The McConnell Capsular Artery: Anatomical Insights and Neurosurgical Considerations

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

Publication History

Received: 18 April 2024

Accepted: 20 November 2024

Article published online:
15 May 2025

• References

• 1 McConnell EM. The arterial blood supply of the human hypophysis cerebri. Anat Rec 1953; 115 (02) 175-203
• 2 Wallace S, Goldberg HI, Leeds NE, Mishkin MM. The cavernous branches of the internal carotid artery. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1967; 101 (01) 34-46
• 3 Benner D, Hendricks BK, Benet A, Lawton MT. Eponyms in vascular neurosurgery: comprehensive review of 18 veins. World Neurosurg 2021; 151: 190-200
• 4 Sheehan HL. Postpartum necrosis of the anterior pituitary. J Pathol Bacteriol 1937; 45 (01) 189-214
• 5 Ferrareze Nunes C, Beer-Furlan A, Doglietto F, Carrau RL, Prevedello DM. The McConnell's capsular arteries and their relevance in endoscopic endonasal approach to the sellar region. Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown) 2018; 14 (02) 171-177
• 6 Harris FS, Rhoton AL. Anatomy of the cavernous sinus. A microsurgical study. J Neurosurg 1976; 45 (02) 169-180
• 7 Inoue T, Rhoton Jr AL, Theele D, Barry ME. Surgical approaches to the cavernous sinus: a microsurgical study. Neurosurgery 1990; 26 (06) 903-932
• 8 Dalgiç A, Boyaci S, Aksoy K. Anatomical study of the cavernous sinus emphasizing operative approaches. Turk Neurosurg 2010; 20 (02) 186-204
• 9 Tran-Dinh H. Cavernous branches of the internal carotid artery: anatomy and nomenclature. Neurosurgery 1987; 20 (02) 205-210
• 10 Kassam AB, Gardner PA, Snyderman CH, Carrau RL, Mintz AH, Prevedello DM. Expanded endonasal approach, a fully endoscopic transnasal approach for the resection of midline suprasellar craniopharyngiomas: a new classification based on the infundibulum. J Neurosurg 2008; 108 (04) 715-728
• 11 Yamaki T, Tanabe S, Sohma T, Uede T, Shinya T, Hashi K. Feeding arteries of parasellar meningiomas–angiographic study of medial sphenoid ridge and tuberculum sellae meningiomas. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 1988; 28 (06) 553-558
• 12 Ditzel Filho LF, Prevedello DM, Jamshidi AO. et al. Endoscopic endonasal approach for removal of tuberculum sellae meningiomas. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2015; 26 (03) 349-361
• 13 de Divitiis E, Cavallo LM, Esposito F, Stella L, Messina A. Extended endoscopic transsphenoidal approach for tuberculum sellae meningiomas. Neurosurgery 2008; 62 (6 Suppl 3): 1192-1201
• 14 Jane Jr JA, Han J, Prevedello DM, Jagannathan J, Dumont AS, Laws Jr ER. Perspectives on endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. Neurosurg Focus 2005; 19 (06) E2
• 15 Lee KF, Parke W, Lin SR, Choi HY, Schatz NJ. The vasculature of the diaphragma sellae: a postmortem injection study. Neuroradiology 1978; 16: 281-283