Article Text
Abstract
Our perspective on anatomy frequently depends on how this anatomy is utilized in clinical practice, and by which methods knowledge is acquired. The thrombectomy revolution, of which the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is the most common target, is an example of a clinical paradigm shift with a unique perspective on cerebrovascular anatomy. This article reviews important features of MCA anatomy in the context of thrombectomy. Recognizing that variation, frequently explained by evolutionary concepts, is the rule when it comes to branching pattern, vessel morphology, territory, or collateral potential is key to successful thrombectomy strategy.
- artery
- blood flow
- brain
- thrombectomy
- stroke
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Clinically relevant phylogeny and embryology
The middle cerebral artery (MCA) is the phylogenetically youngest cerebral vessel. In “lower” species, primarily allocortical structures—such as olfactory and hippocampal areas—are supplied by anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and posterior cerebral artery (PCA)-like vessels, respectively, while basal ganglia structures are served by “perforating” branches of the proximal “cranial ramus” or ACA homologs. Expansion of the neocortex in progressively “higher” species is accompanied by recruitment of vessels from the existing lenticulostriate system to supply the neocortical mantle. Thus, from an evolutionary perspective, the MCA is both a branch of the ACA and a branch of lenticulostriate vessels, not vice versa.1 Simply put, MCA or MCAs can arise from anywhere lenticulostriates do. This perspective helps explain various accessory/duplicated MCA configurations, fenestrations, as well as variations of lenticulostriate anatomy.
Lenticulostriate vessels
The lenticulostriate vessels are a contiguous family, with origins along the traditional A2, A1, M1 and M2 segments. Subdividing them into “medial” or “lateral” subgroups, or assigning special significance to the artery of Heubner just because it is an eponym (it is simply the most medial of lenticulostriates and frequently arises from the proximal A2 segment2 3) is helpful from a descriptive standpoint; however, it is a functionally artificial concept that detracts from our appreciation of how the family functions as a whole. As in any balanced system, a spectrum of variation exists, leading to either common or separate origins of individual perforator vessels from either the ACA or MCA and the relative dominance of more medial versus more lateral trunks (figure 1). A more dominant “Heubner” will pick up the classical “medial lenticulostriate” territory of the proximal M1, while at the other end a distinct “Heubner” may not be identifiable because vessels supplying its territory happen to originate from the “medial lenticulostriate” group of the MCA1 (figure 1).
Accessory MCA/duplicated MCA
About 1% of the time, two MCA-like vessels are present. Distinction between “accessory MCA” arising from the ACA, and “duplicated MCA” arising from the distal ICA—with main classifications by Teal4 and Manelfe5—are morphologically useful, but have no apparent basis in embryology. All are expressions of the phylogenetic origin of the MCA from the lenticulostriate system. The MCA is a hypertrophied lenticulostriate vessel that captures cortical territory. A duplicated/accessory MCA disposition simply reflects persistence of two separate vessels responsible for cortical supply—conceptually similar to “duplicated” anterior inferior or superior cerebellar arteries. Any place that “gives rise” to lenticulostriate vessels can be a site of MCA-like vessel origin. Figures 2 and 3 show the continuum between “duplicated” and “accessory” MCAs, demonstrating that this distinction may simply be a consequence of arbitrarily defining the location of the carotid terminus.6 (figures 2–4)
From a practical perspective, when faced with two MCA-like vessels, key questions are: what constitutes the territory of each trunk, and from where do the lenticulostriates arise? It is not true that only one trunk gives rise to lenticulostriates, particularly when a Heubner-like accessory MCA is present. Typically, accessory MCAs with origins along the ACA will tend to supply the superior division frontal territory, whereas in classical “duplicated MCAs” the more proximal vessel usually supplies the anterior temporal territory7 (figure 4).
