Persistent primitive trigeminal artery as a cause of trigeminal neuralgia and persistent primitive trigeminal artery associated with pituitary adenoma: Two case reports

Persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA) is an abnormal embryonic vascular structure that provides connection between the carotid artery and vertebrobasilar system. PPTA usually originates from cavernous segment of internal carotid artery (ICA) and contacts with the central part of the basilar artery. The sellar lesions such as pituitary adenoma accompanying PPTA are very rare and PPTA is an unusual cause of trigeminal neuralgia. Herein, we present two cases of PPTA along with a prolactin secreting pituitary adenoma and trigeminal neuralgia (TN) due to PPTA, diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We suggest that MRI would be able to properly plan and execute surgical treatment and avoid cerebral digital subtraction angiography (DSA). © 2016, Marmara University. All rights reserved