Efficacy of Willis covered stent of intracranial pseudoaneurysms in the internal carotid artery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of a novel coated stent in the treatment of intracranial pseudoaneurysm.Methods:MEDLINE,EMBASE,and PubMed databases were searched for literature published between 1990 and April 2022 according to PRISMA guidelines.All studies with≥10 patients reporting successful implantation of Willis covered stent,therapeutic effect,complications,and postoperative follow-up were included.The combined incidence and corresponding 95%confidence intervals were assessed using a generalized linear mixed method and random effects model.Results:Five studies(116 patients with pseudoaneurysms)were included.The experimental groups in the selected studies showed a combined technical success rate of 81.03%(OR=18.31,95%CI=9.39-35.69,I^(2)=79%,P<0.001).Clinical follow-up showed that the complete cure rate was as high as 94.4%after the follow-up(OR=106.81,95%CI=39.08-291.88,I^(2)=0%,P=0.71).Conclusions:Willis covered stent is feasible,safe,and effective in the treatment of intracranial pseudoaneurysm.

Initial clinical experience with Xpert-Pro peripheral self-expanding stent system for internal carotid artery dissection:Two case reports

Background:The standard treatment for internal carotid artery(ICA)dissection is obscure.Current therapeutic strategies include the use of antiplatelet drugs,anticoagulant drugs,intravenous thrombolysis,and endovascular treatment.Endovascular treatment is important in acute internal carotid artery dissection.This study reports two acute internal carotid artery dissection cases that were treated successfully using the Xpert-Pro peripheral selfexpanding stent system.Case summary:The first case was of a 38-year-old male patient with transient speechlessness and paralysis of the right limb in July 2021.Cervical computed tomographic angiography(CTA)showed ICA occlusion on the left side.Digital subtraction angiography(DSA)showed severe stenosis of the C1 segment of the left internal carotid artery with intermural hematoma.The patient subsequently underwent Xpert-Pro peripheral self-expanding stent implantation,and his condition stabilized.The second case was of a 56-year-old male patient with speechlessness and paralysis of the right limb.Cervical CTA showed a dissected left ICA,and DSA showed an occluded left ICA and middle cerebral artery.The patient subsequently underwent stent implantation,and his condition stabilized.

Ultrafast pulse wave velocity technique for evaluating changes of carotid artery elasticity in Hashimoto thyroiditis patients with euthyroidism

Objective To explore the value of ultrafast pulse wave velocity(UFPWV)technique for evaluating changes of carotid artery elasticity in Hashimoto thyroiditis(HT)patients with euthyroidism.Methods Conventional ultrasound and UFPWV for carotid artery were prospectively performed in 91 HT patients with euthyroidism(HT group)and 81 healthy subjects(control group).Clinical data and ultrasonic parameters were compared between groups.Spearman correlation analysis was performed to observe the correlations of carotid pulse wave velocity in end of systole(PWV-ES)with clinical indexes and other ultrasonic parameters in HT group.Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis was used to screen the independent impact factors of increased carotid PWV-ES in HT group.Results Significant differences of thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPOAb),thyroglobulin antibody(TgAb),total cholesterol(TC),low density lipoprotein and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)were found between groups(all P<0.05).The carotid PWV-ES in HT group was significantly higher than that in control group(P<0.05),while no significant difference of carotid artery intima-media thickness(CIMT)nor carotid pulse wave velocity in beginning of systole(PWV-BS)was found between groups(both P>0.05).Carotid PWV-ES in HT group was positively correlated with patients'age,body mass index,TPOAb,TC,triglyceride,NLR and CIMT(r=0.217—0.707,all P<0.05).Patients'age,TPOAb and NLR were all independent impact factors of increased carotid PWV-ES in HT patients with euthyroidism(all P<0.05).Conclusion UFPWV technique could be used to evaluate changes of carotid artery elasticity in HT patients with euthyroidism,among which PWV-ES was relatively sensitive.

