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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Cerebral angioplasty in a patient with vascular dementia
S Maeshima1, T Terada, N Yoshida
1Department of Neurological Surgery, Wakayama Medical College, Japan.
Insights
Severe blockages in brain arteries caused memory and gait issues. Angioplasty successfully reversed these deficits, improving cognitive function and daily living activities.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Cerebrovascular hemodynamic compromise can lead to significant neurological deficits.
- Severe stenoses in both internal carotid and vertebral arteries pose a risk for cognitive and motor impairments.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old male presented with progressive memory loss and gait disturbance.
- The patient exhibited disorientation, mild motor weakness, and severe intellectual deterioration.
- He required substantial assistance for daily living activities.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of vertebral arteries and endarterectomy of internal carotid arteries.
- Post-intervention, higher cortical function and activities of daily living showed remarkable improvement.
Implications:
- Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is a viable therapeutic option for cerebrovascular hemodynamic compromise.
- Revascularization procedures can reverse functional deficits in patients with severe arterial stenoses.
- This case highlights the potential for functional recovery through endovascular and surgical interventions.
Abstract:
A 66-year-old man with a history of previous transient ischemic attacks had progressive memory and gait disturbance caused by severe stenoses of both the internal carotid arteries and vertebral arteries. The patient underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the vertebral arteries and endarterectomy of the internal carotid arteries with satisfactory results. On admission, the patient was alert, but disoriented to time and place. He exhibited mild motor weakness in both legs. Neuropsychological tests revealed remarkable intellectual deterioration and he required maximum support to perform activities of daily living. Higher cortical function and the ability to perform activities of daily living improved remarkably after the angioplasty. Angioplasty is an alternative therapy to reverse functional deficits in patients with cerebrovascular hemodynamic compromise.
