Location
Suwanee, GA
Start Date
6-5-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
6-5-2025 4:00 PM
Description
Intro: During anatomical dissection in a gross anatomy laboratory, an enlarged basilar artery was observed in a 76-year-old cadaver. The basilar artery supplies blood to the brainstem and cerebellum. Enlargement of this artery can lead to a variety of symptoms (e.g., ataxias, vertigo, auditory problems, analgesia, and headaches). Patients can also be asymptomatic. The absence of symptoms, in the patient’s medical history, raises concerns about under-reporting of this pathology.
Methods: In the gross anatomy lab, basilar artery distension was observed during routine dissection. Permissions were secured from the body donation program and the donor's family to document and publish the findings for educational purposes. The pathology was measured with calipers and photographed for further analysis.
Results: The basilar artery measured 33.1 mm in length over the ventral pons, with distension observed at the central aspect (8.5 mm) and a normal diameter at the rostral (3.9 mm) and slightly above average at the caudal (4.4 mm) aspects. Dissection revealed no plaque, and the arterial wall at the dilation site was consistent in thickness with adjacent segments. There were no other signs of pathology. Branching arteries (e.g., pontine, AICA, SCA) were normal in shape and size, and no infarction or ischemia was noted in the pons or cerebellum.
Discussion: The current case highlights that individuals can have an enlarged basilar artery and not know it. More research is needed to determine how many individuals have asymptomatic enlarged basilar arteries. It is possible that the enlargement puts patients at a higher risk for vascular dysfunctions and pathology. These studies would help develop better ways to detect, prevent, manage, and treat these conditions. This case underscores the importance of heightened awareness and further research into the asymptomatic nature of enlarged basilar arteries and their potential progression.
Embargo Period
5-29-2025
Included in
Enlarged Asymptomatic Basilar Artery
Suwanee, GA
Intro: During anatomical dissection in a gross anatomy laboratory, an enlarged basilar artery was observed in a 76-year-old cadaver. The basilar artery supplies blood to the brainstem and cerebellum. Enlargement of this artery can lead to a variety of symptoms (e.g., ataxias, vertigo, auditory problems, analgesia, and headaches). Patients can also be asymptomatic. The absence of symptoms, in the patient’s medical history, raises concerns about under-reporting of this pathology.
Methods: In the gross anatomy lab, basilar artery distension was observed during routine dissection. Permissions were secured from the body donation program and the donor's family to document and publish the findings for educational purposes. The pathology was measured with calipers and photographed for further analysis.
Results: The basilar artery measured 33.1 mm in length over the ventral pons, with distension observed at the central aspect (8.5 mm) and a normal diameter at the rostral (3.9 mm) and slightly above average at the caudal (4.4 mm) aspects. Dissection revealed no plaque, and the arterial wall at the dilation site was consistent in thickness with adjacent segments. There were no other signs of pathology. Branching arteries (e.g., pontine, AICA, SCA) were normal in shape and size, and no infarction or ischemia was noted in the pons or cerebellum.
Discussion: The current case highlights that individuals can have an enlarged basilar artery and not know it. More research is needed to determine how many individuals have asymptomatic enlarged basilar arteries. It is possible that the enlargement puts patients at a higher risk for vascular dysfunctions and pathology. These studies would help develop better ways to detect, prevent, manage, and treat these conditions. This case underscores the importance of heightened awareness and further research into the asymptomatic nature of enlarged basilar arteries and their potential progression.