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Anatomical variants of the circle of willis and brain lesions in migraineurs

C Cavestro1, L Richetta, M R L'episcopo

  • 1Department of Neurology, San Lazzaro Hospital, Alba, Italy. cicaves@alice.it

The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences. Le Journal Canadien Des Sciences Neurologiques
|April 26, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Anatomical variants of the Circle of Willis are more common in migraine patients, particularly those with aura. These variations may indicate underlying vascular mechanisms contributing to migraine.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Vascular Neurology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Previous studies suggest vascular alterations in migraineurs' brain MRI.
  • A link between Circle of Willis variants and lacunar brain infarcts has been reported.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate anomalies of the Circle of Willis in migraineurs.
  • To determine the relationship between these variants and vascular brain lesions.
  • To identify potential vascular mechanisms in migraine.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort-controlled study involving migraineurs and non-headache controls.
  • Angio-MRI of the brain was used to examine the Circle of Willis.
  • Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Scheffè's criterion, and t-student test.

Main Results:

  • Migraineurs showed a higher prevalence of Circle of Willis variants (40%) compared to controls (21.4%).
  • Significant associations were found between variants and migraine with aura (MWA) and migraine without aura (MWOA).
  • No statistical association was found between Circle variants and ischemic or infratentorial lacunar lesions.

Conclusions:

  • Anatomical variants of the Circle of Willis are significantly more frequent in migraineurs.
  • Posterior anomalies are more prevalent in MWA, suggesting a vascular role in migraine pathophysiology.
  • These findings support a vascular mechanism involving cerebral blood flow changes and cortical spreading depression.

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