MRA of the Persistent Trigeminal Artery and Its Clinical Significance

Objective To discuss the MRA appearance of the persistent trigeminal artery and its clinical significance. Materials and Methods The imaging data of twenty patients (9 male,11 female) with persistent trigeminal artery were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were examined by MRA,some patients were examined by MRI,the brain MRI sequences included axial T2WI,axial T1WI,axial FLAIR,and sagital T1WI.Two MRI radiologists observed the MRA and MRI images double blind. Results Of the 20 persistent trigeminal arteries,12 cases showed the course of the persistent trigeminal artery connecting the left internal carotid and basilar arteries,8 cases showed the course of the persistent trigeminal artery connecting the right internal carotid and basilar arteries.The number of the Saltzman typeⅠand typeⅡ were 11 and 9 respectively. Nine cases with posterior communicating artery opened. The vertebral artery dysplasia was commonly seen. Conclusion MRI is helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of persistent trigeminal artery.