Posterior communicating artery

This single AP projection of a left vertebral basilar angiogram demonstrates excellent visualization of both the right and left posterior communicating arteries which are unusually large. In the presence of large posterior communicating arteries, the mesencephalic portions of the posterior cerebral arteries are usually smaller, as demonstrated in this case. 

The posterior cerebral arteries embryologically originate from the supraclinoid portion of the internal carotid artery. In most people this origin from the internal carotid arteries under goes some involution and a new attachment to the apex of the basilar artery arises and enlarges. This is the mesencephalic portion of the posterior cerebral artery. In this patient both segments are present and unusually well demonstrated.

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