Carotid-cavernous fistula following mechanical thrombectomy of the tortuous internal carotid artery:A case report

BACKGROUND A carotid-cavernous fistula(CCF)is an abnormal connection between the internal carotid artery(ICA)and the cavernous sinus.Although direct CCFs typically result from trauma or as an iatrogenic complication of neuroendovascular procedures,they can occur as surgery-related complications after mechanical thrombectomy(MT).With the widespread use of MT in patients with acute ischemic stroke complicated with large vessel occlusion,it is important to document CCF following MT and how to avoid them.In this study,we present a case of a patient who developed a CCF following MT and describe in detail the characteristics of ICA tortuosity in this case.CASE SUMMARY A 60-year-old woman experienced weakness in the left upper and lower limbs as well as difficulty speaking for 4 h.The neurological examination revealed left central facial paralysis and left hemiplegia,with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 9.Head magnetic resonance imaging revealed an acute cerebral infarction in the right basal ganglia and radial crown.Magnetic resonance angiography demonstrated an occlusion of the right ICA and middle cerebral artery.Digital subtraction angiography demonstrated distal occlusion of the cervical segment of the right ICA.We performed suction combined with stent thrombectomy.Then,postoperative angiography was performed,which showed a right CCF.One month later,CCF embolization was performed,and the patient’s clinical symptoms have significantly improved 5 mo after the operation.CONCLUSION Although a CCF is a rare complication after MT,it should be considered.Understanding the tortuosity of the internal carotid-cavernous sinus may help predict the complexity of MT and avoid this complication.

Image-based visualization of stents in mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke:Preliminary findings from a series of cases

BACKGROUND Mechanical thrombectomy is the most effective treatment for great cerebral artery embolization within a set time window.Typically,an arteriogram does not show the localization of the stent after release and whether a thrombus is captured or not.Thus,improving the visualization of a stent in interventional therapy will be helpful for clinicians.AIM To analyze stent imaging findings to enhance clinicians’understanding of a special circumstance,wherein a Solitaire AB retrievable stent was visible during the imaging of a thrombus capture that improved the success rate of stent-based mechanical thrombectomy.METHODS This was a retrospective study with four acute ischemic stroke(AIS)patients who underwent stent-based mechanical thrombectomy.RESULTS Patient 1 was a 64-year-old man admitted after 5 h of confusion;angiography revealed basilar artery occlusion.We inserted a stent into the left posterior cerebral artery-P2 segment and visualized the expanded stent that successfully captured a thrombus.Patient 2 was a 74-year-old man admitted with confusion,which lasted approximately 3 h.Angiography revealed a left middle cerebral artery(MCA)-M1 segment occlusion.A stent was deployed in the distal M2 segment,and we could visualize the stent by capturing the thrombus.Patient 3 was a 74-year-old woman admitted after experiencing left hemiplegia for 3 h.We deployed a stent at the distal right MCAM2 segment,and the developing stent captured a large thrombus.Patient 4 was an 82-year-old man who presented with confusion for 3 h.A developing stent was placed in the distal left MCA-M1 segment,which captured a large thrombus and several fragmented thrombi.CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge,this is the first report of stent imaging in patients with AIS.We demonstrated the usefulness and substantial potential of stent imaging in stent-based mechanical thrombectomy for AIS.

Mechanical thrombectomy and postoperative complications after acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion

Acute ischemic stroke is one of the common discases in Chinese,among which acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion(AIS-LVO)has thc most serious complications and has the risk of death.Studies have shown that reperfusion is a first-line treatment for the effective rescue of ischemic brain tissue,usually mainly by mechanical|hrombectomy(MT),supplemented by intravenous thrombolysis.However,there are still complications after large blood vessel occlusion and MT.such as blecding and infection at the puncture point,vasospasm,vascular dissection,subarachnoid hemorrhage,hcmonhagic transfomation,reembolization,and massive cerebral infarction,ctc.The high risk factors and corresponding measures of complications after MT by revicwing the rescarch analysis.

