Dissection of the superior cerebellar artery: a report of two cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Arterial dissections frequently involve the main trunk of the posterior circulation and are recognised as an important cause of stroke in young individuals. However, dissection confined to cerebellar arteries is rare. We encountered two patients with superior cerebellar artery (SCA) dissection. A 37-year-old man presented with dysarthria, right limb ataxia, and severe headache. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cerebellar infarction in the right SCA territory. Angiography demonstrated stenosis and fusiform dilation of the SCA in the anterior pontine segment. Recovery with antiplatelet treatment was nearly complete. A 45-year-old man was admitted with decreased consciousness after sudden onset of headache. Computed tomography demonstrated subarachnoid haemorrhage with hydrocephalus. Angiography revealed fusiform dilation of the left SCA in the anterior pontine segment. After ventricular drainage, endovascular embolisation was performed without ischaemic complications. The patient's condition improved sufficiently to return to daily life. In our search only four reported cases involved the SCA. Clinical manifestation and treatment for patients with cerebellar arterial dissections are discussed.