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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

A Volumetric Method for Quantification of Cerebral Vasospasm in a Murine Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Published on: July 28, 2018
Variations in the intracranial vertebrobasilar system.
Ahmet Songur1, Yucel Gonul, Oguz Aslan Ozen
1Department of Anatomy, Kocatepe University Medical School, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey. asongur55@yahoo.com
This study analyzed variations in the Turkish vertebrobasilar system (VBS). High rates of hypoplastic arteries and unique branching patterns were observed, offering crucial anatomical insights.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Vascular Anatomy
- Neuroanatomy
Background:
- The vertebrobasilar system (VBS) is crucial for brainstem and cerebellum blood supply.
- Understanding anatomical variations is vital for neurovascular procedures and interpreting pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document variations in the vertebrobasilar system (VBS) within the Turkish population.
- To compare observed VBS variations with existing literature.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 109 forensic autopsy VBS samples and one anatomical cadaver.
- Measurement of vertebral artery (VA) and basilar artery (BA) widths.
- Determination of arterial dominancy, hypoplasia, variation types, and locations.
Main Results:
- Hypoplastic vertebral arteries (VA) were noted in 20.2% (right), 14.4% (left), and 4.8% (bilateral).
- Basilar artery (BA) variations included duplications (proximal 0.9%, distal 1.8%).
- Anterior spinal artery (ASA) variations showed single trunk origin (12.5%), origin from VA anastomosis (6.3%), and duplication (15.6%). Superior cerebellar artery variations included early bifurcation, fenestration, duplication, and common trunk origins.
Conclusions:
- Significant VBS variations are prevalent even in small sample sizes.
- These anatomical variations are clinically relevant, potentially increasing risks of aneurism and thrombus.
- The findings contribute to the anatomical and clinical understanding of the VBS in the Turkish population.
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