Endovascular treatment of acute atherothrombotic internal carotid artery occlusion associated with persistent primitive hypoglossal artery.

Persistent primitive hypoglossal artery is a relatively rare anatomical variation and a type of persistent carotid-basilar anastomosis. Acute internal carotid artery occlusion associated with persistent primitive hypoglossal artery is rare, and atherothrombotic occlusion is extremely rare. We present a case of acute atherothrombotic internal carotid artery occlusion associated with persistent primitive hypoglossal artery that was successfully treated by endovascular treatment. A 70-year-old male with a history of left internal carotid artery stenosis was transferred to our hospital by ambulance because of abnormal behaviors and aphasia. He was diagnosed with cerebral infarction and left internal carotid artery occlusion. Left carotid angiography revealed the persistent primitive hypoglossal artery arising from the cervical internal carotid artery and complete internal carotid artery occlusion distal to the origin of the persistent primitive hypoglossal artery. Therefore, we performed endovascular treatment. Mechanical thrombectomy was performed under minimal flow arrest with consideration of brain ischemia causing coma. After additional balloon angioplasty, recanalization was achieved, and the patient's symptoms improved. During the 1.5-year follow-up period, no recurrence or restenosis was observed. This report provides evidence that atherosclerotic internal carotid artery stenosis associated with persistent primitive hypoglossal artery can occur even distal to the origin of the persistent primitive hypoglossal artery and that the lesion may become acutely occluded, leading to acute stroke. Endovascular treatment considering brain ischemia was effective in this case.

Internal carotid artery-persistent primitive anterior choroidal artery aneurysms: report of two cases and literature review.

PURPOSE: Persistent primitive anterior choroidal artery (PPAChA) is a rare vascular anomaly. The clinical course of internal carotid artery (ICA)-PPAChA aneurysms has not been well described. CASE REPORTS: We report two patients with an ICA-PPChA aneurysm and summarize previously reported cases. RESULTS: Including our two, a total of 10 patients with an ICA-PPAChA aneurysm have been reported. Data were not described for one. Among the remaining nine, five patients (56%) experienced aneurysmal rupture. Five patients underwent surgical clipping and four underwent endovascular coiling. The procedure was completed in all but one patient who had a tiny branch artery adherent to the aneurysm; this patient was converted from clipping to aneurysm coating with a cotton sheet. Among the other eight patients, one who underwent coiling experienced an internal capsule infarction. The remaining seven had a satisfactory postoperative course; however, an asymptomatic occlusion of the PPAChA at its origin was noted on postoperative angiography in one. CONCLUSION: PPChA is associated with a high incidence of aneurysm formation and rupture. During treatment of ICA-PPAChA aneurysms, obstruction of the PPAChA and any surrounding perforating arteries should be avoided to prevent ischemic stroke.

Rescue retrieval of a trapped embolic protection device using a JB2-type balloon catheter.

Carotid artery stenting is a treatment option for patients with significant symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Although use of an embolic protection device during carotid artery stenting can prevent distal embolization, device retrieval after stenting can be difficult. In this report, during an embolic protection device retrieval, it was not possible to advance recapture catheters through the distal flare segment of the stent because the device wire would catch on the flare or become jammed between the flare and vessel wall. Then, an extension wire was connected to the end of the device and a 5.2-Fr JB2-type balloon catheter was advanced over the wire, which was able to pass through the stent. The use of a 5.2-Fr JB2-type balloon catheter to retrieve a trapped embolic protection device is feasible and effective if standard maneuvers fail.

Posterior inferior cerebellar artery originating from the posterior meningeal artery mimicking dural arteriovenous fistula.

PURPOSE: Many variations in the origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) have been reported. To our knowledge, only one case of a PICA originating from the posterior meningeal artery (PMA) has been reported. METHODS: We describe a case with a PICA that was supplied retrograde from the distal segment of the PMA, mimicking a dural arteriovenous fistula on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). RESULTS: A 31-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a sudden occipital headache and nausea. MRA showed a hyperplastic left PMA, continuing to an abnormal vessel that was suspicious for venous drainage. Digital subtraction angiography revealed the left PMA originated from the extradural segment of the vertebral artery and then connected to the left PICA near the torcula. The cortical segment of the PICA flowed retrograde, which appeared as venous reflux on MRA. A second PICA originated from the extradural segment of the left vertebral artery and perfused the tonsillomedullary and televelotonsillar segment of the left PICA territory. CONCLUSION: We present an anatomical variant of the PICA mimicking a dural arteriovenous fistula. Digital subtraction angiography is useful for diagnosis of the cortical segment of the PICA flowing retrograde from the distal segment of the PMA because signal intensity in MRA of retrograde flow tends to decrease and diagnosis may be difficult. During endovascular treatment and open surgery, we should note that ischemic complications may occur due to the potential anastomosing channels between cerebral and dural arteries.

Mechanical Thrombectomy Making Practical Use of an Aspiration Catheter While Selecting the Retrieval Technique during the Procedure.

Objective: To report the outcomes of thrombectomy for arterial occlusion involving the major arteries of the cerebral anterior circulation when an aspiration catheter (AC) was used in all cases, with the retrieval technique chosen during the procedure. Methods: Of the 126 patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy during the 2-year period of 2018-2019, the study subjects were 102 patients with arterial occlusion involving the major arteries of the cerebral anterior circulation. Patients were divided into two groups depending on when the procedure was performed. In the earlier group (January 2018-March 2019), treatment was performed using only a stent retriever (SR), whereas an AC was used for all cases in the later group (April-December 2019). Outcomes between groups were retrospectively compared. In the later group, the treatment strategy was to use the SR in combination with the AC (combined technique) for retrieval if the microcatheter reached the distal side of the occlusion site without difficulty. If the microcatheter did not easily reach the distal side, we did not stick to penetrating the occlusion site, and contact aspiration was performed. Results: Thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) grade 2b-3 was achieved in 85% of patients in the earlier group and 95% in the later group. TICI grade 3 was achieved in 52% of the earlier group and 54% of the later group, showing no significant difference. TICI grade 2b-3 was achieved at first pass in 46% of patients in the earlier group, significantly lower than the 71% in the later group (P = 0.013). The mean number of passes decreased significantly from 1.84 in the earlier group to 1.32 in the later group (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Using an AC from the start, and using a combined technique when the microcatheter reached the distal side of the occlusion site, the frequency of first-pass TICI grade 2b-3 increased, and the mean number of passes decreased in comparison with the SR-alone group.

Predictors of a Good Outcome in Endovascular Treatment for Basilar Artery Occlusion with a Direct Aspiration First-Pass Technique.

Objective: There is limited evidence for mechanical thrombectomy in patients with basilar artery occlusion. Despite recanalization, there are several reports on poor outcomes. Therefore, we retrospectively evaluated the outcomes and examined the predictors of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with basilar artery occlusion. Methods: We recruited 22 consecutive patients who had received mechanical thrombectomy for basilar artery occlusion with a direct aspiration first-pass technique at our hospital between January 2016 and April 2020. The subjects were divided into good (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] ≤2) and poor outcome groups (mRS ≥3) and compared with one another. We conducted ROC analysis to identify the cut-off value that revealed a statistically significant difference in the univariate analysis. Results: Of the 22 patients, the average age ± standard deviation (SD), median pretreatment NIHSS (interquartile range [IQR]), and median pretreatment posterior circulation acute stroke progression early CT score (pc-ASPECTS) (IQR) were 76 ± 10 years, 21 (8-31), and 8 (5-9), respectively. The predictors that showed statistically significant differences in the univariate analysis were age, pretreatment NIHSS score, and pretreatment pc-ASPECTS. Based on the ROC analysis, age (area under the curve [AUC] of 0.782, cutoff <74, and P = 0.028), pretreatment pc-ASPECTS (AUC of 0.850, cutoff ≥7, and P = 0.006), and pretreatment NIHSS (AUC of 0.803, cutoff <19, and P = 0.018) were significant prognostic factors. Conclusion: In this study, aged <74 years, pc-ASPECTS ≥7, and NIHSS <19 were significant prognostic factors in endovascular treatment for basilar artery occlusion with a direct aspiration first-pass technique.

A Case of Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion Caused by En Bloc Distal Embolization of Carotid Free-Floating Thrombus Treated by Mechanical Thrombectomy.

Objective: We report a case of internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion caused by en bloc distal embolization of carotid free-floating thrombus (FFT) treated by mechanical thrombectomy. Case Presentation: A 57-year-old woman was brought to our hospital with dysarthria, right hemiparesis, and motor aphasia. MRI and MRA revealed acute infarction due to middle cerebral artery occlusion. Carotid ultrasonography demonstrated a pedunculated mobile plaque in the left ICA. We diagnosed embolic infarction due to the carotid FFT and started medical treatment. However, on the second hospital day, the carotid FFT detached from the arterial wall en bloc, resulting in left ICA occlusion. The occluded ICA was successfully recanalized by mechanical thrombectomy. Conclusion: FFT is associated with a high risk of embolic ischemic stroke and the primary treatment strategy must be carefully considered.

Target Embolization of Dilated Post-PICA Segment for Ruptured PICA-Involved Type Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysm.

Objective: In parent artery occlusion (PAO) for ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (RVADA), target embolization using coils in a short segment to occlude only the vasodilated area containing the rupture point is selected as a first-choice procedure at our institute. We focused on RVADA involving the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) and evaluated the treatment results. Methods: This study consisted of eight cases with RVADA involving the PICA which were treated between October 2007 and January 2020. Based on radiological findings such as the bleb, the rupture points were located at the affected vertebral artery (VA) distal to PICA in all cases. Target embolization, by which only coiling at the dilated segment distal to the VA was performed. We aimed to preserve blood flow to the PICA. The incidence and extent of medullary infarctions, and neurological outcome were retrospectively assessed. Results: Regarding the diameter of bilateral VA, there were no differences in six cases while the affected VA with RVADA were larger in the remaining two cases. PICA was preserved in all cases but one in which occlusion of complementary PICA was observed. Postoperative medullary infarction was not noted. There was no rebleeding during the follow-up period. However, recanalization of the VA was observed in four cases and additional coil embolization was performed. All patients were discharged with a good outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0; seven patients, mRS 2; one patient). Conclusion: Target embolization preserving the PICA in PICA-involved type RVADA was considered to be an effective treatment method for cases whose rupture point was located in the VA distal to PICA orifice.

Results of Therapy Using Oral Anticoagulants in the Acute Phase after Mechanical Thrombectomy.

Objective: The usage of oral anticoagulants (OACs) in the acute phase of cerebral infarction has increased, but the optimal timing for starting OACs after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is unclear. We report the usage of OACs after MT at our hospital and evaluated the outcomes. Methods: OACs were selected as secondary preventive drugs for 64 patients who underwent MT for anterior circulatory embolism between July 2016 and January 2019. Of the 64 patients, 28 and 36 received direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and warfarin (Wf), respectively. We compared the frequency of intracranial hemorrhage in the acute phase and that of recurrent cerebral infarction within 30 days. Results: The median diffusion-weighted imaging-Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Scores + white matter (DWI-ASPECTS + W) score at admission was 7.5 (IQR 6-9)/8 (IQR, 6-9) in the DOACs group/Wf group. The rate of recanalization with modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) ≥2B by MT was 89.3/80.6%. In patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) associated with MT and patients with hemorrhagic transformation (HT) on MRI the next day, administration was started after hemostasis. The median timing of the first anticoagulant administration was 3 (IQR, 2-4)/2 (IQR, 1-4) days. In the case of no HT the next day, the rate of new HT after 1 week was 7.1%/29.1%. In the case of HT the next day, the rate of HT deterioration the next day was 7.1%/16.6%. The percentage of symptomatic bleeding was 0%/2.8%. The percentage of recurrent cerebral infarction within 30 days was 0%/2.8%. Conclusion: OACs in the acute phase after MT can be safely used and are expected to be effective at preventing recurrence.