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Frontopolar artery

The frontopolar artery (FPA) is a cortical branch of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), typically arising from the A2 segment near the anterior communicating artery. It courses anteriorly and superiorly over the frontal pole, supplying the medial and polar aspects of the frontal lobe. This region is associated with executive function, decision-making, and higher-order cognition. The FPA forms anastomoses with branches of the orbitofrontal artery, callosomarginal artery, and prefrontal branches, contributing to collateral circulation in the anterior cerebral territory.

Synonyms

  • Polar frontal artery

  • Frontal polar artery

  • Cortical branch of ACA (frontopolar)

Function

  • Supplies the frontal pole of the brain, including medial and anterior prefrontal cortex

  • Provides oxygenation for areas involved in executive function, attention, and personality

  • Contributes to collateral circulation with orbitofrontal and prefrontal branches

  • Helps maintain cortical perfusion during ACA or ACoA compromise

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images (non-contrast):

  • FPA appears as a flow void (signal loss) due to fast arterial flow

  • Not well visualized without angiographic techniques

T2-weighted images:

  • Artery also appears as a signal void within frontal sulci

  • Adjacent parenchymal hyperintensity may indicate ischemia in the frontal pole region

MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography):

  • TOF (time-of-flight) or contrast-enhanced MRA shows the origin from A2, course toward the frontal pole, and cortical branches

  • Appears as a bright, well-defined enhancing lumen

  • Ideal for detecting stenosis, occlusion, or anatomical variants

T1 Post-Contrast (Gadolinium-enhanced MRI):

  • FPA lumen demonstrates intense enhancement

  • Helpful for evaluating vascular malformations, aneurysms, or inflammatory vasculopathies in ACA territory

CT Appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Artery is not directly seen

  • Thrombosis may appear as a hyperdense cortical artery sign in the frontal sulci

CT Angiography (CTA):

  • Clearly delineates the FPA origin from ACA, anterior course, and cortical territory

  • Contrast opacifies the lumen, allowing detection of stenosis, occlusion, aneurysm, or AVM

  • CTA is particularly useful for stroke evaluation and surgical planning for ACA aneurysms or tumors near the frontal pole

MRI images

Frontopolar artery (FPA) mri sagittal image -img-00000-00000

MRI images

Frontopolar artery (FPA)