Bilateral spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection managed with endovascular stenting - A case report

Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibition as a novel treatment for stroke

The incidence of stroke ranks third among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. It has the characteristics of high morbidity, high disability rate and high recurrence rate. The current risk associated with stroke surgery is exceedingly high. It may potentially outweigh the benefits and fail to ameliorate the cerebral tissue damage following ischemia. Therefore, pharmacological intervention assumes paramount importance. The use of thrombolytic drugs is most common in the treatment of stroke; however, its efficacy is limited due to its time-sensitive nature and propensity for increased bleeding. Over the past few years, the treatment of stroke has witnessed a surge in interest towards neuroprotective drugs that possess the potential to enhance neurological function. The PDE4D gene has been demonstrated to have a positive correlation with the risk of ischemic stroke. Additionally, the utilization of phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors can enhance synaptic plasticity within the neural circuitry, regulate cellular metabolism, and prevent secondary brain injury caused by impaired blood flow. These mechanisms collectively facilitate the recovery of functional neurons, thereby serving as potential therapeutic interventions. Therefore, the comprehensive investigation of phosphodiesterase 4 as an innovative pharmacological target for stroke injury provides valuable insights into the development of therapeutic interventions in stroke treatment. This review is intended for, but not limited to, pharmacological researchers, drug target researchers, neurologists, neuromedical researchers, and behavioral scientists.

Dissecting Aneurysm of the Internal Carotid Artery as a Complication of Facial Bone Trauma

The involvement of the internal carotid artery in dissecting aneurysm is rarely reported in the literature and may occur as a complication of trauma, surgery, and other medical conditions. We report a case of a 22-year-old male who was involved in a motor vehicle accident with associated multiple orthopedic and maxillofacial fractures. During surgical management, the patient was incidentally diagnosed with a dissecting aneurysm involving the right internal carotid artery.

False Aneurysms Complicating Internal Carotid Artery Dissection

Pseudoaneurysm formation is a rare but dangerous complication of carotid artery dissection. It can result from trauma, spontaneous artery dissection, or iatrogenic causes. Presence of symptoms and ineffective medical therapy are one of the indications for invasive treatment. We present the case of 3 symptomatic patients with dissecting pseudoaneurysms-2 traumatic and 1 spontaneous. They were treated with 3 different endovascular procedures: the use of covered stentgraft, trans-stent coil embolization, and carotid stenting. After invasive and dual antiplatelet therapy, complete resolution of symptoms was achieved in all patients.

Transient binocular blindness: A rare presentation of aortic dissection

Introduction:

Aortic dissection is a clinical chameleon that can have variable presenting features that require a careful history and physical examination. A non-specific presentation of this life-threatening condition causes a diagnostic dilemma among clinicians especially in the emergency department leading to grave consequences.

Case Presentation:

We present a case of aortic dissection that presented as an acute bilateral blindness that was associated with a sudden onset of loss of consciousness and central chest pain. Bedside carotid ultrasound showed a double lumen carotid artery suggesting an intraluminal flap. Computed tomography angiography revealed extensive dissection of the entire length of the aorta.

Discussion:

This case illustrated the need for a high index of suspicion to diagnose patients with aortic dissection especially as the patient presented with an acute binocular visual loss and chest pain.

Conclusion:

A bedside carotid artery ultrasound in the emergency department was found useful in screening and diagnosing a carotid artery–related pathology.

Endovascular Treatment of Spontaneous Intracranial Internal Carotid Dissection in a Young Patient Affected by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) increases the risk of cerebrovascular events due to vascular changes, resulting in the weakening of the vessel walls. Moreover, patients with SLE have more incidence of arterial lesions such as dissections. Internal carotid dissection (ICA) is an infrequent cause of ischemic stroke, representing 2% of all ischemic events. We present a case of ischemic stroke, caused by a spontaneous dissection of intracranial ICA, treated with endovascular stent implantation, in a 22-year-old woman affected by SLE, newly diagnosed. ICA dissection with consequent ischemic stroke is an unusual first presentation of SLE disease. Our case highlights how, despite an infrequent occurrence, ICA dissection should be considered for young adults presenting with ischemic stroke, especially in those affected by SLE. This paper also shows the good technical result in the use of stenting in case of intracranial ICA dissection.