What Is the Difference Between Cerebral Infarction and Lacunar Infarction?
Aug 01, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Man
Introduction
Lacunar infarction is a type of cerebral infarction. It refers to small, deep cerebral infarcts—typically measuring less than 15–20 mm in diameter—located in the basal ganglia, thalamus, internal capsule, pons, or cerebellum. Lacunar infarctions are distinct from cardioembolic stroke and large-artery atherosclerotic infarction; they most commonly result from occlusion of small penetrating (lenticulostriate or paramedian) arteries, often due to lipohyalinosis or microatheroma. Although lacunar infarcts are relatively small in size, the underlying pathophysiology may reflect more widespread cerebral small vessel disease.
Both cerebral infarction and lacunar cerebral infarction are cerebrovascular diseases caused by impaired blood supply to the brain, potentially leading to various abnormal symptoms in patients. This suggests that many people are unaware of the differences between cerebral infarction and lacunar cerebral infarction. So, what distinguishes cerebral infarction from lacunar infarction?
What Are the Differences Between Cerebral Infarction and Lacunar Infarction?
Lacunar infarction is a subtype of cerebral infarction. Specifically, it refers to a small-area cerebral infarction—such as those resulting from cardioembolic stroke, large-artery atherosclerotic infarction, or other etiologies. As a minor subset of cerebral infarction, lacunar infarction is often simply termed “lacunar infarction.” Most lacunar infarctions arise from occlusion of small penetrating arteries. In contrast, cerebral infarction encompasses a broader spectrum, including lacunar infarction as well as other types of ischemic stroke. Thus, lacunar infarction represents a specific, narrow classification; cerebral infarction may therefore manifest as lacunar infarction, large-area cerebral infarction, or embolic stroke.
Both lacunar infarction and cerebral infarction fall under the umbrella diagnosis of cerebral infarction, with lacunar infarction being one specific subtype. Clinically, cerebral infarction is categorized by etiology into lacunar infarction, cerebral embolism, cerebral thrombosis, and watershed infarction, among others. The infarct diameter in lacunar infarction typically ranges from 0.2 to 15 mm; infarcts exceeding 15 mm in diameter are classified as (non-lacunar) cerebral infarction. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are the predominant underlying causes of lacunar infarction. Patients commonly present with localized neurological signs and symptoms—such as pure sensory stroke or pure motor hemiparesis—without global manifestations like altered consciousness or diffuse cerebral dysfunction. Prognosis is generally favorable. In contrast, larger cerebral infarcts may cause impaired consciousness, elevated intracranial pressure, and generalized symptoms—including headache, nausea, and vomiting—resulting in poorer outcomes.
Patients are advised to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, adhere to a light diet low in salt and fat, and closely follow medical recommendations. We hope this information proves helpful.
