Recurrent artery of Heubner
The recurrent artery of Heubner, Heubner's artery or medial striate artery is named after the German paediatrician Otto Heubner and is a branch from the anterior cerebral artery, typically from the proximal A2 segment or distal A1 segment, or at the level of the optic chiasm. Its vascular territory is the anteromedial section of the caudate nucleus and the anterioinferior section of the internal capsule, as well as parts of the putamen and septal nuclei.
| Recurrent artery of Heubner | |
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| Anatomical terminology |
In cases of obstructed flow in the Heubner's artery, the individual may experience infarction in those subcortical areas and thus hemiparesis. More proximal portions of the artery may cause spastic paraparesis and sensory loss contralateral to the lesioned side. Urinary incontinence and gait apraxia are also not uncommon findings.
Of note, occlusive damage to Heubner's artery may also present with contralateral grip reflex issues, and symptoms of frontal lobe disorder. Contralateral gaze preference with or without transcortical motor aphasia may present in instances where the left hemisphere is affected in this type of occlusion.