Incidence and outcome of perforations during medium vessel occlusion compared with large vessel occlusion thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: Vessel perforation during thrombectomy is a severe complication and is hypothesized to be more frequent during medium vessel occlusion (MeVO) thrombectomy. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence and outcome of patients with perforation during MeVO and large vessel occlusion (LVO) thrombectomy and to report on the procedural steps that led to perforation. METHODS: In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, data of consecutive patients with vessel perforation during thrombectomy between January 1, 2015 and September 30, 2022 were collected. The primary outcomes were independent functional outcome (ie, modified Rankin Scale 0-2) and all-cause mortality at 90 days. Binomial test, chi-squared test and t-test for unpaired samples were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: During 25 769 thrombectomies (5124 MeVO, 20 645 LVO) in 25 stroke centers, perforation occurred in 335 patients (1.3%; mean age 72 years, 62% female). Perforation occurred more often in MeVO thrombectomy (2.4%) than in LVO thrombectomy (1.0%, p<0.001). More MeVO than LVO patients with perforation achieved functional independence at 3 months (25.7% vs 10.9%, p=0.001). All-cause mortality did not differ between groups (overall 51.6%). Navigation beyond the occlusion and retraction of stent retriever/aspiration catheter were the two most common procedural steps that led to perforation. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, perforation was approximately twice as frequent in MeVO than in LVO thrombectomy. Efforts to optimize the procedure may focus on navigation beyond the occlusion site and retraction of stent retriever/aspiration catheter. Further research is necessary in order to identify thrombectomy candidates at high risk of intraprocedural perforation and to provide data on the effectiveness of endovascular countermeasures.

Outcomes after endovascular mechanical thrombectomy for low compared to high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS): A multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: The role of endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients presenting with "minor" stroke is uncertain. We aimed to compare outcomes after MT for ischemic stroke patients presenting with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) 5 and - within the low NIHSS cohort - identify predictors of a favorable outcome, mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively maintained, international, multicenter database. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised a total of 7568 patients from 29 centers. NIHSS was low (<5) in 604 patients (8%), and > 5 in 6964 (92%). Patients with low NIHSS were younger (67 + 14.8 versus 69.6 + 14.7 years, p < 0.001), more likely to have diabetes (31.5% versus 26.9%, p = 0.016), and less likely to have atrial fibrillation (26.6% versus 37.6%, p < 0.001) compared to those with higher NIHSS. Radiographic outcomes (TICI > 2B 84.6% and 84.3%, p = 0.412) and complication rates (8.1% and 7.2%, p = 0.463) were similar between the low and high NIHSS groups, respectively. Clinical outcomes at every follow up interval, including NIHSS at 24 h and discharge, and mRS at discharge and 90 days, were better in the low NIHSS group, however patients in the low NIHSS group experienced a relative decline in NIHSS from admit to discharge. Mortality was lower in the low NIHSS group (10.4% versus 24.5%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Relative to patients with high NIHSS, MT is safe and effective for stroke patients with low NIHSS, and it is reasonable to offer it to appropriately selected patients presenting with minor stroke symptoms. Our findings justify efforts towards a randomized trial comparing MT versus medical management for patients with low NIHSS.

Mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion strokes beyond 24 hours.

BACKGROUND: Recent clinical trials have shown that mechanical thrombectomy is superior to medical management for large vessel occlusion for up to 24 hours from onset. Our objective is to examine the safety and efficacy of thrombectomy beyond the standard of care window. METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken of the multicenter Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR). We identified patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion beyond 24 hours. We selected a matched control group from patients who underwent thrombectomy in the 6-24-hour window. We used functional independence at 3 months as our primary outcome measure. RESULTS: We identified 121 patients who underwent thrombectomy beyond 24 hours and 1824 in the 6-24-hour window. We selected a 2:1 matched group of patients with thrombectomy 6-24 hours as a comparison group. Patients undergoing thrombectomy beyond 24 hours were less likely to be independent at 90 days (18 (18.8%) vs 73 (34.9%), P=0.005). They had higher odds of mortality at 90 days in the adjusted analysis (OR 2.34, P=0.023). Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and other complications were similar in the two groups. In a multivariate analysis only lower number of attempts was associated with good outcomes (OR 0.27, P=0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical thrombectomy beyond 24 hours appears to be safe and tolerable with no more hemorrhages or complications compared with standard of care thrombectomy. Outcomes and mortality in this time window are worse compared with an earlier time window, but the rates of good outcomes may justify this therapy in selected patients.

