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True fenestration of an extremely long anterior communicating artery diagnosed by magnetic resonance angiography

  • 0Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1298, Japan. s_asami_20@yahoo.co.jp.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : Sra +

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April 21, 2025

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April 21, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study describes a rare case of true fenestration in an extremely long anterior communicating artery (ACoA). This finding is significant as most reported fenestrations are not true, making this a unique anatomical variant.

Area Of Science

  • Neuroanatomy
  • Vascular Malformations
  • Pediatric Radiology

Background

  • Anterior communicating artery (ACoA) fenestrations are rare intracranial vascular anomalies.
  • True fenestrations are distinct from duplications or partial duplications, which are more commonly reported.
  • Extremely long ACoA variants present unique anatomical considerations.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To document and describe a case of true fenestration in an exceptionally long anterior communicating artery (ACoA).
  • To contribute to the understanding of rare variations in cerebral vasculature.
  • To highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis in pediatric neurovascular imaging.

Main Methods

  • A 3-year-old boy with a history of congenital heart defects underwent advanced neuroimaging.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) were performed using a 3-Tesla scanner.
  • Imaging focused on the head and neck for follow-up of surgical complications.

Main Results

  • Magnetic resonance angiography revealed an anterior communicating artery (ACoA) measuring approximately 20 mm in length.
  • A true fenestration, approximately 5 mm in size, was identified within this elongated ACoA.
  • No associated aneurysms were detected in the visualized vasculature.

Conclusions

  • The reported ACoA length significantly exceeds the mean length (2.84 mm) found in meta-analyses.
  • This case represents a true fenestration of an extremely long ACoA, an exceptionally rare anatomical variant.
  • This is the first reported instance of this specific association in the English language literature, underscoring its rarity.

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