The present study emphasizes that variability of the PCA and PCoA is the rule rather than the exception and should be regarded as a clinically meaningful feature of cerebral circulation. The high prevalence of incomplete or atypical posterior circle configurations highlights the need for careful, individualized interpretation of neuroimaging, particularly in the context of ischemic stroke mechanisms, collateral capacity, and treatment planning. Demographic influences on vascular morphology further support the importance of considering patient-specific factors rather than relying on simplified anatomical models. Overall, consistent definitions and population-based data are essential for translating anatomical knowledge of the posterior circulation into reliable clinical and radiological practice.
Błaszczyk et al. (Fri,) studied this question.