Anatomic imaging: Angiography

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Anatomy
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• The brainstem and posterior circulation are complex vascular territories.
• Understanding their anatomy is vital for diagnosing neurological deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of brainstem and posterior circulation vascular anatomy.
• To correlate anatomical details with clinical neurology and angiographic findings.

Main Methods:

• A caudal-to-cranial approach was used to describe vascular structures.
• Emphasis was placed on common variants, anastomoses, and perforator patterns.

Main Results:

• Detailed descriptions of vertebral artery branches, basilar artery segments, and cerebellar arteries (PICA, AICA, SCA).
• Discussion of basilar tip and posterior cerebral artery (PCA) anatomy, including fetal PCA and thalamoperforator variants like the artery of Percheron.

Conclusions:

• Anatomical knowledge of the posterior circulation is essential for clinical neurology.
• Understanding vascular variants aids in interpreting infarct topography and neurological syndromes.