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Lateral orbitofrontal artery

The lateral orbitofrontal artery is a cortical branch of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), typically arising from the superior division. It courses anteriorly and laterally to supply the lateral orbitofrontal cortex, which forms part of the prefrontal cortex. This region is involved in executive function, decision-making, social behavior, and olfactory integration. The artery frequently anastomoses with the medial orbitofrontal artery (branch of the anterior cerebral artery), as well as with other adjacent cortical branches of the MCA, ensuring collateral circulation.

Synonyms

  • Orbitofrontal branch of MCA (lateral)

  • Lateral frontal cortical branch

  • Superior division orbitofrontal artery

Function

  • Supplies blood to the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (prefrontal region)

  • Supports higher-order functions such as decision-making, emotional regulation, and sensory integration

  • Contributes to collateral circulation with branches of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA)

  • Plays a role in maintaining frontal lobe perfusion during vascular compromise

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images (non-contrast):

  • Appears as a flow void (signal loss) within sulci adjacent to the lateral orbitofrontal cortex

  • Vessel lumen is not well seen without angiographic techniques

T2-weighted images:

  • Artery also shows flow voids due to rapid blood flow

  • Hyperintensity in adjacent brain parenchyma may indicate ischemia in the lateral orbitofrontal region

MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography):

  • Time-of-flight (TOF) or contrast-enhanced MRA clearly shows the origin from the MCA superior division and its anterior-lateral course

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

  • MRA is useful for identifying stenosis, occlusion, or small vascular malformations affecting orbitofrontal cortex

T1 Post-Contrast (Gadolinium-enhanced MRI):

  • The artery enhances strongly with contrast

  • Helpful in combination with MRA to visualize fine cortical branches and vascular abnormalities

CT Appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Artery itself is not directly visible; cortical sulci may appear faintly widened in vascular disease

  • Acute thrombosis may produce a hyperdense cortical vessel sign

CT Angiography (CTA):

  • Clearly visualizes the lateral orbitofrontal artery’s origin, course, and supply to the lateral orbitofrontal cortex

  • Contrast fills the lumen, allowing evaluation for stenosis, occlusion, aneurysm, or arteriovenous malformations (AVM)

  • CTA is highly valuable in stroke assessment and preoperative planning for frontal lobe surgery

MRI images

Lateral orbitofrontal artery mri axial image

MRI images

Lateral orbitofrontal artery mri sagittal image -img-00000-00000