Anatomical Variations and Anomalies of the Anterior Communicating Artery Complex

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONIntracranial arteries have a high rate of variation, but a clear schematic overview is lacking. In this pictorial review we classify and depict all variations and anomalies within the anterior communicating artery complex. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed was searched with the terms “Anterior Communicating Artery” AND “Variations” OR “Anomalies.” Articles were selected based on their description of variants. Cross referencing was used to broaden the range of variations. The variations were then schematically drawn. The surgical view during pterional craniotomy and transsylvian approach was used as a baseline. RESULTS: A total of 42 variants were identified and schematically drawn and classified into A1 / A2 segment, anterior communicating artery and the recurrent artery of Heubner. CONCLUSION: In this review we classify and depict all variations and anomalies within the Anterior Communicating Artery Complex. Anatomical knowledge of this region is of utmost importance during microsurgical clipping to prevent complications. This overview could prove useful in both microsurgical and endovascular management of patients with aneurysms of the anterior communicating artery.