Three-dimensional computerized tomography angiography in a persistent primitive hypoglossal artery: A case report

Abstract

A 62-year-old man was admitted to our hospital suffering from right hemiparesis and dysarthria. MR imaging revealed a lacunar infarction in the left corona radiata. Cerebral angiography was performed. An abnormal artery originating from the C2 level of the left internal carotid artery to the basilar artery was found. The right vertebral artery was hypoplastic. Three- dimensional computerized tomography angiography (3D-CTA) was performed to distinguish between a persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA) and a persistent primitive proatlantal intersegmental artery (PPPIA) which penetrated into the foramen magnum. The artery penetrated into the hypoglossal canal so was diagnosed as a PPHA. Examination of the patient with 3D-CTA enabled us to easily understand the structural relationship between the skull and arteries and the technique was useful for distinguishing between a PPHA and a PPPIA.