ANATOMICAL MEASUREMENTS OF CEREBRAL ARTERIES USING DIGITAL SUBTRACTION ANGIOGRAPHY

Background: The knowledge of anatomical measurements of cerebral arteries has a great value for understanding of several neurologic disorders. Aim of the work: To measure diameters and lengths of anterior cerebral artery (ACA), posterior cerebral artery (PCA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) on both sides to give basis for normal Egyptian measurements of cerebral arteries using Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA). Subjects and Methods: Fifty healthy individuals who had normal DSA, including 33 males and 17 females aged from 20 years to 60 years were examined during this study. Chosen subjects were classified into two age groups, Group 1: that included 18 persons (between 20-39 years old). Group 2: that included 32 persons (between 40-60 years old). DSA used to measure the diameters and lengths of main cerebral arteries (ACA , MCA and PCA) at different segments. Results: Regarding to the age of studied subjects, there was statistical significant difference between the diameters of cerebral arteries at different segments in the studied groups and the diameters of these arteries were decreased by advancing in age. There was statistical significant difference between the lengths of cerebral arteries at different segments in the studied groups and the lengths of these arteries were more in the older age group. The differences between means of lengths of cerebral arteries on the right and on the left side was statistically non-significant in all segments except that of middle cerebral artery-segment 1 (M1) which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Establishment of Egyptian normal measurements of cerebral arteries using Digital Subtraction Angiography has a great value in interpretation of cranial angiograms as these measurements may vary in different races .