Review Article, Int J Cardiovas Res Vol: 5 Issue: 6
The Artery of Adamkiewicz: Vascular Anatomy, Clinical Significance and Surgical Considerations
Christopher L Hoehmann1*, Kyle Hitscherich2 and Joshua A Cuoco2 |
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1Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, USA | |
2Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, USA | |
Corresponding author : Christopher L Hoehmann
Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine 14 Graces Way, Centereach, New York, 11720, USA Tel: (631) 520-1416 E-mail: [email protected] |
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Received: August 10, 2016 Accepted: September 15, 2016 Published: September 21, 2016 | |
Citation: Hoehmann CL, Hitscherich K, Cuoco JA (2016) The Artery of Adamkiewicz: Vascular Anatomy, Clinical Significance and Surgical Considerations. Int J Cardiovasc Res 5:6. doi: 10.4172/2324-8602.1000284 |
Abstract
The artery of Adamkiewicz is the only major arterial supply feeding the anterior spinal artery along the lower thoracic, lumbar and sacral spinal cord. This vessel is clinically significant as injury to this vital artery can occur during a variety of procedures, most notably descending/thoracoabdominal aortic repairs. Injury to this artery can cause consequential neurologic damage manifesting as anterior spinal cord syndrome. New research on this topic has supported preoperative identification of the artery of Adamkiewicz prior to thoracic surgery as a means to protect the spinal cord. Numerous radiological imaging techniques, such as digital subtraction angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and three dimensional reconstruction using computer tomography angiography, have been implemented to localize this vessel prior to surgery, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Here, we review the variable vascular anatomy supplying the spinal cord, clinical significance of the artery of Adamkiewicz, as well as examine the various radiological imaging techniques currently used to visualize this vessel prior to surgery.