Vascularization of the Subthalamic Nucleus: Highlighting the Significance of the Premamillary Artery

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The need for a better understanding of the subthalamic nucleus (STN)'s vascular anatomy is still evident because revealing its vascular supply may increase insight in the pathogenesis of related disorders, such as STN ischemia. The mechanisms under motor, behavioral, and cognitive changes following deep brain stimulation treatment may also be explained by its pattern of vascularization. The primary goal of this study was to delineate the vascularization of the STN and highlight the predominant perforating arteries supplying its territory.