及其与颅颈疾病和手术考虑的关系:系统回顾和荟萃分析。
椎动脉(VA)为大脑提供了近三分之一的血液流量,主要用于其后循环。这篇文章提供了一个全面的概述不同的解剖学变异相关的起源,过程,和终止的VA和相关的临床意义。数据汇编自Medline, Scopus, Web of Science,谷歌Scholar,护理和相关健康文献累积索引(CINAHL)和健康科学文献(LILACS)数据库中截至2024年1月的大量已发表的研究。用解剖学研究保证工具(AQUA)评估方法学质量。使用随机效应模型估计合并患病率,并评估VA变异率的差异。鉴定出的VA变异可分为三类:起源变异、过程变异和末端分支变异。共有16项研究符合当前荟萃分析的既定选择标准。VA变异的总体患病率为11% (CI: 7%-15%),异质性为77%。在样本的以下亚组中显示具有统计学意义的更高的发生率:影像学检查与尸体(p = 0.032);右侧vs左侧(p = 0.034);双侧与单侧比较(p = 0.019)。纳入的研究主要关注外科手术过程中医源性损伤的可能性。一些研究还表明,在报告有复发性头痛、眩晕、头晕和/或晕厥症状的患者中,VA变异的发生率更高。VA变体的存在率很高,可发生在各个地区。然而,最重要的临床考虑因素是,患有这种变异的个体必须经常监测,因为他们的后脑循环可能受到影响。为了避免医源性VA损伤,临床医生应在该区域进行手术干预之前使用医学影像学来评估其病程和分支。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
Anatomical Science International
Anatomical Science International 医学-解剖学与形态学
CiteScore
2.80
自引率
8.30%
发文量
50
审稿时长
>12 weeks
期刊介绍: The official English journal of the Japanese Association of Anatomists, Anatomical Science International (formerly titled Kaibogaku Zasshi) publishes original research articles dealing with morphological sciences. Coverage in the journal includes molecular, cellular, histological and gross anatomical studies on humans and on normal and experimental animals, as well as functional morphological, biochemical, physiological and behavioral studies if they include morphological analysis.
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