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J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg
DOI: 10.1055/a-2479-9867
Review Article

The McConnell Capsular Artery: Anatomical Insights and Neurosurgical Considerations

Yasser F. Almelwy
1   Faculty of Medicine, University of Kufa, Kufa, Iraq
,
Amr Badary
2   Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum Dessau, Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
,
Alan Hernández-Hernández
3   Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, Mexico
,
Assma Dwebi
4   Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
,
Bipin Chaurasia 
5   Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Clinic, Birgunj, Nepal
,
Oday Atallah
6   Department of Neurosurgery, Carl Von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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Abstract

Introduction The McConnell capsular artery (MCCA) is a vascular component with notable significance in neurosurgery. Discovered by McConnell in 1953, these arteries, categorized as inferior and anterior capsular, contribute significantly to the vascularization of the sellar region. This article explores the anatomical variations of MCCA, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of its structure and neurosurgical implications.

Methods This study was conducted following a literature review of articles related to the MCCA. Electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science, were searched up until January 2024. Specific keywords used in the search included “McConnell capsular artery,” “intracapsular branches,” and “MCCA.” An in-depth investigation was undertaken to explore the existence, anatomy, pathology, and clinical implications of the MCCA.

Results We found a mere 13 articles pertaining to this artery. It highlights the MCCA's close proximity to important neuroanatomical components and describes how it has been consistently identified in multiple studies. The review explores anatomical variations and anomalies and provides insights into neurosurgical cases that emphasize the artery's involvement in oncological diseases.

Conclusion The variability in the occurrence of this artery has significant therapeutic ramifications, especially in procedures involving pituitary and suprasellar lesions. The study emphasizes the importance of meticulous identification and management of MCCA during surgical interventions, underscoring their crucial role in neurosurgical procedures.

Keywords

McConnell capsular artery - intracapsular branches - MCCA


Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 18. April 2024

Angenommen: 20. November 2024

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
15. Mai 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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