The cerebellopontine angle (CPA) cistern is situated in the lateral angle between the cerebellum and the pons.
superior: tentorium cerebelli
posterior: anterior surface of cerebellum
inferior: lower cranial nerves
anterior: cerebellar hemisphere
anterolateral: posterior surface petrous temporal bone
medial: pons
It contains:
The seventh (VII) and eighth (VIII) cranial nerves.
The anteroinferior cerebellar artery (AICA).
The fifth (V) cranial nerve and the petrosal vein.
The volumetric parameters of the CPA cistern are a marker for understanding the pathogenesis of TN and useful for predicting the recurrence after MVD. The Cistern Deviation Index might contribute to deciding the surgical approach.