Imaging evaluation and clinical research progress of cerebellar infarction

CHEN Wenjing; SHEN Longshan; ZHU Yue

Abstract：Cerebellar infarction,a significant subtype of ischemic stroke,is characterized by high mortality and disability rates,often leading to rapid disease progression.Despite its relatively low incidence(2%-3%of all ischemic strokes),cerebellar infarction frequently goes underrecognized due to diverse and atypical clinical symptoms,resulting in misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis.Determining the etiological mechanism underlying cerebellar infarction is complex and challenging.Traditional imaging techniques face difficulties in differentiating between normal anatomical variants and pathological conditions due to anatomical variations in the vertebral basilar artery.To enhance identification and diagnosis of cerebellar infarction etiology,incorporating basal-parallel anatomical scan as a complementary sequence alongside time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography can provide an accurate three-dimensional view of vertebrobasilar artery anatomy,facilitating differentiation between atherosclerosis,dissection,and hypoplasia.Given the atypical symptoms,complex etiology,and poor prognosis associated with cerebellar infraction.This article comprehensively reviewed its clinical manifestations,imaging evaluation methods,clinical diagnosis approaches,and treatment strategies aiming to deepen our understanding of this condition while providing valuable insights for its prevention and management.