13 Infarct is the third leading cause of death in industrialized countries. Infarct may be due to arterial or venous causes; arterial causes are more common. Venous infarcts most often affect young adults and children; in adults, ~75% occur in women. The main differentiating feature between arterial and venous infarcts is that arterial infarcts conform to an arterial distribution reflecting the pathophysiology of occluded inflow. Venous infarcts, which are caused by outflow occlusion and cerebral edema, do not (Table 13.1). Venous thromboses most commonly involve the sagittal and transverse sinuses; less commonly, the cortical veins and the deep venous system are involved. Venous infarcts are more frequently hemorrhagic and involve the white matter rather than the cortex. In venous sinus thrombosis, areas of edema may be reversible and not progress to infarction.
Arterial Infarcts versus Venous Infarcts
| Arterial Infarct | Venous Infarct | |
|---|---|---|
| CT Vascular | Dense MCA Enhancement of vessels due to slow and/or collateral flow Filling defect |
