Morphological characteristics of posterior cerebral circulation: an analysis based on non-invasive imaging

Abstract

Modern non-invasive imaging modalities can provide precise and useful information for vessels analysis. This information may be useful for planning and performing neuro-interventional procedures as well as posterior cranial fossa surgeries.

Analysis of posterior circulation diameters depending on age, sex and side by computed tomography angiography

“…In this study, the diameters of VA, BA, PCA, PICA and AICA were similar to the ranges in the literature (2.8 mm versus 2.2-2.8 mm, 3.3 mm versus 2.7-3.6 mm, 1.8 mm versus 1.6-2.2 mm, 1.2 mm versus 1.2-1.7 mm, and 1 mm versus 1 mm, respectively) (3,4,6,(8)(9)(10). However, the SCA diameter was lower than the literature range (1.1 mm versus 1.3-1.4mm) (9,11,12).…”

“…A brain CTA examination is a non-invasive evaluation method. There are several morphologic studies which evaluate the brain arterial system (1)(2)(3)(4). There are several studies investigating the variations in the posterior circulation system (1,2,5); however, those involving the measurement of arterial diameter are limited in number (4,6).…”

Doppler Blood Flow Characteristics and Hemodynamic Features in Posterior Circulation in Normal

“…The differences in VA diameters, including significant ones, are widespread in the population and are recognized as variant of the norm. The most often dominant in terms of lumen diameter is the left VA [9,10]. In present study, the diameter of the left VA also turned out to be larger than the right one.…”

“…On the left side, on the contrary, the blood flow velocity in the VA does not significantly differ from that in the proximal part of BA, which was probably due to the fact that the BA can be considered as a continuation of the larger diameter VA, which, as shown earlier, is the left VA. At the same time, the blood flow velocities in the BA significantly correlated with those in both VA, the correlation coefficient for the left VA was higher than for the right. Indeed, according to pathologic-anatomical and angiographic studies, BA is usually indirect, has Cor S-shaped course, since it is continuation of larger diameter artery; the knee of deformation is located on the side of smaller diameter VA, which under similar circumstances flows into the dominant VA at an angle close to a straight one [4,10].…”

“…It should be noted that blood flow in the PCA did not correlate with that in either ipsilateral VA or BA. Perhaps it should be determined by the nature of the division and the diameters of the PCA themselves [10]. In some cases, the blood flow in the PCA may depend on the blood flow in the anterior circulation, especially in cases of fetal structure of the PCA [3].…”