Clinical Report: A New Imaging Classification System for Early Branches of the MCA
Overview
This study proposes and validates a new imaging classification system for early branches of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) using computed tomographic angiography (CTA). The MCA-EB classification aims to standardize anatomical classification.
Background
The middle cerebral artery (MCA) is critical in supplying blood to significant brain regions and is often involved in neurovascular diseases. Existing classifications of early branches of the MCA are limited by small sample sizes and do not adequately represent anatomical variations.
Data Highlights
Branch Type
Frequency
Mean Diameter (mm)
Early Temporal Branches (ETB)
197/271 (72.7%)
0.86
Early Frontal Branches (EFB)
74/271 (27.3%)
0.83
Key Findings
A total of 271 early branches (EBs) were identified in 215 MCAs (53.25%).
ETBs were more frequent than EFBs, with a ratio of 72.7% to 27.3% respectively.
The mean diameter of ETBs was 0.86 mm, while EFBs had a mean diameter of 0.83 mm.
No significant correlation was found between EB diameter and distance from the MCA origin.
The MCA-EB classification includes four types, ranging from absence of EBs (Type I) to combined variants (Type IV).
Clinical Implications
The MCA-EB classification system provides a standardized approach to categorizing early branches of the MCA.
Conclusion
The MCA-EB classification provides a simplified and standardized framework for categorizing early branches of the MCA.
by Arkadiusz Kacała, Małgorzata Milnerowicz-Bescond, Maciej Ziomek, Marek Łukasiewicz, Łukasz Noszczak, Weronika Wrona, Wiktoria Wdowiak, Mateusz Dorochowicz, Kamil Litwinowicz, Anna Zimny, Maciej Guziński
