Bilateral Thalamic Infarction Research Articles

Diagnostic challenges in bilateral thalamic infarction: national series of cases

Diagnostic challenges in bilateral thalamic infarction: national series of cases

Artery Of Percheron Infarction: A Great Mimicker

The thalamus is a deep structure located in the diencephalon, whose arterial blood supply is mainly from four branches of posterior cerebral artery. The artery of percheron (AOP) is an infrequent variation of thalamic perfusion, occlusion of which presents with a heterogenous, atypical list of symptoms without focal signs. This is in contrast to the typical, easily recognizable focal neurology of other ischemic infarcts. Therefore, AOP infarctions may be misdiagnosed, delayed in diagnosis or missed altogether. It is a rare, but vital area of neurology that needs to be studied by clinicians to facilitate an overall care for patients.We report the case of a 59-year-old lady who presented to us with bilateral complete ptosis with bilateral vertical gaze palsy and nystagmus, whose initial NCCT brain was normal. Subsequent MRI showed bilateral thalamic and midbrain ischemic infarctions in the artery of Percheron distribution. Our case highlights the importance of high degree of suspicion, early diagnosis and role of MRI in the diagnosis when initial CT is normal.

Artery of Percheron Infarction: Clinical Presentation and Outcomes.

Occlusion of the artery of Percheron (AOP) produces bilateral thalamic infarction classically leading to deficits of arousal. This nonspecific presentation complicates the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke. We sought to describe the spectrum of clinical presentation, diagnostic neuroimaging findings, and outcomes in AOP infarction (AOPi). We conducted a keyword search of our health system's neuroimaging database from 2014 to 2022 to identify patients with AOPi. We abstracted patient demographics, clinical presentation, neuroimaging findings, acute treatment, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores (at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months). We used descriptive statistics to report our findings. Our initial keyword search identified 192 potential AOPi cases. Fifteen cases of AOPi were confirmed and included in our study (8 female [53%], median age 65 years [interquartile range (IQR): 59.5-79.5], median presenting NIHSS 6 [IQR: 2-22]). Common clinical findings on presentation were systolic blood pressure (SBP) > 140: 12 patients (80%); decreased level of consciousness (LOC): 11 patients (73%); diplopia: 8 patients (57%); disorientation: 6 patients (42%); dysarthria: 4 patients (28%); and acute memory/cognitive disturbance: 3 patients (21%). Twelve cases (80%) presented to the emergency department (ED). Median time from symptom onset to ED arrival was 774.5 minutes (IQR: 202.25-3789.0), 4 cases (27%) arrived within 4.5 hours, and one patient (7%) received intravenous thrombolysis. The median time from ED arrival to stroke diagnosis was 519.0 minutes (IQR: 227.5-1307). Head CT was only diagnostic when obtained >570 minutes from time last known well; MRI was diagnostic at all time points. Rates of functional independence (mRS ≤2) at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months were 64%, 21%, and 18%, respectively. The diagnosis of stroke was considerably delayed in patients with AOPi, and only one patient received IV thrombolysis. SBP >140, impaired consciousness, and diplopia were the most common findings at presentation. CT was often nondiagnostic, but MRI demonstrated bilateral thalamic infarct in all cases. AOPi caused considerable long-term morbidity. Clinicians should maintain a high degree of suspicion for AOP stroke and consider thrombolysis in appropriately selected patients.

Teaching Video NeuroImage: Torsional Saccadic Palsy in Bilateral Thalamic Infarctions.

Teaching Video NeuroImage: Torsional Saccadic Palsy in Bilateral Thalamic Infarctions.

