THE ARTERIES OF THE CORPUS-CALLOSUM - A MICROSURGICAL ANATOMIC STUDY

OBJECTIVE: The corpus callosum is the major commissural pathway connec ting the hemispheres of the human brain. It is particularly important, because various tumors and vascular lesions can be located in and aro und the corpus callosum, and it is a route through which pass several surgical approaches. Performing accurate surgery in this region and av oiding damage to normal structures require that the neurosurgeon have adequate knowledge of the anatomy of the intricate blood supply to thi s area. METHODS: In 20 cadaver brains, the arteries of the corpus call osum were examined under the operating microscope, with particular att ention to the origin, course, anastomoses, number, and caliber of the arteries. RESULTS: In all specimens, the pericallosal and posterior pe ricallosal arteries were found to be the main sources of blood supply to the corpus callosum. In 80% of the specimens, the anterior communic ating artery gave rise to either a subcallosal artery or a median call osal artery, each of which made a substantial contribution to the bloo d supply of the corpus callosum. A detailed examination of the anatomi c features of all the main arteries of supply revealed anastomoses wit hin the callosal sulcus that formed the pericallosal pial plexus. This network supplied the corpus callosum, the radiation of the corpus cal losum, and the cingulate gyrus. CONCLUSION: Familiarity with the detai ls of the vascularity of the corpus callosum is crucial when performin g surgery in this region. The additional, significant data described e xpands the knowledge of this anatomy, which can enhance the surgeon's ability to accomplish a more accurate and successful exploration.