Vessel
Anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA)
Variable arterial supply around the lower lateral pons
High-yield
Hearing loss with acute vertigo can occur in AICA ischemia, particularly when the labyrinthine supply is involved. Their absence does not rule out an AICA-territory stroke.
Overview
AICA usually branches from the lower or middle basilar artery. It curves toward the cerebellopontine angle close to VII and VIII, then supplies portions of the lower pons and cerebellum. Its size and territory complement those of PICA and SCA. The labyrinthine artery commonly comes from AICA, linking this circulation to the inner ear.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually the lower or middle basilar trunk; occasional alternative origins and duplicated vessels occur.
- Course
- Travels posterolaterally from the pons into the cerebellopontine region, with a variable loop near the internal acoustic meatus and VII/VIII.
- Branches
- Pontine perforators, cerebellar branches and usually the labyrinthine artery; the latter can instead arise from another parent vessel.
- Supplies
- Variable portions of lower lateral pons, middle cerebellar peduncle, flocculus and anteroinferior cerebellum. A labyrinthine branch serves cochlear and vestibular structures.
Clinical correlation
A lateral pontine infarct can affect facial movement, hearing, balance and same-sided facial sensation, with opposite-sided body pain-temperature loss. Horner syndrome and limb incoordination may occur. The combination depends on which branches and tissues are involved.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) originate?
Usually the lower or middle basilar trunk; occasional alternative origins and duplicated vessels occur.
What does the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) supply?
Variable portions of lower lateral pons, middle cerebellar peduncle, flocculus and anteroinferior cerebellum. A labyrinthine branch serves cochlear and vestibular structures.
What are the branches of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA)?
Pontine perforators, cerebellar branches and usually the labyrinthine artery; the latter can instead arise from another parent vessel.
What is the course of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA)?
Travels posterolaterally from the pons into the cerebellopontine region, with a variable loop near the internal acoustic meatus and VII/VIII.