title: The medial tentorial artery of Bernasconi-Cassinari: a comprehensive review of its anatomy and neurosurgical importance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed the medical literature for information dealing with the anatomy, pathology, and surgery of the MTA and its clinical implications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors: Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
authors: R Shane
authors: RS
authors: Tubbs
authors: Ha Son
authors: HS
authors: Nguyen
authors: Mohammadali M
authors: MM
authors: Shoja
authors: Brion
authors: B
authors: Benninger
authors: Marios
authors: M
authors: Loukas
authors: Aaron A
authors: AA
authors: Cohen-Gadol
mesh_terms: D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery*; D002533:Cerebral Angiography; D006801:Humans; D008578:Meninges / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery; D009072:Moyamoya Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery; D019291:Skull Base / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery