Rare Case of Massive Middle Cerebral Artery Infarct After Bronchial Artery Embolisation

Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is a procedure that aims to control bleeding from bronchial arteries in massive and chronic haemoptysis. It is considered to be a life-saving measure in severe life-threatening haemoptysis. Although it is minimally invasive and has a high success rate, it still carries a list of complications. These include post-embolisation syndrome, chest pain, back pain, dysphagia, vascular injury at the site of the embolisation leading to dissection, perforation, pseudoaneurysm and, very rarely, embolic infarction to non-target vessels. Stroke is one of the rare complications post BAE, and it can be severe and fatal. Few cases of stroke post BAE have been reported in the literature, and they were mainly due to posterior cerebral circulation infarction. Here, we report a case of a stroke post BAE due to massive middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction and to our knowledge it seems to be the first reported case of MCA infarction post BAE. The discussion will cover the possible mechanisms of embolic passage, the outcome of the case including rehabilitation perspectives and the learning points. These will also highlight the importance of early recognition, which can save patients from a disabling stroke in the future.

Bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) carries a high risk of significant complications such as transverse myelitis, bronchial infraction, ischaemic colitis and stroke. While stroke remains one of the rarest complication post BAE, it may be under-reported or unrecognised.Close monitoring in post-BAE patients for any abnormal neurological signs that warrant urgent brain imaging, and early recognition can save patients from a disabling stroke by having the appropriate hyperactive stroke management plan including mechanical thrombectomy.