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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dissection-related carotid-cavernous fistula(CCF)following surgical revascularization of chronic internal carotid artery occlusion:a new subtype of CCF and proposed management

Background:The development of carotid-cavernous fistulas(CCFs)during surgical recanalization of chronic internal carotid artery occlusion(ICAO)may be secondary to severe ICA dissection rather than a focal tear of the cavernous ICA seen in typical traumatic CCFs.The purpose of this study is to investigate the causal relationship between the CCFs and severe ICA dissections and to characterize technical outcomes after treatment with stenting.Methods:Five patients underwent treatment with self-expanding stents due to intraprocedural CCF and ICA dissection following surgical removal of ICAO plaque.The stents were telescopically placed via true channel of the dissection.Safety of the procedure was evaluated with 30-day stroke and death rate.Procedural success was determined by the efficacy of CCF obliteration and ICAO recanalization with angiography.Results:All CCFs were associated with spiral and long segmental dissection from the cervical to cavernous ICA.After stenting,successful dissection reconstruction with TICI 3 was achieved in all patients,with complete(n=4)or partial CCF(n=1)obliteration.No patient had CCF syndrome,stroke,or death during follow-up of 6 to 37 months;but one patient had pulsatile tinnitus,which resolved 1 year later.Angiography at 6 to 24 months demonstrated CCF obliteration in all 5 patients and durable ICA patency in 4 patients.Conclusions:Intraprocedural CCFs with spiral and cervical-to-cavernous ICA dissection during ICAO surgery are dissection-related because of successful obliteration after stenting for dissection reconstruction.Self-expanding stenting through true channel of the dissection,serving as implanting stent-autograft,may be an optimal therapy for the atypical CCF complication from ICAO surgery.

The comparison of STA-MCA bypass and BMT for symptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion disease:a systematic review and meta-analysis of long-term outcome

Background:Superficial temporal artery(STA)-middle cerebral artery(MCA)bypass surgery is now being widely used in moyamoya disease,and its therapeutic value in SICAO remains divergent.Methods:A systematic search was performed in PubMed,EMBASE,and Cochrane Databases in Feb.2020 and updated in Jun.2019.We have strict inclusion and exclusion criteria.Cochrane Bias Risk Assessment Tool was used to assess the quality of included RCTs.Review Manager 5.3 was used for analysis results in terms of comparing the STA-MCA bypass and BMT.For dichotomous variable outcomes,risk ratios(RRs)and 95%confidence intervals(95%CIs)were calculated for the assessment.Results:The total patient cohort consisted of 2419 patients,of whom 1188(49.1%)patients had been grouped in STA-MCA bypass and 1231(50.9%)patients had been divided into the BMT group.Mean follow-up of included patients was 29 months.The RR of the seven studies was 1.01,and the 95%confidence interval was.89–1.15,with statistical significance,Z=.13,P=.89,sustaining that STA-MCA bypass was not superior to BMT in symptomatic carotid artery occlusion disease.Conclusions:STA-MCA bypass and BMT were associated with similar rates of a composite of long-term stroke.And the risk of long-term overall stroke was mildly higher with BMT.At present,each patient should receive more precise treatment,by reasonably assessing the individual differences of each patient to reduce the recurrence rate of stroke.

3D-TOF MRA单侧颈内动脉假性闭塞原因分析

目的探讨引起3D-TOF MRA颈内动脉及其分支假性闭塞的原因及表现。方法实验组:在10例受试者右侧锁骨上1cm颈总动脉搏动处粘贴直径9mm、厚度1.5mm的圆形体小铁片,分别作磁共振平扫、加与不加磁化传递对比(MTC)的横断位3D-TOF MRA,并任选其中两例进行了相位对比法(PC法)MRA检查。病例组:任选10例确诊的单侧大面积脑梗塞病例和1例大动脉炎致右侧颈内动脉闭塞病例,对比分析两组平扫及MRA表现。结果实验组磁共振平扫正常,无明显伪影;贴铁片后在横断T2WI上颈内动脉颅内段出现流空效应而呈现低信号;加MTC的3D-TOF MRA中右侧颈内动脉及其分支不显示,PC法两侧颈内动脉及其分支对称显示;去掉MTC的3D-TOF MRA中两侧颈内动脉及其分支对称显示。病例组3D-TOF MRA中右侧颈内动脉及其分支不显示,在横断T2WI上颈内动脉颅内段出现等、高信号,梗塞病例均出现颅内大面积梗塞病变;大动脉炎病例颅脑磁共振平扫正常,但3D-TOF MRA基地动脉环前后交通支开放,对侧颈内动脉代偿性增粗。结论颈部的铁磁性异物可引起加MTC的3D-TOF MRA颈内动脉假性闭塞现象,造成误诊,但假性闭塞有其特征性,可通过调整参数排除。

Research Progress of Chronic Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion

Chronic internal carotid artery occlusion(CICAO)is a chronic cerebrovascular disease which,from various causes,leads to progressive stenosis of the internal carotid artery lumen and finally to complete occlusion.With an aging society,the detection rate of CICAO is increasing year by year,with the highest incidence of CICAO in elderly men.The main clinical manifestations of CICAO are ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack.Drug therapy is the first choice for asymptomatic CICAO,and surgical treatment is an optional means of improving prognosis for symptomatic CICAO that cannot be controlled by drugs.The selection of indications needs further study.This article reviews the latest research progress in the epidemiology,etiology,clinical features,imaging analysis,and treatment of CICAO in order to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment.

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。

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。

Hasan分型A型慢性颈内动脉闭塞的外科治疗

目的探讨Hasan分型A型慢性颈内动脉闭塞(CICAO)的外科治疗方法及临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2019年1月至2022年12月收治的32例Hasan分型A型CICAO的临床资料。术后根据AOL分级评估血管再通情况,其中≥2级为再通成功;术后依据北美NASCRT法评估术后再狭窄(狭窄率≥50%)。术后随访6个月,采用改良Rankin量表(mRS)评分评估预后。结果16例采用血管内治疗,16例采用复合手术治疗;术后血管再通成功22例,未成功10例;治疗成功率为68.7%,其中血管内治疗的成功率为62.5%(10/16),复合手术治疗的成功率为75.0%(12/16)。7例(血管内治疗4例,复合手术治疗3例)术后发生手术并发症,包括高灌注综合征2例、颈内动脉海绵窦2例、血管夹层2例、支架内血栓1例。3例术后发生再狭窄,其中1例有临床症状,接受颞浅动脉-大脑中动脉分流术。术后6个月,mRS评分0~2分27例,3~5分5例。结论Hasan分型A型CICAO病人行血管内治疗及复合手术治疗是安全的、有效的。与血管内治疗相比,复合手术治疗的技术成功率更高、手术并发症发生率更低。

颈内动脉闭塞非急性期再通研究进展

颈内动脉闭塞(ICAO)在临床上并不少见。大多数研究表明,ICAO开通可降低脑卒中发生率,改善认知等。但由于其手术难度大、成功率低、并发症多,严重影响患者预后,是目前脑血管介入治疗领域的重点和难点。本文就ICAO非急性期概念、术前影像学评估、治疗现状及围手术期常见并发症等作一简要综述。