Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
06:26
Induction of Cerebral Arterial Gas Embolism in Rat
Published on: October 18, 2024
Spontaneous cerebral calcific embolus from the aortic arch.
Olga Acha1, Francisco Novo, Belen Espina
1UARH (Short Stay Unit), University Hospital Marques de Valdecilla, Avda Marques de Valdecilla s/n, 39008-Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery
|August 7, 2009
Summary
Spontaneous calcific embolism from the aortic arch caused a stroke. Emboli migration was observed in the middle cerebral artery after intravenous thrombolysis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Spontaneous calcific embolism is a rare cause of ischemic stroke.
- While calcified cardiac valves are common sources, emboli from the brachiocephalic trunk have also been reported.
Observation:
- This case details a stroke caused by spontaneous calcific emboli originating from the aortic arch.
- The migration of these calcific emboli was visualized along the middle cerebral artery.
Findings:
- Aortic arch calcific emboli can lead to cerebrovascular events.
- Intravenous thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) did not prevent emboli migration in this instance.
Implications:
- Highlights the aortic arch as a potential, albeit uncommon, source of calcific emboli causing stroke.
- Suggests further investigation into the behavior and management of aortic arch calcific emboli, especially in the context of thrombolytic therapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
01:10The 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...
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
01:30Aneurysm I: Introduction
An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
01:26Transient 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...
01:15Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...