The knowledge of the microanatomy of brain stem perforating arteries can aid in the correct identification of ischemic stroke lesions, explain and provide a proper anatomic description of syndromes associated with the brain stem lesions. The importance of such detailed knowledge is growing when considering the possibilities of acute reperfusion therapy and growing incidence of active treatment of ischemic strokes in posterior circulation.
Of course, such knowledge is also vital for neurosurgeons operating in this area. The aim of this work is to present the current knowledge on the anatomy of arteries of the brain stem, brain stem syndromes and present the possibilities of imaging and reperfusion therapy in the vertebrobasilar territory.