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Topic

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Anterior parietal artery

The anterior parietal artery is a cortical branch of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) that arises from its superior division. It courses posteriorly along the postcentral gyrus toward the parietal lobe, supplying the anterior portion of the parietal cortex and adjacent white matter. It typically arises just distal to the central (Rolandic) branches of the MCA and contributes to perfusion of the somatosensory cortex and superior parietal lobule, areas critical for sensory integration and spatial processing. The artery often forms anastomoses with branches of the posterior parietal artery, precentral artery, and angular artery, contributing to collateral circulation in the cerebral cortex.

Synonyms

  • Cortical branch of MCA (anterior parietal)

  • Parietal branch of middle cerebral artery

  • Superior division parietal branch

Function

  • Supplies blood to the anterior parietal lobe, including the postcentral gyrus (primary somatosensory cortex)

  • Provides oxygenation and nutrients for sensory integration, touch, and spatial awareness

  • Contributes to cortical collateral circulation through anastomoses with neighboring arteries

  • Plays a role in maintaining cortical perfusion during vascular compromise

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images (non-contrast):

  • Appears as a flow void (signal loss) due to fast blood flow

  • Vessel lumen not well visualized without angiographic sequences

T2-weighted images:

  • Artery also demonstrates flow voids, with surrounding brain parenchyma providing contrast

  • Abnormal hyperintensity in adjacent cortex may suggest ischemia or pathology

MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography):

  • Time-of-flight (TOF) or contrast-enhanced MRA shows the origin from the MCA superior division, course, and cortical branches

  • Normal artery appears as a bright, well-defined enhancing lumen

  • MRA is excellent for detecting stenosis, occlusion, aneurysm, or vascular malformations

T1 Post-Contrast (Gadolinium-enhanced MRI):

  • Vessel lumen demonstrates intense enhancement

  • Useful when combined with MRA for identifying abnormal vascular patterns or small cortical branches

CT Appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Artery is not directly visualized

  • Acute thrombosis may appear as a hyperdense artery sign in cortical sulci

CT Angiography (CTA):

  • Clearly demonstrates the origin, course, and distribution of the anterior parietal artery

  • Contrast opacifies the lumen, allowing evaluation for stenosis, occlusion, aneurysm, or AVM

  • CTA is the gold standard for cortical branch mapping in stroke and surgical planning

MRI images

Anterior parietal artery