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Basilar Artery Diameter Is Inversely Associated with Fetal Type Circle of Willis

Oscar H Del Brutto1, Robertino M Mera2, Aldo F Costa1

  • 1School of Medicine, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador.

European Neurology
|September 14, 2017
PubMed

Insights

The basilar artery (BA) diameter is smaller in individuals with a fetal type Circle of Willis (CoW) configuration. This inverse relationship was observed independently of other risk factors in older adults.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • The relationship between basilar artery (BA) diameter and Circle of Willis (CoW) configuration is not well understood.
  • Investigating this association is crucial for understanding cerebrovascular health in aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the association between basilar artery diameter and Circle of Willis configuration in community-dwelling older adults.
  • To determine the impact of this relationship on basilar artery ectasia prevalence.

Main Methods:

  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) scans of 346 individuals were analyzed.
  • Generalized linear models were used to assess the relationship between BA diameter and CoW types, adjusting for demographics and cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Results:

  • A smaller mean BA diameter (2.66 ± 0.58 mm) was observed in subjects with fetal type CoW compared to non-fetal types (3.32 ± 0.62 mm).
  • Fetal type CoW was associated with an 18% reduction in BA diameter, independent of risk factors.
  • No ectasia was observed in the fetal CoW group, while 2.8% of the non-fetal group had ectasia.

Conclusions:

  • There is an inverse relationship between basilar artery diameter and the presence of fetal type Circle of Willis.
  • Fetal CoW configuration may be associated with a reduced basilar artery diameter, potentially influencing ectasia risk.
Abstract

Keywords:
Basilar arteryCircle of WillisEctasiaPopulation-based study

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