Development of a new cerebral ischemia reperfusion model of Mongolian gerbils and standardized evaluation system

Background:The Mongolian gerbil is an excellent laboratory animal for preparing the cerebral ischemia model due to its inherent deficiency in the circle of Willis.However,the low incidence and unpredictability of symptoms are caused by numerous complex variant types of the circle.Additionally,the lack of an evaluation system for the cer-ebral ischemia/reperfusion(I/R)model of gerbils has shackled the application of this model.Methods:We created a symptom-oriented principle and detailed neurobehavioral scoring criteria.At different time points of reperfusion,we analyzed the alteration in locomotion by rotarod test and grip force score,infarct volume by triphenyltetrazo-lium chloride(TTC)staining,neuron loss using Nissl staining,and histological charac-teristics using hematoxylin-eosin(H&E)straining.Results:With a successful model rate of 56%,32 of the 57 gerbils operated by our method harbored typical features of cerebral I/R injury,and the mortality rate in the male gerbils was significantly higher than that in the female gerbils.The suc-cessfully prepared I/R gerbils demonstrated a significant reduction in motility and grip strength at 1 day after reperfusion;formed obvious infarction;exhibited typi-cal pathological features,such as tissue edema,neuronal atrophy and death,and vacuolated structures;and were partially recovered with the extension of reperfu-sion time.Conclusion:This study developed a new method for the unilateral common carotid artery ligation I/R model of gerbil and established a standardized evaluation system for this model,which could provide a new cerebral I/R model of gerbils with more practical applications.

Endovascular treatment of direct carotid cavernous fistula resulting from rupture of intracavernous carotid aneurysm: A case report

BACKGROUND Direct carotid cavernous fistulas(CCFs)are typically the result of a severe traumatic brain injury.High-flow arteriovenous shunts secondary to rupture of an intracavernous aneurysm,resulting in direct CCFs,are rare.The use of a pipeline embolization device in conjunction with coils and Onyx glue for treatment of direct high-flow CCF resulting from ruptured cavernous carotid artery aneurysm in a clinical setting is not well documented.CASE SUMMARY A 58-year-old woman presented to our department with symptoms of blepharoptosis and intracranial bruits for 1 wk.During physical examination,there was right eye exophthalmos and ocular motor palsy.The rest of the neurological examination was clear.Notably,the patient had no history of head injury.The patient was treated with a pipeline embolization device in the ipsilateral internal carotid artery across the fistula.Coils and Onyx were placed through the femoral venous route,followed by placement of the pipeline embolization device with assistance from a balloon-coiling technique.No intraoperative or perioperative complications occurred.Preoperative symptoms of bulbar hyperemia and bruits subsided immediately after the operation.CONCLUSION Pipeline embolization device in conjunction with coiling and Onyx may be a safe and effective approach for direct CCFs.

Early diagnostic value of carotid artery ultrasound parameters combined with epicardial adipose layer thickness in coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease is associated with coronary atherosclerosis indicated by carotid intima-media thickness(CIMT)thickening and altered vascular elasticity.The epicardial adipose layer can secrete proinflammatory factors that promote the formation of coronary atherosclerosis.Thus,the epicardial fat layer thickness(EAT)may also predict coronary heart disease.AIM To determine the role of common carotid artery ultrasound parameters and EAT in the early diagnosis of coronary artery disease.METHODS Based on coronary angiography,patients with newly suspected coronary heart disease were divided into case(n=107)and control(n=41)groups.The carotid ultrasound parameters,including vascular stiffness(β),elastic coefficient(EP),pulse wave conduction velocity(PWV-β),CIMT,and EAT were compared between the case and control groups and among patients with different lesion numbers in the case group.Pearson correlation was used to evaluate the early diagnostic value of EAT,common carotid artery elasticity,and CIMT for coronary heart disease.RESULTS EP,β,PWV-β,CIMT,and EAT were significantly higher in the case group compared with the levels in the control group(all P<0.001).In the case group,lesions were detected in one vessel in 34 patients,two vessels in 38 patients,and three vessels in 35 patients.Within the case group,β,EP,PWV-β,CIMT,and EAT levels significantly increased with an increased number of lesions(all P<0.001).EAT positively correlated withβ,EP,PWV-β,and CIMT(all P<0.01).The area under the curve for diagnosing coronary heart disease using EAT combined with CIMT and carotid elasticity was 0.893,and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.890 and 0.837.CONCLUSION EAT correlated well with changes in carotid artery elasticity and CIMT in patients with coronary heart disease.The combination of EAT,carotid artery elasticity,and CIMT facilitates the early diagnosis of coronary heart disease.