Abstract 108: Artery Of Percheron Infarctions (AOP): A Tale of Two Outcomes

Introduction The AOP is a rare anatomic variant in which a solitary arterial trunk arises from the proximal segment of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) and supplies the bilateral paramedian thalami and rostral midbrain. Occlusion may result in variable bilateral thalamic and midbrain infarcts. The clinical presentation is most commonly lethargy and somnolence thought to lack other localizing features. Often the diagnosis and treatment of stroke is delayed. Methods Here we present two cases of likely AOP infarcts which highlight the importance of considering this diagnosis on the differential of acute lethargy as timely treatment can lead to a significant difference in morbidity and mortality. Results Case 1: A 68‐year‐old male was initially admitted to an outside hospital with acute lethargy. He was transferred to our institution where he was found to be somnolent and required repeated stimulation to participate with interview. On further exam he was noted to have left ptosis, anisocoria, restricted left supra‐ and add‐ duction, and dysarthria. CT angiogram (CTA) showed no large vessel occlusion (LVO) or significant stenosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated acute infarcts in the medial thalami and subthalamic nuclei bilaterally and uppermost portion of the midbrain. He was out of the window for IV thrombolytic. He was ultimately discharged to inpatient rehab with a persistent CN III palsy. Case 2: A 71‐year‐old female was evaluated emergently via telestroke for acute lethargy and was found to additionally have vertical diplopia, right facial palsy, and subsequent bilateral numbness of the face, arms, and legs. NIHSS 10 for LOC questions (1), facial palsy (2), motor drift (1 pt for each limb), sensory loss (1), aphasia (1), and dysarthria (1). She was treated with IV tenecteplase 179 minutes after the last known well and ultimately had complete symptom resolution. CTA was negative for LVO or significant stenosis. MRI brain demonstrated acute infarcts in the medial thalami bilaterally. Conclusion Here we present two cases of acute onset lethargy. MRI Brain revealed relatively symmetric restricted diffusion in the bilateral thalami of both patients suggesting the presence of an AOP variant. In contrast to the first case, signs of a posterior circulation infarct were quickly recognized in the second patient and IV thrombolytic administration resulted in return to baseline. In both cases there were subtle neurologic findings that suggested midbrain involvement – ptosis, restricted ductions, anisocoria. A high level of suspicion for bilateral thalamic infarct and potential AOP variant should be maintained in cases of acute lethargy. Careful neurologic exam often reveals other signs suggestive of posterior circulation infarct and timely therapeutics can significantly improve morbidity and mortality.

Acute Infarction in the Artery of Percheron Territory During Cerebral Angiography: A Case Report

We present a case of a 51-year-old man with a history of hypertension and diabetes who underwent cerebral angiography for evaluation of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage. The procedure was unremarkable, but the patient did not wake up and remained minimally responsive afterward. Imaging studies showed bilateral medial thalamic and midbrain infarctions consistent with an artery of Percheron infarction. The patient received antiplatelet therapy and had minimal improvement in his cognitive function. He was discharged to a rehab center after one week of hospitalization. We shortly discuss this rare complication including the risk factor, clinical presentation, and the management.

C6 (Clinical Case) A 5-Year-Old with Headbanging and Hemiparesis

Abstract Introduction/Background A 5-year-old boy had a medical history of Phelan-McDermid syndrome; and with that associated autism spectrum disorder; severe, medication-resistant headbanging; and type 1 diabetes. He presented to community hospital with acute onset inability to walk, irritability, and vomiting. Case Description On examination he had left arm weakness and truncal ataxia. CT head identified a left cerebellar infarction. He was transferred to the local children’s hospital, and CT angiogram showed left PICA proximal occlusion. Due to diagnostic delay, the infarct was not amenable to endovascular intervention. Initial management was neuroprotective care, and given his history of headbanging and the risk of further trauma, only ASA monotherapy. MR brain visualized a left vertebral artery dissection, the stroke’s likely cause. Other causes were ruled out with normal echocardiogram and thrombophilia work-up, including antiphospholipid panel. Genetic analysis was negative for connective tissue diseases, bleeding or clotting disorders. On day 5 of admission, he acutely developed worsened left arm weakness and inability to bear weight. Repeat brain imaging showed new bilateral medial thalamic infarcts and diffusion restriction within the right putamen. Given this progression, despite the risk of bleeding, heparin was initiated. On day 9, repeat CT head identified a new lacunar infarct. On day 14, repeat MRI confirmed clinical stability, and he was switched from heparin to enoxaparin. After 27 days, he was discharged for home-based rehabilitation. His three-month follow-up MRI was stable, and anticoagulation was discontinued, while he remained on ASA only. Discussion There is no known association between Phelan-McDermid syndrome and cerebrovascular diseases. However, self-injurious behaviour, such as head banging, is not uncommon in the paediatric population, particularly among neurodiverse patients. These behaviours, in and of themselves, can cause significant injury and morbidity. The case shows how severe headbanging may have caused vertebral artery dissection with thromboembolic consequences. As such, for patients who demonstrate self-injurious behaviour, it is important to counsel these patients and families on potential harms, and inform efforts to mitigate risk, where possible. In cases of acute change to neurological status, stroke should remain on the differential diagnosis, and brain imaging should be considered. Time to central imaging affects therapeutic opportunities, as exemplified in this case where, due to delays in obtaining imaging, endovascular therapy was not an option for the patient. Conclusion Many children engage in self-injurious behaviour that can, as in this case, cause devastating consequences. Clinicians should remain wary of change in neurologic status and have low thresholds for central nervous system imaging, especially for patients with non-verbal communication.

