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DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1312124
The Artery of Percheron: An Anatomical Study
Introduction: One variant branch of the P1 segment of the posterior cerebral artery is the artery of Percheron. This unilateral trunk supplies both thalami and potentially mesencephalic structures as well. As studies of this vessel are scant in the literature, the present study was performed to better elucidate its morphology.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-five adult latex-injected cadaveric heads underwent brain removal and microdissection with specific attention given to the presence of the artery of Percheron. When identified, measurements were made and observations given to the origin and course of this vessel.
Results: An artery of Percheron was identified on three sides (12%). The artery was seen on two right and one left side and in one male and two female specimens; it arose on average 8 mm lateral to the basilar artery bifurcation. The average diameter was 2.1 mm, and the length between origin and brain penetration had a mean distance of 1.5 cm. In all specimens, the artery of Percheron had a coiled appearance, especially in its proximal extraparenchymal segment. The contralateral P1 segment of the posterior cerebral artery was not absent or hypoplastic in any of the three specimens. All arteries supplied small branches to the ipsilateral and contralateral thalami and midbrain.
Conclusions: Knowledge of the artery of Percheron may be important during approaches to the basilar bifurcation or during interpretation of imaging, especially in patients presenting with bilateral thalamic and midbrain infarctions.