Abstract
The ophthalmic artery has the highest incidence of variations and anomalies among the intracranial arteries, although these are usually asymptomatic. The authors present a rare case of anomalous ophthalmic artery arising from the anterior cerebral artery and stress the importance of recognizing abnormal origins of the ophthalmic artery. They have classed the various anomalous origins of the ophthalmic artery into 3 categories ; (1)those associated with the abnormal development of vascular anastomoses in the embryonic stage, (2)agenesis or aplasia of the internal carotid artery, and(3)abnormal development of the primitive ophthalmic arteries. During angiography, we should always check the origin and course of the ophthalmic artery. The absence of filling of the ophthalmic artery on internal carotid angiograms strongly suggests an abnormal origin of the ophthalmic artery in this case, external carotid angiography is essential for detection. During surgery on patients with possible anomaly, special care must be taken not to injure the surrounding structures, or an alternative surgical approach might be considered, as appropriate.
