Fenestration of the vertebrobasilar junction detected with multidetector computed tomography angiography

The complex embryonic origin of the vertebrobasilar system may result in a wide range of anatomical variations. It has been hypothesized that the formation of fenestrations are likely to occur due to the failure of regression of the bridging arteries that connect the longitudinal neural arteries during embryogenesis. Fenestration of the vertebrobasilar system is a rare anatomical variation that involves a luminal division of the artery, that has a single origin into two separate and parallel channels which are rejoined distally. Fenestrations are important anatomical variants in patients undergoing endovascular and invasive intracranial interventions. Vascular fenestration has been associated with aneurysms, arterio-venous malformations, neuralgia, and vertebrobasilar ischaemia. We report on 3 cases of fenestration at the vertebrobasilar junction in 1 female and 2 male patients, respectively, using multidetector computed tomography angiography. The length of the fenestrated segment of the artery measured 4.41 mm, 3.90 mm, and 5.90 mm, respectively in the patients. Our report is clinically important as the presence of this anatomical variation may influence the management of cervical and intracranial pathologies. Increased awareness of the prevalence of anatomic variations contributes to the advancement of noninvasive imaging capabilities. (Folia Morphol 2022; 81, 2: 510???514)

Automated summary

Fenestration of the vertebrobasilar system, a rare anatomical variation, has been associated with conditions such as neuralgia, aneurysms, and vertebrobasilar ischaemia. This study reports on three cases of fenestration at the vertebrobasilar junction using multidetector computed tomography angiography. The length of the fenestrated segment of the artery varied among the patients.