Mild anatomical left vertebral artery hypoplasia, is a relatively common finding on
imaging studies of the brain and neck
. Mild anatomical left vertebral artery hypoplasia is usually an incidental finding on imaging
studies , such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
, of the brain and neck. It is not typically associated with any symptoms or clinical abnormalities.
may occur as an isolated finding or in association with other vascular anomalies, such as
a persistent trigeminal artery or aortic arch abnormalities.
While mild anatomical left vertebral artery hypoplasia is generally considered to be a
benign condition, it can occasionally be associated with neurological symptoms such as as
vertebrobasilar insufficiency.
Vertebrobasilar insufficiency refers to a decreased blood flow to the brainstem and
cerebellum, which can cause symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, double vision, or weakness
.
, or in rare cases, surgical intervention.
There is ongoing research into the genetic basis of vertebral artery hypoplasia, including
mild forms of the condition. Treatment, if needed, would typically involve addressing any
associated conditions or symptoms.
Here are some references to peer-reviewed articles and scientific literature on mild
anatomical left vertebral artery hypoplasia:
Mattle HP, Arnold M, Lindsberg PJ, et al. Basilar artery occlusion. Lancet Neurol.
2011;10(11):1002-1014
. , Easton JD. Dissections of cervical and cerebral arteries. Neurol Clin.
1983;1(1):155-182.
Nakagawa K, Yamada M, Ikeda Y, et al.
2006;66(9):1310-1314.
doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000210521.78007.1d
Calvet D, Touzé E, Oppenheim C, et al. DWI lesions and TIA etiology improve the
prediction Stroke. 2009;40(1):187-192. doi:10.1161/
STROKEAHA.108.525351
These articles provide information on the clinical significance of mild anatomical left
vertebral artery hypoplasia, including its association with vertebrobasilar insufficiency, and
the potential risks of cervical artery dissection and stroke.
Amarenco P, Hauw JJ. Cerebellar infarction in the territory of the non-dominant vertebral
artery: clinical and pathological study of 20 cases. Brain. 1990;113 (Pt 2): 359-377. doi:
10.1093/brain/113.2.359
Bassetti C, Carruzzo A, Sturzenegger M, Tuncdogan E. Recurrent artery of Heubner in
infarction: a clinical study of 17 patients. Stroke. 1994; 25(7): 1398-1402. doi:
10.1161/ 01.str.25.7.1398
Perren F, Poglia D, Landis T, Sztajzel R. Cervical artery dissection: a review of the
epidemiology, pathophysiology, treatment, and outcome. Arch Neurol. 2009; 66(7):
821-826. doi: 10.1001/archneurol.2009.104
Chuang YM, Chan L, Chen CC, et al. The prevalence of vertebral artery hypoplasia and its
relation to anterior circulation infarction in Taiwanese patients with stroke. J
Neuroimaging. 2011; 21(1): 30- 34.doi: 10.1111/j.1552-6569.2009.00438.x