|
|
|
|
Forty-eight patients (61%) had infarcts limited to the PCA territory (pure PCA), while 31 (39%) also had infarcts in other territories (PCA+). Infarcts were in the cortical territory of the PCA in 47 patients (59%) and were cortical and deep in 32 (41%). Infarcts that were cortical and deep were more common in PCA+ lesions. Stroke mechanisms were embolism of cardiac origin (32 [41%]), proximal arterial disease (25 [32%]), cryptogenic embolism (8 [10%]), intrinsic PCA disease (7 [9%]), vaso constriction (4 [5%]), and coagulopathy (3 [4%]). Patients with cardiogenic embolism and intrinsic PCA disease often had pure PCA territory infarcts, while patients with proximal arterial disease more often had PCA+ infarcts. Visual abnormalities were p resent in 66 patients (84%). Motor weakness, cognitive and behavioral abnormalities, and ataxia were found in 20 patients (25%); only 12 (15%) had sensory signs. The great majority of pure PCA and PCA+ territory infarcts are caused by cardiac or intra-a rterial embolism. Intrinsic PCA disease, vasoconstriction, and coagulopathy are less common causes of infarction. |
|