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Posterior lateral choroidal artery

The Posterior Lateral Choroidal Artery is a vital but relatively small vessel within the intracranial vasculature, supplying blood to important structures in the diencephalon and medial temporal lobe. It arises from the posterior cerebral artery and follows a distinctive course through the lateral ventricle, contributing to the vascularization of the choroid plexus, thalamus, and adjacent structures. Due to its deep and intricate location, it is of special interest in neuroimaging, neurosurgery, and neurovascular disease.

Synonyms

  • Posterior lateral choroidal branch

  • Posterior lateral choroidal artery (PLCA)

  • Lateral posterior choroidal artery

Origin and Course

  • Arises from the P2 segment of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA), typically near the ambient cistern.

  • May have one or more branches; usually, a superior and an inferior branch are described.

  • Travels laterally and posteriorly along the lateral aspect of the thalamus.

  • Courses within the choroidal fissure to enter the lateral ventricle, specifically the atrium (trigone) and the temporal horn.

  • Supplies the choroid plexus of the lateral ventricle, parts of the thalamus (especially the pulvinar and lateral geniculate body), and portions of the fornix and hippocampus.

Function

  • Provides arterial supply to the choroid plexus of the lateral ventricle (posterior part).

  • Supplies blood to the posterior thalamus (pulvinar, lateral geniculate body), tail of the caudate nucleus, and portions of the hippocampus and fornix.

  • Plays a crucial role in maintaining the blood–brain barrier within its territory and supports cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production through the choroid plexus.

MRI Appearance

  • The artery itself is usually not visualized directly on routine MRI unless high-resolution angiographic techniques (e.g., TOF MRA, contrast-enhanced MRA) are used.

  • On MR Angiography (MRA): Appears as a small, tortuous vessel arising from the PCA, best seen in 3D reconstructions.

  • Indirect signs: Enhancement or signal void in the region of the choroid plexus or abnormal flow-related signal within the lateral ventricle may hint at pathology (e.g., aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation).

  • In infarcts: Restricted diffusion or T2 hyperintensity in the supplied regions (posterior thalamus, choroid plexus, hippocampus) may suggest territory involvement.

CT Appearance

  • The artery itself is not typically visualized on non-contrast CT due to its small size.

  • CT Angiography (CTA): May be visualized as a fine branch from the PCA near the atrium of the lateral ventricle; better seen in thin-section or 3D reconstructions.

  • May be indirectly appreciated by enhancement of the choroid plexus within the atrium or temporal horn of the lateral ventricle on contrast-enhanced CT.

  • In the setting of pathology (e.g., infarct, hemorrhage, vascular malformation), changes may be seen in the supplied regions (posterior thalamus, choroid plexus).

MRI images

Posterior lateral choroidal artery MRI 3T axial image 1

MRI images

Posterior lateral choroidal artery MRI 3T axial image

CT image

Posterior lateral choroidal artery CT axial anatomy image -img-00001-00001