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.

Massive Epistaxis Revealing a Post-Traumatic Aneurysm of the Internal Carotid Artery: A Clinical Case and Review of the Literature

Internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms are an unusual but serious cause of epistaxis. This epistaxis is massive and sometimes uncontrollable threatening the vital prognosis of patients. We report the case of a 16-year-old adolescent received in emergency with severe bilateral epistaxis, asthenia and grade-3 left exophthalmos. In his history, the subject had been the victim of an assault six months before consultation. He had received blows on the cephalic extremity with light but repeated epistaxis. The treatment consisted to blood products transfusion and local compression by sterile gazes. An ICA aneurysm in sphenoid sinus has been confirmed in a craniofacial CT scan coupled to vascular opacification. Although the ICA has a variable course in contact with the sphenoid sinus, massive epistaxis would be the consequence of a pronounced dehiscence of the ICA in the sphenoid sinus, particularly in a traumatic context. In front of this type of epistaxis in our context, general practitioners must be able to suspect a ruptured ICA aneurysm in the presence of exophthalmos and a notion of old or recent cranio-encephalic injury. Additionally, due to the high morbidity and mortality of this condition, a monitoring algorithm is necessary for patients with head trauma to facilitate early detection.

Ultrasound Combined with CTA in Diagnosis of Painless Aortic Dissection Combined with Carotid Artery Active Thrombosis: A Case Report

Background: Aortic dissection (AD) is a relatively rare but dreadful illness, often accompanied by severe, sharp (or tearing) back pain or anterior chest pain, as well as acute hemodynamic compromise. Painless dissection has also been reported in rare cases and might be misdiagnosed due to its atypical symptoms leading to catastrophic outcomes. Case presentation: The patient was admitted to the hospital due to right limb weakness with speech inability for more than 10 hours. In the routine cardiac ultrasound examination, the avulsion intimal echo was found in the initial segment of the descending aorta. The rupture range was about 11 mm, and the lumen was separated into real and false lumen. Further computed tomography angiography (CTA) examination confirmed the major arterial dissection (De Bakey Type I). Conclusion: We report a case of painless aortic dissection with active carotid artery thrombosis diagnosed by ultrasound and CTA, and to improve the understanding of painless aortic dissection by reviewing relevant domestic and foreign literature.

Endovascular treatment of carotid cavernous sinus fistula: A systematic review

Carotid cavernous sinus fistulas are abnormal communications between the carotid system and the cavernous sinus. Several classification schemes have described carotid cavernous sinus fistulas according to etiology, hemodynamic features, or the angiographic arterial architecture. Increased pressure within the cavernous sinus appears to be the main factor in pathophysiology. The clinical features are related to size, exact location, and duration of the fistula, adequacy and route of venous drainage and the presence of arterial/venous collaterals. Noninvasive imaging (computed tomography, magnetic resonance, computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, Doppler) is often used in the initial workup of a possible carotid cavernous sinus fistulas. Cerebral angiography is the gold standard for the definitive diagnosis, classification, and planning of treatment for these lesions. The endovascular approach has evolved as the mainstay therapy for definitive treatment in situations including clinical emergencies. Conservative treatment, surgery and radiosurgery constitute other management options for these lesions.

Carotid artery stenting versus carotid endarterectomy in the treatment of symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose: To evaluate the short-term and intermediate-to long-term efficacy and safety of carotid artery stenting(CAS) compared with carotid endarterectomy(CEA). Materials and Methods: The published literature was electronically searched for randomized controlled trials(RCTs) between CAS and CEA for the treatment of carotid stenosis performed from January 2000 to January 2017. The short-term and intermediate-to long-term outcomes were evaluated. Results: We identified 10 RCTs including 7,183 participants with symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Our meta-analysis found different results between the patients with and those without symptoms. In patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis, the total stroke incidence in the CAS group was significantly higher than that in the CEA group within the 30-day periprocedural period(p<0.001); however, the myocardial infarction incidence in the CAS group was significantly lower than that in the CEA group(p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the mortality within 30 days post-procedure, but the intermediate-to long-term incidence of stroke or death in the CAS group was higher than that of the CEA group(p<0.05). In contrast, for asymptomatic patients, there were no significant differences between the CAS and CEA groups in the short-and intermediate-to long-term outcomes. Conclusion: For patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis, CEA is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, whereas CAS is correlated with an increased risk of procedurally related strokes. However, for patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis, no significant difference was found in the efficacy or safety between CAS and CEA.

