Pericallosal artery

The pericallosal artery is the principal distal continuation of the anterior cerebral artery and is named for its close relationship to the corpus callosum. It represents the continuation of the ACA beyond the anterior communicating artery region.

From there, the pericallosal artery enters the longitudinal cerebral fissure and courses around the genu of the corpus callosum. It then runs posteriorly within the pericallosal sulcus, closely following the superior surface of the corpus callosum, and running inferior and parallel to the callosomarginal artery.

Branches and vascular distribution

The pericallosal artery gives rise to cortical branches supplying the medial frontal and parietal surfaces. These include the internal frontal branches, paracentral artery, superior and inferior parietal branches, and branches supplying the precuneus. It also gives small branches to the corpus callosum.

These branches supply corpus callosum, particularly its anterior and central portions, cingulate gyrus, medial frontal cortex, paracentral lobule, medial parietal cortex, and precuneus.

Clinical correlates

Pericallosal artery occlusion can produce an infarction in the territory of the anterior cerebral artery, with contralateral lower-limb motor and sensory deficits, sparing the upper limbs and face regions.