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A multidetector CT angiography study of variations in the circle of Willis in a Chinese population

Qi Li1, Jialun Li, Fajin Lv

  • 1Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.

Journal of Clinical Neuroscience : Official Journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
|January 22, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This study examined the circle of Willis collateral circulation in a Chinese population using CT angiography. Results show a higher prevalence of incomplete posterior collaterals compared to Western and Japanese groups.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Anatomy

Background:

  • The circle of Willis is a critical collateral system for brain perfusion.
  • Variations in its anatomy can impact ischemic stroke outcomes.
  • Understanding population-specific variations is essential for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the morphological variations of the circle of Willis in a Chinese population.
  • To assess collateral circulation using CT angiography.
  • To compare findings with Western and Japanese populations.

Main Methods:

  • 170 patients underwent 64-section multidetector CT angiography.
  • Morphological variations of the anterior and posterior circle of Willis were analyzed.
  • 160 patients were included in the final analysis.

Main Results:

  • A complete circle of Willis was observed in 27% of participants.
  • A complete anterior circle of Willis was present in 79%, and a complete posterior circle in 31%.
  • A fetal-type posterior circle of Willis occurred in 9.4% of patients.

Conclusions:

  • This is the first CT angiography study of circle of Willis collateral circulation in a Chinese population.
  • A higher prevalence of compromised posterior collaterals was noted in this cohort.
  • Findings suggest significant population-specific differences in circle of Willis anatomy.

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