Is it Possible to Embolize the Hypoglossal branch of the AscendingPharyngeal Artery without Complications?. A case series of DuralArteriovenous Fistulae of the Craniocervical Junction

Abstract

The ascending pharyngeal artery is a branch of the external carotid artery that supplies many pharyngeal, posterior fossa, and cranial nerve structures. It has an important role in neurointerventional procedures; therefore knowledge of its anatomy, anastomosis, and hemodynamics is necessary to perform a safe embolization procedure. Complications of APA embolization have a wide range of possibilities from minor complications, including fever and facial pain, to major ones such as an accidental introduction of embolic material into the vertebrobasilar system. For years it has been considered that APA embolization can cause neurological deficit by supplying the lower cranial nerves, with this article we want to postulate the possibility that the APA is like as the Willis polygon in the craniocervical junction”, because of its numerous anastomoses that help to supply bilaterally without generating neurological symptoms.