J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2005 Apr;37(4):263-267.

Middle Cerebral Artery Anomalies Detected by Conventional Angiography and Magnetic Resonance Angiography

• Kim MS
• Hur JW
• Lee JW
• Lee HK

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Middle cerebral artery(MCA) anomalies are found incidentally on conventional cerebral angiography and magnetic resonance angiography(MRA). Our goal is to examine the incidence and types of MCA anomalies. METHODS: Cerebral angiography was performed in 448 patients and MRA in 743; the patients had or were suspected to have cerebrovascular disease. The images were retrospectively evaluated for arterial anatomic anomalies. We use Teal's classification for definition of accessory and duplicated MCAs. RESULTS: On cerebral angiography, the following anomalies of the MCA were found in seven patients: fenestration(n=2, incidence=0.45%); duplication (n=2, incidence=0.45%); accessory MCA(n=2, incidence=0.45%); aplasia(n=1, incidence=0.22%). On MRA, eight patients had anomalous MCAs: fenestration(n=1, incidence=0.14%); duplication(n=6, incidence=0.81%); accessory(n=1, incidence=0.14%). CONCLUSION: Although the clinical significance is not great, we find a relatively high incidence of anomalous MCAs. Knowledge and recognition of these MCA anomalies are useful and important in the interpretation of cerebral images and during neurosurgical procedures.

Keyword

Middle cerebral artery; Vascular anomalies; Cerebral angiography; Magnetic resonance angiography

MeSH Terms

Angiography*
Cerebral Angiography
Classification
Humans
Incidence
Magnetic Resonance Angiography*
Middle Cerebral Artery*
Neurosurgical Procedures
Retrospective Studies