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Variations and morphometric analysis of the proximal segment of the superior cerebellar artery
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, ul. Kopernika 12,, 31-034 Krakow, Poland
- Department of Radiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
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Abstract
The superior cerebral artery is a clinically significant vessel, but little is known about its radiological anatomy. The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical variations of the proximal segment of the superior cerebellar artery using Computed Tomography Angiography.
Materials and methodsThe study group consisted of 200 subjects (54.5% female, mean age±SD 56.2±17.2 years) that had undergone head Computed Tomography Angiography. Subjects with any intracranial pathologies were excluded. Images in Maximum Intensity Projections were used to study the anatomical anomalies of the superior cerebellar artery.
ResultsIn 200 subject 388 superior cerebellar arteries were found. Twelve (3.09%) SCAs were duplicated in 11 patients and all originated from the basilar artery. In 8 (4.00%) patients the superior cerebellar artery was absent. The origin of the SCA was most often bilateral, mainly from the basilar artery (76.29%). The superior cerebellar artery diameter, measured at the site of the origin, was statistically significantly different depending on the place of the origin: wider when originating from the basilar artery as a single vessel (1.48±0.42mm vs. 1.34±0.52mm; p=0.03) and narrower when originating as duplicated one (1.38±0.48mm vs. 1.46±0.44mm; p=0.55).
ConclusionSuperior cerebellar artery usually originates bilaterally from the basilar artery as a single trunk. Its diameter is significantly wider in that type in comparison to other anatomical variations.
Abstract
The superior cerebral artery is a clinically significant vessel, but little is known about its radiological anatomy. The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical variations of the proximal segment of the superior cerebellar artery using Computed Tomography Angiography.
Materials and methodsThe study group consisted of 200 subjects (54.5% female, mean age±SD 56.2±17.2 years) that had undergone head Computed Tomography Angiography. Subjects with any intracranial pathologies were excluded. Images in Maximum Intensity Projections were used to study the anatomical anomalies of the superior cerebellar artery.
ResultsIn 200 subject 388 superior cerebellar arteries were found. Twelve (3.09%) SCAs were duplicated in 11 patients and all originated from the basilar artery. In 8 (4.00%) patients the superior cerebellar artery was absent. The origin of the SCA was most often bilateral, mainly from the basilar artery (76.29%). The superior cerebellar artery diameter, measured at the site of the origin, was statistically significantly different depending on the place of the origin: wider when originating from the basilar artery as a single vessel (1.48±0.42mm vs. 1.34±0.52mm; p=0.03) and narrower when originating as duplicated one (1.38±0.48mm vs. 1.46±0.44mm; p=0.55).
ConclusionSuperior cerebellar artery usually originates bilaterally from the basilar artery as a single trunk. Its diameter is significantly wider in that type in comparison to other anatomical variations.
Keywords
Anatomical variations, Computed tomography, Neuro-vascular conflict, Posterior cerebral circulation, Superior cerebellar artery
Title
Variations and morphometric analysis of the proximal segment of the superior cerebellar artery
Journal
Neurologia i Neurochirurgia Polska
Issue
Pages
229-235
Page views
277
Article views/downloads
372
DOI
10.1016/j.pjnns.2014.07.006
Bibliographic record
Neurol Neurochir Pol 2014;48(4):229-235.
Keywords
Anatomical variations
Computed tomography
Neuro-vascular conflict
Posterior cerebral circulation
Superior cerebellar artery
Authors
Roger M. Krzyżewski
Magdalena K. Stachura
Anna M. Stachura
Justyna Rybus
Krzysztof A. Tomaszewski
Wiesława Klimek-Piotrowska
Paweł Brzegowy
Andrzej Urbanik
Jerzy A. Walocha