Variations of anterior cerebral artery in human cadavers

ABSTRACT

Background: Anterior cerebral artery is an important terminal branch of internal carotid artery. It forms the anterior component of circle of Willis along with the anterior communicating artery. Circle of Willis is known for the frequent variations. The knowledge of anatomical variations in anterior cerebral artery is of considerable help to clinicians. Method: Morphology and variations of the anterior cerebral arteries and the anterior communicating artery were studied in 112 formalin preserved brain. Results: Variations were found in 31.3% (n=35). Variations of the segments in relation with size, course, communications and terminations of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) were noted. These were divided into different groups like hypoplasia, aplasia, duplication and fenestrations. The mean diameter and length of the proximal segment of the anterior cerebral artery (A1) was 3.2 mm and 15.7 mm, anterior communicating artery (ACoA) was 2.4 mm and 3.3 mm and distal segment of the anterior cerebral artery (A2) was 2.5 mm and 42.1 mm respectively. Conclusion: Variation of anterior cerebral artery is common in this study of Indian human cadavers.