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Callosomarginal Artery

arteria callosomarginalis

The callosomarginal artery is a major branch of the anterior cerebral artery at the A2-A3 junction, running in the cingulate sulcus parallel and just superficial to the pericallosal artery. It gives off multiple cortical branches (anterior frontal, middle frontal, posterior frontal) supplying the cingulate gyrus and the medial surface of the superior frontal gyrus. The callosomarginal artery is present as a distinct vessel in approximately 60% of individuals; in others, the cortical branches arise directly from the pericallosal artery.

Region: Head & Skull

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The callosomarginal artery and its branches are the primary supply to the supplementary motor area and the premotor cortex on the medial surface of the frontal lobe. Infarction in its territory from ACA occlusion produces the supplementary motor area syndrome: contralateral limb paresis (especially proximal and lower limb), transcortical motor aphasia (Broca territory is preserved but initiation is impaired), and alien limb phenomenon. The callosomarginal artery is sacrificed in some anterior falcine approaches for anterior cranial fossa and olfactory groove meningioma resection.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Callosomarginal Artery Infarction Causing SMA Syndrome

Occlusion of the callosomarginal artery and its medial frontal branches produces supplementary motor area infarction with contralateral lower limb paresis, transcortical motor aphasia in the dominant hemisphere, and bilateral proximal limb akinesia; recovery is often better than MCA territory infarction due to motor cortex sparing.