Which arteries are typically involved in a Large Vessel Occlusion (LVO)?

Which arteries are typically involved in a Large Vessel Occlusion (LVO)?

• A. Posterior cerebral artery P1 only
• B. Basilar artery thrombosis only
• C. Intracranial internal carotid and M1/M2 segments
• D. Middle cerebral artery P2 segments

Answer: (C)

Large Vessel Occlusion involves blockage of major intracranial arteries that supply large brain territories, producing dramatic deficits and rapid treatment needs. The vessels most commonly involved are the intracranial internal carotid artery and the proximal segments of the middle cerebral artery (the M1 trunk and its essential branches, with M2 often included in broader definitions). These vessels have large calibers and feed extensive regions of cortex and subcortical structures, so their occlusion tends to cause sizable strokes that are highly time-sensitive and commonly treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Occlusions of more distal branches, or of vessels in the posterior circulation such as the basilar artery or PCA P1, usually produce different patterns and are not the typical anterior-circulation LVOs emphasized for rapid response. Therefore, blockage of the intracranial internal carotid and MCA M1/M2 segments best reflects the common presentation of an LVO.

Large Vessel Occlusion involves blockage of major intracranial arteries that supply large brain territories, producing dramatic deficits and rapid treatment needs. The vessels most commonly involved are the intracranial internal carotid artery and the proximal segments of the middle cerebral artery (the M1 trunk and its essential branches, with M2 often included in broader definitions). These vessels have large calibers and feed extensive regions of cortex and subcortical structures, so their occlusion tends to cause sizable strokes that are highly time-sensitive and commonly treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Occlusions of more distal branches, or of vessels in the posterior circulation such as the basilar artery or PCA P1, usually produce different patterns and are not the typical anterior-circulation LVOs emphasized for rapid response. Therefore, blockage of the intracranial internal carotid and MCA M1/M2 segments best reflects the common presentation of an LVO.