Intermediate
Technical
IVT
perforating artery
Small arterial branches that penetrate brain parenchyma to supply deep structures like basal ganglia.
Full Definition
Perforating arteries are small caliber vessels that arise from major cerebral arteries and penetrate directly into brain parenchyma to supply deep structures including the basal ganglia, thalamus, internal capsule, and brainstem. These end-arteries include lenticulostriate arteries, thalamoperforating arteries, and pontine perforators. Due to their small size and lack of collateral circulation, these vessels are particularly susceptible to occlusion, leading to lacunar infarcts. Their visualization on high-resolution imaging can be important for assessing small vessel disease.
Usage
Usage note: Often involved in lacunar stroke syndromes.
In Context
- "Occlusion of a perforating artery resulted in a small lacunar infarct in the posterior limb of the internal capsule." — stroke report
- "High-resolution MRA demonstrated narrowing of multiple perforating arteries consistent with small vessel disease." — vascular imaging report
Also known as
penetrating artery
end-artery
Don't confuse with
pial artery
cortical artery