Imaging characteristics and treatment strategies for carotid artery occlusion caused by skull base fracture:Three case reports

BACKGROUND Traumatic internal carotid artery(ICA)occlusion is a rare complication of skull base fractures,characterized by high mortality and disability rates,and poor prognosis.Therefore,timely discovery and correct management are crucial for saving the lives of such patients and improving their prognosis.This article retrospectively analyzed the imaging and clinical data of three patients,to explore the imaging characteristics and treatment strategies for carotid artery occlusion,combined with severe skull base fractures.CASE SUMMARY This case included three patients,all male,aged 21,63,and 16 years.They underwent plain film skull computed tomography(CT)examination at the onset of their illnesses,which revealed fractures at the bases of their skulls.Ultimately,these cases were definitively diagnosed through CT angiography(CTA)examinations.The first patient did not receive surgical treatment,only anticoagulation therapy,and recovered smoothly with no residual limb dysfunction(Case 1).The other two patients both developed intracranial hypertension and underwent decompressive craniectomy.One of these patients had high intracranial pressure and significant brain swelling postoperatively,leading the family to choose to take him home(Case 2).The other patient also underwent decompressive craniectomy and recovered well postoperatively with only mild limb motor dysfunction(Case 3).We retrieved literature from PubMed on skull base fractures causing ICA occlusion to determine the imaging characteristics and treatment strategies for this type of disease.CONCLUSION For patients with cranial trauma combined with skull base fractures,it is essential to complete a CTA examination as soon as possible,to screen for blunt cerebrovascular injury.

Imaging characteristics and treatment strategies for carotid artery occlusion caused by skull base fracture

The internal carotid artery occlusion caused by head and neck trauma,also known as traumatic intracranial artery occlusion,is relatively rare clinically.Traumatic skull base fracture is a common complication of traumatic brain injury.Traumatic skull base fracture is one of the causes of traumatic internal carotid artery occlusion.If not detected early and treated in time,the prognosis of patients is poor.This editorial makes a relevant analysis of this disease.

Cerebral perfusion in patients with unilateral internal carotid artery occlusion by dual post-labeling delays arterial spin labeling imaging

BACKGROUND Global and regional cerebral blood flow(CBF)changes in patients with unilateral internal carotid artery occlusion(ICAO)are unclear when the dual post-labeling delays(PLD)arterial spin labeling(ASL)magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)technique is used.Manual delineation of regions of interest for CBF measurement is time-consuming and laborious.AIM To assess global and regional CBF changes in patients with unilateral ICAO with the ASL-MRI perfusion technique.METHODS Twenty hospitalized patients with ICAO and sex-and age-matched controls were included in the study.Regional CBF was measured by Dr.Brain's ASL software.The present study evaluated differences in global,middle cerebral artery(MCA)territory,anterior cerebral artery territory,and Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score(ASPECTS)regions(including the caudate nucleus,lentiform nucleus,insula ribbon,internal capsule,and M1-M6)and brain lobes(including frontal,parietal,temporal,and insular lobes)between ICAO patients and controls at PLD 1.5 s and PLD 2.5 s.RESULTS When comparing CBF between ICAO patients and controls,the global CBF in ICAO patients was lower at both PLD 1.5 s and PLD 2.5 s;the CBF on the occluded side was lower in 15 brain regions at PLD 1.5 s,and it was lower in 9 brain regions at PLD 2.5 s;the CBF in the contralateral hemisphere was lower in the caudate nucleus and internal capsule at PLD 1.5 s and in M6 at PLD 2.5 s.The global CBF in ICAO patients was lower at PLD 1.5 s than at PLD 2.5 s.The ipsilateral CBF at PLD 1.5 s was lower than that at PLD 2.5 s in 15 regions,whereas the contralateral CBF was lower at PLD 1.5 s than at PLD 2.5 s in 12 regions.The ipsilateral CBF was lower than the contralateral CBF in 15 regions at PLD 1.5 s,and in M6 at PLD 2.5 s.CONCLUSION Unilateral ICAO results in hypoperfusion in the global and MCA territories,especially in the ASPECTS area.Dual PLD settings prove more suitable for accurate CBF quantification in ICAO.

