Spectrum of Vertebral Artery Pathologies on Imaging: Case Series

Abstract

Background: Vertebral artery pathologies are not as common on ultrasound examination. Careful ultrasound examination of the vertebral artery can provide useful information about the proximal brachiocephalic vessels as well as the intracranial portion of the vertebral artery. Objectives: To illustrate a variety of vertebral artery pathologies on ultrasound and their abnormal color Doppler findings with confirmation of some cases on magnetic resonance imaging. Materials and Methods: A 3-12 MHz linear ultrasound probe was used to examine the vertebral artery segments. The examination began with a B-mode examination of the first and second portions of the vertebral arteries, followed by color Doppler examination to determine the direction of blood flow. Spectral Doppler is used to identify flow anomalies. Conclusion: Evaluation of proximal great vessels by ultrasound can sometimes be difficult, so careful examination of vertebral artery by ultrasound can be an important tool to detect occlusions or stenosis of proximal great vessels. In addition, vertebral artery waveforms in the cervical segment provide useful information regarding the intracranial portion of the vertebral artery.

Keywords

• partial subclavian steal
• subclavian steal
• vertebral artery
• vertebral artery thrombosis