Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

A Visual Description of the Dissection of the Cerebral Surface Vasculature and Associated Meninges and the Choroid Plexus from Rat Brain
Published on: November 14, 2012
Clinical cerebrovascular anatomy
Amar Krishnaswamy1, Joshua P Klein, Samir R Kapadia
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
Insights
Carotid atheroma can cause stroke through artery narrowing or emboli. Revascularization procedures like carotid endarterectomy or stenting offer favorable outcomes for selected patients, requiring detailed imaging and anatomical knowledge.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Stroke is frequently caused by carotid atheroma, leading to ischemia via arterial narrowing or atheroembolism.
- Revascularization techniques such as carotid endarterectomy and stenting have shown positive results in specific patient groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cerebrovascular anatomy and stroke syndromes for improved neurological assessment.
- To guide operators in evaluating periprocedural complications and managing stroke patients.
Main Methods:
- Pre-procedural planning involves arch aortogram for anatomical assessment and cerebral vasculature imaging to evaluate collateral circulation.
- Digital subtraction angiography is crucial for creating a procedural roadmap before percutaneous interventions.
- Knowledge of clinical syndromes associated with ischemia in different vascular territories is essential.
Main Results:
- Carotid endarterectomy and stenting with embolic protection are effective revascularization strategies.
- Detailed imaging, including arch aortograms and cerebral angiography, is necessary for procedural planning.
- Understanding cerebrovascular anatomy and stroke syndromes aids in patient assessment and complication management.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive management of cerebrovascular disease necessitates a thorough understanding of anatomy and stroke syndromes.
- This knowledge empowers operators to perform accurate neurological assessments and manage potential complications effectively.
- The review provides essential tools for evaluating patients with suspected stroke and planning revascularization.
Abstract:
Stroke is often the result of carotid atheroma, which may cause ischemia via progressive arterial narrowing or lead to superimposed thrombus formation and subsequent atheroembolism to the intracerebral vasculature. Revascularization through carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting with embolic protection devices has produced favorable results in appropriately selected patients. In planning the percutaneous approach, an arch aortogram is first acquired to determine arch type and identify the presence of any anatomic variants which may affect the approach to the procedure and catheter selection. Subsequent imaging of the cerebral vasculature is performed to delineate the collateral circulation that is present, including an evaluation of the Circle of Willis. Although Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) may be useful in evaluating the presence of carotid or cerebrovascular disease, digital subtraction angiography is required prior to performance of a percutaneous intervention in order to create a procedural "roadmap". Additionally, the comprehensive management of cerebrovascular disease requires a detailed knowledge of the specific clinical syndromes that result from ischemia in each vascular territory. This methodical review of cerebrovascular anatomy and stroke syndromes will provide the operator with the tools to conduct a thorough neurological assessment prior to revascularization, evaluate any periprocedural complications that may arise, and evaluate the patient with suspected stroke.
Related Concept Videos
Arteries of the Head and Neck
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles
The Arch of Aorta
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Anatomy of Blood Vessels
Arteries
Arteries circulate oxygenated blood from the heart, except the pulmonary artery, which transports deoxygenated blood to the lungs. Large arteries, such as the aorta, have...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

