EXAMINATION OF THE ORIGIN OF THE SUPERIOR CEREBELLAR ARTERY BY DIGITAL SUBTRACTION ANGIOGRAPHY

Abstract

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Aim. Currently the superior cerebellar artery attracting the attention of neurosurgeons, radiologists and anatomist because of its variations. The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomy and variations of the superior cerebellar artery in the Macedonian population and to emphasize their clinical significance. Material and Methods. We examined radiographs of 55 patients who had DS angiography undertaken for a variety of clinical reasons, performed as a part of their medical treatment at the University Clinic for Radiology in Skopje, Republic Macedonia. The study population included 27 male and 28 females, age range from 18-79, mean age 51.09 years. Results and Discussion. In 90.9% of the patients superior cerebellar artery have origin from the distal portion of the basilar artery on both sides as a single vessel. The most common variations of the superior cerebellar artery were duplication (frequency 5.45%) and origin from posterior cerebral artery (frequency 3.63%). We found unilateral duplication on the right side in two patients and on the left side in one patient. Conclusions. Although anatomically interesting, an awareness of the superior cerebellar artery anatomy and variations is clinically important for save performance of diagnostic and interventional procedures in radiology and for surgeons during planning and accomplishing surgical interventions.