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Pericallosal artery

The pericallosal artery is a vital intracranial blood vessel that represents the terminal segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA). Running along the superior surface of the corpus callosum within the interhemispheric fissure, it plays a crucial role in supplying blood to the medial and superior aspects of the frontal and parietal lobes. Due to its intimate anatomical relationship with the corpus callosum, the pericallosal artery is of particular importance in neurovascular anatomy, especially during imaging interpretation, surgical planning, and assessment of cerebrovascular pathology.

Synonyms

  • Superior callosal artery

  • Distal anterior cerebral artery (distal ACA, A2–A4 segments)

  • Callosal artery

Origin and Course

  • The pericallosal artery originates from the anterior cerebral artery, typically at the level of the A2 segment, just distal to the anterior communicating artery.

  • It ascends superiorly and posteriorly, traveling within the interhemispheric fissure, directly above the corpus callosum.

  • The artery closely follows the curve of the corpus callosum, giving off numerous small cortical and callosal branches.

  • It continues as the main trunk, extending posteriorly towards the splenium of the corpus callosum, often anastomosing with the posterior pericallosal branches from the posterior cerebral artery.

  • Along its course, it is accompanied by the callosomarginal artery (when present), which runs more laterally.

Function

  • Supplies blood to the medial aspects of the frontal and parietal lobes, including the superior frontal gyrus and paracentral lobule.

  • Provides vascular supply to the majority of the corpus callosum (except the most posterior part, which is supplied by the posterior cerebral artery).

  • Supports critical motor, sensory, and cognitive brain functions through its perfusion territory.

MRI Appearance

  • On MR angiography (MRA), the pericallosal artery appears as a thin, curving vessel along the dorsal aspect of the corpus callosum within the interhemispheric fissure.

  • Visualized as a flow void on T1- and T2-weighted sequences due to rapid blood flow.

  • Pathologies such as aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, or infarcts along its course are readily identified on MRI.

  • High-resolution, 3D TOF (time-of-flight) MRA sequences provide the best non-contrast visualization.

CT Appearance

  • On non-contrast CT, the pericallosal artery itself is usually not visualized unless calcified.

  • May be identified as a hyperdense linear structure on CT angiography (CTA) tracing the curvature of the corpus callosum.

  • In the context of acute pathology (e.g., subarachnoid hemorrhage or infarct), its territory can be indirectly inferred by distribution of blood or hypodensity.

  • CTA offers direct visualization of the vessel and its branches, aiding in the detection of aneurysms, occlusions, or vascular malformations.

MRI images

Pericallosal artery MRI axial T2 3T MRI image

MRI images

Pericallosal artery MRI axial TOF image

MRI images

Pericallosal artery MRI sagittal T2 3T MRI image

CT image

Pericallosal artery ct image