Combining the deployment of only the distal basket segment of the EMBOTRAP III and an aspiration catheter for M2 occlusions: the ONE-SEG technique.

Background: Endovascular therapy (EVT) for distal medium vessel occlusions requires prioritizing effectiveness and safety. We developed a technique combining the deployment of only the distal basket segment of the EMBOTRAP III and an aspiration catheter (AC) for M2 occlusions, called the "ONE-SEG technique," and evaluated its clinical and technical impacts. Methods: This was a retrospective review of 30 consecutive patients with M2 segment middle cerebral artery occlusion treated using the ONE-SEG technique. This method involves deploying the EMBOTRAP III through a microcatheter in only one segment and guiding the AC to the M2 origin or distal M1. The rates of final-pass expanded thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (eTICI) scores of 2c/3 or 2b/2c/3, safety (symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage [sICH]), and clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0-2, 0-3 at 90 days, and mortality at 90 days) were evaluated. Results: Of the 30 cases, 36.7% were female, and the mean age was 75.6 ± 11.0 years. The ONE-SEG technique was used for 17 cases (56.7%, median NIHSS 10 [5-15.5]) with primary M2 occlusion and 13 cases (43.3%, median NIHSS 20 [14-22.5]) with secondary M2 occlusion after proximal thrombus removal. The successful final reperfusion rate (eTICI 2b/2c/3) was 90% overall (27/30 cases). One case (3.3%) developed sICH with secondary M2 occlusion. At 3 months, mRS scores 0-2 were seen in 64.7% of patients with primary M2 occlusion (11/17 cases) and in 23.1% (3/13 cases) with secondary M2 occlusion. Conclusion: EVT using the ONE-SEG technique appears to be safe and effective for M2 occlusion.

Alternative Proximal Protection Method during Carotid Artery Stenting Using Combined Transbrachial and Transradial Artery Approaches.

Herein, we report a case of carotid artery stenting with proximal flow protection for severe stenosis of the left internal carotid artery using transbrachial and transradial artery approaches. Because an abdominal aortic aneurysm was present, we avoided the transfemoral approach. The procedure was successfully performed with a combination of an 8-Fr balloon guide catheter and microballoon catheter on separate axes. No complications such as pseudoaneurysm, thrombosis, or dissection were observed at the puncture site. The patient was discharged without complications and showed good outcomes at 3 months. This technique may offer a useful alternative for patients with severe stenosis who cannot be treated using a femoral artery approach.

Enhancement of the Ivy Sign during an Ischemic Event in Moyamoya Disease.

We herein report a case of increased and expanded ipsilateral ivy sign paralleling the expansion of cerebral infarction in a patient with moyamoya disease. A 67-year-old woman visited our hospital with symptoms of left hemiplegia, left homonymous hemianopia, and left unilateral spatial neglect. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed cerebral infarction in the right parietal lobe. In addition, ivy signs were evident on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging. These findings were enhanced by the expansion of cerebral infarction and disappeared once the ischemia resolved, implying hemodynamic changes. As a result of continuing medical treatment without antithrombotic therapy, the patient obtained a good outcome. Treatment for moyamoya disease in the acute phase is considered to require complex knowledge of multiple factors, such as the anatomical background of the individual patient and the progression grade of ischemia.

COVID-19 with Rapid Progression to Hypoxemia Likely due to Imbalance between Ventilation and Blood Flow: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: In COVID-19 pneumonia, cases of severe hypoxemia in the early stage and cases of sudden deterioration in respiratory status due to silent hypoxia leading to death, have been reported. CASE SUMMARY: A 70-year-old Japanese man with essential hypertension, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease and emphysema was hospitalized with the novel coronavirus disease. He had hypoxemia that was disproportionate to the severity of pneumonia indicated by computed tomography (CT), along with coagulation abnormalities. We speculated that there was a high possibility that he had developed ventilation and blood flow imbalance due to pulmonary intravascular coagulopathy (PIC) or hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV). In this case, early, short-term combination therapy with remdesivir, nafamostat mesylate and low-dose dexamethasone (Dex) was successful. CONCLUSION: In COVID-19 patients with multiple comorbidities who have hypoxemia and coagulation abnormalities that are disproportionate to the severity of pneumonia on CT, it is important to commence antiviral and anticoagulant therapy as soon as possible, followed by use of a low dose of Dex.

