In the transforamenal approach, which vessels are assessed?

• A. intracranial vertebral and basilar arteries
• B. MCA and ICA
• C. Ophthalmic artery
• D. Carotid siphon

Answer: (A)

The transforamenal approach is used to evaluate the posterior circulation that passes through the foramen magnum, specifically the intracranial vertebral arteries and the basilar artery. The vertebral arteries enter the skull via the foramen magnum and join to form the basilar artery, so this approach directly targets those vessels. It isn’t used for the anterior circulation vessels like the MCA and ICA, which are typically assessed with other acoustic windows; nor is it focused on the ophthalmic artery or the carotid siphon, which are not the vessels accessed through the foramen magnum. Therefore, this approach best assesses the intracranial vertebral and basilar arteries.