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Anterior Choroidal Artery

arteria choroidea anterior

The anterior choroidal artery arises from the internal carotid artery just above the posterior communicating artery origin and supplies the optic tract, the posterior limb of the internal capsule, the medial temporal lobe including the uncus and amygdala, the lateral geniculate body, and the choroid plexus of the inferior horn of the lateral ventricle. It is a small but critically important vessel whose territory is disproportionate to its calibre.

Region: Head & Skull

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Anterior choroidal artery occlusion produces the classic triad of contralateral hemiplegia (posterior limb internal capsule), contralateral hemisensory loss, and contralateral homonymous hemianopia (lateral geniculate body) — the AChA syndrome. Despite the small vessel, this syndrome carries significant morbidity. The AChA is deliberately occluded in pallidotomy procedures targeting the globus pallidus for Parkinson disease, where its precise identification by DSA is mandatory before treatment. Aneurysms of the AChA-ICA junction are surgically challenging due to the tiny vessel's critical territory.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Anterior Choroidal Artery Stroke Syndrome

Occlusion of the anterior choroidal artery produces a triad of contralateral hemiplegia from posterior limb internal capsule ischaemia, contralateral hemisensory loss, and contralateral homonymous hemianopia from lateral geniculate involvement, a pattern distinct from MCA stroke that guides MRI DWI lesion interpretation.