Trigeminal Neuralgia Caused by a Persistent Primitive Trigeminal Artery Variant and Superior Cerebellar Artery

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia is caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve by arteries or veins in the posterior fossa. A persistent primitive trigeminal artery variant (PPTAv) is an anomalous artery that may cause trigeminal neuralgia. A 65-year-old man presented with left facial pain. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a PPTAv. Constructive interference in steady state showed that both the PPTAv and the superior cerebellar artery (SCA) compressed the trigeminal nerve. Thus, we performed microvascular decompression and the patient’s symptoms improved. PPTAv is a rare anomaly in the posterior fossa that can cause trigeminal neuralgia. Dual compression of the trigeminal nerve by the SCA and PPTAv demonstrates that trigeminal neuralgia may originate from multiple sources. It is therefore important to check preoperative images to adequately treat trigeminal neuralgia.