Somnolence Revealing Bilateral Thalamic Stroke in a Patient with Vertebral Artery Dissection

ABSTRACT Bilateral thalamic infarcts are rare presentations of stroke. They are the result of a complex combination of risk factors and a predisposing vessel distribution. The artery of Percheron, characterised by a single arterial trunk that irrigates both paramedian thalamic regions, can be occluded as a result of embolic diseases leading to bilateral paramedian thalamic infarcts. We describe a 35-year-old male patient with no relevant medical history who was admitted to hospital with somnolence lasting for 1 week. The scans revealed symmetric bilateral paramedian thalamic hypodensity consistent with bilateral thalamic stroke. Bilateral thalamic infarcts are unusual presentations of posterior circulation stroke; once they are diagnosed by an adequate neuroimaging protocol, further evaluation to define the cause is necessary.

Agitation and somnolence by bilateral paramedian thalamic infarct

Key Clinical MessageBilateral thalamic infarction in paramedian artery territory may present with severe acute illness, confusion, coma and memory impairment. However, subtle clinical presentation as in our case should alert the clinician to consider such a diagnosis as it can be associated with good prognosis.AbstractBilateral thalamic infarct is a rare form of stroke. Mostly thalamic infarcts are unilateral. In most cases, bilateral thalamic infarction leads to cognitive dysfunction, opthalmoparesis, conscious impairment, behavioral disturbance, and corticospinal dysfunction. Here, we describe the case of a 75‐year‐old male patient who presented to the emergency department of our hospital with agitation and somnolence for one day. He had poorly controlled hypertension. There was no previous history of stroke, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, known cardiac disease, or smoking history. There was no seizure, recent headache, or visual disturbance. The patient was somnolent and not oriented to time, person, or place. Neurological examination did not show any focal weakness or vertical eye movement restrictions. Other systemic examinations, including those of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, were unremarkable. Extensive laboratory investigations excluded potential metabolic, infectious, endocrine, or toxic etiologies. The patient did not have any recent history of drug misuse, including benzodiazepines. Brain MRI with diffusion‐weighted imaging showed an acute bilateral thalamic infarct. Cerebral angiography was unremarkable. The patient was treated with low molecular weight heparin 60 mg subcutaneously, aspirin 300 mg daily, and haloperidol 5 mg twice daily for agitation. After two weeks of intrahospital treatment, his condition improved (consciousness and orientation massively improved).

Clinical review and analysis of artery of Percheron infarction

Artery of Percheron infarction is a rare one of the neurovascular structure variants of acute ischemic stroke characterized by bilateral paramedian thalamic infarcts (BTPI), with or without mesencephalic infarction. Due to the low occurrence rate and various clinical manifestations, the early diagnosis of this disease is often missed. In addition, it is also difficult to diagnose this disease in an early implementation phase because cranial imaging and intracranial vascular imaging may show negative results. So far, its clinical cases have been rarely reported. We systematically reviewed the clinical manifestations, imaging characteristics, anatomical basis, and differentiation diagnosis of the artery of Percheron infarction and reported on three patients and their clinical and radiological medical imaging characteristic findings. We found that most of the infarct lesions in patients with an AOP infraction could not be displayed within a few hours or could not be fully displayed, even the embolism events, most of which showed typical imaging lesions at late review. The decrease of transient consciousness was obvious over the course of the three patients, and the decrease of active communication was also a major feature. Among the three cases, one patient had unilateral upper eyelid ptosis and miosis; the initial symptom of another patient was dizziness; and the other person had decreased computing power after infarction. These clinical symptoms are easily ignored in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with AOP infarction. Therefore, reporting the three clinical cases mentioned above will provide assistance for subsequent research by increasing clinical data.

