The individual anatomical variability of superior cerebellar artery
Objective. To examine the individual anatomical variability of superior cerebellar artery (SCA) and its branches. Material and methods. The total amounts of 100 SCA were studied using 50 anatomical specimen of brain. The features of SCA localization in relation to brain stem, cerebral peduncle and cerebellar surfaces were examined. This anatomical study was conducted using step-by-step microdissection, microphotography, modeling of surgical approaches and morphometry. Results. The localization of orifice and anterior pontomesencephalic segment of SCA in relation to clinoid plate and free edge of tentorium cerebelli correlated with angular parameters of skull base is described. It is found that branching of SCA can be divided into 3 main types. The perforating branches arising from main, caudal and rostral trunks of SCA are also described. It is confirmed that petrosal surface of cerebellum is supplied by marginal branches arising from the main (II type) or caudal (I type) trunks or marginal branch is the lower trunk of doubled SCA. The topography of SCA in relation to V nerve is described. Conclusion. The position of proximal parts of SCA is correlated with cranial parameters. SCA contacts with V nerve in half of cases as well as proximal part of SCA forms the perforating vessels of interpeduncular fossa in one-third cases. The lower doubled SCA was the main source of perforating arteries for brain stem approximately in one forth cases. It is important to take into account these described topographic features of individual variability of SCA while choosing the surgical approach to basilar artery apex, tentorial incisura, V nerve, petroclival and pineal areas.