MDCT angiography of the major congenital anomalies of the extracranial arteries: Pictorial review

Abstract

Multidetector computed tomographic angiography is becoming the modality of choice for evaluation of the supra-aortic circulation in acute stroke imaging. Variations of the supra-aortic circulation, in particular of the extracranial arteries, are common. This article aims to provide a pictorial description of the variant anatomy of the aortic arch and extracranial arteries. Knowledge of the presence and clinical relevance of normal variants such as anomalies, duplications and embryological persistence plays a clinically relevant role in the diagnosis and management of neurological and surgical conditions, particularly as we enter an era of increasing extracranial intervention. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology © 2012 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.