Is the anterior spinal artery occluded in severe cervical compressive myelopathy?

Abstract

Purpose: The goal of this study was to identify whether the anterior spinal artery (ASA) is occluded in severe cervical compressive myelopathy (CCM) according to computed tomography angiography (CTA); occlusion was defined as spinal canal sagittal diameter compression of more than 80%.

Study design: A retrospective study.

Setting: Xinqiao Hospital, Chongqing, China.

Participants: The sample comprised 11 patients with spinal canal sagittal diameter compression of more than 80%.

Interventions: The patient underwent CTA of the ASA after admission. Covisualization of the ASA and the artery of Adamkiewicz was used to identify the ASA.

Outcome Measures: Spinal cord compression and decompression were determined with 1.5-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging. The neurologic status was evaluated according to the classification of the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA).

Results: No ASA occlusion was found in all 11 severe CCM patients who presented with chronic or acute onset. All patients demonstrated improved neurological status after the anterior cervical decompression and fusion procedure.

Conclusion: ASA occlusion was not observed in CCM patients with spinal canal sagittal diameter compression of more than 80%.

Keywords:

• Cervical compressive myelopathy
• Computed tomography angiography
• Anterior spinal artery
• Occlusion