The development of the brain's blood supply in an embryo involves a complex process with several stages. Initially, there is a network of connections between the carotid and basilar artery systems that usually disappear during development. However, in some cases, these connections remain, leading to variations in the adult cerebral circulation. Around the 24th day of embryonic life (at the 3 mm embryonic stage), the internal carotid arteries (ICA) emerge. They are formed from a combination of the 3rd branchial arch arteries and the distal segments of the paired dorsal aortae. The ICA initially provides all the blood needed by the developing brain. As the brain grows, particularly the occipital region, brainstem, and cerebellum, the blood supply from the ICA becomes insufficient, prompting the development of the posterior circulation. At this stage (4-5 mm embryonic stage), the posterior circulation, specifically the hindbrain, is supplied by two longitudinal neural arteries. These arteries receive blood from several temporary connections (anastomoses) with the ICA, including: Trigeminal artery (TA), Otic artery (OA), Hypoglossal artery (HA), Proatlantal artery (ProA). These carotid-vertebrobasilar anastomoses act as temporary bridges, providing blood flow to the developing posterior circulation until the vertebral arteries (VA) and the basilar artery (BA) are fully formed.6
The BA forms between the 5-8 mm stage by the fusion of the longitudinal neural arteries. As the posterior communicating artery develops and connects with the distal BA, the TA, OA, and HA typically regress. Unlike the TA, OA, and HA, the ProA persists until the VA are fully developed. A segment of the ProA becomes incorporated into the V3 segment of the VA and the distal portions of the occipital artery. The VA develop between the 7-12 mm stage from transverse connections between cervical intersegmental arteries, starting with the ProA and progressing downwards to the 6th intersegmental artery. This 6th intersegmental artery eventually forms the origin of the adult VA from the subclavian artery. 7-8
Persistence of the HA into adulthood, the focus of this discussion, is a rare occurrence. It is the second most common persistent carotid-vertebrobasilar anastomosis, following the persistent trigeminal artery. The failure of the HA to regress during embryological development leads to PPHA. This condition can impact the normal blood flow dynamics in the brain and, in certain cases, can be associated with cerebrovascular issues like aneurysms or ischemic events.