Morphology and morphometry of the anterior cerebral-anterior communicating artery complex

The variations of Cerebral arterial circle (Circle of Willis) are not rare. The study is done to assess the pattern of the component vessels of its anterior part with regard to Right- Left variations and compare with other studies.

56 formalin fixed cadavers were analyzed. The diameter, length and variations of the following vessels were observed: Anterior Cerebral Artery (proximal A1 segment to distal A2 segment) and anterior communicating artery. Statistical analysis was done by Statistica 14.0.1 software.

53.57% had normal anterior cerebral artery- anterior communicating artery complex. Length and diameter were slightly more on left side. Unilateral hypoplasia, Azygos and Tripple Anterior Cerebral Artery was present in 21.43%, 3.57 and 1.78% respectively. Aplastic, double and fenestration type anterior communicating artery were present in 5.3%, 8.92% and 1.78% respectively.

Anatomical knowledge of variations should be updated regularly for neurosurgeons, radiologists and clinicians to avoid unexpected consequences.