Microsurgical anatomy and clinic significance of posterior inferior cerebellar artery

Abstract

To study the microsurgical anatomy of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) for neurosurgery. Twenty Chinese adult brain samples (40 sides) were measured with microscope for the diameters, lengths, origins, courses, and the branches of the PICA. The relationship between the PICA and cranial nerves was also checked. There were 35 PICAs in 20 brain samples. The mean diameter of the PICAs was (1.6 +/- 0.6) mm, the mean length from PICAs' origin of vertebral artery to the vertebrobasilar junction was (16 +/- 5) mm. In 35 PICAs, 28 PICAs go through the rootlets of XII cranial nerves, 7 PICAs go through inferior XII cranial nerves, and 32 PICAs go through the rootlets of XI cranial nerves. PICA is an important branch artery with more variation and complex relationship to the cranial nerves trend in the vertebral artery system. It is necessary to master the microsurgical anatomy of PICA and to be careful protection during the neurosurgical operations.