J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2014 Sep;56(3):278-280. 10.3340/jkns.2014.56.3.278.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Caused by Persistent Primitive Trigeminal Artery

• Park CK
• Choi HJ
• Lee SH
• Rhee BA

• KMID: 2339972
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2014.56.3.278

Abstract

A 66-year-old man presented with typical trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) revealed a primitive trigeminal artery (PTA) that came into contact with the trigeminal nerve. Based on MRA, we performed microvascular decompression (MVD). In the operational field, we confirmed the PTA location and performed MVD successfully. Postoperatively, the patient's pain subsided without any complications.

Keyword

Trigeminal neuralgia; Primitive trigeminal artery; Microvascular decompression; Magnetic resonance angiography

MeSH Terms

Aged
Arteries*
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Microvascular Decompression Surgery
Trigeminal Nerve
Trigeminal Neuralgia*

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A : Magnetic resonance image showing a primitive trigeminal artery (white arrowhead) in contact with the left trigeminal nerve (black arrow). B : Magnetic resonance angiography revealing a primitive trigeminal artery (white arrow) originating from the left internal carotid artery.

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  Fig. 2 Three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography revealing the primitive trigeminal artery (white arrow) coursing around the trigeminal nerve.

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  Fig. 3 Intraoperative photograph during left retromastoid suboccipital approach showing the loop of primitive trigeminal artery (PTA) in contact with the left trigeminal nerve (TN).

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