Morphometry of basilar artery in population of Gujarat
Abstract Introduction The basilar artery is a large median vessel responsible for supplying various parts of the brain. The aim of this study was to observe, record and compare variations in basilar artery regarding its length, mid length diameter, level of origin and level of termination. Method Sixty human formalin fixed brain specimens obtained from cadavers donated for the study purpose were under examination in the Dept. of Anatomy, Gov. Medical College, Baroda. The process was undertaken according to the dissection method as per the Cunningham manual. The variation in length and diameter of basilar artery was noted using Digital Vernier calipers. Variation in origin and termination of basilar artery was noted using magnifying glass. Results Variation in basilar artery diameter found ranged from min 2.02 mm to max 4.45 mm. Variation in length found ranged from min 20.1 mm to 42.02. In most of the cases basilar artery origin and termination was normal. In 4 cases origin was above the Ponto-Medullary junction and in 3 cases it was below. In 2 cases termination was above the Ponto-Mesencephalic junction and in 1 case it was below. Discussion This observation highlight the variations in morphological aspects of the basilar artery, the knowledge of variations would help neurosurgeons safely diagnose, as well as plan and execute vascular bypass and shunting procedures for the treatment of stenosis, aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations in the posterior cranial fossa.