Posterior meningeal artery

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

Synonyms: PMA, Posterior meningeal artery

The posterior meningeal artery (PMA) supplies parts of the dura mater.

Anatomy

The posterior meningeal artery originates from the ascending pharyngeal artery, a branch of the external carotid artery and enters intracranially via the jugular foramen [^1]. As an anatomical variant, the posterior meningeal artery can rarely also arise from the PICA [^2].

Imaging

The posterior meningeal artery can be optimally demonstrated in digital subtraction angiography and can be divided into an extracranial and intracranial part. The extracranial part of the posterior meningeal artery is often coiled, whereas the intracranial part has a straight course [^3].

Posterior meningeal artery
Digital subtraction angiography showing the posterior meningeal artery. The single white arrow shows the extracranial tortuous part of the posterior meningeal artery. The double white arrow shows the much straighter portion of the posterior meningeal artery. Figure adapted from Wang G et al. Neuroradiol J. 2019 Jun; 32(3): 158-165.

Clinical Relevance

  • The posterior meningeal artery is often involved in dural arteriovenous fistulas in the posterior fossa [^3].

  • In cases of ischemia or Moyamoya disease, the posterior meningeal artery can form anastomoses with pial arteries on the brain's surface, establishing a collateral circulation [^3].

  • Aneurysms can develop in the posterior meningeal artery, with the most common being traumatic pseudoaneurysms [^3].