Endovascular Therapy of Internal Carotid Artery Tandem Occlusions and Literature Review

Acute large vessel occlusion is a common cause of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), with high rates of disability and lethality. The incidence of tandem occlusion of the internal carotid artery accounts for about 20% of patients with large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation in acute ischemic stroke. The low rate of recanalization by intravenous thrombolysis in AIS due to internal carotid artery tandem occlusion, the poor establishment of collateral circulation within a short time, and the complex pathogenesis often suggest a poor prognosis for patients. Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is beneficial for the opening of intracranial large vessel occlusion with internal carotid artery tandem occlusion, there are many problems regarding the emergency management of carotid artery occlusion or stenosis after mechanical thrombectomy, and there are currently no standardized treatment recommendations;The sequential approach to the management of carotid tandem occlusion, the timing of carotid stenting, and the use of antiplatelet agents remain controversial. The current state of research on carotid tandem occlusion is analyzed in the literature to promote clinical understanding of endovascular treatment for patients with acute ischemic stroke due to carotid tandem occlusion.

Hybrid surgery for symptomatic chronic complete occlusion of the internal carotid artery: A case report

Currently,there are antiplatelet drugs,extracranial-intracranial(EC-IC)vascular bypass,carotid endarterectomy(CEA),endovascular intervention(EI),and other revascularization procedures for symptomatic chronic internal carotid artery occlusion(CICAO).In consulting the literature,we found that existing techniques for single treatments cannot achieve satisfactory results when there is a long segment occlusion with plaque attached to the intracranial segment and a short stump at the initial segment.We reported the case of a 50-year-old male patient with blurred vision,headache,and weakness in the right upper limb.After the exclusion of other neurological diseases,he was diagnosed with symptomatic CICAO;the occlusion segment was long and the stump was too short.We performed a novel hybrid surgery for the patient—a carotid endarterectomy combined with internal carotid artery stenting.After 6 months of follow-up,computed tomography angiography(CTA)confirmed that the left internal carotid artery was unobstructed,and the symptoms were relieved.A brief review of the literature is presented in addition to this report.

Bilateral cerebral infarction in diabetic ketoacidosis and bilateral internal carotid artery occlusion:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)is a serious complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM).Very rarely does DKA lead to cerebral edema,and it is even rarer for it to result in cerebral infarction.Bilateral internal carotid artery occlusion(BICAO)is also rare and can cause fatal stroke.Moreover,case reports about acute cerebral infarction throughout both internal carotid arteries with simultaneous BICAO are very scarce.In this study,we present a patient with BICAO,T1DM,hypertension,and hyperlipidemia,who had a catastrophic bilateral cerebral infarction after a DKA episode.We briefly introduce BICAO and the mechanisms by which DKA results in cerebral infarction.CASE SUMMARY A 41-year-old woman presented with ischemic stroke that took place 3 mo prior over the left corona radiata,bilateral frontal lobe,and parietal lobe with right hemiplegia and Broca’s aphasia.She had a history of hypertension for 5 years,hyperlipidemia for 4 years,hyperthyroidism for 3 years,and T1DM for 31 years.The first brain magnetic resonance imaging not only revealed the aforementioned ischemic lesions but also bilateral internal carotid artery occlusion.She was admitted to our ward for rehabilitation due to prior stroke sequalae.DKA took place on hospital day 2.On hospital day 6,she had a new massive infarction over the bilateral anterior cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery territory.After weeks of aggressive treatment,she remained in a coma and on mechanical ventilation due to respiratory failure.After discussion with her family,compassionate extubation was performed on hospital day 29 and she died.CONCLUSION DKA can lead to cerebral infarction due to several mechanisms.In people with existing BICAO and several stroke risk factors such as hypertension, T1DM,hyperlipidemia, DKA has the potential to cause more serious ischemic strokes.

Central retinal artery occlusion after endovascular coil embolization for internal carotid artery aneurysm

Dear Editor,We are writing this letter to report an unexpected rare caseofcentralretinalarteryocclusion(CRAO)happened after stent-assisted coiling for internal carotid artery(ICA)aneurysm in a female patient.CRAO is a devastating ocular emergency with poor visual prognosis and no universal acceptedtreatmentatpresent.CRAOisusuallyassociated witharterialhypertension,diabetesmellitus,renaldisease.

Primary balloon angioplasty for chronic occlusion of intracranial internal carotid artery: A case report

Chronic occlusion of large intracranial arteries is the main cause of ischemic stroke in China.Patients with symptomatic intracranial artery occlusion and hemodynamic impairment are at high risk of recurrent stroke.Chronic occlusion of the intracranial segment of the internal carotid artery is a common type of intracranial artery occlusion.Medical management is regarded as the standard treatment for this disease.With the development of endovascular treatment,some patients with chronic cerebral artery occlusion have achieved satisfactory results with endovascular therapy.We reported a patient with symptomatic chronic occlusion of the ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery.Simple balloon angioplasty was performed,and the occluded ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery was successfully recanalized without perioperative complications.At 4 months followup,the internal carotid artery remained patent and perfusion of the right cerebral hemisphere improved dramatically.In addition,we briefly reviewed the relevant literature.

