Incomplete Posterior Circle of Willis: A Risk Factor for Migraine?

Abstract

Despite some methodological limitations, our results showed that incomplete posterior CW was associated with migraine.

Configurations of the circle of Willis: a computed tomography angiography based study on a Polish population

“…This is due to the fact that each particular evaluation technique has different characteristics and limitations [5,6,9]. Furthermore, it should be noted that a number of previously published studies were carried out on patients with cerebrovascular disorders [3,6,8,11].…”

“…These incidents may result from disorders such as occlusive disease [8,14] or from surgical procedures, for instance aortic dissection (intraoperative ischaemia) [15]. Additionally, the role of the CW in migraine [3] and aneurysm development [2] has been widely studied. In the light of the CW's key function in pathological processes, the need for thorough investigation of the appearance of different variants of the circle is understandable.…”

“…Cadaveric studies are still widely performed [4,5,11,15] and several imaging methods, including transcranial colour-coded duplex ultrasonography (TCCD) [9], 3-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (3D-TOF-MRA) [2,3,14], and computed tomography angiography (CTA) [2,7,13,16] have been used to examine the circle. These imaging techniques have allowed for the precise depiction of the clinically relevant collaterals of the circle by assessing the patency of blood vessels that determine the circle's physiological completeness.…”

Association of migraine headaches with anatomical variations of the Circle of Willis: Evidence from a meta-analysis

“…Cavestro et al [6], while using similar criteria to the above-mentioned studies, also included a slightly broader definition of variations, including variations such as displacement of the vessels, leading to potential over-counting of relevant anatomical variations. Bugnicourt et al [5] did not consider vessel diameter as a factor in determining the presence of a complete or incomplete COW, counting only the presence or absence of a vessel. This may have resulted in undercounting of variations as compared to other studies.…”

Incomplete Circle of Willis and Migraine: Role for Shear‐Induced Platelet Aggregation?

“…[1][2][3] This might suggest that such an anatomic anomaly is a risk factor for developing migraine.…”