Association of Noncontrast Computed Tomography and Perfusion Modalities With Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Late-Window Stroke Thrombectomy.

Importance: There is substantial controversy with regards to the adequacy and use of noncontrast head computed tomography (NCCT) for late-window acute ischemic stroke in selecting candidates for mechanical thrombectomy. Objective: To assess clinical outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke presenting in the late window who underwent mechanical thrombectomy stratified by NCCT admission in comparison with selection by CT perfusion (CTP) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Design, Setting, and Participants: In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, prospectively maintained Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm (STAR) database was used by selecting patients within the late window of acute ischemic stroke and emergent large vessel occlusion from 2013 to 2021. Patients were selected by NCCT, CTP, and DWI. Admission Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) as well as confounding variables were adjusted. Follow-up duration was 90 days. Data were analyzed from November 2021 to March 2022. Exposures: Selection by NCCT, CTP, or DWI. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcome was functional independence (modified Rankin scale 0-2) at 90 days. Results: Among 3356 patients, 733 underwent late-window mechanical thrombectomy. The median (IQR) age was 69 (58-80) years, 392 (53.5%) were female, and 449 (65.1%) were White. A total of 419 were selected with NCCT, 280 with CTP, and 34 with DWI. Mean (IQR) admission ASPECTS were comparable among groups (NCCT, 8 [7-9]; CTP, 8 [7-9]; DWI 8, [7-9]; P = .37). There was no difference in the 90-day rate of functional independence (aOR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.59-1.71; P = .99) after adjusting for confounders. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (NCCT, 34 [8.6%]; CTP, 37 [13.5%]; DWI, 3 [9.1%]; P = .12) and mortality (NCCT, 78 [27.4%]; CTP, 38 [21.1%]; DWI, 7 [29.2%]; P = .29) were similar among groups. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, comparable outcomes were observed in patients in the late window irrespective of neuroimaging selection criteria. Admission NCCT scan may triage emergent large vessel occlusion in the late window.

Outcomes of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Patients With Stroke Presenting With Low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score in the Early and Extended Window.

Importance: Limited data are available about the outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for real-world patients with stroke presenting with a large core infarct. Objective: To investigate the safety and effectiveness of MT for patients with large vessel occlusion and an Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) of 2 to 5. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study used data from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR), which combines the prospectively maintained databases of 28 thrombectomy-capable stroke centers in the US, Europe, and Asia. The study included 2345 patients presenting with an occlusion in the internal carotid artery or M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020. Patients were followed up for 90 days after intervention. The ASPECTS is a 10-point scoring system based on the extent of early ischemic changes on the baseline noncontrasted computed tomography scan, with a score of 10 indicating normal and a score of 0 indicating ischemic changes in all of the regions included in the score. Exposure: All patients underwent MT in one of the included centers. Main Outcomes and Measures: A multivariable regression model was used to assess factors associated with a favorable 90-day outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2), including interaction terms between an ASPECTS of 2 to 5 and receiving MT in the extended window (6-24 hours from symptom onset). Results: A total of 2345 patients who underwent MT were included (1175 women [50.1%]; median age, 72 years [IQR, 60-80 years]; 2132 patients [90.9%] had an ASPECTS of ≥6, and 213 patients [9.1%] had an ASPECTS of 2-5). At 90 days, 47 of the 213 patients (22.1%) with an ASPECTS of 2 to 5 had a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 (25.6% [45 of 176] of patients who underwent successful recanalization [modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia score ≥2B] vs 5.4% [2 of 37] of patients who underwent unsuccessful recanalization; P = .007). Having a low ASPECTS (odds ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38-0.85; P = .002) and presenting in the extended window (odds ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.55-0.88; P = .001) were associated with worse 90-day outcome after controlling for potential confounders, without significant interaction between these 2 factors (P = .64). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, more than 1 in 5 patients presenting with an ASPECTS of 2 to 5 achieved 90-day functional independence after MT. A favorable outcome was nearly 5 times more likely for patients with low ASPECTS who had successful recanalization. The association of a low ASPECTS with 90-day outcomes did not differ for patients presenting in the early vs extended MT window.

