Two exceptional cases of mesencephalic lacunar infarcts located both in the anterior vascular territory are reported. In patient 1, the infarct selectively involved the red nucleus, thus resulting in a Claude's syndrome. In patient 2, the lesion was limited to the external 2/3 of the cerebral peduncle, and was responsible for a pure motor hemiplegia (PMH). CT scan easily demonstrated the lesion in both cases. Claude's syndrome is very unusual, and PMH has only been reported once before in a mesencephalic infarct. The reasons why these lesions are so uncommon are discussed.