Anatomical and radiological variations of the circle of Willis and its clinical correlations

Abstract

Aim: To study of Circle of Willis both morphologically and radiologically and its variations in the branching pattern of the Circle of Willis and to correlate it clinically. Introduction: The circle of Willis (CoW) is an anastomotic arterial network on the base of the brain. Its major role is to provide efficient collateral circulation to cerebral and cerebellar tissue to prevent ischemia, and subsequent transient ischemic attack or stroke. The circle of Willis (CoW) is a vascular network formed at the base of skull in the interpeduncular fossa. Its anterior part is formed by the anterior cerebral artery, from either side. Anterior communicating artery connects the right and left anterior cerebral arteries. Posteriorly, the basilar artery divides into right and left posterior cerebral arteries and each join to ipsilateral internal carotid artery through a posterior communicating artery. Anterior communicating artery and posterior communicating arteries are important component of circle of Willis, acts as collateral channel to stabilize blood flow. In the present study, anatomical variations in the circle of Willis were noted and correlated those with clinically. Methods: 50 apparently normal formalin fixed brain specimens were collected from human cadavers.