"Y-stent retriever": a new rescue technique for refractory large-vessel occlusions?

Long-awaited positive trial data have shown the efficacy of endovascular treatment in patients with ischemic stroke who arrive at the hospital within the first 6 hours with large-vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation. With the introduction of stent retrievers (SRs) for mechanical thrombectomy, efficient and safe large-artery recanalization treatment can be achieved. However, sometimes there are patients who do not attain complete flow restoration following attempts with traditional maneuvers. The authors present the case of a 57-year-old man with acute ischemic stroke due to an M1 embolus that extended into both M2 trunks. This patient was successfully treated with an innovative technique in which a Solitaire SR (Covidien) and a Catch SR (Balt) were used in a "Y" configuration, for which the authors coined the term "Y-stent retriever."

Inusual complicación en procedimiento de cirugía ortognática / Unusual complication in an orthognathicsurgery procedure

Objetivo: presentar un caso de pseudoaneurisma de la arteria maxilar interna, complicación hemorrágica infrecuente mediata al procedimiento de osteotomía sagital mandibular. Caso clínico: El tratamiento consistió en la embolización selectiva del vaso afectado, un procedimiento menos cruento que las maniobras hemostáticas tradicionales, como la ligadura arterial a través de un abordaje cervical. Conclusión: Es posible resolver la hemorragia con un método alternativo pero seguro, que conlleva menos morbilidades asociadas a las maniobras hemostáticas clásicas.

Aim: to report a mediate rare bleeding complication tothe procedure of mandibular sagittal split osteotomy as is thepseudoaneurysm of the internal maxillary artery is.Case report: The treatment consisted of selective embolizationof the affected vessel, which turns out to be a lessinvasive procedure than traditional hemostatic maneuverssuch as arterial ligation through a cervical approach.Conclusion: It is possible to resolve the bleeding withan alternative safe method with lower morbidity than the oneassociated with classical hemostatic maneuvers.

Assisted coiling using LEO Baby or LVIS Jr stents: Report of six cases.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Endovascular treatment of broad-neck, complex cerebral aneurysms is a challenging issue. Placement of a stent over the aneurysm neck and secondary coil embolization prevents coil migration and allows dense packing of the coils. Another challenge is represented by distal aneurysms situated in small vessels. In these cases, the use of little stents, which we are going call ministents, could be a good decision. These low-profile intracranial ministents can be deployed into arteries with diameters between 1.5 and 3.10 mm and delivered through microcatheters with an internal diameter of 0.0165 inches, which allows easier navigation in small-sized, delicate vessels. We present six cases of wide-neck aneurysms, with small parental arteries less than 2.5 mm using a low-profile ministent system (LEO Baby and LVIS Jr) plus coil embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients in whom LEO Baby or LVIS Jr stent was used for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Five aneurysms were treated during 2013-2014 in our service using the LEO Baby stent and one aneurysm using LVIS Jr. Stent-assisted coil embolization was performed using the jailing technique in all cases. Clinical and angiographic findings, procedural data, and follow-up are reported. RESULTS: Six consecutive patients were included in this study. Four patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage in the subacute-chronic phase and two patients had unruptured aneurysms. Two of the six aneurysms were located at branches of the sylvian artery, one at the basilar artery, two at the anterior communicating artery, and one at the P1-P2 artery. The procedures were successful. Six-month control digital subtraction angiograms were obtained in all cases; they demonstrated complete occlusion of the aneurysms in all instances. All patients had good clinical outcomes on follow-up, as measured with the Glasgow Outcome Scale and Modified Rankin Scale. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this small study show that the LEO Baby and LVIS Jr ministents could be safe and efficient for endovascular treatment of intracranial broad-neck aneurysms situated in small arteries.

