Selective Transarterial Embolization for a Ruptured Persistent Trigeminal Artery Variant Aneurysm.

We report a male patient with a ruptured persistent primitive trigeminal artery variant aneurysm that resulted in a fistula with the cavernous sinus. He presented with left conjunctival hyperemia and exophthalmos. Cerebral angiography revealed a left direct carotid-cavernous fistula; however, a balloon occlusion test determined that the source was actually a ruptured aneurysm located on the trunk of a persistent primitive trigeminal artery. Endovascular trapping of the persistent primitive trigeminal artery was performed, which resulted in fistula occlusion and symptom resolution.

A Case of Cerebral Infarction due to Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion Accompanied by Persistent Primitive Trigeminal Artery.

An 85-year-old woman with a history of diabetes mellitus became aware of motor weakness of the left lower extremity. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple small cerebral infarctions in the right corona radiata. Angiography revealed persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA) originating from the right internal carotid artery (ICA) and connecting to basilar artery, and the right ICA occluded distal to PPTA. Collateral blood circulation had developed, and sufficient collateral blood flow was expected. From these findings, the right ICA was considered to show stenosis due to atherosclerotic changes before occlusion. Conservative treatment was conducted with the transoral administration of rivaroxaban. It is important to correctly diagnose the anatomy and existence of an anomalous vessel in a stroke patient, not only when endovascular treatment is planned, but also for conservative medical treatment. Rapid and accurate radiological examinations facilitate safe and effective treatment.

Watershed cerebral infarction in a patient with a persistent primitive trigeminal artery and contralateral internal carotid artery stenosis: A case report.

Patients with a persistent primitive trigeminal artery frequently have a poorly developed vertebrobasilar arterial system. However, they are not at higher risk of stroke and most are asymptomatic. Left cerebral watershed infarction was identified in a 75-year-old man who presented with aphasia and disorientation on magnetic resonance image (MRI). Additional imaging studies also demonstrated a right persistent primitive trigeminal artery, aplastic basilar artery, and 47% left internal carotid artery stenosis. Antiplatelet medication was administered and he was discharged 2 weeks after admission on aspirin. At the 4-month follow-up, cerebral blood flow in the left watershed territory was still decreased; however, no recurrent stroke had occurred. Although the indication for surgical or endovascular intervention for internal carotid artery stenosis is primarily determined by the degree of stenosis, cerebral blood flow evaluation is recommended in patients with internal carotid artery stenosis and a persistent primitive trigeminal artery.

Successful endovascular thrombectomy using solitaire FR stent with intermediate catheter assisting technique for acute persistent primitive trigeminal artery and basilar artery occlusion: A case report and literature review.

Background: The persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA) is a persistent embryological carotid-basilar connection. Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for hypoplastic PPTA occlusion is a challenge. This case report aims to describe the successful recanalization of simultaneous occlusions in both the PPTA and basilar artery (BA) using the Solitaire FR (RECO SR)/Stent and Intermediate Catheter Assisting (SWIM) technique in a patient with acute cardiogenic cerebral embolism. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such a case. Case Description: We present a case of a 70-year-old female patient who presented with acute right-sided hemiparesis and altered consciousness. Digital subtraction angiography confirmed the occlusion of both the distal portion of the PPTA and the BA. The patient underwent EVT using the SWIM technique, resulting in successful recanalization and significant improvement in the patient's condition. Conclusion: This case report demonstrates the successful application of the SWIM technique in achieving recanalization and improving outcomes in a patient with simultaneous occlusion of the acute PPTA and BA. These findings support the potential use of EVT in similar cases.

Posterior Circulation Mechanical Thrombectomy through Primitive Trigeminal Artery: A Case Report.

