An Update on the Superior Cerebellar Artery Origin Type

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The microanatomy of the superior cerebellar artery (SCA) is clinically significant. We, thus, aimed at patterning unilateral and bilateral possibilities of SCA origin. Materials and Methods: In total, 205 archived records of computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiograms were used. There were defined types of SCA origin from the basilar artery (BA): “0”—absent SCA, “1”—preterminal, “2”—collateral SCA, with SCA appearing as a terminal branch of BA, and “3”—SCA from the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) of the cerebral type. Fenestrations and duplications of SCA were recorded. Bilateral combinations of types were recorded as follows: A (1 + 0), B (1 + 1), C (1 + 2), D (1 + 3), E (1 + duplicated SCA), F (2 + 2), G (2 + 3), H (3 + 3), I (3 + duplicated SCA), J (1 + fenestrated SCA). Results: Type 0 SCAs were found in 0.25%, type 1 in 71.29%, type 2 in 19.06%, and type 3 in 9.41%. Absent and fenestrated SCAs were each found in a single case. The most frequent combinations were B (58.05%), C (13.17%) and F (13.17%). Bilateral symmetrical types occurred in 70.7% of cases. Fetal types of PCA and the artery of Percheron modified the BA ends. Combinations of C, F, and G changed the BA ends or tips; thus, different subtypes resulted in five BA bifurcation patterns, including five BA trifurcations and one BA quadrifurcation. BA trifurcation was also found in cases with duplicated SCAs. Conclusions: The SCA has various anatomical possibilities of origin and bilateral combinations that are not presented in anatomical lectures. Details on the specific end of the BA should be gathered on a case-by-case basis.