Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Performing Permanent Distal Middle Cerebral with Common Carotid Artery Occlusion in Aged Rats to Study Cortical Ischemia with Sustained Disability
09:11

Performing Permanent Distal Middle Cerebral with Common Carotid Artery Occlusion in Aged Rats to Study Cortical Ischemia with Sustained Disability

Published on: February 23, 2016

Infarct patterns in atherosclerotic middle cerebral artery versus internal carotid artery disease

P H Lee1, S-H Oh, O Y Bang

  • 1Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea.

Neurology
|April 28, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Atherosclerotic disease in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA) present with distinct clinical and radiologic stroke patterns. These differences suggest unique underlying causes for MCA and ICA atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Vascular Neurology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Atherosclerotic disease affecting the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA) are significant causes of ischemic stroke.
  • Understanding the distinct clinical and radiologic features of MCA versus ICA disease is crucial for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the clinical and radiologic characteristics of patients with atherosclerotic middle cerebral artery (MCA) disease versus internal carotid artery (ICA) disease.
  • To identify differences in stroke presentation, infarct patterns, and demographic factors between MCA and ICA atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 920 patients with acute ischemic stroke.
  • Inclusion criteria: >50% symptomatic stenosis or occlusion of MCA or ICA on MR angiography, excluding cardiac embolism sources.
  • Comparison of clinical, laboratory, and neuroradiologic data between MCA (n=112) and ICA (n=71) disease groups.

Main Results:

  • MCA disease more frequently presented with lacunar syndrome, while ICA disease showed more total anterior circulation infarcts and higher NIH Stroke Scale scores.
  • Deep perforator and internal border-zone infarcts were associated with MCA disease.
  • Territorial and superficial perforator infarcts were associated with ICA disease; topographic patterns differed significantly between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Distinct clinical and radiologic stroke patterns differentiate atherosclerotic MCA and ICA disease.
  • These differences suggest divergent underlying pathogeneses for MCA and ICA atherosclerosis.
  • The findings highlight the importance of precise localization of atherosclerotic disease in stroke management.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model of Stroke05:32

Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model of Stroke

Published on: August 11, 2023

Modeling Stroke in Mice: Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion via the External Carotid Artery07:26

Modeling Stroke in Mice: Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion via the External Carotid Artery

Published on: May 24, 2021

Related Concept Videos

The Arch of Aorta01:10

The Arch of Aorta

The coronary arteries, originating from the ascending aorta, bifurcate from two sinuses located within the ascending aorta. Positioned just above the aortic semilunar valve, these sinuses house essential aortic baroreceptors and chemoreceptors, crucial for maintaining cardiac function. The left coronary artery and the right coronary artery branch off from the left posterior and anterior aortic sinuses, respectively.
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Arteries of the Head and Neck01:26

Arteries of the Head and Neck

The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...