Introduction: Primitive trigeminal artery (PTA) is a rare intracranial vascular malformation, and mechanical thrombectomy and revascularization via PTA are rarely reported. Case Presentation: We reported a case of mechanical thrombectomy through PTA in a patient who presented with sudden slurred speech and had a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 12. Digital subtraction angiography of the cerebral vasculature showed PTA formation in the right internal carotid artery cavernous segment, with acute occlusion of the distal basilar artery at the PTA junction, and bilateral vertebral arteries and proximal basilar artery were underdeveloped. Therefore, we chose mechanical thrombectomy via PTA, but unfortunately, the vessel failed to recanalize. Follow-up at 1-month post-procedure indicated that the patient had passed away. We present the endovascular process and analyze and summarize the reasons for the failure to provide a reference for subsequent mechanical thrombectomy via PTA. Conclusions: PTA increases the risk of ischemic stroke and adds to the complexity of mechanical thrombectomy post-stroke. However, in certain situations, PTA can be used as a thrombectomy channel to increase the first-line possibility of timely endovascular treatment to save ischemic brain tissue.

Trigeminal neuralgia caused by a persistent primitive trigeminal artery variant passing through Meckel's cavity: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Persistent primitive trigeminal artery variant (PPTAv) is a rare remnant of the primitive intracranial embryonic anastomotic arteries, and its persistence has an unknown etiology. Trigeminal neuralgia attributed to a PPTAv passing through Meckel's cavity is extremely uncommon. CASE PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old woman presented with right-sided facial pain for 10 years that had failed to respond to medication. Magnetic resonance angiography suggested the presence of a PPTAv compressing the trigeminal nerve, as the abnormal artery originated from the right internal carotid artery. During microvascular decompression (MVD), the offending vessel was inferred to be a PPTAv, as it continued to become the anterior inferior cerebellar artery after passing through Meckel's cavity. Postoperative computed tomography angiography showed the PPTAv continuing posteriorly as the anterior inferior cerebellar artery and supplying the cerebellar hemisphere, which confirmed the intraoperative judgment. The pain resolved after MVD and has not recurred in 12 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: MVD is the best surgical choice for trigeminal neuralgia combined with a PPTAv. For patients with neurovascular conflicts, particularly those with suspected vascular variations, preoperative imaging examinations play a critical role in meticulously evaluating the anatomical locations of the nerves and blood vessels. Semilunar puncture (for radiofrequency ablation or percutaneous balloon compression) is contraindicated in patients with a PPTAv.

Parent Artery Occlusion for Symptomatic Large Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm with Primitive Trigeminal Artery Variant: A Case Report.

Objective: To report a case of symptomatic large cerebral aneurysm of the internal carotid artery (ICA), associated with a primitive trigeminal artery variant (PTAv), which was treated with a balloon occlusion test (BOT) to evaluate ischemic tolerance. Case Presentation: A 79-year-old woman was diagnosed with a symptomatic large cerebral aneurysm of the ICA bifurcating the PTAv due to diplopia. After confirming the ischemic tolerance of the perfusion area and PTAv by BOT, we performed ICA parent artery occlusion with selective embolization of the PTAv. Postoperative MRI showed no ischemic lesion and the diplopia was resolved. Conclusion: ICA parent artery occlusion with PTAv selective embolization after evaluation by BOT is useful in the treatment of large aneurysms.

Trigeminal neuralgia caused by a persistent primitive trigeminal artery: preoperative three-dimensional multifusion imaging and computational fluid dynamics analysis. Illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is caused by trigeminal nerve compression by colliding vessels. Preoperative three-dimensional (3D) multifusion images are useful for surgical simulations. Moreover, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of colliding vessels may be useful for hemodynamic evaluation at the site of neurovascular contact (NVC). OBSERVATIONS: A 71-year-old woman had TN due to compression of the trigeminal nerve by the superior cerebellar artery (SCA) fused with the persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PTA). Preoperative 3D multifusion simulation images of silent magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and MR cisternography depicted the NVC, including the trigeminal nerve, SCA, and PTA. CFD analysis revealed the hemodynamic condition of the NVC, including the SCA and PTA. The wall shear stress magnitude (WSSm) at the NVC showed a local elevation due to flow confluence from the SCA and PTA. High WSSm was observed in the NVC. LESSONS: Preoperative simulation images of MR angiography and MR cisternography may depict the NVC. CFD analysis can provide the hemodynamic condition at the NVC.