Efficacy of percutaneous mechanical thrombus removal in acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis

BACKGROUND Acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis(LEDVT)is a common vascular emergency with significant morbidity risks,including post-thrombotic syndrome(PTS)and pulmonary embolism.Traditional treatments like catheter-directed thrombolysis(CDT)often result in variable success rates and complications.AIM To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of percutaneous mechanical thrombus removal in acute LEDVT.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed to examine 58 hospitalised patients with acute LEDVT between August 2019 and August 2022.The patients were categorised into the percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy(PMT)group(n=24)and CDT group(n=32).The follow-up,safety and treatment outcomes were compared between the two groups.The main observational indexes were venous patency score,thrombus removal effect,complications,hospitalisation duration and PTS.RESULTS The venous patency score was 9.04±1.40 in the PMT group and 8.81±1.60 in the CDT group,and the thrombus clearance rate was 100%in both groups.The complication rate was 8.33%in the PMT group and 34.84%in the CDT group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The average hospitalisation duration was 6.54±2.48 days in the PMT group and 8.14±3.56 days in the CDT group.The incidence of PTS was lower in the PMT group than in the CDT group;however,the difference was not statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Compared with CDT,treatment of LEDVT via PMT was associated with a better thrombus clearance rate,clinical therapeutic effect and PTS prevention function,but the difference was not statistically significant.Moreover,PMT was associated with a reduced urokinase dosage,shortened hospitalisation duration and reduced incidence of complications,such as infections and small haemorrhages.These results indicate that PMT has substantial beneficial effects in the treatment of LEDVT.

Predictive value of intracranial high-density areas in neurological function

BACKGROUND Intracranial high-density areas(HDAs)have attracted considerable attention for predicting clinical outcomes;however,whether HDAs predict worse neurological function and mental health remains controversial and unclear,which requires further investigation.In this prospective study,96 patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS)who accepted endovascular mechanical thrombectomy(EMT)were included.The enrolled patients underwent cranial computed tomography(CT)examination within 24 hours after EMT.Clinical data in terms of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS),the 3-month modified Rankin Scale(mRS),self-rating depression scale(SDS),and self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)scores were collected and compared between patients with HDAs and non-HDAs and between patients with good and poor clinical prognosis.Compared to patients without HDAs,patients with HDAs presented severe neurological deficits(admission NIHSS score:18±3 vs 19±4),were more likely to have post-stroke disabilities(mRS<3:35%vs 62%),and suffered more severe depression(SDS score:58±16 vs 64±13)and anxiety disorder(SAS score:52±8 vs 59±10).Compared to patients with a good prognosis,patients with a poor prognosis presented severe neurological deficits(admission NIHSS score:17±4 vs 20±3),were more likely to have HDAs on CT images(64%vs 33%),and suffered more severe depression(SDS score:55±19 vs 65±11)and anxiety(SAS score:50±8 vs 58±12).Multivariate analysis revealed that HDAs were independent nega-tive prognostic factors.CONCLUSION In conclusion,HDAs on CT images predicted poor prognosis and severe depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with AIS who underwent EMT.

Bridging therapy and direct mechanical thrombectomy in the treatment of cardiogenic cerebral infarction with anterior circulation macrovascular occlusion

BACKGROUND Intravenous thrombolysis is an important treatment for cerebral infarction.However,it is difficult to achieve good results if the patient is complicated with anterior circulation macrovascular occlusion.In addition,the vascular recanalization rate is low,so mechanical thrombectomy,that is,bridging therapy,is needed AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety of bridging therapy and direct mechanical thrombectomy in the treatment of cardiogenic cerebral infarction with anterior circulation macrovascular occlusion.METHODS Ninety-six patients in our hospital with cardiogenic cerebral infarction with anterior circulation macrovascular occlusion from January 2017 to July 2020 were divided into a direct thrombectomy group(n=48)and a bridging group(n=48).Direct mechanical thrombectomy was performed in the direct thrombectomy group,and bridging therapy was used in the bridging treatment group.Comparisons were performed for the treatment data of the two groups(from admission to imaging examination,from admission to arterial puncture,from arterial puncture to vascular recanalization,and from admission to vascular recanalization),vascular recanalization rate,National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)and Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS)scores before and after treatment,prognosis and incidence of adverse events.RESULTS In the direct thrombectomy group,the time from admission to imaging examination was 24.32±8.61 min,from admission to arterial puncture was 95.56±37.55 min,from arterial puncture to vascular recanalization was 54.29±21.38 min,and from admission to revascularization was 156.88±45.51 min,and the corresponding times in the bridging treatment group were 25.38±9.33 min,100.45±39.30 min,58.14±25.56 min,and 161.23±51.15 min;there were no significant differences between groups(P=0.564,0.535,0.426,and 0.661,respectively).There was no significant difference in the recanalization rate between the direct thrombectomy group(79.17%)and the bridging group(75.00%)(P=0.627).There were no significant differences between the direct thrombectomy group(16.69±4.91 and 12.12±2.07)and the bridging group(7.13±1.23) and(14.40±0.59)in preoperative NIHSS score and GCS score(P=0.200 and 0.203,respectively).After the operation,the NIHSS scores in both groups were lower than those before the operation,and the GCS scores were higher than those before the operation.There was no significant difference in NIHSS and GCS scores between the direct thrombectomy group(6.91±1.10 and 14.19±0.65)and the bridging group(7.13±1.23 and 14.40±0.59)(P=0.358 and 0.101,respectively).There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients who achieved a good prognosis between the direct thrombectomy group(52.08%)and the bridging group(50.008%)(P=0.838).There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the direct thrombectomy group(6.25%)and the bridging group(8.33%)(P=0.913).CONCLUSION Bridging therapy and direct mechanical thrombectomy can safely treat cardiogenic cerebral infarction with anterior circulation macrovascular occlusion,achieve good vascular recanalization effects and prognoses,and improve the neurological function of patients.

