Normal anatomy of cerebral vessels by computed angiotomography in the coronal, Towne, and semisagittal planes.

This report presents a detailed analysis of the normal cerebrovascular anatomy on the modified coronal, Towne (half-axial), and semisagittal computed tomographic (CT) images. Direct multiplane CT scans were obtained from fresh cadavers injected with gelatinous iodine solution. The modified coronal plane is optimal for delineation of the internal carotid bifurcations and the anterior and the middle cerebral arteries, and for identification of the lenticulostriate arteries and the angiographic sylvian point. The Towne plane is optimal for delineation of the vertebrobasilar arterial system. Thorough knowledge of the normal appearance of cerebral blood vessels in biplane or multiplane computed angiotomography is a prerequisite for understanding the spatial relationships of the abnormal cerebrovascular anatomy.