Tratamiento endovascular de aneurismas cerebrales asintomáticos. Análisis de una serie de 118 casos / Endovascular treatment of asymptomatic cerebral aneurysms. Analysis of 118 cases

Objetivo: analizar los resultados de una serie de aneurismas cerebrales asintomáticos tratados mediante técnica endovascular y discutir las indicaciones del tratamiento. Material y método: se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de una serie de 96 pacientes con 118 aneurismas de hallazgo incidental que fueron abordados por vía endovascular para la embolización del aneurisma con espirales (colis) o con técnica de “colis” asistida por encamisado (stent), en un período de cuatro y medio años. Resultados: ciento quince aneurismas pudieron ser tratados con una tasa de oclusión suficiente para prevenir el sangrado de 78%, observándose en 15 (12.7%) de los procedimientos complicaciones que causaron morbilidad definitiva en 3 (3.1%) pacientes y mortalidad en dos (2.1%). Uno (0.8%) de los aneurismas sangró a la hora post procedimiento. Conclusión: la embolización de aneurismas no rotos esta asociada a baja morbilidad y mortalidad en comparación con comunicaciones recientes referidas a historia natural y resultados de la cirugía convencional. De todas maneras la decisión de tratar un aneurisma incidental dependerá de cada caso en particular y habrá que tener en cuenta los factores dependientes del paciente, (edad, estado clínico y la perspectiva de vida del mismo), factores inherentes al aneurisma (tamaño, forma, localización y crecimiento del mismo) así como también factores inherentes al equipo tratante (experiencia y resultados).

Efectividad del abordaje endovascular en una serie de 122 aneurismas cerebrales del circuito posterior / Effectiveness of the endovascular approach in a series of 122 posterior circle aneurysms

Objetivo. Describir los resultados y complicaciones del tratamiento endovascular en una serie de pacientes portadores de aneurismas cerebrales localizados en el circuito posterior. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo de una serie de 122 pacientes portadores de aneurismas de circuito posterior, tratados por vía endovascular. Resultados: Se realizaron 122 estudios angiográficos diagnósticos, de los cuales 116 fueron pasibles de tratamiento endovascular. La tasa de oclusión completa fue del 73% en los localizados en arteria cerebral posterior, 68% en los de tope de arteria basilar, 72% en los de arteria cerebelosa posteroinferior, 82% en los aneurismas de la arteria cerebelosa superior y 75% en los de arteria vertebral. La oclusión fue completa en el 50% de los aneurismas de tronco de basilar y en el único caso localizado en la arteria cerebelosa anteroinferior. La morbilidad y mortalidad secundaria a la técnica fue de 5,2% y 1,7% respectivamente. Conclusiones: En la serie de casos descripta, todos los tipos de aneurismas en todas las localizaciones del circuito posterior, pudieron ser abordados por vía endovascular, con una alta tasa de oclusión completa y baja tasa de morbilidad y mortalidad.

