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Published on: January 23, 2019
Acute ischemic stroke in the setting of cervical carotid occlusion: a proposed management strategy
Ralph Rahme1, Todd A Abruzzo, Andrew J Ringer
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati, Neuroscience Institute, UC College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Insights
Extracranial internal carotid artery occlusion causing ischemic stroke requires prompt intra-arterial therapy. Recanalization of the affected vessel is crucial for improving patient outcomes, especially when symptoms stem from hemodynamic insufficiency.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Neuroradiology
Background:
- Extracranial internal carotid artery occlusion presents a significant challenge in ischemic stroke management.
- Atherothrombosis and dissection are common etiologies, often leading to poor outcomes with standard treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on extracranial internal carotid artery occlusion.
- To propose an effective management strategy for ischemic stroke caused by this condition.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review.
- Development of a proposed management algorithm based on clinical presentation and angiographic findings.
Main Results:
- Most strokes result from concurrent intracranial occlusions, with their treatment determining outcomes.
- A subset of patients experiences hemodynamic insufficiency necessitating extracranial vessel recanalization.
- Angiographic analysis of collateral flow aids in identifying stroke mechanisms and guiding microcatheter navigation.
Conclusions:
- Prompt and aggressive intra-arterial therapy is vital for successful recanalization.
- Timely intervention significantly impacts the prognosis for patients with extracranial internal carotid artery occlusion.
Background:
Occlusion of the extracranial internal carotid artery, whether a result of atherothrombosis or dissection, is a challenging cause of ischemic stroke, characterized by a dismal natural history and a poor response to systemic thrombolysis.
Methods:
Review of the literature and proposal of a management strategy.
Results:
In most patients, symptoms are caused by a coexistent intracranial occlusion, and treatment of the latter dictates the final outcome. However, a smaller subset of patients present with acute cerebral hemodynamic insufficiency requiring recanalization of the extracranial vessel. Careful analysis of the initial angiograms, particularly the extent and pattern of collateral flow, will usually give the clue as to the mechanism of stroke. The distal lesion can often be accessed by advancing a microcatheter, either through collateral channels or through the proximal occlusion itself.
Conclusions:
In all cases, the importance of prompt and timely recanalization through aggressive intra-arterial therapy cannot be overemphasized.
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