The little-studied anatomy of the convergence zones of the superficial and deep arteries of the brain – a new vector in clinical neurology
V. N. Nikolenko,
A. T. Nikitina,
L. M. Gurielidze,
M. P. Pavliv,
F. R. Gyulmagomedova,
A. A. Belichenko,
N. A. Rizaeva,
L. V. Gavryushova,
M. V. Oganesyan https://doi.org/10.14412/2074-2711-2026-1-83-90
Abstract
In neighbouring borderline arterial zones of the brain (watershed), infarcts are possible due to insufficient blood supply. With the gradual development of occlusive lesions of the cerebral arteries in these areas, branched anastomotic networks form, capable of compensating for hypoperfusion. This review compiles material highlighting the formation of two external networks: leptomeningeal and durocortical, as well as three internal parenchymal networks: subependymal (including epithalamic), intrathalamic, and intrastriatal. The leptomeningeal network includes anastomoses between the branches of the posterior and anterior, posterior and middle cerebral arteries. The durocortical network is formed by all the dural branches from the vertebrobasilar system, the external and internal carotid arteries. The subependymal network is formed by the anterior and posterior choroidal arteries, thalamoperforating arteries, and perforating branches of the posterior communicating artery. The intratalamic and intrastriatal networks are formed by anastomoses between the striatal arteries and thalamoperforating vessels. Identification of these networks can play an important role in determining the stage of the disease, selecting treatment methods, and predicting clinical outcomes, as well as in ruling out possible complications.
Keywords
arterial anastomoses of the watershed zone,
collateral blood supply,
leptomeningeal network,
durocortical network,
subependymal network,
intratalamic network
Supporting agencies: The investigation has not been sponsored
About the Authors
V. N. Nikolenko
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University); M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine; Department of Human Anatomy and Histology; Department of Normal and Topographic Anatomy
125009; 11, Mokhovaya St., 11, Build. 10; 119991; 27, Lomonosovsky Prosp., Build. 1; Moscow
Competing Interests:
There are no conflicts of interest
A. T. Nikitina
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University)
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Arina Timofeevna Nikitina
N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine; Department of Human Anatomy and Histology
125009; 11, Mokhovaya St., 11, Build. 10; Moscow
Competing Interests:
There are no conflicts of interest
L. M. Gurielidze
M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Department of Normal and Topographic Anatomy
119991; 27, Lomonosovsky Prosp., Build. 1; Moscow
Competing Interests:
There are no conflicts of interest
M. P. Pavliv
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University)
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine; Department of Human Anatomy and Histology
125009; 11, Mokhovaya St., 11, Build. 10; Moscow
Competing Interests:
There are no conflicts of interest
F. R. Gyulmagomedova
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University)
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine; Department of Human Anatomy and Histology
125009; 11, Mokhovaya St., 11, Build. 10; Moscow
Competing Interests:
There are no conflicts of interest
A. A. Belichenko
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University)
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine; Department of Human Anatomy and Histology
125009; 11, Mokhovaya St., 11, Build. 10; Moscow
Competing Interests:
There are no conflicts of interest
N. A. Rizaeva
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University); M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine; Department of Human Anatomy and Histology; Department of Normal and Topographic Anatomy
125009; 11, Mokhovaya St., 11, Build. 10; 119991; 27, Lomonosovsky Prosp., Build. 1; Moscow
Competing Interests:
There are no conflicts of interest
L. V. Gavryushova
V.I. Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Department of Therapeutic Dentistry
410012; 112, Bolshaya Kazachya St.; Saratov
Competing Interests:
There are no conflicts of interest
M. V. Oganesyan
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University); M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine; Department of Human Anatomy and Histology; Department of Normal and Topographic Anatomy
125009; 11, Mokhovaya St., 11, Build. 10; 119991; 27, Lomonosovsky Prosp., Build. 1; Moscow
Competing Interests:
There are no conflicts of interest
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For citations:
Nikolenko VN, Nikitina AT, Gurielidze LM, Pavliv MP, Gyulmagomedova FR, Belichenko AA, Rizaeva NA, Gavryushova LV, Oganesyan MV. The little-studied anatomy of the convergence zones of the superficial and deep arteries of the brain – a new vector in clinical neurology. Nevrologiya, neiropsikhiatriya, psikhosomatika = Neurology, Neuropsychiatry, Psychosomatics. 2026;18(1):83-90. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.14412/2074-2711-2026-1-83-90
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