Anatomical Features of Posterior Cerebral Arteries and Basilar Artery in 170 Anatolian Fresh Cadavers: Implications for Surgical Planning and Intervention

BACKGROUND:The posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs) are terminal branches of basilar artery (BA) and are responsible for the primary supply of the occipital lobe. Saccular aneurysm is most commonly seen close to the bifurcation of the BA.Various surgical interventions are performed for aneurysms.Therefore, the anatomy and localization of the BA and PCA are crucial.The aim of this study is to determine the characteristics of these arteries in a large Anatolian population. METHODS:A total of 170 fresh cadavers from Department of Morgue, the Council of Forensic Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey were included in the study.The diameters of the BA and PCA were measured. Correlations according to gender and age groups were analyzed. The Q1, Q2 and Q3 angles between the right and left PCA, between the right PCA and BA and between the left PCA and BA, respectively, were measured.The location of the PCA relative to the SP was also evaluated. RESULTS:It was noted that the diameter of the artery increased with age and was higher in males than in females.Q1 and Q2 diameters were higher in males while Q3 angle was higher in females.The Q1 angle between the right and left PCAs was found to be higher in 40-59 years old with a mean of 87.33±17.91mm.Finally, the bifurcation point of the PCA was most frequently located above the SP and least frequently located on SP. CONCLUSION:We believe that the findings of our study will contribute to the planning of surgical approaches, the development of endovascular devices, the success of invasive procedures and the reduction of complications.