Background: The posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) generally originates from the vertebral artery (VA) and is the most complex cerebellar artery. Aneurysms can occur at any site along the PICA trunk. Although most PICA aneurysms are located at the VA-PICA junction, a small proportion is located at the PICA trunk. Endovascular treatment (EVT) of aneurysms in the PICA trunk may be difficult and complex.
Methods: We performed a review to expound upon EVT of PICA trunk aneurysms.
Results: The PICA can be divided into five segments (p1-5); the p1-3 segments are proximal segments, and the p4-5 segments are distal segments. Most PICA trunk aneurysms are dissecting aneurysms. Sometimes, the PICA can give rise to flow-related aneurysms in association with cerebellar arteriovenous malformations. Most aneurysms of the PICA trunk require aggressive treatment, especially those that have ruptured. Currently, the EVT mainly includes selective coiling with/without stent assistance and parent artery occlusion. Recently, some new devices, such as flow diversion and Barricade and Kaneka ED coils, can be used to treat PICA trunk aneurysms. The risk of complications with EVT seems to be higher; however, most complications are only transient or mild, and some are even clinically silent. In addition, open surgery is still an important option.
Conclusion: For PICA trunk aneurysms, the treatment choice should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The rate of permanent morbidity of the EVT is low. EVT is an effective method for treating PICA trunk aneurysms.
Keywords: Aneurysm; Endovascular treatment; Posterior inferior cerebellar artery trunk.
© 2021. Belgian Neurological Society.