Plaque Protrusion in a Patient with Left Common Carotid Artery Stenting after Radiation Therapy: A Case Report.

Objective: We report a case of additional carotid artery stenting (CAS) for plaque protrusion occurring after initial CAS for radiation-induced common carotid artery (CCA) stenosis. Case Presentation: A 69-year-old man with a history of radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer presented to our hospital with sudden-onset right hemiparesis. Since vulnerable plaque of the left CCA was considered the embolic source for ischemic stroke, CAS was performed for left CCA stenosis. No perioperative complications were observed and the patient was discharged with a modified Rankin Scale score of 0. However, 1 month after CAS, cerebral embolism recurred. As protruding plaque was found on CTA, additional endovascular treatment was performed with intravascular ultrasonography. He was discharged without complications and showed a good outcome at 3 months. Conclusion: In CCA stenosis after radiotherapy, accelerated arteriosclerosis may cause drug-resistant cerebral embolism and plaque protrusion after CAS, making determination of the treatment strategy difficult. Appropriate treatment options need to be based on individual underlying diseases and plaque instability.

[A 74-year-old man who underwent carotid artery stenting with symptomatic right internal carotid artery stenosis with congenital agenesis of the left internal carotid artery].

A 74-year-old man visited our hospital with a 1-month history of awareness of wobbling while walking. Head MRI revealed fresh cerebral infarction in the territory of the right middle cerebral artery, and cervical carotid ultrasonography revealed severe stenosis at the origin of the right internal carotid artery. No left internal carotid artery could be confirmed, and no carotid canal was evident on CT of the head, suggesting congenital agenesis of the left internal carotid artery. Carotid artery stenting was performed for the stenosed right internal carotid artery that was refractory to medical treatment, obtaining a good outcome. Patients with congenital internal carotid artery agenesis show unique hemodynamics and anatomical features. Particularly in cases with cerebral infarction, an understanding of the etiology and complicated classification of disease types is needed, in addition to familiarity with comorbidities.

Association between the maximal distance of atrial septal protrusion and cryptogenic stroke.

Background and purpose Previous studies have suggested that atrial septal aneurysm is a potential risk factor for cerebral embolism. However, the association between the level of atrial septal protrusion and cerebral embolism is still unclear. The purpose of the present study was to assess the association between the maximal distance of atrial septal protrusion and cryptogenic stroke. Methods A total of 588 consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients (70 ± 11 (mean ± SD) years, 401 men) who underwent transesophageal echocardiography were enrolled. The maximal distance of atrial septal protrusion into the right or left atrium was measured. Atrial septal aneurysm was diagnosed when the maximal distance of atrial septal protrusion was >10 mm. Cryptogenic stroke was defined as non-lacunar ischemic stroke without >50% proximal artery stenosis or occlusion, cardioembolic sources, ≥4 mm atherosclerotic plaques in the aortic arch, or carotid or vertebral artery dissection. Results The rate of cryptogenic stroke increased with the increasing maximal distance of atrial septal protrusion. The maximal distance of atrial septal protrusion (multivariate-adjusted odds ratio (OR) per 1 mm, 1.14; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04-1.24; P = 0.003) and atrial septal aneurysm (multivariate-adjusted OR, 4.32; 95% CI, 1.22-20.39; P = 0.022) was independently associated with cryptogenic stroke. Conclusions The maximal distance of atrial septal protrusion was independently associated with cryptogenic stroke.