Pseudoperipheral palsy due to infarction in the internal capsule

Abstract

Pseudoperipheral palsy can be caused by cerebral cortical infarctions; however, it is rarely caused by lacunar infarctions, including those in the posterior limb of the internal capsule. Meanwhile, the somatotopic localization of the corticospinal tract in the posterior limb of the internal capsule remains unknown. We herein report the case of an 81-year-old Japanese woman who presented with a left hand drop. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed an acute infarction as the causative lesion at the inferior level of the anteromedial portion of the posterior limb of the right internal capsule. This case report indicates the topography of hand fibers in the internal capsule. © 2013 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.