Four Cases of Paramedian Thalamopeduncular Artery Infarction

ABSTRACT

Cerebral infarction in the territory of the paramedian thalamopeduncular artery (PTA) causes various lesions in the upper midbrain and thalamus resulting in widespread disturbances in neurological function. However, the exact topography and variations in the territories of the PTA remain unknown. We report four patients with MRI-proven infarctions in the PTA territory. One patient had lesions in the unilateral thalamus and midbrain, the other two had lesions in the bilateral paramedian thalamus and unilateral midbrain, and the remaining patient had lesions in the unilateral thalamus and bilateral midbrain. Clinical manifestations depended on the variations of the size and extent of infarctions. Theanatomical variations of the PTA are discussed and suggested.