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Calcarine Artery

arteria calcarina

The calcarine artery is a branch of the posterior cerebral artery running in the calcarine fissure of the medial occipital lobe to supply the primary visual cortex (V1, striate cortex). It is the dominant blood supply to the banks of the calcarine sulcus where the retinotopic map of the contralateral visual hemifield is represented. The macular cortex at the posterior occipital pole may receive dual supply from both the PCA and the MCA, explaining macular sparing in PCA infarction.

Region: Head & Skull

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Calcarine artery infarction produces a pure contralateral homonymous hemianopia without any motor, sensory, or language deficits. Macular sparing (preservation of central vision) is characteristic of PCA infarction due to dual MCA-PCA supply of the posterior occipital pole, and distinguishes PCA from MCA occipital lobe infarction. The calcarine artery territory is the basis of the visual field defect mapping in PCA stroke: superior bank infarction produces inferior quadrantanopia; inferior bank infarction produces superior quadrantanopia. Bilateral calcarine infarction from basilar artery occlusion produces cortical blindness.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Pure Homonymous Hemianopia from Calcarine Artery Infarction

Isolated calcarine artery occlusion produces a contralateral homonymous hemianopia without sensorimotor or cognitive deficits, often with macular sparing due to dual MCA-PCA macular supply; the patient may not notice the field loss initially, and perimetry is required to characterise the defect before stroke workup with MRI and echocardiography.