Abstract
The small infarctions developped in the white matter (corona radiata) lateral to the middle of caudate body were analized. We collected 17 such cases, aged 44-75 years old. In many cases the sizes of the lesion were not larger than 20 mm in diameter on CT scan, and the area was just spreaded to the top of putamen. In summary their natures are as follows : (1) It takes much time from the onset to the completion of the symptoms. (2) As a risk factor, hypertension and glucose intolerance are often seen. (3) There are not few cases of infarction which occurred under good control of their hypertension. (4) Hematocrit level is not always high. (5) Clinucal symptom reveals pure motor hemiplegia, more prominent on the upper extremity especially distally. (6) On angiography many cases show prominent arteriosclerosis of carotid siphon, the main trunk of anterior and middle cerebral arteries. The character of the clinical symptom is probably due to the fact that the fibers from the precentral motor area of the upper extremity to the internal capsule go through this area. Other natures will be the ones of terminal or border zone infarction. Probably this area belongs to the border zone of the cortical branches and perforators of middle cerebral artery, or the terminal zone of the perforators of middle cerebral artery.
When take it the other way round, we should consider this type of infarctions when we see the patients who have pure motor hemiplegia conspicuous on the upper extremity especially distally. This knowledge is useful for clinical diagnosis.
