Communicating Arteries and Leptomeningeal Collaterals: A Synergistic but Independent Effect on Patient Outcomes after Stroke.

The collateral system is a compensatory mechanism activated in the acute phase of an ischemic stroke. It increases brain perfusion to the hypoperfused area. Arteries of the Willis' circle supply antegrade blood flow, while pial (leptomeningeal) arteries direct blood via retrograde flow.

The Presence of Communicating Arteries in the Circle of Willis Is Associated with Higher Rate of Functional Recovery after Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke.

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is the world's second leading cause of mortality. An established method for treating stroke patients in acute settings is endovascular therapy (EVT). However, the correlation of the successful endovascular treatment of AIS with the presence of communicating arteries in the circle of Willis needs to be proven.