The Circle of Willis: Anatomical variations and their aneurysms

The anatomical structure of the circulus arteriosus cerebri was first described by Thomas Willis in 1664. Many variations in the circulus arteriosus cerebri (CAC) have since been reported in the literature. The extent to which anatomical variations within the circle influence aneurysm formation in a South African sample has not yet been established. The results of such a study would be of value to clinicians and vascular surgeons treating patients with vascular diseases. The aim of the study was to determine if there is a correlation between arterial variations in the circulus arteriosus cerebri and cerebral aneurysm formation.