Study of Anatomical Variations of Anterior Cerebral Artery

Abstract

Introduction:The paired anterior cerebral arteries arise from the internal carotid arteries, connected by the anterior communicating artery to complete the anterior portion of the circle of Willis. Aim and objectives:Aim of the present study was to provide information regarding anatomical pattern and variations of anterior cerebral artery in human cadavers. Materials and Methods:One hundred apparently normal formalin fixed brain specimens were collected and the anterior cerebral arteries were identified, coloured, photographed, numbered and the abnormalities if any, were noted.Result: 23 variant anterior cerebral arteries were noted. The most common variation observed in the anterior cerebral artery was duplication in 5 subjects followed by overlapping in 4 subjects. Most of the variations were observed on the right side in both males and females. Some variations like azygous anterior cerebral artery,median anterior cerebral artery were found in the adults because of persistence of embryonic pattern. Conclusion:The knowledge of such variations is of vital importance during surgeries, the aim being to preserve arteries in unusual location which if injured determine invalidating sequelae.