Study of pattern of origin of central branches of middle cerebral artery by using 64-slice computed tomography angiography

Abstract

Background and Aims: Middle cerebral artery (MCA), a branch of the internal carotid artery, is the most commonly affected vessel in cerebrovascular diseases. Various studies have reported for variations in the origin pattern of MCA. The detection of these variations is of clinical relevance for the clinicians for planning their line of treatment. The present study was performed to identify the variations using 64-slice computed tomography (CT) angiography. Materials and Methods: The present study was performed in 45 participants (32 males and 13 females). MCA was identified and observed for a different pattern of origin of the central (perforating) branches using 64-slice CT angiography. Results: The observations revealed that the M1 segment of MCA showed single, dual, or multiple origins of central branches. Single central branch of MCA originated in 8.88% of cases, double branches were observed in 11.11% of cases, whereas the multiple branches were found in 66.67% of cases and mix pattern was observed in 13.3% of cases. These central branches coursed through the anterior perforating substance to reach the basal area of the subcortical zone. Conclusions: The present study revealed the variations in origin of the central branches of MCA using 64-slice CT angiography and the knowledge of radiological identification of these variations can be of use for radiologists and neurosurgeons dealing with cerebrovascular diseases.