Differential distribution patterns in cerebellar irrigation. A study with autopsy material

Aim: The aim of this investigation was characterize morphologically the cerebellar artery and its branches in a specimen of autopsy material. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated the anatomical characteristics of the cerebellar arteries and their branches in 93 brain stem and cerebellum blocks obtained from fresh cadavers. The specimens were perfused bilaterally channeling the proximal segments of the internal carotid and vertebral arteries with a semi-synthetic resin (Palatal GP40L 85%; styrene 15%) impregnated with mineral red dye. We evaluated the distribution patterns of the cerebellar artery and its branches. Results: The calibers of the superior cerebellar artery (SCA), anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) were 1.46 ± 0.2 mm, 1.02 ± 0.35 mm and 1.45 ± 0.37 mm, respectively. Agenesis of the SCA was observed in six specimens (3.2%), AICA in 30 (16.1%), and PICA in 14 (7.5%) specimens. Usual irrigation was observed in 44 (47.3%) cerebellar blocks, whereas 49 (52.7%) specimens showed irrigation variants, 23 (46.9%) of which appeared bilaterally. The dominant distribution of the cerebellar arteries corresponded to SCA in 9 (12.5%) cases, AICA in 46 (63.9%) and PICA in 7 (9.7%) specimens; shared dominance was found in 10 (13.9%) specimens. Conclusion: The high variability of the cerebellar arteries observed in the present study is consistent with previous reports. The diverse anatomic expressions of the cerebellar arteries were typified in relation to their dominance and territories irrigated, useful for the diagnosis and clinical-surgical management of the cerebellum blood supply.