Developed Circuminfundibular Anastomosis Associated with Vascular Abnormalities

Abstract

We report a 74-year-old male patient who presented with left hemiplegia and disturbance of consciousness. Computed tomography revealed diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage, which was prominent in the right Sylvian and basal cisterns. Digital subtraction angiography revealed absence of the C2 segment of the right internal carotid artery (ICA) and a significantly developed circuminfundibular anastomosis. Occlusion of the bilateral vertebral arteries (VAs) was also seen. The upper basilar artery was supplied by the circuminfundibular anastomosis and collaterals from the VAs. Since the source of bleeding was unclear, the patient was treated conservatively. Circuminfundibular anastomosis is a potential anastomosis around the pituitary stalk. It is formed by the superior hypophyseal arteries, prechiasmal arteries, and infundibular arteries bilaterally. Agenesis of the contralateral ICA often leads to development of ICA-ICA anastomoses. In this case, the anastomosis developed due to agenesis of the C2 segment of the right ICA and occlusion of the bilateral VAs.

Keywords: Circuminfundibular anastomosis; Disruption of ICA; ICA-ICA anastomosis; Occlusion of VA; Primitive lateral basilovertebral anastomosis; Subarachnoid hemorrhage.