Abnormalities of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery: MR imaging findings

Area of Science:

• Neuroradiology
• Vascular Imaging
• Neuroanatomy

Background:

• Computed Tomography (CT) imaging is limited in evaluating the posterior fossa due to beam-hardening artifacts.
• Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging overcomes CT limitations, offering superior sensitivity and multiplanar capabilities for posterior fossa evaluation.
• The posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) is a critical vessel in the posterior fossa, susceptible to various pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the normal Magnetic Resonance (MR) appearance of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA).
• To illustrate MR findings associated with representative PICA abnormalities.
• To highlight the diagnostic advantages of MR imaging for PICA evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized routine MR imaging sequences including T1-weighted, proton density-weighted, and T2-weighted images.
• Acquired images in axial, sagittal, and coronal planes for comprehensive anatomical assessment.
• Considered MR angiography as an additional, though sometimes limited, evaluation tool for the PICA.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the characteristic signal void of the PICA on routine MR images due to rapid blood flow.
• Illustrated MR findings for common PICA pathologies such as neoplasms, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and occlusions.
• Confirmed MR imaging's high diagnostic accuracy in visualizing the PICA and its abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• MR imaging is highly effective for noninvasively diagnosing normal PICA anatomy and associated pathologies.
• MR imaging provides superior visualization of the PICA compared to CT, especially in the posterior fossa.
• MR imaging significantly enhances the ability to detect and characterize PICA diseases.