Bilateral anterior thalamic symmetrical infarction: a case study

BackgroundBilateral anterior thalamic symmetrical infarction is very rarely observed in clinical practice and has rarely been reported in the literature. In this paper we introduce a patient with bilateral anterior thalamic symmetrical infarction and discuss his symptoms, treatment process, and follow-up visit results, as well as the potential pathological mechanisms of the disease.Case presentation: A 71-year-old male had a sudden cognitive decline four days prior to medical consultation. The patient’s brain MRI showed symmetrical high signals in the anterior part of both sides of the thalamus. The patient’s head MRV and immunological tests were normal, and we considered that this patient had a rare case of bilateral anterior thalamic infarction. After 10 days of anti-platelet aggregation that lowered blood lipids and improved circulation, the patient’s symptoms significantly abated. Two years later, we found through telephone follow-up that the patient’s symptoms had not relapsed substantially and that he was able to perform self-care, having only continued to suffer a slight decline in short-term memory.ConclusionFor patients with bilateral prethalamic lesions who have only acute cognitive impairment, if the lesions conform to the blood supply area of both thalamic nodular arteries and DWI shows a high signal, the diagnosis of acute cerebral infarction should be considered, and the standard treatment plan for cerebral infarction should be given as soon as possible.

Artery of Percheron Infarction: Clinical Presentation and Outcomes (P6-5.032)

<h3>Objective:</h3> We sought to characterize the presentation, acute treatment, and outcomes in patients with artery of Percheron (AOP) strokes. <h3>Background:</h3> The AOP is an uncommon vascular variant whose occlusion produces bilateral thalamic infarction often resulting in deficits of arousal. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> We conducted a keyword search of our institution’s neuroimaging database from 2014–2022. All possible cases of AOP infarction were reviewed by two neurologists. We abstracted patient demographics, clinical presentation, acute treatment, acute neuroimaging findings, and laboratory results from the medical record. The median modified Ranking Scale (mRS) and interquartile range (IQR) at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months was analyzed to assess post-AOP stroke disability. Descriptive statistics were used to report clinical findings. <h3>Results:</h3> Our initial search identified 192 potential AOP cases. Fourteen cases of AOP infarction were confirmed and included in our study (8 female [57.1%], median age 67.5 [IQR 60.75–75], median presenting NIHSS 6 [IQR 2–15.25]). Hypertension or systolic blood pressure &gt; 140 (78.5%), decreased level of consciousness (6, 42.8%), and diplopia (6, 42.8%) were the most common presenting complaints. Eleven cases (78.6%) presented to the emergency department (ED). Median time from symptom onset to ED arrival was 14.3 hours (IQR 3.4–63.1); four cases (28.6%) arrived within the conventional thrombolysis time window. Median time from ED arrival to stroke diagnosis was 4.6 hours (IQR 3.8–15.8). Only one patient (7.1%) received IV thrombolysis. Median mRS increased from 2.0 (IQR 0–4) at baseline to 4.0 (IQR 3–5) at 3 months, and 4.0 (IQR 3–4.5) at 12 months. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Apart from diplopia and hypertension, AOP infarction patients had diverse, non-specific clinical presentations resulting in delayed diagnosis. As a result, despite AOP infarction causing considerable long-term disability, only one patient received IV thrombolysis. Clinicians should maintain a high degree of suspicion for AOP stroke and intervene aggressively in appropriately selected patients. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Ramezani Hashtjin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ikramuddin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Streib has nothing to disclose.

Teaching Neuro Images : Comatose patient with bilateral thalamic infarct due to internal carotid artery occlusion

An 88-year-old woman with a medical history of diabetes, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation presented to the emergency room after being found unresponsive with a NIH Stroke Scale score of 23 and Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3. She was unresponsive to painful stimuli. Noncontrast CT demonstrated bilateral thalamic infarcts (figure 1A).

Teaching NeuroImages: Rupture and spontaneous resolution of a P1 perforator pseudoaneurysm

A 47-year-old man with a history of smoking and hypertension had a severe, sudden headache. Head CT showed subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) (figure, A). Progressive ophthalmoplegia developed without alteration of consciousness. Catheter angiography was normal (figure, B). Brain MRI documented bilateral thalamic infarcts (figure, C). Repeat catheter angiography after 4 days showed a 2-mm dissecting pseudoaneurysm of a thalamoperforator (figure, D and E). Serial noninvasive vascular studies documented no growth. Six weeks later, a catheter angiogram demonstrated complete resolution of the pseudoaneurysm (figure, F).Bilateral third nerve palsy persisted at 1 year follow-up. Dissecting pseudoaneurysms of perforating posterior circulation vessels can present with a pattern suggestive of perimesencephalic SAH. Presence of associated neurologic deficits should increase the level of suspicion. Spontaneous resolution can occur without invasive treatment.1

Prevalence, clinical features, and radiological pattern of artery of Percheron infarction: a challenging diagnosis.

