The medial tentorial artery of Bernasconi-Cassinari: a comprehensive review of its anatomy and neurosurgical importance

Abstract

The medial tentorial artery (MTA) of Bernasconi-Cassinari has been associated with many neurosurgical pathologies, including tentorial and petroclival meningiomas, dural arteriovenous fistulae, hemangioblastomas, moyamoya disease, arteriovenous malformations, trigeminal neuromas, and malignant gliomas. This vessel may function as a source of collateral blood supply for the posterior circulation. Our goal was to elucidate the MTA by compiling information about it in one concise article for clinicians and neurosurgeons who need to know about the anatomy and clinical significance of this artery. We reviewed the medical literature for information dealing with the anatomy, pathology, and surgery of the MTA and its clinical implications. Based on the literature, the MTA commonly arises from the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery and at times, may provide important collateral blood flow to the posterior circulation. This vessel is roughly 2 cm long and has a wavy appearance on angiography. It is usually a single trunk and often supplies the oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens nerves. The MTA may be seen on normal angiography and may be involved in the blood supply of petroclival and tentorial meningiomas. A thorough knowledge of its anatomy and variations is important to clinicians interpreting imaging and neurosurgeons operating in this region. Detailed knowledge of this vessel may shed light on therapeutic options regarding its associated pathologies.