Ultrasound-guided carotid angioplasty and stenting in a patient with iodinated contrast allergy:A case report

BACKGROUND Ischemic stroke is an entity with high incidence,morbidity,and mortality rates.Carotid artery stenosis is an important and independent risk factor for ischemic stroke.The three current approaches for treating carotid artery stenosis are drug treatment,carotid endarterectomy(CEA),carotid angioplasty and stenting(CAS).The approach is chosen based on the degree of stenosis.CEA or CAS could have been chosen for the current patient,who had severe carotid stenosis and an iodinated contrast allergy.After thoroughly communicating with the patient,the patient chose CAS for treatment.Therefore,we performed ultrasound-guided CAS to avoid the use of iodinated contrast.CASE SUMMARY The main symptoms of the patient were numbness and weakness of the left limb.Computed tomography angiography of the head and neck at another hospital indicated multiple sites of stenosis in the arteries of the head and neck.The patient requested CAS for treatment but was allergic to iodinated contrast media.Thus,routine digital subtraction angiography(DSA)with iodinated contrast could not be used for the procedure.The diagnosis of this patient was as follows:(1)Right parietal lobe cerebral infarction;(2)multiple sites of stenosis in the arteries of the head and neck(severe stenosis of the right internal carotid artery,severe stenosis of the right subclavian artery);(3)right subclavian steal syndrome;and(4)hypertension(stage 3,high risk).The interventions included routine treatment for cerebral infarction,oral administration of clopidogrel(75 mg qd)and aspirin(100 mg qd),ultrasound-guided CAS,and postoperative follow-up.Postoperative color Doppler ultrasound and cerebrovascular magnetic resonance angiography of the carotid artery showed good vascular recovery,and the postoperative follow-up indicated a good prognosis.CONCLUSION This case study suggests that ultrasound-guided endovascular treatment is a potential option for patients with contraindications to the iodinated contrast agents used in DSA-guided surgery,although excellent surgical operating skills are needed.

An Ischemic Stroke in a Sub-Saharan African Patient Revealing a Carotid Web: A Case Report and a Systematic Literature Review

One third of ischemic strokes have no known cause, and basic understanding of the mechanisms of these “cryptogenic” strokes is lacking. However, observational studies are increasingly bringing to light an etiology that has long remained hidden, the carotid web. The authors report a case of carotid web in a 32-year-old patient, gardener, from sub-Sharan Africa, with no medical history or known cerebrovascular risk factors. Indeed, due to a sudden weakness of his left limbs, the MRI was performed and revealed an ischemic stroke positive on diffusion-weighted within the territory of the right middle cerebral artery. FLAIR sequences were normal, while T2* sequences revealed an M1 thrombus ipsilateral to the brain lesion. After thrombolysis and thrombectomy, the patient’s weakness improved significantly. Digital subtraction angiography of supra-aortic trunks revealed the carotid web, which was incriminated as the etiology of this ischemic stroke in the absence of any abnormality on the other ancillary examinations that were performed. To prevent a recurrence, the patient was given Aspegic 250 mg/day and received physical therapy. The clinical course was improved and at 3 months, there was no new cerebrovascular event and his Rankin score was 1.

Successful treatment of acute carotid artery injuries

Vascular injuries can lead to severe consequences, and in particular, carotid artery injury caused by combat, traffic accidents or other external forces is extremely harmful. As the neck has a complex anatomical structure and a relatively small local space, carotid artery injury is usually complicated by neural and spinal injuries.

