American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 160, 1257-1263, Copyright © 1993 by American Roentgen Ray Society
Abnormalities of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery: MR imaging findings
DP Friedman
Department of Radiology, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
The purpose of this essay is to review the normal MR appearance of the
posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) and to illustrate the MR
findings of representative PICA abnormalities. Because of beam- hardening
artifacts, the lower posterior fossa is difficult to evaluate with CT. MR
imaging is not hampered by these artifacts. Moreover, the superb
sensitivity of MR and its multiplanar imaging capability permit excellent
diagnostic accuracy in this region. The PICA is well suited for evaluation
on routine MR images, particularly because of the inherent contrast (signal
void) of large arteries due to rapid flow. MR imaging has greatly improved
our ability to noninvasively diagnose abnormalities of cerebral blood
vessels and their resultant manifestations. Some of the diseases that
affect the PICA include neoplasms, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations,
and occlusions. The MR images in this essay illustrate the normal
appearance of the PICA, as well as these pathologic features. T1-weighted
(e.g., 600/15 [TR/TE]), proton density-weighted (e.g., 2000/20), and
T2-weighted (e.g., 2400/80) MR images were obtained in axial, sagittal, and
coronal planes. The PICA can be evaluated with MR angiography also,
although the relatively small size and tortuosity of the artery may
preclude adequate visualization.
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