Anatomical Variations and Anomalies of the Anterior Communicating Artery Complex

Intracranial arteries have a high rate of variation, but a clear schematic overview is lacking. In this pictorial review we classify and depict all variations and anomalies within the anterior communicating artery complex. PubMed was searched with the terms “Anterior Communicating Artery” AND “Variations” OR “Anomalies.” Articles were selected based on their description of variants. Cross-referencing was used to broaden the range of variations. Surgical view during pterional craniotomy and transsylvian approach was used as a baseline for schematic drawings of the variations. A total of 42 variants were identified, schematically drawn and classified into A1-A2 segment, anterior communicating artery, and the recurrent artery of Heubner. The anterior communicating artery complex consists of the anterior cerebral artery, anterior communicating artery and the recurrent artery of Heubner. An overview of these variations may be helpful in distinguishing pathology from anatomical variations, assist neurosurgeons during clipping of cerebral aneurysms, and support interventional radiologists during endovascular treatments. This article summarizes the current knowledge of anatomical variations within the anterior communicating artery complex, their prevalence and clinical relevance. A total of 42 variants were identified and schematically depicted. We encourage all who diagnose, treat, and study the anterior communicating artery complex to use this overview for a uniform and better understanding of its anatomy.