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Published on: September 25, 2009
Morphology of middle cerebral artery using computed tomography angiographic study in a tertiary care hospital
Urvi Sharma1, Suman Verma2, Subathra Adithan3
1Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, India.
Abstract:
Increased tortuosity of vessel is associated with high incidence of plaque formation leading to atherosclerosis. Surgical procedures are done after analyzing morphology of middle cerebral artery (MCA). However, literature describing MCA morphology using computed tomography angiography (CTA) is limited, so this study was planned to determine its incidence in Indian population. Datasets of CTA from 289 patients (180 males and 109 females), average age: 49.29±16.16 years (range: 11 to 85 years), from a tertiary care hospital were systematically reviewed for morphology of MCA. Cases involving aneurysms and infarcts were excluded. Four shapes of MCA were recognized: straight, U, inverted U, and S-shaped. MCA was straight in 44% (254/578), U-shaped in 37% (215/578), S shaped in 15% (89/578) and inverted U-shaped in 3% (20/578) cases. In males, MCA was straight in 46% (166/360), U-shaped in 37% (134/360), S-shaped in 16% (58/360) and inverted U-shaped in 4% (14/360) cases. In females, MCA was straight in 42% cases (92/218), U-shaped in 37% (81/218), S-shaped in 17% (36/218) and inverted U-shaped in 4% (9/218). On comparing shape with various age groups using chi square test, U shaped (P≤0.001) and S-shaped (P=0.003) MCA were found to be statistically significant. The incidence of straight shape was higher in advanced age group (>60 years). Knowledge of MCA shape will be useful for clinicians and surgeons in successful endovascular recanalization. Also, this data would help surgeons during neurointerventional procedures.
Insights
This study analyzed middle cerebral artery (MCA) shapes in the Indian population using computed tomography angiography (CTA). Straight MCA was most common, with U and S shapes showing statistical significance with age.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Vascular Anatomy
Background:
- Vessel tortuosity, including the middle cerebral artery (MCA), is linked to atherosclerosis and plaque formation.
- Understanding MCA morphology is crucial for surgical planning, yet CTA-based data is limited, especially in the Indian population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and variations in middle cerebral artery (MCA) morphology within the Indian population using computed tomography angiography (CTA).
- To correlate MCA shape with patient demographics like age and sex.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 289 patients' CTA datasets (180 males, 109 females).
- Exclusion of cases with aneurysms and infarcts.
- Classification of MCA into four shapes: straight, U, inverted U, and S-shaped, followed by statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- MCA morphology varied: straight (44%), U-shaped (37%), S-shaped (15%), and inverted U-shaped (3%).
- U-shaped (P≤0.001) and S-shaped (P=0.003) MCAs showed statistical significance with age groups.
- Straight MCA incidence increased in individuals over 60 years.
Conclusions:
- This study provides essential morphological data of the MCA in the Indian population.
- Knowledge of MCA variations is vital for neurointerventional procedures and endovascular recanalization, aiding surgeons in successful interventions.
