Anatomical variations and dimensions of arteries in the anterior part of the circle of Willis

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate different anatomic variations and dimensions of anterior part of the circle of Willis (CW) and their prevalence on Kosovo’s population. Materials and methods: This is an observational descriptive and retrospective study performed at the University Clinical Centre, Clinic of Radiology. The three-dimensional time-of-flight technique was used for magnetic resonance angio- graphy imaging to evaluate the anatomy of the CW in 513 adults without clinical manifestations for cerebrovascular disease. The diameters of arteries of the CW were measured and variations were recorded. Results: The complete anterior part of CW was found in 64.3% of cases, more evident in female at about 66% than male 62.2%. Morphologic variations of the ACA1 are agenesis or hypoplasia in 5.65%, fusion of the anterior cerebral arteries (ACAs) on a short distance in 6.5% and fusion of the ACA on a long distance in 2.5%, median ACA is presented in 11 examined patients or 2.1%. Normal anterior communicating artery (ACoA) was seen in 68.2%, hypoplasia or absence 15.66%, double ACoA in 0.6% and fenestrations in 3.89%. The mean calibrations of the vessels were measured as 2.04 mm in right A1, 2.06 mm in left A1 and 1.16 mm of ACoA. While, 14.1 mm length of right A1, 13.87 mm of left A1 and 2.99 mm of ACoA. Conclusions: Knowledge of the variations and diameter of the anterior part of the CW has a great importance in determination of anatomical variations and diameter in general populations, also, in interventional radiology for various endovascular interventions as well as during anatomy lessons.