[Variants of the anterior circle of Willis. Anatomic and angiografic correlation and its implications in the surgery of intracranial aneurysms. (Acigos anterior cerebral artery, median artery of the corpus callosum and accessory middle cerebral artery)]

Neurocirugia (Astur). 2004 Dec;15(6):578-88; discussion 588-9. doi: 10.1016/s1130-1473(04)70449-2.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

It is worlwide accepted that in almost 60% of cases, anatomical variants in the Circle of Willis can be found. Some of them are associated with vascular malformations such as aneurysms. The knowledge of these anatomical variants is of vital importance when facing surgery, being the aims to preserve arteries in unusual localisations, which when injured can determine invalidating sequelae. The authors have reviewed 192 cerebral hemispheres, finding three variants in the anterior Circle of Willis: Azigos anterior cerebral artery; Median artery of the corpus callosum and accessory middle cerebral artery. The authors make an anatomical description of the findings, their angiographical correlation, and describe the influence of these changes during surgery of aneurysms in the involved regions.

MeSH terms

  • Angiography*
  • Cadaver
  • Cerebral Arteries / anatomy & histology
  • Cerebral Arteries / diagnostic imaging
  • Circle of Willis / anatomy & histology*
  • Circle of Willis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Corpus Callosum / blood supply
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging*
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / surgery*