Tissue plasminogen activator via cross-collateralization for tandem internal carotid and middle cerebral artery occlusion

Tandem internal carotid and middle cerebral artery occlusion after carotid dissection predicts poor outcome after systemic thrombolysis. Current treatments include the use of endovascular carotid stenting, which carries with it a high risk of propagating further embolic events and worsening the dissection. New strategies for avoiding the aforementioned side-effects include recanalization using cross-collaterals for delivery of intra-lesional tissue plasminogen activator(t PA). We present two cases that provide further support for this novel approach. Both patients presented with a National Institute of Health Stroke Scale of 20, received intra-arterial t PA via cross-collateralization, and made full recoveries without the need for stenting.

Clinical characteristics and treatment strategies of acute ischemic stroke with internal carotid artery occlusion: a case report

Acute ischemic stroke has the characteristics of high disability,lethality and recurrence rate,which seriously threatens the health of middle-aged and elderly people.This article describes the acute ischemic stroke with internal carotid artery occlusion as the main clinical feature and discusses its treatment strategy.Treatment remedies:clinical diagnosis was carried out based on the present medical history,physical examination and craniocerebral CT(computed tomography).Neurological function was improved by intravenous thrombolysis,cerebrovascular angiography was used to clarify cerebrovascular occlusion,cerebral blood supply was identified by CT perfusion,and neurological function recovery was followed up.After intravenous thrombolysis,the patient’s consciousness turned clear and the right limb muscle strength recovery was not obvious,but the patient did not receive bridging therapy.Cerebral angiography showed about 90%stenosis at the beginning of the left internal carotid artery,and the blood flow terminated at the C7 segment.Cerebral CT perfusion imaging showed decreased perfusion in the left cerebral hemisphere,but the patient did not receive carotid endarterectomy and vascular bypass treatment.Post treatment evaluating:follow-up showed that NIHSS(National Institute of Health stroke scale)score was significantly decreased and limb function was significantly restored.Conclusion:early intravenous thrombolytic therapy can help reduce the area of ischemic penumbra and improve long-term prognosis.Severe vascular stenosis can stimulate vascular compensation,significantly reduce the range of ischemia when thrombus occurs,and effectively reduce the disability rate without bridging therapy.Whether vascular stenosis and occlusion are treated by vascular bypass,etc.,individualized plans should be made according to vascular compensation.

Effect of cold weather on carotid artery stenosis and occlusion:A retrospective observational study

Objective:To investigate the effect of cold weather on carotid artery stenosis and occlusion.Methods:We conducted a retrospective observational study,in which 145 patients with carotid artery stenosis and occlusion were enrolled[115 men and 30 women;the mean age was 61.08 years(95%CI 59.27-62.88)].Patients were divided into the low-temperature group(n=98)(≤12℃)and the non-low temperature group(n=47)(>12℃).Clinical characteristics,blood pressure,National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS),blood fat,and blood viscositys were compared between the two groups.Correlation between NIHSS and mean daily temperature was analyzed.Results:There was no significant difference in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the two groups(P>0.05).The NIHSS score was slightly higher in the non-low temperature group compared to that of the low-temperature group(U=2984,P<0.01).Glycemia,cholesterol level,prothrombin time,fibrinogen,and International Normalized Ratio did not show any significant difference(P>0.05).Correlation analysis showed a very low positive and statistically significant correlation between ambient temperature and NIHSS score(r=0.18,P=0.029).Conclusion:Cold weather does not impact blood pressure,blood cholesterol,and coagulation factors of patients with carotid artery stenosis and occlusion.The neurological deficit is more severe in the non-low ambient temperature group.A potential relationship exists between ambient temperature and the level of neurological impairment.