Basilar artery formed by persistent primitive trigeminal artery: a case report.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to present a case of basilar artery (BA) formed by persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA), which was diagnosed using digital subtraction angiography (DSA). DISCUSSION: PPTA is a common branching variation of embryological origin. The prevalence of PPTA ranges between 0.1 and 0.6%. It has been reported that PPTA typically joins the BA proximally and supplies the superior cerebellar artery (SCA), anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) or posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) branches. This is the first report of a case where the vertebral artery (VA) terminates in the PICA, and PPTA forms the BA and solely supplies the posterior circulation. CONCLUSION: No study or case report has been identified in the English literature on persistent primitive trigeminal artery serving as the sole source of blood supply to basilar artery alone.

New variant of persistent primitive trigeminal artery associated with duplicated basilar artery: a radiological case report.

PURPOSE: This article reports a new variant of the persistent primitive trigeminal artery. This variant does not exist in Salas and Saltzman classifications. METHODS: We analyzed CTA images of a 39-year-old male patient using RadiAnt. This work had clinical and research purposes. RESULTS: A persistent primitive trigeminal artery arose from left internal carotid artery termination. Its course was atypical, superior, and lateral to the sella turcica. At its end, it joined a duplicated basilar artery. These morphological features are new compared to Salas and Saltzman's variants. CONCLUSION: Anatomists, radiologists, and neurosurgeons must know this new variant. Angiographic analysis of this variant will keep the patient safe and perform the surgery. This new variant deserves to be considered in Salas and Saltzman classifications as a new type.

Management paradigms of persistent primitive trigeminal artery aneurysms: A systematic review and analysis of techniques and complications from 1960s to 2022: From conservative to surgical to endovascular, how far along the right path are we?

INTRODUCTION: Aneurysms of persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTAAs) are increasingly reported and commonly managed by endovascular (EN) techniques. There are no systematic reviews or meta-analyses which analyse outcomes and complications of treatment modalities for PPTAAs. We aim to highlight the change in trend of management of PPTAAs and to identify clinical and radiological parameters which may influence management paradigms. METHODOLOGY: A systematic search of literature was done in PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane library and Medline using keywords 'persistent primitive trigeminal artery', 'aneurysms', 'embolization', 'surgical clipping', etc. Only cases reporting aneurysms of PPTA were included. Three subgroups, such as conservative, open surgical (OS) and EN interventional, were studied for outcome evaluation. In the EN subgroup, relation of clinical and radiological parameters with outcome (complete/partial occlusion) was analysed using Microsoft Excel Data Analysis ToolPak. RESULTS: Of the 101 articles found eligible for assessment, 54 were analysed quantitatively. Mortality in the conservative group was 12.5% and OS group was 9.09%. After EN treatment, complete angiographic occlusion was seen in 88.89% PPTAAs and 5.5% warranted retreatment. In the EN subgroup, location (p=0.17), shape (p=0.69), Saltzman circulation (p=0.26) or status of rupture (p=0.08) did not significantly impact angiographic occlusion outcome. Multivariate regression analysis showed 6.6% influence of independent variables, that is, age, gender, aneurysm location, side, shape (saccular/fusiform), rupture status and type of Saltzman circulation on aneurysm occlusion outcome [F(7,27) =1.34] (p=0.27). Total mortality reported in the EN group was 8.57%. CONCLUSION: Clinical or radiological parameters do not influence angiographic occlusion outcome. Although EN techniques are successful, meticulous reporting of outcomes and complications is important.

PulseRider-assisted coil embolization for an unruptured internal carotid artery-persistent primitive trigeminal artery aneurysm.

A persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA) is a vessel remnant of carotid-vertebrobasilar anastomosis. The aneurysm at the bifurcation of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and PPTA tends to have a broad neck with the branch incorporated into the sac. Because PPTA supplies to the posterior circulation and branches off direct pontine perforators, PPTA preservation should always be considered when treating PPTA aneurysms to avoid ischemic complications.We report a case of the wide-neck ICA-PPTA aneurysm successfully treated with the PulseRider-assisted coil embolization, resulting in complete occlusion with PPTA patency. Relevant anatomy and endovascular strategy of the PPTA aneurysms are discussed.

Case report: Spontaneous carotid-cavernous fistula associated with persistent primitive trigeminal artery aneurysm rupture.