Objective. To describe morbidity and mortality secondary to endovascular treatment in a series of cases with posterior circle aneurysms. Material and Method A descriptive study in a series of adult patients with posterior circle aneurysms treated by endovascularsurgery. Results. Endovascular therapy was done in 116 of 122 aneurysmsstudied by angiography. Posterior circle aneurysms were completely occluded in 73% of cases, basilar tip aneurysms hadcomplete occlusion in 68% of cases, posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms were totally occluded in 72% of cases, superior cerebellar artery aneurysms occlusion was in 82% and vertebral artery aneurysms were occluded in 75% of cases. The 50% of basilar trunk aneurysms were totally occluded and the only anterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm treated wasfully occluded. Morbidity and mortality related to the technic was 5,2% and 1,7%. Conclusion. In our series of cases, embolization was very effective to approach every types and locations of posterior circle aneurysms with a high rate of complete occlusion with lowmorbidity and mortality.

Reconstrucción de arteria portadora en aneurismas cerebrales de cuello amplio con técnica de micro stent autoexpandible / Reconstruction of the parent artery in wide neck aneurysms with the autoexpandable micro stent technique

Objetivo: Analizar en forma retrospectiva en el presente trabajo, la efectividad y complicaciones de esta técnica en treinta y cinco aneurismas de cuello amplio tratados con un micro stent de tipo autoexpandible modelo Neuroform (Boston Scientific). Población y métodos: En un lapso de cincuenta meses hemos tratado por vía endovascular quinientos treinta aneurismas cerebrales, en treinta y cinco de los cuales, por sus características anatómicas, se practicó la técnica de coíls asistido por stent, para reconstruir la arteria. Previa antiagregación y bajo anticoagulación sistémica, el stent Neuroform fue liberado a nivel del cuello del aneurisma y luego a través del mismo se realizó la oclusión del saco aneurismático con coíls desprendibles. Resultados: En un solo caso no fue posible liberar el stent; treinta y dos casos se trataron con stent seguidos de la oclusión con coíls y a dos aneurismas se los trató sólo con stent. Nueve de los aneurismas habían sido tratado inicialmente sólo con coíls y en un segundo tiempo para completar la oclusión del cuello se les colocó el stent y coíls. Un paciente falleció por una hemorragia subaracnoidea secundaria al procedimiento; otro paciente sufrió accidente tromboembólico sin morbilidad definitiva a los doce días del procedimiento y un paciente sufrió un hematoma retroperitoneal por hemorragía en el sitio de punción femoral. Veinticinco pacientes tuvieron seguimiento angiográfico y estos casos fueron analizados encontrando en cuatro casos mínima compactación de los coíls, observando en estos tres casos signos de estenosis en el segundo donde se había colocado el stent; uno revirtió ésta en forma completa y en los otros dos en forma parcial a los 12 meses. Conclusión: El stent intracraneano autoexpandible Neuroform permite la reconstrucción arterial en aneurismas de cuello amplio en el 97% de los casos tratados, incrementando significativamente la estabilidad de la oclusión lograda con coíls...

Experiencia con el tratamiento endovascular de los aneurismas del tope de la arteria basilar / Experience with the endovascular treatment of vasilar tip aneurysms

Objetivo. Describir los resultados inmediatos obtenidos en una serie de pacientes con aneurismas del tope de la arteria basilar tratados por vía endovascular en relación con el tamaño del cuello y saco del aneurisma, la presencia o no de ruptura aneurísmática y la gravedad clínica. Método. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en una cohorte retrospectiva de 37 pacientes adultos de ambos sexos con aneurismas del tope de la arteria basilar tratados por vía endovascular (período 1993-2006). Los pacientes fueron clasificados con la escala de Hunt-Hess. Los aneurismas fueron clasificados según su tamaño y ancho del cuello. El grado de oclusión se clasificó en 4 categorías: A(100), B(>95), C(>90), D(<90). Resultados. En el 68 se logró una oclusión grado A y en el 1 se logró una oclusión grado B. La morbilidad fue del 7 en el subgrupo sin HSA y del 28 en el subgrupo con HSA. Se encontró una morbilidad del 9 en el grado HH 0; 12,5 en el grado HH 1-2; 58 en el grado HH 3 y 50 en el grado HH 4-5. La oclusión fue grado A en el 75 de los aneurismas con saco pequeño y cuello angosto y en el 55 de los aneurismas con saco grande y cuello ancho. La morbilidad global fue del 24 y la mortalidad global fue del 5,4. Conclusión. En base a los resultados descriptos la vía endovascular fue una buena alternativa para el tratamiento en agudo de los aneurismas rotos e incidentales del tope de la basilar, sobre todo cuando tenían un saco pequeño y cuello angosto y presentaban una menor gravedad clínica. Palabras clave: aneurisma cerebral, tope de basilar, tratamiento endovascular.

