The anterior choroidal artery originates from the internal carotid artery, though it also rarely arises from the middle cerebral artery.
Structure
The anterior choroidal artery serves structures in the telencephalon, diencephalon, and mesencephalon:
- choroid plexus of the lateral ventricle and third ventricle
- optic chiasm and optic tract
- internal capsule
- lateral geniculate body
- globus pallidus
- tail of the caudate nucleus
- hippocampus
- amygdala
- substantia nigra
- red nucleus
- crus cerebri
Clinical significance
The full extent of the damage caused by occlusion of the anterior choroidal artery is not known. However, studies show that the interruption of blood flow from this vessel can result in hemiplegia on the contralateral (opposite) side of the body, contralateral hemi-hypoesthesia, and homonymous hemianopsia. 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.