The very rarely seen proximal MCA fenestration might be relevant in thrombectomy as either a point of occlusion or as a site of branch origin—particularly the anterior temporal branch which seems to originate frequently from one fenestration limb.8
MCA trunk and branching patterns
Here is the classic story: M1 bifurcates into the superior and inferior division M2 segments. One M2 is usually larger than the other (figures 5–10). The superior division supplies the frontal lobe, the inferior division supplies the temporal lobe. The parietal lobe is up for grabs—whichever division supplies it is the “dominant” one.9 Typically, a small anterior temporal branch arises somewhere along the M1, before the “true” bifurcation.10 “Trifurcation”, with each branch dedicated to frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes, is seen in ~10%.9–11 It is important to realize that life frequently does not follow rules (figure 8), and be ready for anything when we cannot see what lies beyond the M1 stump.
The length of the main MCA trunk is as variable as everything else about the MCA (figure 5). At one end of the spectrum there is no true MCA “bifurcation” or “trifurcation”, with cortical vessels arising individually from the main trunk. When bifurcation or trifurcation is identified, the consensus is to call the main trunk “M1 segment”. Short M1 segments blend into the “duplicated MCA” variant, underscoring limitations of defining what “M1” really is (figure 5A,B).
In regard to thrombectomy, the major dilemma is deciding where M1 ends and M2 begins.12 13 This definition can impact trials and potentially lead to exclusion of acute stroke patients from beneficial thrombectomy in less progressive centers. As boundaries of thrombectomy are extended into “M3” and “M4” segments, definitions become murkier still.
The surgical nomenclature of Gibo et al 9 of the M1 segment as extending horizontally along the sphenoid wing, M2 vertically along the operculum, M3 horizontally in the Sylvian fissure, and M4 on the surface of convexity was not designed to suit endovascular goals. Everything about MCA branching anatomy is summarized by “variability”, hampering development of practical classifications based on variable branching patterns.12 14 The majority of studies addressing “M2” thrombectomy do not differentiate which side, division or territory was subject to occlusion,14–16 raising the question of selection bias. This subject was investigated in a retrospective single-institution study by Seker et al,17 concluding that superior division occlusions, regardless of side, size or dominance, were independently predictive of poorer outcome compared with inferior division ones. Unsurprisingly, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) also carries predictive value in M2 occlusions.18 For more distal (M3, M4) occlusions, very little data are available to guide thrombectomy decisions19; in all likelihood the bulk of “distal”—M3 and M4—interventions currently involves patients ineligible for intravenous treatments (figure 9).
Endovascular classifications should be based on supply territory rather than non-vascular landmarks or sites of vessel origin. Thus, the only thrombectomy classification that makes sense is one based on territory at risk. Despite significant differences, ASPECTS,20 CTA ASPECTS,21 22 and CT perfusion23–25 methods are all rooted in the concept of vascular territories. While the role of perfusion imaging in clinical decision-making remains a source of endless controversy, its diagnostic value in identifying the presence of a geographic hypoperfusion state and establishing the likely location of an occlusion (particularly for more “distal” occlusions) is invaluable (figures 6–9). A well-known naming system by Gibo et al 9 divides the MCA into 12 regions (figure 10). It is compatible with MCA variations and can be used in communicating both research and practice scenarios.
Hemodynamics and collateral circulation
Hemodynamic factors are uniquely important from the perspective of thrombectomy. Emboli of sizes comparable to branch vessel inner diameters tend to lodge in the largest, straightest branches, with embolus lodging at a bifurcation point that prevents further migration (figures 6, 8 and 9).26 27 The same path, for different reasons, is also likely to be taken by a leading J-shaped microguidewire or by an aspiration catheter advanced by itself (the so-called “snake technique”).28 Tortuous MCA configuration is associated with reduced stent-triever thrombectomy efficacy.29 Similarly, the more acute cranial angulation of the anterior and mid-frontal superior division branches, combined with their relatively smaller sizes, make for more challenging “distal” thrombectomy targets. In contradistinction, vessels emerging more posteriorly from the Sylvian fissure (such as the temporo-occipital or parietal) tend to be straighter and usually somewhat larger in diameter,9 increasing the likelihood of both secondary embolization and successful distal thrombectomy (figures 8 and 9). High quality data for “distal” or “medium” vessel thrombectomy is currently lacking and significant challenges are anticipated in collecting enough of it.19
Efficiency of collateral support is the single most important factor determining brain tissue survival following acute primary route occlusion (figure 7).30 Beyond the circle of Willis, the collateral potential of cortical MCA territory (lenticulostriates have notoriously poor collateral support) is related to the efficiency of leptomeningeal ACA-MCA-PCA anastomoses. This efficiency is a complex product of genetic factors determining intrinsic collateral potential and its modification by age, atheromatous disease, pre-existing ischemic states favoring collateral enhancement, and likely many other factors.31 32 Variation in individual collateral potential is simply astounding. Equally intriguing is the degree to which leptomeningeal collateral efficiency is enhanced by longstanding non-occlusive proximal flow constraints (such as intracranial atheromatous stenosis) in some patients, while similar lesions induce apparently little response in others.
Aside from the double-edge sword of induced or permissive hypertension, we have as of today no consistent way of enhancing collateral response in the acute setting. It seems that even highly effective leptomeningeal collaterals, producing initially low NIHSS scores, ultimately fail, favoring early intervention.32
Non-embolic large vessel occlusive disease
Entities such as large vessel atherosclerotic disease or intracranial dissection—a minority of large vessel occlusion etiologies—likely represent a substantial portion of modern thrombectomy “failures”.
Atherosclerosis is a far less common cause of large vessel occlusion compared with emboli, even in susceptible populations.33 34 SAMMPRIS35 (Stenting vs Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent Stroke in Intracranial Stenosis) does not apply in the hyperacute setting. Prospective data on the safety and efficacy of acute revascularization in atheromatous occlusion is non-existent.36 Plaques can affect side branches (commonly lenticulostriates) and/or downstream territory. Only the latter is an appropriate present-day reperfusion target, with untoward occlusion of side branches (snowplow effect) being one of several major intervention hazards.35 Signs pointing to atheromatous (rather than embolic) disease include the presence of other stenoses, tapered vessel morphology proximal to occlusion, occlusion location not involving a major bifurcation and not along the main vector of flow, and—importantly—failure of durable reperfusion using well-established methods. Often, a small channel is repeatedly created, followed by repeat re-occlusion. Induction of full antiplatelet state and acute stenting are often required to maintain vessel patency.34 MCA is a minority among this already small cohort, with more lesions involving basilar artery or carotid siphon.36
Intracranial dissection is a complex and controversial entity; evolution spans acute and delayed ischemic and hemorrhagic manifestations.37 In our experience, acutely occlusive MCA-related dissections usually present as a supraclinoid stenosis extending into M1 and A1 segments. Inadvertent propagation of dissection during reperfusion attempts is a distinct possibility. Unusual pruning of distal vessels, corkscrew morphology, and rapid re-occlusion without apparent concentric stenosis are some anatomical features (figure 11). Outcomes seem unpredictable, and more related to collateral efficiency rather than success of reperfusion.
Conclusions
Appreciation of and comfort with variation, which is the rule when it comes to the MCA, is possible through knowledge of practical embryology. A pragmatic approach of understanding vascular anatomy based on parenchymal territories target vessels supply rather than by their sites of origin is invaluable during thrombectomy. Interpretation of advanced imaging often helps identify both the location and the extent of at-risk territory, and suggests the level of occlusion, especially for more distal emboli.
References
Footnotes
Contributors All of the following authors, MS, ER, EN, BC, KI, PKN, have made: Substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; or the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data for the work; AND Drafting the work or revising it critically for important intellectual content; AND Final approval of the version to be published; AND All in agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved. All authors meet criteria for substantial contributions to this manuscript.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent for publication Not required.
Provenance and peer review Commissioned; internally peer reviewed.