Variability of morphometric characteristics of paired arteries of the brain in children during early childhood

Abstract

BACKGRОUND: There are numerous works in the literature covering issues of age, sexual and bilateral variability of the cerebral arteries in adults. There is no information on morphometric parameters of the cerebral arteries in children. AIM: To present data on the morphometric characteristics of the paired arteries of the brain in children during early childhood, taking into account sexual and bilateral variability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of precommunication segments of the anterior cerebral arteries (ACA), wedge-shaped parts of the middle cerebral arteries (MCA), precommunication segments of the posterior cerebral arteries (PCA), intracranial parts of the vertebral arteries (VA) and cerebral parts of the internal carotid arteries (ICA) seized during autopsy of corpses of 18 children from early childhood (12 years) who died for reasons not associated with acute vascular cerebral pathology. Outside and inside diameters, wall thickness were determined. RESULTS: The mean values of the above parameters were respectively: ACA 1.760.04 mm, 0.140.01 mm and 1.490.04 mm; MCA 2.070.04 mm, 0.140.01 mm, 1.790.04 mm; PCA 1.830.06 mm, 0.130.01 mm, 1.550.06 mm; VA 2.080.06 mm, 0.150.01 mm, 1.770.05 mm; ICA 2.600.05 mm, 0.150.01 mm, 2.300.05 mm. Outside and inside diameters of the ACA predominate in the right hemisphere by 17.3% (p=0.009) and 19.9% (p=0.016), respectively. Outside and inside diameters PCA prevailed in boys, respectively, by 9.1% (p=0.019) and 12.9% (p=0.006). CONCLUSION: Average data of outside diameter, wall thickness and inside diameters of paired arteries of the brain in children in the period of early childhood were obtained. Most parameters have no confirmed bilateral and sexual differences. The findings may be useful for interpreting non-invasive research methods and should also be considered in the design and adaptation of intravascular devices for use in pediatric practice.