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Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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Artery of Adamkiewicz

Introduction

Template:Infobox Artery

In human anatomy, the Artery of Adamkiewicz, also Adamkiewicz artery, major anterior segmental medullary artery, artery of the lumbar enlargement and great anterior segmental medullary artery, is the largest anterior segmental medullary artery.

It typically arises from a left posterior intercostal artery, which branches from the aorta, and supplies the lower two thirds of the spinal cord via the anterior spinal artery.[1]

Anatomical variation

Anatomical variation

In a study of approximately 70 people that examined the spinal cord‘s blood supply it was found that[1]:

  1. The Adamkiewicz artery sometimes arises from a lumbar vessel.
  2. In approximately 30% of people it arises from the right side.
  3. One quarter of people have two large anterior segmental medullary arteries.
Disorders

Disorders

When damaged or obstructed, it can result in anterior spinal artery syndrome,[2] with loss of urinary and fecal continence and impaired motor function of the legs; sensory function is often preserved to a degree.

References

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Takase K, Sawamura Y, Igarashi K, Chiba Y, Haga K, Saito H, Takahashi S. Demonstration of the artery of Adamkiewicz at multi- detector row helical CT. Radiology. 2002 Apr;223(1):39-45. PMID 11930046. Full Text.
  2. ↑ Wan IY, Angelini GD, Bryan AJ, Ryder I, Underwood MJ. Prevention of spinal cord ischaemia during descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic surgery. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2001 Feb;19(2):203-13. PMID 11167113.
External links

Template:Arteries of thorax and abdomen

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]