Variantes anatómicas del círculo arterial cerebral en un anfiteatro universitario en Bogotá (Colombia)

Introduction: The brain is a highly irrigated organ; this irrigation is supplied by the cerebral arterial circle: an anastomotic arterial network with frequent anatomical variations, some of which are associated with pathologies. This study aimed to describe the anthropometric characteristics and anatomical variations of the cerebral arterial circle in a sample of human cadaveric specimens. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 brains were examined, 24 of which met the inclusion criteria. Diameter and length measurements were obtained, and anatomical and morphometric variations were described. Results: Seven specimens (29.1%) had anatomical variations: 3 (12.5%) had azygos anterior cerebral artery (ACA), 1 (4.1%) had double ACA in segment A1, 1 (4.1%) had triple ACA in segment A2 and double anterior communicating artery (AcomA), 1 (4.1%) had right posterior communicating artery (AComP) agenesis, and 1 (4.1%) had left AComP agenesis. Seven specimens (29.1%) had anthropometric variations: 3 (12.5%) had hypoplasia of right AComP and 3 (12.5%) of left AComP and 1 (4.1%) had bilateral hypoplasia of AComP. Conclusion: The presence of anatomical variations was lower than that reported in other studies, with a predominance of variations of the anterior circulation. The presence of triple ACA in segment A2 and double AcomA was described.