Acute percheron infarction: a precision learning

So far, the diagnosis of acute artery of percheron (AOP) infarction is uncommon. In this study, patients with acute AOP infarction were studied to explore the relationship of imaging findings, clinical manifestations and prognosis of acute AOP infarction.

A total of 23 patients with acute AOP infarction in our institution from 2014 to 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. All cases were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The modified Rankin scale (MRS), blood examination, electrocardiogram and transthoracic echocardiography were used for detailed clinical and prognostic evaluation. All standard risk factors for these patients were recorded. The MRS scores were performed 90 days after discharge.

Four different types of acute AOP infarction were identified: (a) bilateral paramedian thalamic infarction (BPTI, 52%); (b) bilateral paramedian thalamic with rostral midbrain infarction (BPTRMI, 30%), (c) bilateral paramedian and anterior thalamic infarction (BPATI, 13%), and (d) bilateral paramedian thalamic with red nuclei infarction (BPTRNI, 4%). These patients had consciousness disorder, memory dysfunctions, vertical gaze paresis and mesencephalothalamic syndrome. The 65% of patients with BPTI and BPATI experienced relatively good functional recovery and could carry out daily life activities (MRS score ≤ 2). However, patients with BPTRMI may have an unfavorable outcome.

Although the clinical features are variable, DWI or ADC map can improve the diagnosis of acute AOP infarction patterns. Acute AOP occlusion requires immediate diagnosis and treatment to obtain more favorable outcome and avoid additional unnecessary procedures.