Imaging classification characteristics of persistent trigeminal artery and its correlation with posterior circulation ischemia

doi:10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.5.05

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Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2026, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (5) : 527-533. DOI: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.5.05

Imaging classification characteristics of persistent trigeminal artery and its correlation with posterior circulation ischemia

Chen Ya, Zhang Wei*

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Abstract

Objective To analyze the imaging classification characteristics of persistent trigeminal artery (PTA), explore its correlation with posterior circulation ischemia (PCI), and identify the independent risk factors for PCI, so as to provide reference for clinical risk assessment and intervention. Methods The clinical and imaging data of 63 patients diagnosed with PTA by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) were retrospectively collected. The imaging classification, blood supply patterns and their association with PCI were analyzed, and independent risk factors for PCI were determined by multivariate statistical analysis. Results The prevalence rate of PTA was 0.16% in a total of 39,257 subjects. Type Ⅰ was the most prevalent according to the Weon classification (35 cases, 55.6%), while the lateral type predominated under the Salas classification (41 cases, 65.1%). Basilar artery (BA) hypoplasia was observed in 41 patients (65.8%), with the highest proportion found in Type Ⅰ PTA. PCI occurred in 47 patients (74.6%), and the incidence was highest in Type Ⅰ (91.4%). Multivariate analysis showed that smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia and hyperhomocysteinemia were independent risk factors for PCI in patients with PTA (P<0.05). Conclusions MRA can clearly display the anatomical morphology and classification of PTA. Combined the evaluation of BA developmental status helps to assess the risk of PCI. Strict management of these risk factors is critical for the prevention of secondary PCI in patients with PTA.

Key words

Persistent trigeminal artery / / / Classification / / / Posterior circulation ischemia / / / Risk factors

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Chen Ya, Zhang Wei. Imaging classification characteristics of persistent trigeminal artery and its correlation with posterior circulation ischemia[J]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy. 2026, 44(5): 527-533 https://doi.org/10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.5.05

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