Influence of Gender and Age on Average Dimensions of Arteries Forming the Circle of Willis Study by Magnetic Resonance Angiography on Kosovo's Population.

BACKGROUND: Circulus arteriosus cerebri is the main source of blood supply to the brain; it connects the left and right hemispheres with anterior and posterior parts. Located at the interpenducular fossa at the base of the brain the circle of Willis is the most important source of collateral circulation in the presence of the disease in the carotid or vertebral artery.

AIM: The purpose of the research is to study the diameter and length of arteries and provide an important source of reference on Kosovo's population.

METHODS: This is an observative descriptive study performed at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo. A randomised sample of 133 angiographic examinations in adult patients of both sexes who were instructed to exploration is included.

RESULTS: The diameters and lengths measured in our study were comparable with other brain-cadaver studies especially those performed by MRA. All dimensions of the arteries are larger in male than female, except the diameter of PCoA that is larger in female (p < 0.05) and length of the ACoA (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found in diameters of arteries between the younger and the older age groups.

CONCLUSION: Knowing the dimensions of the arteries of the circle of Willis has a great importance in interventional radiology as well as during anatomy lessons.