Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Isolating Short Posterior Ciliary Arteries: A Protocol to Excise Intact Short Posterior Ciliary Microvessels from Porcine Eye
A Fetal-type Variant Posterior Communicating Artery and its Clinical Significance
Stephen Capone1, Nagma Shah1, Rachael R George-St Bernard1
1Anatomy, St. George's University School of Medicine, St. George, GRD.
Insights
The fetal posterior communicating artery, a common vascular variant, presents challenges in treating cerebrovascular diseases. Understanding this embryological variation is crucial for effective clinical management and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Embryology
- Vascular Anatomy
Background:
- The fetal posterior communicating artery is a recognized variant of cerebral vasculature, present in 4-29% of individuals.
- This anatomical variation can complicate the diagnosis and management of cerebrovascular conditions.
Observation:
- A cadaveric case is presented detailing a fetal-type posterior communicating artery.
- This was observed alongside a calcified contralateral internal carotid artery.
Findings:
- The study highlights the clinical significance of the fetal posterior communicating artery.
- It emphasizes the need for awareness of associated embryological variations and their impact.
Implications:
- Understanding this embryological variant is vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning in cerebrovascular disease.
- Knowledge of these variations aids in anticipating and managing potential clinical complications.
Abstract:
The fetal posterior communicating artery is a well-established variant of the cerebral vasculature, occurring in 4-29% of the population. This variant can provide unique challenges in the identification and treatment of cerebrovascular disease or a cerebrovascular accident. Here we present a cadaveric case showing the presence of the fetal-type posterior communicating artery with a contralateral calcified internal carotid artery and discuss the importance of understanding this embryological variant. This case provides specific and unique clinical sequelae that require treatment to be initiated while understanding the various complications that may arise.
Related Concept Videos
03:26Isolating Short Posterior Ciliary Arteries: A Protocol to Excise Intact Short Posterior Ciliary Microvessels from Porcine Eye
01:03Communication
01:30Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
14:19Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
02:30Histone Variants at the Centromere
01:50Statistical Significance