Choroid plexus infarction

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 20 Jan 2021

Choroid plexus infarction is an uncommon stroke syndrome that results from ischemic changes of the choroid plexus cells supplied by the medial posterior choroidal artery, a branch from the posterior cerebral artery (PCA).

Isolated choroid plexus infarction is rare and has no specific clinical features. Also, there is no known effect of choroid plexus ischemia on CSF regulation. It is usually discovered incidentally in the context of PCA infarction with clinical symptoms related to the cerebral parenchymal infarction, rather than choroid plexus infarction

Ischemia of the choroid plexus is rare due to its rich blood supply and anastomosis of the anterior choroidal artery, a branch from the internal carotid artery, and the posterior choroidal artery, a branch from the posterior cerebral artery

The posterior choroidal artery is not a single artery (often up to 10 or 11 per hemisphere). The posterior choroidal arteries are divided into the medial posterior choroidal artery and lateral posterior choroidal artery groups. They usually arise from the P2 segment of the PCA near the thalamogeniculate perforators. The medial artery is usually the one involved in choroid plexus infarction.

The lateral ventricle choroid plexus is more susceptible to ischemia compared to that of the fourth ventricle.

MR diffusion-weighted imaging is the main study detecting choroid plexus infarction where it appears restricted eliciting high signal in DWI and low signal in ADC. It is rare to be isolated. It is usually unilateral and associated with other infarcts along posterior cerebral artery territory especially the posterior cerebral cortex, thalamocapsular and pericallosal regions.

Angiographic studies (CT, MRI, or conventional) can demonstrate the posterior cerebral artery stenosis or occlusion.

Considerations include

  • choroid plexus xanthogranuloma
    • may also appear restricted in DWI
    • an incidental finding with no associated other infarctions
    • usually bilateral
  • choroid plexus cyst
    • follow CSF in all pulse sequences with no restriction in diffusion study
    • an incidental finding

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.