The arteria radicularis magna: radiographic anatomy in the adult

Abstract

The normal and pathological radiographic anatomy of the arteria radicularis magna as visualised at myelography and arteriography is described. It arises, usually on the left, from an intercostal or lumbar artery between D8 and L1 and runs a characteristic course to the anterior median sulcus where it turns acutely downwards to become the ant. spinal artery. The importance of recognising this vessel during aortography is stressed because of the danger of injecting contrast material directly into it. The risk of this happening with increasing use of selective angiography of abdominal branches is a real one.