Basic Vascular Neuroanatomy of the Brain and Spine: What the General Interventional Radiologist Needs to Know

Prince, Ethan A. MD
Ahn, Sun Ho MD

¹ Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island

Address for correspondence Ethan A. Prince, MD, Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903.

e-mail: [email protected]

Issue Theme Neurointerventions for the Interventional Radiologist; Guest Editors, Gregory M. Soares, MD, FSIR, and Sun Ho Ahn, MD

Seminars in Interventional Radiology 30(3):p 234-239, September 2013. | DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1353475

Abstract

This article is intended to provide a review of clinically relevant neurovascular anatomy. A solid understanding of the vascular anatomy of the brain and spine are essential for the safe and effective performance of neurointerventional radiology. Key concepts to master include collateral pathways and anastomoses between the external and internal carotid circulation, the Circle of Willis as a route to otherwise inaccessible intracranial vascular distributions, and the origin of spinal arterial blood supply. These concepts will be highlighted using clinical angiographic examples with discussion of relevant embryology and pathology as needed.