Posterior Communicating Artery / Posterior Cerebral Artery

Abstract

Thorough understanding of the vascular anatomy, including embryological development of vessels is important to safely perform endovascular procedures. The posterior cerebral and anterior choroidal arteries are embryologically complementary, which suggests a potential network. Numerous perforators originate from the posterior communicating and posterior cerebral arteries. The tuberothalamic artery arising from the posterior communicating artery and the thalamoperforating artery, which originates from the P1 segment of the posterior cerebral artery are clinically important because occlusion of these vessels can precipitate severe infarction. It is clinically important to be aware that the branching pattern of perforators differs based on the fusion type of the basilar tip. The balloon occlusion and Allcock test are useful to predict ischemic tolerance in cases of intentional artery occlusion. However, accurate prediction remains challenging, and a definitive evaluation method is unavailable. Flow disturbances in the cortical territory and local perforator impairment require close attention in cases of intentional artery occlusion.