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Updated: Sep 8, 2025
Non-invasive Parenchymal, Vascular and Metabolic High-frequency Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Rat Deep Brain Imaging
Published on: March 2, 2015
Endovascular structures of the basilar artery as forms of the basilar nonfusion spectrum
Mikołaj Sługocki1,2, Radosław Rzepliński3,4, Sylwia Tarka5,6
1Department of Descriptive and Clinical Anatomy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
Insights
Intravascular structures like strings and septa are common in the basilar artery, potentially complicating endovascular procedures and affecting blood flow dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Anatomy
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Cerebrovascular diseases pose significant clinical challenges.
- Understanding cerebral circulation's intravascular anatomy is crucial for endovascular interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe intravascular structures within the vertebrobasilar system.
- To investigate the hemodynamic effects of these structures.
Main Methods:
- Angioscopy on 30 human brain specimens.
- Histological analysis of identified structures.
- Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for blood flow analysis.
Main Results:
- Intravascular structures (strings, septum, chord) found in 26.7% of specimens.
- Histology revealed structures resembling arterial walls.
- CFD simulations showed disturbed blood flow patterns.
Conclusions:
- Intravascular structures are common in the basilar artery, linked to incomplete neural artery fusion.
- These structures can impede endovascular interventions and cause ischemic complications.
- Hemodynamic alterations may contribute to atherosclerosis, thromboembolism, and aneurysm formation.
Abstract:
Cerebrovascular diseases are a growing social and clinical problem. The intravascular anatomy of the cerebral circulation remains poorly understood, although an increasing number of endovascular interventions are being conducted. The purpose of this study was to describe intravascular structures in the vertebrobasilar system and to investigate the hemodynamic consequences of their presence. Thirty anatomical specimens of the human brain were analyzed via angioscopy, and the presence of intravascular structures was documented. Additional histological studies were performed. The effect on blood flow was simulated using computational fluid dynamics. In 8 out of 30 cases (26.7%), the following endovascular structures were visualized: 6 strings, one septum, and one chord. The histological structure showed a layered pattern, resembling that of the arterial wall. Blood flow simulations revealed several areas of disturbed flow. Intravascular structures are common in the basilar artery. The reason for their formation is the incomplete fusion of the longitudinal neural arteries, and together with fenestrations, they belong to the basilar nonfusion spectrum. The presence of structures can cause technical difficulties and ischemic complications related to endovascular interventions. Hemodynamic changes caused by endovascular structures can promote atherosclerosis, thromboembolism, narrowing of the pontine arteries and the development of aneurysms.
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