Anterior choroidal artery


The anterior choroidal artery is a bilaterally paired artery of the brain. It is typically a branch of the internal carotid artery which supplies the choroid plexus of lateral ventricle and third ventricle as well as numerous structures of the brain.
Occlusion of the artery can result in loss of sensation, loss of part of the visual field, and impaired movement, all on the opposite side of the body as the occlusion.

Structure

Origin

The anterior choroidal artery typically originates from the internal carotid artery. It may instead arise from the middle cerebral artery.
It originates from the distal internal carotid artery (ICA) 5 mm distal to the origin of the posterior communicating artery and just proximal to the terminal bifurcation of the ICA.

Course

It initially course posterolaterally on the inferior surface of the cerebral hemisphere alongside the optic tract, crossing the tract medial-to-lateral inferior to the tract. At the level of the lateral geniculate nucleus, it curves around the lateral aspect of the cerebral peduncle to reach its posterior aspect. It reaches the medial portion of the transverse cerebral fissure to enter the lateral ventricle. It enters the lateral ventricle at the apex of its inferior horn, at the inferior extremity of choroid fissure, just superior to the uncus.''''''

Distribution

It serves structures in the prosencephalon, diencephalon, and mesencephalon:

Clinical significance

Occlusion of the artery results in contralateral hemianopsia and hemianaesthesia, as well as partial hemiplegia. These symptoms are thought to arise from ischemic damage to the posterior limb of the internal capsule, thalamus, and optic chiasm/optic tract. However, the posterior limb of the internal capsule also receives lenticulostriate arteries from the middle cerebral artery, thus creating partially redundant supply.