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Issue: No. 89 (2025)
Section: Article
DOI: 10.58490/ctump.2025i89.3909
Date Published: 25/07/2025
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Duong, N. Q., Bui, N. T., Phu, T. N., & Doan, D. T. (2025). STUDY ON ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS OF THE CIRCLE OF WILLIS ON 3 TESLA MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING AT CAN THO CENTRAL GENERAL HOSPITAL IN 2023-2025. Cantho Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy, 89, 227-233. https://doi.org/10.58490/ctump.2025i89.3909

STUDY ON ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS OF THE CIRCLE OF WILLIS ON 3 TESLA MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING AT CAN THO CENTRAL GENERAL HOSPITAL IN 2023-2025

Nhu Quynh Duong1, , Ngoc Thuan Bui2, Tri Nghia Phu1, Dung Tien Doan1
1 Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy
2 Can Tho Central General Hospital

Main Article Content

Abstract

Background: The Circle of Willis plays an important role in ensuring cerebral blood flow through anterior and posterior circulation systems. The presence of anatomical variations in the Circle of Willis may affect the risk of stroke, cerebral ischemia, and other neurological diseases. Currently in Vietnam, research on Circle of Willis variations is so far mainly based on Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA), while the use of Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), especially 3 Tesla MRI, is still limited. Objectives: To describe and determine the prevalence of anatomical variations of the Circle of Willis on 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging at Can Tho Central General Hospital from 2023 to 2025. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 218 patients who underwent 3 Tesla brain MRI with TOF-3D MRA sequence at Can Tho Central General Hospital. Results: The study recorded an overall variation rate of 90.8%, with a male/female ratio of study subjects of 0.6/1. Anterior circulation variations accounted for 45.4%, with hypoplasia/aplasia of anterior communicating artery accounting for 22.9%. Posterior circulation variations reached up to 86.7%, with hypoplasia/aplasia of bilateral posterior communicating arteries having the highest rate 56.0%. The variation rate increased with age: ≤ 20 years (71.4%), 21-40 years (83.3%), 41-60 years (92.5%), > 60 years (97.8%) with p=0.007. Conclusion: There is a diversity in anatomical variations of the Circle of Willis, with ages being an important factor related to the completeness of the Circle of Willis. This finding has important implications in assessing the risk of cerebrovascular diseases in the elderly. 

Keywords

Circle of Willis, vascular anatomical variations, TOF-3D MRA, 3 Tesla MRI

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