The management of the bilateral internal carotid dissection clinical case presentation

Ş Dima1, C Scheau2, F Ştefănescu3

  • 1Department of Cerebral Angiography, National Institute of Neurology and Cerebrovascular Diseases in Bucharest; Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.

Insights

This case study highlights successful stenting for spontaneous bilateral carotid dissection, a rare condition. Prompt diagnosis via MRI and angio-MRI aided treatment, leading to significant patient recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neuroradiology
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Bilateral carotid dissection is a rare and potentially devastating cerebrovascular event.
  • Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cause of symptoms in a patient with bilateral carotid dissection using advanced imaging.
  • To describe the endovascular stenting procedure to manage internal carotid artery stenosis resulting from dissection.

Main Methods:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and angio-MRI for diagnosis.
  • Multislice Computed Tomography (CT) scan.
  • Digital subtraction angiography for diagnosis and endovascular stenting (Wallstents).

Main Results:

  • Successful stenting of both internal carotid arteries.
  • Patient presented with NIHSS=10, dysarthria, and left hemiplegia at discharge.
  • Significant recovery (80%) of neurological deficits after 2 months.

Conclusions:

  • Spontaneous bilateral internal carotid dissection is a unique clinical presentation.
  • Endovascular stenting is a viable first-line therapeutic option for select cases of carotid dissection.
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration between neurology and neuroradiology is key to successful management.