Metformin effect on internal carotid artery blood flow assessed by area under the curve of carotid artery Doppler in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

BACKGROUND Insulin resistance(IR)was reported in most polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS)cases.Metformin,a biguanide drug,successfully reduced IR.Homeostatic Model Assessment for IR(HOMA-IR)and Doppler parameters assessed metformin's effectiveness.AIM To verify whether the area under the curve of the internal carotid artery(AUC-ICA)Doppler wave can be a useful marker for assessing IR among PCOS cases who presented with menstrual irregularity and were treated with metformin over 6 mo.METHODS An observational,cross-sectional study recruited 54 eligible PCOS women;the anthropometrics were as follows:age,body mass index(BMI),menstrual cycle days,biochemical serum cholesterol,low and high-density lipoprotein,sex hormone-binding globulin,fasting blood glucose,and HOMA-IR,hormonal testosterone,luteinizing hormone over follicle-stimulating hormone ratio,and ultrasonic pulsatility index(PI)and resistance index(RI),carotid artery intima-media thickness(CIMT)and(AUC-ICA)parameters were initially recorded and repeated 3 mo and 6 mo later with metformin tab 500 mg;three times/day for 6 mo.In addition,AUC-ICA was assessed by taking repeated systolic and diastolic wave height measurements.RESULTS Metformin caused a progressive reduction in BMI,menstrual cycle days,biochemical hormonal,and Doppler parameters(CIMT,PI,RI,and AUC-ICA).AUC-ICA correlated strongly to all PCOS parameters.AUC-ICA correlated inversely with treatment time(r=-0.98,P<0.001)and positively with HOMA-IR(r=0.98,P<0.0001).Via the best subset regression model,the AUC-ICA had the highest predictive value for HOMA-IR.CONCLUSION AUC-ICA preceded PI,RI,and CIMT with a strong,meaningful correlation to all PCOS parameters,making it a reliable marker for the assessment of IR,especially during metformin therapy.Further studies are recommended to promote the application in practice.

Synchronous carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass graft: Four case reports

BACKGROUND One of the major perioperative complications for coronary artery bypass graft(CABG)is stroke.The risk of perioperative stroke after CABG is approximately 2%.Carotid stenosis(CS)is considered an independent predictor of perioperative stroke risk in CABG patients.The optimal management of such patients has been a source of controversy.One of the possible surgical options is synchronous carotid endarterectomy(CEA)and CABG.Here,we have presented 4 cases of successful synchronous CEA and CABG.Our center’s experience with 4 cases of significant carotid artery stenosis,which were successfully managed with combined CEA and CABG,are detailed.The first case was a female who presented for CABG after a ST-elevation myocardial infarction.She had right internal carotid artery(ICA)occlusion and 90%left ICA stenosis.The second case was a male who was electively admitted for CABG.It was discovered that he had left ICA occlusion and 90%right ICA stenosis.The third case was a male with a history of stroke,two months prior to admission.He presented with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction.Preoperatively,it was discovered that he had>90%right ICA stenosis.The final case was a male who was electively admitted for CABG.It was discovered that he had bilateral>90%ICA stenosis.We have also reviewed the current evidence and guidelines for managing CS in patients undergoing CABG.CONCLUSION Our case series demonstrated that synchronous CEA and CABG was safe.A multicenter study with additional patients is needed.It is necessary for clinicians to screen for CS in high-risk patients with features.

Commentary on a case report and literature review of acute carotid stent thrombosis

In this commentary on the article entitled“Acute carotid stent thrombosis:A case report and literature review”,the key points of the article are discussed.Acute carotid stent thrombosis(ACST)in the setting of carotid artery stenting(CAS)represents a rare but potentially catastrophic event.There is a wide range of treatment options available,including carotid endarterectomy,which is generally recommended for cases of refractory ACST.While there is no standard treatment regimen,dual antiplatelet therapy is typically recommended both before and after CAS to reduce risk of ACST.

Intravascular ultrasonography assisted carotid artery stenting for treatment of carotid stenosis: Two case reports

