Study of Normal and Variant Anatomy of Superior Cerebellar Arteries on Cadaver Brains and Angiograms with Clinical Significance

Abstract Background: The superior cerebellar arteries (SCAs) supply blood to the cerebellum, and their anatomical variations can contribute to conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia and vascular malformations. They also significantly impact surgical approaches. The aim of the study was to investigate the normal and variant anatomy of SCAs in cadaver specimens and radiographic images. Methodology: This study included 44 formalin-preserved brain specimens. The origins of the SCAs were classified, and their outer diameters and lengths of proximal segments were measured using Vernier calipers. A total of 91 angiograms from the neurosurgery department were analyzed. A one-way ANOVA test was done to analyze the results. Results: Of the 44 specimens, 59.1% (26) of the SCAs originated from the basilar artery, 25% (11) from a common trunk, and 15.9% (7) from the posterior cerebral artery (PCA). Variations included duplication (15.9%), triplication (2.3%), and quadruplication (2.3%). The length of the proximal segment was insignificant regarding the origin, while a significant reduction in outer diameter was observed when the artery originated from the PCA. Among the 91 angiograms studied, 9 displayed pathologic findings, including 6 aneurysms. Conclusions: Understanding the morphometry and variations of SCAs is vital for radiologists, enhancing the diagnosis of neuroendovascular pathologies such as aneurysms and hemorrhages.