Background: The incidence of carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) associated with persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA) aneurysm rupture is extremely rare. We presented a case about a spontaneous CCF secondary to a ruptured PPTA aneurysm, which was successfully embolized with coils and onyx-18 by a trans-arterial approach. Case presentation: A 55-year-old female suffered a sudden onset of headache, left orbital pain, and pulsatile exophthalmos for a month without any history of trauma. Angiography revealed a left-sided CCF associated with a ruptured PPTA aneurysm, with major drainage to the ipsilateral superior ophthalmic vein. Through a trans-arterial approach, the fistula and ruptured PPTA aneurysm were embolized with coils and onyx-18, while the cavernous sinus and PPTA were well-preserved. However, the preserved PPTA vanished at 4 month follow-up. The patient had no neurological deficit from hospitalization to 1 year follow-up period. Conclusion: Trans-arterial approach was a reasonable choice for spontaneous CCF associated with ruptured PPTA aneurysm. The requirement for PPTA preservation depended on individual evaluation.

Hybrid surgery for coexistence of cerebral arteriovenous malformation and primitive trigeminal artery: A case report and literature review.

The primitive trigeminal artery (PTA), an abnormal carotid-basilar anastomosis, forms the vascular anomaly connection between the internal carotid artery and vertebrobasilar system. Rarely, PTA can be complicated by several other cerebrovascular disease, including arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), intracranial aneurysms, moyamoya disease, and carotid-cavernous malformations. Herein, we reported a rare case of PTA combined with an AVM in a male patient. The patient was a 28-year-old male with epileptic seizures at the onset of symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormal signal foci and localized softening foci formation with gliosis in the right parietal temporal lobe. Furthermore, using a digital subtraction angiogram (DSA), it was found that an abnormal carotid-basilar anastomosis had developed through a PTA originating from the cavernous portion of the right internal carotid artery (ICA) and a large AVM on the surface of the right carotid artery. The lesion of AVM tightly developed and draining into superior sagittal sinus. A hybrid operating room was used for the surgery. The main feeding arteries of the AVM originating from three major arteries, including the right middle cerebral artery, the right anterior cerebral artery, and the right posterior cerebral artery, were clipped and subsequently, then the AVM was thoroughly removed. The intraoperative DSA showed that the AVM had been resected completely. Postoperative pathological examination of the resected specimen indicated the presence of an AVM. The patient recovered well after surgery and has been symptom-free for more than 3 months. In summary, the pathogenesis of the coexistence of PTA and AVM remains unknown. As highlighted in this case report, hybrid surgery can be used to remove AVMs and can improve the patients' prognosis. To our best knowledge, this is the first case in the literature of successful AVM treatment using hybrid surgery.

Clinical Importance of the Persistent Primitive Trigeminal Artery in Vascular Lesions and Its Role in Endovascular Treatment.

The persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA) extends from the internal carotid artery to the basilar artery between the origins of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery and superior cerebellar artery. PPTAs have complex anatomical characteristics. Salas and Saltzman classifications are most often used in PPTAs. The PPTA can play many roles in vascular lesions, including intracranial aneurysms, brain arteriovenous malformations, trigeminal artery-cavernous fistulas, Moyamoya disease, and large vessel occlusion. For these lesions, surgical treatment is difficult due to the deep location and complex anatomy of the PPTA, but endovascular treatment (EVT) has emerged as a good alternative. Currently, a complete review of the clinical importance of the PPTA in terms of its role in the development and EVT of vascular lesions is lacking. Therefore, we conducted a PubMed search, performed a review of the relevant extracted literature and cataloged our experience with PPTAs. By review, we found that a thorough understanding of the anatomical and angiographic features of this PPTA is of utmost importance when making therapeutic decisions for any of these pathological conditions.

Vascular supply of the hindbrain: Basic longitudinal and axial angioarchitecture.