Gelfoam embolization for distal, medium vessel injury during mechanical thrombectomy in acute stroke: A case report

BACKGROUND Arterial perforation has inevitably increased as endovascular treatments have become more common for intracranial large vessel occlusions,and even distal,medium vessel occlusions.A distal,medium vessel has a tortuous course and thinner wall compared to large arteries,making it more susceptible to damage.Here,we review the treatment strategies for arterial perforation during mechanical thrombectomy,and we report the case of a patient treated with gelfoam embolization.CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with sudden neurologic symptoms of right hemiparesis and global aphasia.The initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 15.Computed tomography(CT)and CT angiography revealed hyperacute infarction and emergent arterial occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery M2-3 portion.During endovascular mechanical thrombectomy,arterial rupture occurred.The patient’s vital signs were stable,but delayed angiography showed persistent active bleeding.Therefore,selective embolization of the injured artery was performed using gelfoam.Subsequent left vertebral and internal carotid angiography was performed to confirm hemostasis.A localized subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH)was confirmed on a follow-up CT scan.A repeated CT scan after 12 d showed resolution of the SAH,and rebleeding did not occur.CONCLUSION Rescue embolization with gelfoam could be considered an additional option in distal,medium vessel perforation.

Anticoagulant treatment for pulmonary embolism in patient with cerebral hemorrhage secondary to mechanical thrombectomy: A case report

BACKGROUND Cerebral hemorrhage secondary to cerebral embolism after mechanical thrombectomy is characterized by high morbidity,disability and mortality.If the patient also has severe pulmonary embolism(PE)at the same time,the treatment becomes more complex.This report describes the treatment strategy for a patient with PE and cerebral hemorrhage secondary to cerebral embolism after mechanical thrombectomy.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old woman presented to our emergency department with right-sided hemiplegia and mixed aphasia of 2.5 h duration.She was diagnosed with left cerebral embolism,left internal carotid artery occlusion,PE and left calf intramuscular vein thrombosis.Following mechanical thrombectomy,brain magnetic resonance imaging showed cerebral infarction with basal ganglia hemorrhage.We observed changes in cerebral hemorrhage on serial monitoring of brain computed tomography and adjusted the dose of anticoagulant drugs.After 3 wk of treatment,the patient’s neurological and respiratory symptoms significantly improved,and a favorable prognosis was obtained.CONCLUSION Anticoagulation could be a potential option for PE accompanied by hemorrhagic transformation of an ischemic infarct.

Mechanical thrombectomy for acute occlusion of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery: A case report

BACKGROUND Mechanical thrombectomy(MT)has been demonstrated to be useful for the treatment of ischemic stroke in patients with large vessel occlusions.However,recanalization by MT is not recommended for distal vessels such as second-order branches of the middle cerebral artery and posterior inferior cerebellar artery(PICA).Because of the small size and tortuosity of these arteries,the risks of using the available endovascular devices outweigh the benefits of treatment.However,MT appears to be effective in patients with primary distal vessel occlusion in eloquent areas,those with a high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score,and those ineligible for recombinant tissue plasminogen activator therapy.Here,we report the use of MT for treating acute occlusion of the PICA using a directaspiration first-pass technique(ADAPT).CASE SUMMARY In this case,the patient received acute occlusion of the PICA with ADAPT when right internal carotid artery stenting was performed.CONCLUSION With the introduction of advanced endovascular devices,MT may now be a feasible treatment for acute occlusion of the PICA.

