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Figure 1a. Anatomy of the artery of Adamkiewicz. Anterior (a) and left anterosuperior (b) three-dimensional volume-rendered CT images, displayed with a semitransparent skeletal system, show the normal anatomy of the artery of Adamkiewicz. The thoracolumbar segment of the spinal cord is vascularized by branches of the thoracoabdominal aorta via the intercostal and lumbar arteries. The intercostal and lumbar arteries divide into anterior and posterior branches. The posterior branch subdivides into the radiculomedullary artery and the muscular branch. The radiculomedullary artery further subdivides into the anterior and posterior radiculomedullary arteries (not shown). The artery of Adamkiewicz is the largest radiculomedullary artery supplying the spinal cord and is usually found in the lower thoracic region. This artery demonstrates a characteristic "hairpin turn " at its junction with the anterior spinal artery.
