Radiological Assessment of the Anterior and Middle Cerebral Artery Branching Patterns in Stroke Patients at Afe-Babalola Multi System Hospital, Ado Ekiti

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke remains a major global health burden and the leading cause of acquired physical disability in adults. In Nigeria, stroke prevalence has been increasing, necessitating deeper insights into anatomical risk factors.

Aim: This study aims to assess anatomical branching patterns in cerebral arteries among stroke patients using Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans at Afe Babalola Multi System Hospital between September 2024 and March, 2025.

Methods: This retrospective study evaluated MRI scans of 50 stroke patients (32 females, 18 males; mean±SD of age is 50.60±14.10). Anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA), was analyzed for branching patterns. Data analysis was conducted using Graphpad prism version 9.0.

Results:  Different ACA types were identified; Type I (normal configuration) was most prevalent (52.6 percent). Type V (duplicated A1 segment) appeared only in females. MCA pattern analysis revealed the Single Trunk pattern was exclusive to females (9.4 percent), while Early Bifurcation and Trifurcation occurred more in males.

Conclusion: Bifurcation emerged as the predominant MCA branching pattern, while the normal Type I variant was the most frequent ACA configuration. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding cerebral arterial pattern types to support accurate diagnosis and safer surgical or interventional planning in stroke patients.