What is the fetal type posterior cerebral artery?

Embryonal posterior cerebral artery is a congenital developmental anomaly of the cerebral vasculature, classified as an abnormal development of the circle of Willis.

Embryonal posterior cerebral artery is a type of cerebral vascular malformation characterized by the posterior cerebral artery failing to develop along its normal pathway during development. Instead, it originates from the internal carotid artery and its blood supply mainly comes from the ipsilateral internal carotid artery. This vascular variation is associated with genetic factors and abnormal embryonic development.

Most patients with embryonal posterior cerebral artery may remain asymptomatic and the condition is often incidentally detected during imaging examinations. Some patients may experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness, blurred vision, eye pain, and tinnitus. These symptoms may be related to cerebral hypoperfusion, reduced blood flow, or vascular lesions.

Patients with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic embryonal posterior cerebral artery generally do not require specific treatment. However, regular imaging examinations are recommended to monitor the progression of vascular abnormalities. For patients who develop symptoms, symptomatic treatment should be provided according to the individual condition, such as controlling blood pressure and reducing intracranial pressure. In rare cases, if the embryonal posterior cerebral artery leads to severe vascular lesions or cerebral hemorrhage, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Patients with embryonal posterior cerebral artery should maintain emotional stability, avoid excessive tension and anxiety, and pay attention to controlling blood pressure and blood glucose levels to reduce the risk of cerebrovascular disease.