Mechanical Thrombectomy Using Solitaire in a 6-Year-Old Child

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatric Stroke
• Vascular Interventions

Background:

• Pediatric stroke, particularly in the posterior circulation, presents unique challenges.
• Basilar artery occlusion can lead to severe neurological deficits and rapid symptom progression.
• Established guidelines for acute revascularization in children are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of successful endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke in a young child.
• To highlight the use of mechanical clot removal devices in pediatric posterior circulation stroke.
• To contribute to the limited experience with revascularization techniques in pediatric stroke management.

Main Methods:

• Diagnosis of posterior circulation stroke secondary to basilar artery occlusion.
• Identification of vertebral artery dissection as the etiology.
• Management with endovascular technique including mechanical clot removal 26 hours after symptom onset.

Main Results:

• Successful revascularization achieved through endovascular intervention.
• Rapid progression of symptoms was halted.
• The patient, one of the youngest in Asia, was managed with advanced mechanical clot removal devices.

Conclusions:

• Endovascular therapy with mechanical clot removal can be a viable option for pediatric posterior circulation stroke.
• This case expands the understanding of managing acute ischemic stroke in children using newer devices.
• Further research is needed to establish clear guidelines for acute revascularization in pediatric stroke.