33 - Anterior choroidal artery territory infarcts

Summary

Introduction

Since the first reports of an anterior choroidal artery (AChA) infarct by Kolisko in 1891, and Foix et al. in 1925, the clinical pattern of this type of infarction has varied according to isolated cases and small series. The classical triad of Foix et al., consisting of hemiplegia, hemianesthesia, and homonymous hemianopia is rare and it is not specific of the AChA territory (Foix et al., 1925). This clinical pattern can also result from infarction of the deep or superficial branches of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the penetrating brainstem arteries. Until the utilization of brain CT scanning in the French studies by Cambier et al. (1983), and Masson et al. (1983), there were less than 25 cases of AChA-territory infarction reported in the literature (Kolisko, 1891; Foix et al., 1925; Cambier et al., 1983; Masson et al., 1983; Poppi, 1928a,b; Ley, 1932; Abbie, 1933a,b; Austregesilo & Borges Fortes, 1983; Steegman & Roberts, 1935; Trelles & Lazorthes, 1939; Hansen & Peters, 1940; Mettler et al., 1954; Morello & Cooper, 1955; Pertuiset et al., 1962; Denecheau, 1963; Fisher, 1965a; Buge et al., 1979; Takahasi et al., 1980; Cooper, 1954). With the development of new radiological technology, infarcts in the AChA-territory have received a new interest (Bruno et al., 1989; Decroix et al., 1986; Ghika et al., 1989; Helgason & Wilbur, 1990; Levy et al., 1995; Leys et al., 1994; Mohr et al., 1991; Paroni Sterbini et al., 1987; Helgason, 1988; Helgason et al., 1986; Hupperts et al., 1994).