Vessels of the spine and spinal cord: Normal anatomy

In planning treatment for patients with thoracoabdominal aortic disease, preoperative localization of the Adamkiewicz artery (AKA) may reduce the risk of postoperative ischemic spinal complications. Although intra-arterial catheter angiography has long been the primary method for visualizing spinal arteries, it is invasive and possibly carries angiographic risks and complications such as embolism. In recent years, noninvasive detection of the AKA using magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and computed tomographic (CT) angiography has emerged as a possible alternative to the catheter technique.