The Configuration and Variations in the Developing Circle of Willis – A Retrospective Autopsy Study

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebral hemodynamics undergoes a shift from carotid system to vertebro-basilar system from fetal stage to adult life. The circle of Willis (CW) plays a major role in redistributing the blood and enables interhemispheric flow through the anterior & posterior communicating arteries (AComA, PComA). The text book description mention three stages in the development of CW-fetal, transitional and adult. The purpose of the present study was to observe development of arterial anastomoses during intrauterine life, to note the variations and trying to explain some of the hypothesis for these variations.