Objective. We describe the early results obtained in a series of cases with basilar tip aneurysms treated by endovascular surgery with detachable coils. The results are compared according to the size of the neck and the sac of the aneurysms, the history of aneurysms rupture and neurological state. Method: A retrospective descriptive study was made in a cohort of 37 adults patients of both sexes with basilar tip aneurysms treated by endovascular surgery (period 1993-2006). Hunt-Hess scale was usedfor patients classification. The aneurysms were classified according to their size and the wide of the neck. The occlusion grade was classified in 4 categories: A(100), B(>95), C(>90), D(<90). Results: Occlusion grade A was obtained un 68 of patients and occlusion grade B was obtained in 18 of patients. The morbidity was 7 in the non-SHA group and 28 in the SAH group. Morbidity was 9 in HH 0, 12,5 in grade HH 1-2, 58 in grade HH 3 and 50 in grade HH 4-5. Occlusion was grade A in 75 of the aneurysms with small sac and narrow neck and in 55 fo the aneurysms with a huge sac an broad neck. Global morbidity was 24 and global mortality was 5.4. Conclusion: According with our results, endovascular surgery was a good alternative for acute ruptured basilar tip aneurysms and incidental ones too, mainly when they had smaller sacs, narrower necks and a better neurological state. Key words: basilar tip aneurysm - cerebral aneurysm - endovascular treatment.

Tratamiento endovascular con sistema GDC de aneurismas del segmento carotideo de la arteria comunicante posterior: experiencia en 100 casos / Endovascular treatment with GDC system of posterior communicating internal carotid aneurysms: experience in 100 cases

Objetivo: en algunos casos de aneurismas que se originan del segmento comunicante posterior de la arteria carotida interna son dificil de tratar en forma microquirurgica, por lo que son remitidos para ser tratados por via endovascular. En una serie de estos casos evaluamos el resultado inmediato y tardia de la embolizacion, y resultados clinicos alejados. Metodos: en un periodo de diez años, 98 pacientes con 100 aneurismas fueron tratados con Guglielmi Detachable Coll system por el equipo medico del Centro Endovascular Neurologico Buenos Aires. Los resultados clinicos y angiograficos y seguimiento fueron evaluados retrospectivamente. Resultados: se logro una oclusion total o subtotal en 53 y 27 por ciento de los casos con 19 por ciento de oclusion subtotal y parcial. De los 98 pacientes unicamente 49 fueron evaluados en forma alejada desde el punto de vista clinico (87,8 por ciento mostraron una buena recuperacion, 5 pacientes tuvieron una moderada incapacidad y 1 paciente fallecio por causas no relacionadas) y 53 de los 100 aneurismas tuvieron seguimiento angiografico para evaluar la estabilidad de la oclusion, observando que 26,4 por ciento tuvieron compactacion de los coils. El grado de compactacion considerando el tamaño del cuello de aneurismas rotos reflejo un 7,1 por ciento de compactacion de los coils en aneurismas con cuello pequeño y un 50 por ciento en los de cuello grande. No observando resangrado aneurismatico en el seguimiento alejado. Conclusion: El resultado de este estudio indica que el tratamiento endovascular es una alternativa terapeutica segura y efectiva en los aneurismas del segmento carotideo de la arteria comunicante posterior, y ademas un cuarto de los aneurismas mostraron compactacion de los coils siendo a pesar de esto efectivo para la proteccion del sangrado y resangrado

Acute myocarditis associated with adenoviral infection in a patient with scleroderma.

