Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate atlantoepistrophic imaging features of patients with vertigo of cervical syndrome.Methods74 patients with vertigo of cervical syndrome were checked by photographs of cervical vertebrae of A-P position, lateral position and mouth open position, some patients were checked by CT three-dimensional reconstruction and/or MRI vertebral arteriography.ResultsImaging examination of these patients showed that physiolgical curvature of cervical vertebrae became straightened, width of both lateral masses of atlas was inequality, space of both lateral masses of atlas to odontoid process of vertebra dentata was also inequality, and inferior articular surface of lateral mass was not parallel with superior articular surface of axis. The CT could display the side displacement and anterior or posterior rotation of lateral masses of atlas. The cervical MRI vertebral arteriography could display the effect of side displacement and rotation of lateral masses of atlas on vertebral artery. If side displacement or rotation of vertebral artery occurred, the diameter of artery decreased.ConclusionThe diseased region of vertigo of the cervical syndrome is the atlas and axis, especially the side displacement and anterior or posterior rotation of the atlas.

Key words: vertigo of the cervical syndrome, imaging examination, side displacement of atlas, rotation of atlas