Normal variants: Persistent primitive hypoglossal artery

The persistent primitive hypoglossal artery originates from the cervical internal carotid, traverses the hypoglossal canal and joins the basilar artery. The ipsilateral vertebral artery is often hypoplastic.

Case #1

Case #1a

Lateral left internal carotid angiogram

The hypoglossal artery arises from the internal carotid at the C2 level and joins the proximal basilar artery.

Case #1b

AP left vertebral angiogram

The hypoglossal artery has a medial course to the hypoglossal canal. The ipsilateral vertebral artery was not visualized in the case.
 
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