The anterior communicating artery has significant branches

Area of Science:

• Neuroanatomy
• Vascular Anatomy
• Cerebral Vasculature

Background:

• The anterior communicating artery (ACoA) is a critical component of the circle of Willis.
• Understanding its anatomical variations and branching patterns is essential for neurovascular surgery and understanding neurological deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the anatomical characteristics of the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) using an operating microscope.
• To document the prevalence, diameter, length, and branching patterns of the ACoA and its branches.

Main Methods:

• Examination of 10 adult autopsy cases using an operating microscope.
• Detailed analysis of the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) morphology, including diameter, length, and number/size of branches.
• Mapping of branch distribution to adjacent brain structures.

Main Results:

• The anterior communicating artery (ACoA) was identified in all 10 cases; 3 showed duplication.
• Arterial dimensions ranged from 0.8-2.3 mm in diameter and 5-10 mm in length.
• An average of 5.4 branches (range 3-13) arose from the ACoA, with at least one large branch invariably present. Branch distribution included the optic chiasm, lamina terminalis, hypothalamus, parolfactory areas, fornix, and corpus callosum.

Conclusions:

• The anterior communicating artery (ACoA) exhibits consistent anatomical features but also variations like duplication.
• Its extensive branching pattern supplies critical midline and basal forebrain structures.
• Potential for significant clinical deficits following injury to the ACoA underscores its surgical importance.