3D Angiographic Atlas of Neurovascular Anatomy and Pathology Practice Flashcards

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the technical aspects of 3D rotational angiography, major neurovascular anatomy, and specific intracranial vessel classifications based on the provided atlas transcript.

Angiography

The study of blood vessels using the injection of a positive contrast agent directly into the vessels through an indwelling vascular catheter.

Three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA)

A technique where a movable X-ray tube rotates in an arc around the patient during contrast injection, allowing a computer to create a 3D model of the vessels.

Sun workstation

The computer system utilized in Dr. Borden's workspace to process X-ray data and create manipulatable 3D vascular models.

Isocenter

The center of the X-ray image in both frontal (AP) and lateral projections where the region of interest must be placed during 3DRA setup to ensure complete imaging.

Test rotation

A critical step in 3DRA performed before the official scan to ensure the rotating c-arm does not collide with equipment like anesthesia lines or ventilators.

Shaded surface display (SSD)

A reconstruction algorithm that simulates a light source projected on the 3D model to generate varying shades of gray, enhancing 3D perspective.

Great vessels

The collective term for the innominate artery, the left common carotid artery, and the left subclavian artery as they arise from the aortic arch.

Innominate artery

The first branch of the aortic arch, also known as the brachiocephalic artery, which divides into the right common carotid and right subclavian arteries.

Internal carotid artery (ICA)

An artery arising from the common carotid bifurcation that ascends vertically to the skull base without major named branches in the neck.

External carotid artery (ECA)

An artery following a tortuous course in the neck/face that provides multiple branches to the face, scalp, dura, and thyroid gland.

Middle meningeal artery (MMA)

The largest meningeal vessel and branch of the internal maxillary artery; it enters the cranium through the foramen spinosum.

Vertebral artery

An artery that arises from the subclavian artery and typically enters the foramen transversarium of $C6$ in $95\%$ of individuals.

Fischer segments

A nomenclature system (e.g., $C1$ to $C5$) used to subdivide the segments of the intracranial internal carotid artery.

Meningohypophyseal trunk (MHA)

A small branch that usually arises from the posterior wall of the internal carotid artery at the Fischer $C5$-$C4$ junction.

Sylvian point

The most superior and medial point where the last Sylvian middle cerebral artery branch turns inferolaterally to exit the Sylvian fissure.

Recurrent Artery of Heubner

A branch of the distal $A1$ or proximal $A2$ segment of the anterior cerebral artery that supplies the caudate head and internal capsule.

Posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA)

A vessel typically arising from the distal vertebral artery $1$ to $2\,cm$ below the vertebral-basilar junction.

Basilar artery

A midline vessel formed by the union of the two vertebral arteries at the ponto-medullary junction.

Vein of Labbé

An inferior anastomotic superficial cerebral vein that courses laterally over the temporal lobe to drain into the distal transverse sinus.

Vein of Trolard

The largest superiorly directed superficial cerebral vein that drains into the superior sagittal sinus.

Great cerebral vein of Galen

A single $U$-shaped vessel formed by the convergence of the internal cerebral veins under the splenium of the corpus callosum.

Torcular Herophili

The confluence of the superior sagittal sinus, straight sinus, occipital sinus, and transverse sinuses.

Venous angle

The junction where the thalamostriate vein meets the internal cerebral vein, typically located at the foramen of Monro.

Circle of Willis

A polygonal-shaped collection of arteries at the base of the brain providing communication between the anterior and posterior circulations.

Direct or 'fetal' origin PCA

A variation present in $15$ to $22\%$ of the population where the posterior cerebral artery arises directly from the internal carotid artery.