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Anterior cerebral artery trifurcation with infraoptic origin and contralateral A1 segment absence

  • Anatomic Variations
  • Published:
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To describe an uncommon anatomical variant of the anterior cerebral artery and the imaging findings.

Methods

A 2-month-old infant with known history of atrial and ventricular septal defects was admitted to our institution for evaluation and management of growth failure. Given the clinical presentation and medical history, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and MR angiography (MRA) were performed to exclude congenital hypopituitarism and any vascular abnormality.

Results

Time of flight MRA revealed trifurcation of the anterior cerebral artery with one of the vessels arising from the ophthalmic segment of the right internal carotid artery; thus, the A1 segment of the left anterior cerebral artery (ACA) was absent, and the right posterior cerebral artery (PCA) had a fetal origin.

Conclusion

Anatomical variants of the cerebral circulation are asymptomatic and found incidentally. Knowledge of these variants and careful examination of CT/MRI angiograms are important for diagnosis and treatment planning.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Hospital Central de la Policía, Innovation and Research Division, Imaging Experts and Healthcare Services (ImexHS), Carrera 59 #26-21, Bogotá, Colombia

    Angela Guarnizo & Jorge Marin Muñoz

Authors
  1. Angela Guarnizo
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  2. Jorge Marin Muñoz
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Contributions

AG: project development, data collection, manuscript writing and final approval. JM: manuscript writing- editing.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Angela Guarnizo.

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The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

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Guarnizo, A., Marin Muñoz, J. Anterior cerebral artery trifurcation with infraoptic origin and contralateral A1 segment absence. Surg Radiol Anat 44, 299–301 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-021-02855-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-021-02855-x

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