The basic pattern of arterial vascularization is highly conserved across vertebrates and develops under neuromeric rules. The hindbrain has an angioarchitecture that is homologous to that of the spinal cord, and the hindbrain vascular system can be analyzed at the longitudinal and axial structures. During development, there are two main longitudinal arteries: the longitudinal neural artery and primitive lateral basilovertebral anastomosis. This review discusses the basic pattern of the blood supply of the hindbrain, the development of vascularization, and the anatomical variations, with a special reference to the embryological point of view of two main longitudinal anastomoses (longitudinal neural artery and primitive lateral basilovertebral anastomosis). The formation of commonly observed variations, such as fenestration and duplication of the vertebrobasilar artery, or primitive trigeminal artery variant, can be explained by the partial persistence of the primitive lateral basilovertebral anastomosis. Understanding the pattern and the development of the blood supply of the hindbrain provides useful information of the various anomalies of the vertebrobasilar junction and cerebellar arteries.

Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia with Concomitant Persistent Primitive Trigeminal Artery.

BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION: Apersistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA) is an embryonic vessel that connects the cavernous part of the internal carotid artery with the posterior circulation. Though many are incidental, it is associated with conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia (TN). OBJECTIVE: In this video, we present a case of TN due to neurovascular conflict with associate PPTA. The close association of PPTA with trigeminal nerve results in increased incidence of TN. Surgical view and technique of surgery are described in the video. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: A 55-year-old male presented with medically refractory TN with imaging suggestive of neurovascular conflict. During surgery, the superior cerebellar artery was visibly causing compression of nerve and on inspection, the PPTA was in close association with the trigeminal nerve near the entry to Meckel's cave. Microvascular decompression was done using Teflon to separate the nerve from both SCA and PPTA. CONCLUSION: TN with PPTA is rare, and surgery and its nuances have rarely been described. This video shows the operative findings as well as describes the surgical technique.

Fenestration of the cavernous internal carotid artery associated with a persistent primitive trigeminal artery.

Fenestration of the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is an extremely rare variant with unknown clinical significance. We present two cases of this variant, both of which were associated with a persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA). Large dual channels of the ICA were seen extending from the part immediately distal to the origin of the PPTA to the C3 segment of the ICA. We speculate that coexistence of the two vascular anomalies might be due to failed regression or a remnant of the primitive arterial network during the same early gestation period in which development of the PTA takes place (3-5 mm crown-rump length stage).

Treatment of Aneurysms in Persistent Primitive Trigeminal Arteries with Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization.

Objective: Persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA) is a rare condition in which a fetal carotid-basilar anastomosis persists into adulthood. PPTA aneurysms often necessitate endovascular treatment and adjunctive techniques, such as stent- or balloon-assisted techniques, are sometimes selected. This case report describes two women in their sixties with unruptured right PPTA aneurysms who underwent stent-assisted coil embolization procedures, with consideration of the anatomical features in each case. Case Presentations: One patient presented with an aneurysm at the bifurcation of the PPTA and the basilar artery (BA), which was classified as Saltzman type 1 with a hypoplastic vertebral artery (VA)-BA system. A stent was deployed from the BA to the PPTA to cover the neck of the aneurysm and coil embolization was performed. The second patient presented with an aneurysm at the bifurcation of the PPTA and the internal carotid artery (ICA), which was classified as Saltzman type 2 with a hypoplastic VA-BA system. A stent was deployed from the PPTA to the petrous segment of the ICA covering the neck of the aneurysm and coil embolization was performed. In both patients, the 1-year follow-up digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed that the aneurysms had not recurred. Conclusion: The PPTA aneurysms were successfully treated with stent-assisted coil embolization. The treatment strategy should be devised in accordance with both the lesion site and the PPTA variant.

Carotid-cavernous Fistula Associated with a Ruptured Persistent Primitive Trigeminal Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Carotid-cavernous sinus fistula (CCF) caused by a ruptured aneurysm of the persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA) is rarely reported. A 69-year-old woman presented with progressive ptosis and pulsating tinnitus. Vertebral angiography under flow control of the internal carotid artery revealed CCF associated with a ruptured PPTA-trunk aneurysm, and PPTA was divided into Saltzman type 2. Endovascular treatment was performed by coil embolization of the aneurysm and parent artery occlusion of the PPTA, preserving the basilar artery (BA) side of PPTA, without complications. In the case of ruptured aneurysms originating from the Saltzman type 2 PPTA trunk, parent artery occlusion of the PPTA might be a treatment option and preservation of the BA side of PPTA is necessary to avoid ischemic complication of pons.