CAS and CEA in the Treatment of Severe Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis

Objective:To explore the clinical value of carotid artery stent implantation(CAS)and carotid endarterectomy(CEA)in the treatment of patients with severe internal carotid artery stenosis.Methods:88 patients with severe carotid artery stenosis who underwent CAS and CEA in the First People's Hospital of Changde City(hereafter referred as "our hospital")from January 2018 to December 2020 were selected as the research objects and divided into CAS group(n=43)and CEA group(n=45).To understand the clinical application value and feasibility of the two surgical schemes by comparing the general situation,cerebral blood flow,MMSE scale,MOCA scale score and serum miR-145,IGF1R levels of the two surgical schemes.Conclusions:CAS and CEA in the treatment of patients with severe internal carotid artery stenosis,have good curative effect,can effectively improve the patient's cerebral blood flow,regulate serum miR-145,IGF 1R levels,promote the recovery of cognitive function,but relatively speaking,the incidence of stroke and hypotension after CAS is higher,and the incidence of hypertension after CEA is higher.

A Comprehensive Analysis of a Case of Internal Carotid Artery Stenting

With the development of science and technology and the continuous progress of interventional equipment,internal carotid artery stenting has become increasingly popular among patients in view of its advantages,which include high efficiency,minimally invasive,and fast postoperative recovery.It has grown importance as a surgical method for the treatment of severe internal carotid artery stenosis.This paper discusses a rare case of severe internal carotid artery stenosis and its management,where various types of pre-dilatation balloons were not able to be positioned in the stenting process.Relevant solutions have also been proposed in hope to provide a more theoretical and practical basis for clinical work.

复合技术治疗颈动脉次全闭塞伴远端完全塌陷的疗效分析

目的探讨复合技术治疗颈动脉次全闭塞(carotid artery near-occlusion,CNO)伴远端完全塌陷的疗效。方法回顾性收集中日友好医院2016年1月至2021年1月接受复合技术治疗的45例CNO伴远端完全塌陷患者临床资料,分析其临床特点、影像学检查、治疗及预后情况。结果技术成功率100%。患者术中均未使用转流管,32例使用人工血管补片,2例使用颈外静脉补片,11例未使用补片。29例患者内膜剥脱后颈动脉血运重建满意,未行进一步治疗;16例行普通球囊扩张;均未行支架植入。患者围手术期的主要终点事件发生率为6.66%(3例),包括1例心肌梗死,2例同侧脑卒中,术后高灌注综合征发生率8.88%,无严重颅神经损伤发生。患者术后1年的主要终点事件发生率13.2%(6例),2例发生急性心肌梗死,其中1例死亡;1例术后6个月发生同侧颈内动脉重度狭窄。结论复合技术治疗CNO伴远端完全塌陷可以取得较好的近期疗效。

从血管旁路移植术治疗症状性颈内动脉和大脑中动脉闭塞研究(CMOSS)看围手术期管理及血管旁路移植术的未来

血管旁路移植术治疗症状性颈内动脉或大脑中动脉血管闭塞的疗效一直备受争议。由中国发起的血管旁路移植术治疗症状性颈内动脉和大脑中动脉闭塞研究(CMOSS)最终取得阴性结果,但这并不能否定血管旁路移植术对症状性血管闭塞患者的治疗价值,而是预示着其临床应用需进一步地深入研究。该文对CMOSS结果进行了分析,对该类患者的围手术期管理进行了总结,介绍了下一步开展的CMOSS2,并探讨了血管旁路移植术的未来,以期为血管旁路移植术临床研究和实践提供参考。

单侧症状性颈内动脉闭塞再通治疗前后的超声评估

目的探讨血管超声在评估单侧症状性颈内动脉闭塞(ICAO)患者再通治疗前后的临床价值。方法回顾性纳入2021年1月—2024年7月因单侧症状性ICAO在兰州大学第二医院接受血管再通治疗患者45例。根据再通治疗手术方式,分为颈动脉支架成形术(CAS)组32例,颈动脉内膜切除术(CEA)组13例。比较两组一般资料、血管再通率、术前与术后病变血管内径、侧支循环开放情况及患侧大脑中动脉(MCA)血流动力学参数变化。结果(1)45例患者血管再通率84.4%,CAS组与CEA组血管再通率分别为87.5%、76.9%,两组间差异无统计学意义(χ^(2)=0.188,P=0.665)。(2)两组再通患者治疗前后颈内动脉远段内径比较,CAS组(t=-5.217,P<0.001),CEA组(t=-5.056,P<0.001),差异有统计学意义。(3)两组术前侧支开放数量及类型组间差异无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。两组再通者患侧MCA收缩期血流速度及血管搏动指数与术前比较均恢复正常(P<0.001)。结论血管超声可用于评估单侧症状性ICAO患者再通治疗前后病变血管结构、血流动力学参数及侧支循环的变化,是血管再通治疗前后简便、可靠的评估手段。