We describe a 40-year-old man with limited scleroderma who presented with acute heart failure following a flu-like illness. He was known to have incomplete left anterior bundle branch block, initial isolated pulmonary hypertension with enlarged right atrium, and no pulmonary fibrosis. He received therapy for acute heart failure and was transferred to a scleroderma centre for specific treatment of scleroderma cardiomyopathy. Investigations showed raised inflammatory markers and diffuse hyperechogenic thickening of the myocardium on echocardiography. Contrast-enhanced (Gd-DOTA) cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CV-MRI) showed multiple areas of non-homogeneous delayed hyperenhancement in the left ventricle, suggestive of myocarditis. Antiadenovirus IgM antibodies were detected with a titer consistent with recent infection. Six weeks later a repeat Gd-DOTA CV-MRI showed an almost complete resolution of the areas of hyperenhancement and there was a significant reduction in the adenovirus antibody titer with serological conversion to IgG. To our knowledge this is the first report of viral myocarditis in scleroderma. Infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality in this disease and should always be included in the differential diagnosis of cardiac symptoms. We propose that contrast-enhanced CV-MRI is valuable in a non-invasive diagnosis of heart disease in patients with scleroderma.

Disecciones carotideas espontaneas complicadas: a proposito de dos casos tratados por via endovascular / Complicate spontaneous carotid dissectios: report of two cases managed endovascularly

Objective: to report 2 cases of spontaneous carotid dissection (SCD) that presented a pseudoaneurysm as a complication. Description: we report a case of a 47 year old patient with headache and Horner syndrome. The digital angiography (DA) showed a SCD. That was followed by a pseudoaneurysm. A 46 year old patient presented with a right amaurosis fugax and left hemiparesis. A SCD was diagnosed by magnetic resonance angiography. It presented with a pseudoaneurysm. Intervention: both pseudoaneurysm were treated with stents. Conclusion: DA is the method of choice for the diagnosis and evolutive dynamic control of SCD. Stents are useful pseudoaneurysm resolution

Tratamiento endovascular de aneurismas incidentales con espirales GDC / Endovascular treatment of incidental aneurysm with GDC coils

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of intracranial aneurysms ranges from 0,5 por ciento to 6 por ciento and the diagnosis of incidental aneurysms has increased due to the development of non invasive neuroimaging techniques. Minimally invasive treatment has proved to be effective in the management of ruptured aneurysms and may be the treatment modality in incidental cases. METHODS: A series of 119 incidental aneurysms in 77 patients were treated by embolization with GDC coils. RESULTS: One hundred and seven aneurysms were successfully embolized with total or almost total occlusion rate of 86,8 por ciento. Thirteen procedural complications occurred causing definite morbidity in 5 patients and one death. None of the embolized aneurysms bled during the follow - up. CONCLUSION: Embolization of incidental aneurysms is associated to a low morbidity and mortality rates

Anatomia angiografica de los aneurismas carotidocomunicantes posteriores / Angiographic anatomy of the posterior communicating artery aneurysms

Objective: to study the anatomical features of posterior communicating artery aneurysms in relation to the anatomical variants of the paren vessels. Methods:Angiograms of 106 PCom aneurysms were reviewed. Results: Fetal Posterior Cerebral Artery was found in 19,8 por ciento of the cases; 57,5 por ciento of the aneurysms originated in the carotid artery; 78 por ciento of the aneurysms were smalls (less than 10mm). Conclusion: Pcom aneurysms most frecuently arise from the carotid artery itself. The presence of a fetal posterior cerebral artery is not related to the development of Pcom aneurysms