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AJNR - American Journal of Neuroradiology

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American Journal of Neuroradiology 23:1246-1256, August 2002
© 2002 American Society of Neuroradiology

Pictorial Essay
HEAD AND NECK

The Ascending Pharyngeal Artery: Branches, Anastomoses, and Clinical Significance

Lotfi Hacein-Bey^a,b, David L. Daniels^a, John L. Ulmer^a, Leighton P. Mark^a, Michelle M. Smith^a, James M. Strottmann^a, Douglas Brown^a,b,c, Glenn A. Meyer^b and Phillip A. Wackym^c

^a Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin
^b Department of Neurological Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin
^c Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin

Address reprint requests to Lotfi Hacein-Bey, MD, Section of Interventional Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9200 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53226

Summary: Neuroradiologists generally do not fully appreciate the importance of the territory of the ascending pharyngeal artery. The ascending pharyngeal artery is a small but important artery that supplies multiple cranial nerves and anastomotic channels to the anterior and posterior cerebral circulations. Several disease processes in the head and neck involve the ascending pharyngeal artery. To evaluate and treat such diseases, it is necessary for neuroradiologists not only to know selective angiography and embolization techniques, but also the territory of the ascending pharyngeal artery, anastomoses, and vascular supply to the vasa nervorum of lower cranial nerves. Herein, the normal angiographic anatomy of the ascending pharyngeal artery, its relationship with neighboring territories, its importance in clinical situations, and research models are reviewed.