Failure of a clot retrieval device in an adolescent stroke patient

A previously healthy 14-year-old boy collapsed after a football game, with aphasia and right hemiparesis. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography revealed left middle cerebral artery distribution ischemic infarct with thrombus and possible dissection at the horizontal segment of the middle cerebral artery. The patient was treated 9 hours after collapse with intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator, but without success. The Merci clot retrieval device was then used, but the device broke in the middle cerebral artery and led to complete occlusion. At follow-up 3 months later, the boy had persistent aphasia, but notable improvement in his right hemiparesis. This is a novel report of a complication of mechanical clot retrieval treatment in a child. Further research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of intracranial endovascular clot retrieval devices in children.