Occlusion of artery of Percheron (AOP), a rare variant of paramedian branches of posterior cerebral artery, results in a characteristic pattern of ischemic lesions in bilateral paramedian thalami with or without midbrain and anterior thalami involvement. To evaluate the prevalence, the clinical, and the imaging features of AOP infarction in a single comprehensive stroke center experience. We retrospectively search in our stroke center database, patients with ischemic lesions in the AOP distribution. We collected clinical features and time between hospital admission and diagnosis. Imaging findings were categorized following a pre-selected classification. Of 2830 ischemic stroke admitted in our center, we identified 15 patients with AOP infarction (0.53%). Clinical manifestations were variable, but oculomotor disturbances, particularly vertical gaze palsy, were the most observed, followed by consciousness impairment, varying from drowsiness to coma. The most frequent imaging pattern was bilateral paramedian thalamic infarction with midbrain infarction, and the V-sign was recognized in 6 cases from this group. In 8 patients a fetal origin of the PCA was observed. The average time from first hospital admission to diagnosis was 28.09h. The prevalence of AOP infarction in our center was 0.53%. Diagnosis of AOP infarction can be challenging and should be suspected in case of sudden altered consciousness.

Bilateral Thalamic Infarction Related to Artery of Percheron with Microembolic Signal

The artery of Percheron (AOP) is an uncommon variant of the posterior cerebral artery that supplies blood to the paramedian thalamus and rostral midbrain. AOP is often difficult to recognize with intracranial magnetic resonance angiography due to its small size. Although a number of case reports of AOP occlusion have been published, cause of the occlusion is mostly unclear. We experienced a case of AOP occlusion which resulted in bilateral thalamic infarction. It was most likely caused by a microembolism through right-left shunt.

590 - Bilateral thalamic infarcts due to an insufficient posterior circulation

590 - Bilateral thalamic infarcts due to an insufficient posterior circulation

Diffusion Restriction in Bilateral Thalami: Beyond Artery of Percheron Infarct.

Bilateral thalamic infarction, especially the medial thalamus, has been characteristically described in the artery of Percheron (AOP) affection. However, bilateral thalamic restriction has been described in many entities beyond the AOP infarction. Here we describe a case series (three cases) with infection as an etiology for bilateral thalamic lesions in the topographic distribution of the AOP from a tertiary care center in tropical India. : Case series during a 1-year period collecting cases with bilateral thalamic diffusion restriction on MRI who did not have thalamic infarcts and their outcomes. : Bilateral thalamic lesion can occur in both bacterial and viral infections such as tuberculosis, dengue, and SARS-COV-2. Thus, we intend to add infections as one of the etiologies in the ever-expanding list of conditions that produce bilateral thalamic restriction. All the acute symmetric thalamic lesions are not always secondary to vascular insult. Accurate assessment and prompt diagnosis can prevent unnecessary delays in treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first case series in the literature that throws light on the bilateral thalamic lesions in the topographic distribution of the AOP secondary to infections in a tropical country like India.

Excellent Visualization of Artery of Percheron in MR Angiography Associated with Bilateral Thalamic Infarcts.

Excellent Visualization of Artery of Percheron in MR Angiography Associated with Bilateral Thalamic Infarcts.

Recanalization of an occluded artery of Percheron causing acute bilateral thalamic infarction

An 87-year-old woman was admitted with acute onset of disturbed consciousness. On neurological examination, both pupils were dilated and non-reactive to light. Decerebrate rigidity was present. Babinski testing was positive. CTA suggested an isolated left P1 segment occlusion. The P2 segment was supplied from the left internal carotid artery via the posterior communicating artery. MRI showed bilateral paramedian thalamic infarctions. Because occlusion of the artery of Percheron was suspected, intravenous thrombolysis was performed. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed occlusion of the left P1 segment and spontaneous recanalization before endovascular treatment. Her consciousness improved immediately. When acute bilateral thalamic infarction suggests top of the basilar artery syndrome but no basilar artery occlusion is found, occlusion of the artery of Percheron should be considered. Thrombectomy of the affected P1 segment may be needed.