International Journal of Anatomical Sciences 2010, 1: 21-25
Research Paper
A Study of the Anatomical Variations of the Circle of Willis Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Haripriya M, Melani RS.
Department of Anatomy, Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, India.
Key Words: circle of Willis, magnetic resonance imaging angiography, anastomosis
Abstract: Variations in the circle of Willis was studied using Magnetic Resonance Imaging Angiography in fifty patients of South Indian population at random. Variations have been found in 16 cases. All arteries in the circle of Willis showed variations except the anterior communicating artery, 5 cases showed variations in the anterior cerebral artery, 6 cases in the internal carotid artery, 2 cases in the posterior cerebral artery, 1 case in the posterior communicating artery and 2 cases in the basilar artery. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is the best tool to show the collateral circulation and the anastomotic variants of the circle of Willis.