A Unique Case of Successful Mechanical Thrombectomy and Stenting of Cabrol Graft: A Case Report

Cabrol technique and its modification are used as second line or bailout procedure in reimplantation of coronary arteries after aortic root replacement. Percutaneous interventions of Cabrol graft with aspiration thrombectomy and stenting have been previously described. We report a patient who successfully underwent percutaneous intervention on the graft by rheolytic thrombectomy followed by stenting in the setting of ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Association of apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism with the occurrence and therapeutic effect of ischemic stroke

At present,ischemic stroke seriously affects people's life and health,and its occurrence,development and therapeutic effect are affected by many factors.With the deep research on ischemic cerebral apoplexy disease,people have a deeper understanding of its virulence genes.The apolipoprotein E genotype is the research focus recently,its genetic type is not only involved in the occurrence and development of ischemic cerebral apoplexy,but also causes different therapeatic effects.In this paper,we reviewed the relationship between apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism and lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis in ischemic stroke,as well as the differences in the therapeutic effects of thrombolysis,thrombectomy and lipid-lowering among different genotypes.

Acute extensive portal and mesenteric venous thrombosis after splenectomy:Treated by interventional thrombolysis with transjugular approach

AIM:To present a series of cases with symptomatic acute extensive portal vein(PV)and superior mesenteric vein(SMV)thrombosis after splenectomy treated by transjugular intrahepatic approach catheter-directed thrombolysis. METHODS:A total of 6 patients with acute extensive PV-SMV thrombosis after splenectomy were treated by transjugular approach catheter-directed thrombolysis. The mean age of the patients was 41.2 years.After access to the portal system via the transjugular approach,pigtail catheter fragmentation of clots, local urokinase injection,and manual aspiration thrombectomy were used for the initial treatment of PV-SMV thrombosis,followed by continuous thrombolytic therapy via an indwelling infusion catheter in the SMV,which was performed for three to six days. Adequate anticoagulation was given during treatment, throughout hospitalization,and after discharge. RESULTS:Technical success was achieved in all 6 patients.Clinical improvement was seen in these patients within 12-24 h of the procedure.No complications were observed.The 6 patients were discharged 6-14 d(8±2.5 d)after admission.The mean duration of follow-up after hospital discharge was 40±16.5 mo.Ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography confirmed patency of the PV and SMV,and no recurrent episodes of PV-SMV thrombosis developed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION:Catheter-directed thrombolysis via transjugular intrahepatic access is a safe and effective therapy for the management of patients with symptomatic acute extensive PV-SMV thrombosis.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in pregnancy: A case report

BACKGROUND Cerebral venous thrombosis(CVT)is a rare but life-threatening disease in pregnant women.Anticoagulation is the first-line therapy for CVT management.However,some patients have poor outcomes despite anticoagulation.Currently,the endovascular treatment of CVT in pregnant women remains controversial.We report a rare case of CVT in a pregnant woman who was successfully treated with two stent retriever devices.CASE SUMMARY The patient was a 29-year-old pregnant woman.She was first diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum due to severe nausea and vomiting for one week.As the disease progressed,she developed acute left hemiplegia.Imaging confirmed the diagnosis of superior sagittal sinus,right transverse sinus and sinus sigmoideus thrombosis.As anticoagulant therapy was ineffective,she underwent thrombectomy.After the mechanical thrombectomy,her headache diminished.Three weeks later,the patient was completely independent.At a 3-mo follow-up,no relapse of symptoms was observed.CONCLUSION Mechanical thrombectomy may be an effective alternative therapy for CVT in pregnant women if anticoagulation therapy fails.

Combined surgical and interventional treatment of tandem carotid artery and middle cerebral artery embolus: A case report

BACKGROUND The 2018 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guidelines for early management of acute ischemic stroke recommend the use of retrievable stents for mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery M1 occlusion that can be treated within 6 h from onset.For cases of carotid artery with ipsilateral middle cerebral artery tandem embolization, the operation is more complicated and challenging. We here report a case of a tandem embolism, and the anatomy of the aortic arch was complex.Direct carotid artery incision and thrombectomy can not only prevent the escape of the carotid embolus but also save time during establishment of the thrombectomy access.CASE SUMMARY The patient was a 70-year-old man. He was admitted to hospital due to sudden inability to speak and inability to move his right limb for 3 h. Imaging confirmed a diagnosis of a tandem embolism in the left carotid artery with left M1 occlusion.Carotid artery incision thrombectomy combined with stent thrombectomy was performed. The operation was successful, and 24 h later the patient was conscious and mentally competent but had motor aphasia. His bilateral limb muscle strength level was 5, and his neurologic severity scores score was 2.CONCLUSION Carotid artery incision thrombectomy combined with stenting for carotid artery plus cerebral artery tandem embolization is clinically feasible. For patients with a complicated aortic arch and an extremely tortuous carotid artery, carotid artery incision can be chosen to establish the interventional path.