Intermediate
Technical
IVT
arterial tortuosity
Abnormal twisting or coiling of arteries beyond normal anatomical curves, often associated with aging or connective tissue disorders.
Full Definition
Arterial tortuosity describes the abnormal twisting, coiling, or serpentine configuration of arteries that exceeds normal anatomical curvature. This condition can be congenital or acquired, often associated with aging, hypertension, connective tissue disorders, or genetic syndromes. Tortuosity can affect vessel assessment on imaging studies and may complicate interventional procedures. The degree of tortuosity is often graded subjectively and can impact blood flow dynamics and treatment planning.
In Context
- "Significant arterial tortuosity of the internal carotid artery was noted, complicating catheter navigation." — Interventional radiology report
- "The degree of arterial tortuosity increased the technical difficulty of the endovascular procedure." — Procedural note
Also known as
vascular tortuosity
arterial coiling
serpentine vessels
Contrasted with
straight vessel course
normal arterial configuration
Don't confuse with
arterial elongation
vessel redundancy