circle of willis?

Hi
My MRI came back with Hypoplastic right A1 segment. What is that?
Is it life threatening?
I had a stroke at that time -reason for MRI...
Did the stroke cause that?

Thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Carotid artery is the main artery supplying blood to the brain. Hypoplastic right A1 segment means that there is an obstruction in the carotid artery(thrombi, emboli)causing insufficient blood supply to that area of the brain leading to stroke and vascular insufficiency to that area.

Stroke should be considered an emergency.

Pls consult a neurologist as soon as possible so that treatment can be started at the earliest.

Take care and regards.

[kyleauz1]

Hi,

Thanks for the feedback.
they gave me plavix and aspirin- would that have cleared the blockage

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
Congenital A1 hypoplasia of the anterior cerebral artery is a congenital variant. The A1 segment is the principal supplier of the anterior collateral flow.
Impaired collateral flow in the circle of willis is one of the major risk factor for ischemic stroke.
It may have been responsible for the stroke attack in your case.
Plavix and aspirin will help in clearing the blockade by inhibiting platelet aggregation at the site of blood clot.

[kyleauz1]

Hi
With this congenital Hypolplastic A1 segment,
I did have a PFO closed two months after stroke. Which they thought would have been the cause.

Am I at risk for another stroke because of this Hypoplastic A1 segment in the future?
Should I be taking Plavix and aspirin for my entire life?

Thanks
For all your help with this.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

PFO is responsible for recurrent strokes especially in people younger than 50 years of age.
Congenital hypoplastic A1 segment is a risk factor for stroke because the blood flow around circle of willis is impaired.
It is possible that you may have to take a low dose aspirin always to prevent stroke. This will however depend on the extent of hypoplasia.
Please also discuss this with your treating doctor as well. Take care!

[sandragreen]

I recently had a MRA/MRI and the CIrcle of Willis: Normal. Patent bilateral posterior communicating arties are noted.  The right A1 segment is slightly hypoplastic, a normal variant.  What does this mean.  I'm I at risk for a stroke?