Artery of Percheron infarct: hiding in plain sight

Clin Med (Lond). 2021 Jul;21(4):e405-e407. doi: 10.7861/clinmed.2021-0383.

Abstract

A 54-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with fluctuating consciousness without localising signs and non-specific neurology. Urgent computed tomography (CT) was unremarkable and differentials of opioid overdose or post-ictal state were considered. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated an artery of Percheron (AOP) infarct; resulting from occlusion of an uncommon anatomical variant in the thalamic and midbrain circulation. This should be considered in patients presenting with fluctuating consciousness and normal CT.

Keywords: artery of Percheron; fluctuating consciousness; infarct; stroke.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arteries*
  • Cerebral Infarction* / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Thalamus / blood supply
  • Thalamus / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed