Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
06:01

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia

Published on: August 18, 2015

Cerebral blood flow and oxygen metabolism in symptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion by (traumatic) cervical

J De Reuck1, K Paemeleire, D Decoo

  • 1Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium. jacques.dereuck@gmail.com

Acta Neurologica Belgica
|February 18, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Cerebral infarction from internal carotid artery dissection is likely caused by artery-to-artery embolism, not hypoperfusion. Positron emission tomography confirmed reduced blood flow only in the infarct zone, supporting embolism as the cause.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Cervical artery dissection can lead to internal carotid artery occlusion and subsequent cerebral infarction.
  • The underlying mechanism of stroke in these cases is debated, with possibilities including embolism or hemodynamic failure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cause of cerebral infarction in patients with internal carotid artery occlusion due to cervical dissection.
  • To differentiate between embolic events and hemodynamic compromise as the primary stroke mechanism.

Main Methods:

  • Positron emission tomography (PET) was used to assess regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), regional cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (rCMRO2), and regional oxygen extraction fraction (rOEF).
  • Ten patients with computed tomographic (CT) confirmed cerebral infarcts secondary to internal carotid artery dissection and thrombosis were studied.

Main Results:

  • Reduced rCBF and rCMRO2 were observed exclusively within the infarct area.
  • No significant decrease in rCBF or rCMRO2 was found in the peri-infarct zone or other brain regions.
  • The regional oxygen extraction fraction (rOEF) was not elevated in the affected hemisphere.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest that artery-to-artery embolism, originating from a thrombus within the dissected internal carotid artery, is the predominant cause of cerebral infarction.
  • Hemodynamic failure and hypoperfusion are less likely to be the primary cause.
  • Anticoagulant therapy is indicated for acute stroke management in these patients.

More Related Videos

Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Allowing Reperfusion via Common Carotid Artery Repair in Mice06:59

Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Allowing Reperfusion via Common Carotid Artery Repair in Mice

Published on: January 23, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Arteries of the Head and Neck01:26

Arteries of the Head and Neck

The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
The Arch of Aorta01:10

The Arch of Aorta

The coronary arteries, originating from the ascending aorta, bifurcate from two sinuses located within the ascending aorta. Positioned just above the aortic semilunar valve, these sinuses house essential aortic baroreceptors and chemoreceptors, crucial for maintaining cardiac function. The left coronary artery and the right coronary artery branch off from the left posterior and anterior aortic sinuses, respectively.
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...