1. Aetiology of carotid territory infarction

1. Thromboembolism of ICA/MCA (50%)
2. Small vessel disease (25%) – result from occlusion of small penetrating cerebral arterioles, produce lacunar infarcts
3. Cardiogenic thromboembolism (15%) – atrial fibrillation, ventricular mural thrombus (due to myocardial infarct), valvular lesions (vegetations, endocarditis)
4. Haematological disorders (5%)- polycythaemia, myeloma, sickle cell disease
5. Others (5%) – collagen vascular disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus, polyarteritis nodosa), giant cell arteritis