Evaluation of Willis Polygon Morphometry with Cranial Tomographic Angiography

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging and vascular anatomy
• Endocrinology and cardiovascular health

Background:

• The Circle of Willis (WP) is crucial for cerebral blood supply.
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension (HT) are significant risk factors for cerebrovascular diseases.
• Understanding WP morphometry in these conditions is vital for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the morphometric properties of the Willis polygon vessels.
• To compare these properties between patients with T2DM, HT, combined T2DM and HT, and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 168 Cranial Tomography Angiographies (CTA).
• Patients categorized into four groups: HT, DM, HT+DM, and healthy controls.
• Measurements of diameter and length of WP vessels.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant differences in vessel diameters were observed between groups, particularly in females.
• Specific segments of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), posterior cerebral artery (ACP), and anterior communicating artery (AComP) showed variations.
• Vessel diameters were consistently smaller in the HT, DM, and HT+DM groups compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

• Morphometric variations in the Willis polygon are associated with T2DM and HT.
• The observed smaller vessel diameters in patients with T2DM and/or HT compared to controls highlight potential vascular adaptations or pathologies.
• Knowledge of WP morphometrics aids radio-anatomical assessments and enhances microanatomical understanding for surgical interventions.