BACKGROUND Digital subtraction angiography(DSA),the gold standard of cerebrovascular disease diagnosis,is limited in its diagnostic ability to evaluate arterial diameter.Intravascular ultrasonography(IVUS)has advantages in assessing stenosis and plaque nature and improves the evaluation and effectiveness of carotid artery sten-ting(CAS).CASE SUMMARY Case 1:A 65-year-old man presented with a five-year history of bilateral lower limb weakness due to stroke.Physical examination showed decreased strength(5-/5)in both lower limbs.Carotid artery ultrasound,magnetic resonance angiography,and computed tomography angiography(CTA)showed a right proximal internal carotid artery(ICA)stenosis(70%-99%),acute cerebral infarction,and severe right ICA stenosis,respectively.We performed IVUS-assisted CAS to measure the stenosis and detected a low-risk plaque at the site of stenosis prior to stent implantation.Post-stent balloon dilatation was performed and postoperative IVUS demonstrated successful expansion and adherence.CTA six months postoperatively showed no significant increase in in-stent stenosis.Case 2:A 36-year-old man was admitted with a right common carotid artery(CCA)dissection detected by ultrasound.Physical examination showed no positive neurological signs.Carotid ultrasound and CTA showed lumen dilation in the proximal CCA with an intima-like structure and bulging in the proximal segment of the right CCA with strip-like low-density shadow(dissection or carotid web).IVUS-assisted DSA confirmed right CCA dissection.CAS was performed and intraoperative IVUS suggested a large residual false lumen.Post-stent balloon dilatation was performed reducing the false lumen.DSA three months postoperatively indicated good stent expansion with mild stenosis.CONCLUSION IVUS aids decision-making during CAS by accurately assessing carotid artery wall lesions and plaque nature preoperatively,dissection and stenosis morphology intraoperatively,and visualizing and confirming CAS postoperatively.

Idiopathic steno-occlusive disease with bilateral internal carotid artery occlusion:A Case Report

BACKGROUND Moyamoya disease(MMD)is a rare cause of acute stroke and transient ischemic attacks in children.We described clinical,diagnostic features and follow-ups of a young child with acute stroke.CASE SUMMARY We report a 4-year-old girl with left hemiparesis after an acute ischemic stroke.Her history was also significant for repeated left or right focal motor seizures,generalized tonic-clonic convulsions and transient ischemic attacks.Her magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography(CT)of the brain and magnetic resonance angiography,CT angiography and venography on the cerebral vessels revealed evidence of bilateral fronto-parietal ischemic infarctions,occlusion of the right and left internal carotid arteries started at its bifurcation and non-visualization of right and left anterior and middle cerebral arteries.There was evidence of progression in angiography manifested as development of collaterals from the basal perforating vessels,increase in the extent of large intracranial arterial stenosis/occlusion and extensive collateral circulation with predominance from the posterior circulation.Physical and neurological evaluation and comprehensive laboratory investigations excluded an obvious comorbid disease or risk factor for the child’s condition.The diagnosis of MMD was highly suggested as a cause of the child’s steno-occlusive condition.She was treated symptomatically with levetiracetam,an antiepileptic medication.Aspirin was prescribed for secondary prevention.Her clinical manifestations were improved during the three years of follow-up.Revascularization surgery was postponed.CONCLUSION Up to our knowledge,this is the first report for MMD in a child in our country.The clinical improvement and the stabilization of the child’s condition over the 3 years of follow-up could be attributed to the rapid and extensive recruitment of collaterals and absence of risk factors or comorbidities.Revascularization surgery is highly recommended.

Intracranial large artery embolism due to carotid thrombosis caused by a neck massager:A case report

BACKGROUND There are few reported cases of intracranial large artery embolism due to carotid thrombosis caused by a neck massager.Herein we report such a case.CASE SUMMARY A 49-year-old woman presented with left limb weakness and dysarthria after a history of neck massage for 1 mo.Neurological examination showed left central facial paralysis and left hemiparesis with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 12.Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed restricted diffusion on diffusion-weighted imaging in the right parietal and temporal lobes.Computed tomography angiography(CTA)indicated M3 segment embolism of the right middle cerebral artery.Neck CTA revealed thrombosis of the bilateral common carotid arteries.Carotid ultrasound showed thrombosis in the bilateral common carotid arteries(approximately 2 cm below the proximal end of the carotid sinus),and contrast-enhanced ultrasound did not suggest enhancement.No hypertension,diabetes,heart disease,vasculitis,or thrombophilia was found after admission.After 1 wk of treatment with aspirin 200 mg and atorvastatin 40 mg,a carotid ultrasound reexamination showed that the thrombosis had significantly reduced.CONCLUSION Neck massager may cause carotid artery thrombosis.