Anterior communicating artery
Last revised by Dr Jeremy Jones ◉ on 01 Oct 2021
Citation, DOI & article data
Citation:
Gaillard, F., Jones, J. Anterior communicating artery. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org. (accessed on 26 May 2022) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-4804
rID:
4804
Article created:
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27 times by 9 users - see full revision history
System:
Section:
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Synonyms:
- Anterior communicating artery (ACOM)
- ACOM
- ACOMs
- Anterior communicating arteries
The anterior communicating artery (ACom) arises from the anterior cerebral artery and acts as an anastomosis between the left and right anterior cerebral circulation. Approximately 4 mm in length, it demarcates the junction between the A1 and A2 segments of the anterior cerebral artery.
Branches
The anterior communicating artery gives off numerous small branches that go on to supply the following structures:
- cingulate gyrus
- anterior columns of the fornix
- optic chiasm
- lamina terminalis
- hypothalamus
- para-olfactory areas
Variant anatomy
- ACom duplication: incidence 18%
- ACom fenestration: incidence ~15% (range 12-21%)
- ACA trifurcation arising from the ACom: incidence ~7.5% (range 2-13%)
- absent ACom: incidence 5% (at surgical dissection) 2
If the vessel is not well seen on routine angiography, cross-compression view of the ACA/ACom complex can be performed.
Quiz questions
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References
- 1. Susan Standring. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. (2015) ISBN: 0702052302 - Google Books
- 2. Dimmick S & Faulder K. Normal Variants of the Cerebral Circulation at Multidetector CT Angiography. Radiographics. 2009;29(4):1027-43. doi:10.1148/rg.294085730 - Pubmed
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