Bilateral vertebral artery tortuosity with concomitant vertebral erosion: CT and MRA findings

Focal vertebral artery tortuosity has been periodically reported as a rare cause of cervical vertebral body and foraminal erosion. Almost all reported cases are unilateral. A case of bilateral vertebral artery tortuosity, its possible pathogenesis as well as the computed tomography and magnetic resonance appearances are described. Axial computed tomography was performed and demonstrated expanded transverse foramina with concomitant erosion of the vertebral body. Magnetic resonance angiography performed using a three-dimensional time-of-flight technique appear to be an accurate, non-invasive method of confirming the diagnosis. 8 refs., 3 figs