Artery of Adamkiewicz

The artery of Adamkiewicz, also known as the great anterior radiculomedullary artery, connects to the anterior spinal artery and is the most important arterial supply of the thoracolumbar spinal cord.

The artery of Adamkiewicz is a third order branch of the left intercostal or lumbar arteries. These arteries divide into anterior and posterior branches. The anterior branch runs along the costal groove, while the posterior branch courses to the spine.

The posterior branch then trifurcates into the radiculomedullary artery, the muscular branch, and the dorsal somatic branch. The radiculomedullary artery in turn bifurcates into posterior and anterior radiculomedullary arteries. The artery of Adamkiewicz is the largest anterior radiculomedullary artery.

The artery of Adamkiewicz is important in surgical planning for patients with aortic aneurysms in order to prevent postoperative paraplegia or paraparesis.

References

Yoshioka K, et al. MR Angiography and CT Angiography of the Artery of Adamkiewicz: Noninvasive Preoperative Assessment of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm. RadioGraphics 2003; 23: 1215-1225.