Variation of Posterior Communicating Artery in Human Brain – A Morphological Study

Abstract

Background: The circle of Willis, present in the interpeduncular cistern at the base of the brain, is the major source of blood supply of the brain. Posterior communicating artery is its most important component which connects vertebro-basilar and carotid arterial system. Absence or hypoplasia of this artery will influence development of collateral channel in case of obstruction or narrowing of the major cerebral arteries, thus explaining the different neurological symptoms and the prognosis of the disease. Material and Method: We have studied 60 brain specimens which were collected from consecutive adult donated cadavers from the Department of Anatomy, Mamata Medical College, khammam, A.P, India and Department of Anatomy, Medical College, Kolkata, W.B, India. Posterior communicating artery was cleaned and detailed were recorded. Result: 38.3% of those were found to have normal posterior communicating artery. In 38.2% cases it was found to be absent and in 23.3% cases hypoplastic. Details of the findings have been presented and compared with those of the previous workers on this topic. Clinical implication of the variation and embryological explanation has also been attempted. Conclusion: Exact knowledge of the variation of Pcom artery is essential not only to explain various neurological symptoms but also for successful micro-vascular surgery in this region.

Keywords

• posterior communicating artery
• circle of willis
• aplasia
• hypoplasia