颈内动脉狭窄血流动力学数值模拟

目的:基于血流动力学数值模拟条件,探究对颈内动脉进行不同程度人工干预狭窄的颈动脉模型的血流动力学特性,并从血流动力学角度分析颈内动脉位置处产生狭窄及由于其狭窄导致脑部供血疾病的原因。方法:采集内蒙古民族大学附属医院提供的健康个体二维CT数据,应用医学建模软件MIMICS20.0将二维的颈动脉CT数据进行三维模型重建,然后借助3-Matic Medical软件,对颈动脉模型中的颈内动脉同一位置进行不同程度的人为干预狭窄,得到颈内动脉25%、50%、75%狭窄程度的颈动脉模型。经格式转化、边界条件设置、网格划分等操作后,导入计算流体力学软件FLUENT14.5进行颈动脉血管及血液两相流血流动力学数值模拟与分析。结果:比较颈内动脉同一位置3种不同狭窄程度下的血液流线及速度矢量图可知,随着狭窄程度的增大,颈动脉窦处血液的涡旋流动现象迅速减弱,而颈内动脉狭窄处上方和下方血液出现明显的涡旋流动,并且血液流动出现选择性偏流。颈内动脉狭窄程度从25%到50%再到75%的过程中,狭窄处的血管壁面压力始终较低,狭窄下方的血管壁面压力逐渐增大,为高压力区域。狭窄处为高切应力区域,并且狭窄位置上方和下方的低切应力范围明显变大。结论:利用计算机软件进行人为干预狭窄获取模型的技术进行实验研究具有方便、快捷的特点。颈内动脉狭窄从25%到50%再到75%时,颈动脉的血液流场发生明显改变,颈内动脉出现明显的涡旋流动现象,血管壁面的力学性质也发生一定变化。

Cardioembolic occlusion of the internal carotid artery presented with infarction in the posterior cerebral artery territory

Posterior circulation stroke may rarely be associated with occlusive disease in the anterior circulation, such as in the context of a direct （fetal） origin of the posterior cerebral artery （PCA） from the internal carotid artery （ICA）, or in the presence of a persistent trigeminal artery （PTA） or persistent hypoglossal artery （PHA）. Usually, they happened as infarction involving both ipsilateral carotid and posterior cerebral artery territories with carotid atherosclerosis etiology.3 Here, we reported a rare case with cadioembolic occlusion of the ICA presented with infarction mainly in the PCA territory.

慢性颈内动脉闭塞评估及治疗中国专家共识

随着医疗诊断技术的进步及我国老年人口的不断增加,慢性颈内动脉闭塞(CICAO)在临床上越来越常见。伴有严重血流动力学障碍的症状性CICAO患者有较高的再发缺血性卒中的风险,与CICAO慢性缺血相关的认知功能障碍也越来越受到重视。但是,目前临床上对于CICAO尚缺乏统一的评估和治疗方案。该专家共识对CICAO相关的最新临床研究进行总结,并结合国内相关领域专家的临床实践经验,对CICAO患者的评估、治疗及围手术期管理提出了针对性意见,以期进一步规范临床诊疗流程,提高国内神经病学医师对CICAO患者的诊治水平。

颈动脉支架植入术联合规范脑血管病二级预防对颈内动脉颅外段重度狭窄患者的效果观察

目的探究颈动脉支架植入术联合规范脑血管病二级预防对颈内动脉颅外段重度狭窄患者认知功能影响的效果。方法选取2021年9月至2023年3月期间在济南市第三人民医院收治的68例颈内动脉颅外段重度狭窄患者,根据治疗方式不同将其分为对照组和观察组各34例。基础疾病治疗基础上,对照组采取规范的脑血管病二级预防,观察组完成颈动脉支架植入术,并坚持规范的脑血管病二级预防,比较两组精神状态、认知功能、不良情绪、日常生活活动能力及神经功能缺损评分情况。结果治疗后,两组患者的简易精神状态量表(MMSE)、蒙特利尔认知评估量表(MoCA)评分均有所提高,且观察组高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组患者的汉密尔顿焦虑量表(HAMA)和汉密尔顿抑郁量表(HAMD)评分均有所下降,且观察组低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组患者的日常生活能力评定量表(ADL)评分均有所提高,且观察组高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组患者的神经功能缺损(NIHSS)评分均有所降低,观察组低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论颈动脉支架植入术联合规范脑血管病二级预防能够显著改善颈内动脉颅外段重度狭窄患者的精神状态、认知功能、不良情绪、日常生活活动能力和神经功能缺损。这一治疗策略有助于提升患者的生活质量和康复效果。