Endovascular management of internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysms: Retrospective observational study

[Spontaneous craniocervical dissection]

PERFORMANCE

Spontaneous dissections of the cerebral arteries are among the leading causes of stroke in young adults. They result from hemorrhage into the outer layers of the arterial wall, which can lead to stenosis or even complete vessel occlusion. Clinical presentations vary, ranging from localized pain to cerebral ischemic complications. Early recognition of dissection warning signs and diagnosis through imaging is crucial due to the high risk of recurrent transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke within the first two weeks following a dissection, necessitating immediate therapeutic or prophylactic intervention.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice, as it can reliably visualize all characteristic features of dissection. Typically, thin-slice, fat-saturated 3D black-blood sequences are sufficient to detect the pathognomonic intramural hematoma.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Acute treatment and secondary prevention depend on the extent of neurological deficits, the location and size of the dissection, any sequelae, concomitant pathologies, and risk factors. In most cases, spontaneous vascular recanalization or regression of vessel stenosis occurs within several months due to resorption of the mural hematoma.

Nasopharyngeal Migration of Coils Following Embolization of a Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm of the Internal Carotid Artery: A Case Report

Post-traumatic pseudoaneurysms of the internal carotid are a rare but potentially fatal cause of epistaxis; they are associated with fractures of the base of the skull with involvement of the carotid canal. Endovascular management is the preferred therapeutic strategy, with optimal long-term results and low complication rates. Complications may include thromboembolic events, infarction of perforating arteries, and rupture of the pseudoaneurysm. We present a case of a 28-year-old male with a post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid who was managed with endovascular therapy. A late complication was the extrusion of the embolization material into the nasal cavity and nasopharynx, which was safely and effectively treated through endovascular and endoscopic approaches.

Ischemic stroke with extensive vasculopathy in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder with multisystem manifestations including vascular abnormalities. The condition is also associated with an increased risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Here we report a case of a 60-year-old male with known neurofibromatosis who presented with right sided hemiparesis. Neuroimaging work-up revealed left internal carotid artery dissection and tandem occlusion of the left internal carotid artery and left middle cerebral artery. There was associated territorial ischemic infarction. The patient was found to have extensive intra and extra cranial vasculopathy including gross basilar dolichoectasia and a right-sided cervical internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm. This case highlights the clinical significance of neurofibromatosis associated vasculopathy which can result in stroke.

Spontaneous internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm complicated with ischemic stroke in a young man: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Carotid artery pseudoaneurysm (PSA) is infrequently encountered in clinical settings. Internal carotid artery (ICA) PSA complicated with ischemic stroke is rare. PSAs are typically caused by iatrogenic injury, trauma, or infection. The underlying mechanisms of spontaneous PSA formation are not well characterized. We report a healthy young man who presented with stroke as a complication of spontaneous PSA of the left ICA.

CASE SUMMARY

A 30-year-old man working as a ceiling decoration worker was hospitalized due to sudden-onset speech disorder and right lower extremity weakness. Medical history was unremarkable. Brain computed tomography revealed ischemic stroke. Digital subtraction angiography showed a left ICA PSA with mild stenosis. The patient was conservatively managed with oral anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy. He recovered well and was discharged. The patient was in good condition during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The occupational history of patient should be taken into consideration while evaluating the etiology of spontaneous ICA PSA in young people with stroke.

Disseminated Staphylococcal Disease Complicated with Intracranial Internal Carotid Artery Mycotic Pseudoaneurysm and Cerebral Infarcts—A Rare Presentation in a Malnourished Child

A 2.5-year-old girl child patient with moderate malnutrition presented with right forehead abscess followed by ipsilateral orbital cellulitis. She also developed a left hydropneumothorax within a week. Subsequently she had left focal onset seizures with secondary generalized status epilepticus followed by development of left hemiparesis. Neuroimaging showed infarcts of varying ages in the right cerebral hemisphere and basal ganglia. Angiography revealed right internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm. Blood and pus cultures grew methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Investigations for immunodeficiency were negative. The patient received vancomycin intravenously for 6 weeks and intercostal tube drainage for hydropneumothorax. She was discharged with an antiepileptic drug and aspirin. There was complete resolution of the orbital cellulitis and hydropneumothorax and also the pseudoaneurysm on follow-up angiography 3 months later.

Endovascular Management of Internal Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysm Secondary to Pediatric Deep Neck Space Infection: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Pseudoaneurysms of extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) are rare in children. Main causes include trauma, iatrogenic causes, and neck space infection. Prompt diagnosis and management is vital, in view of life-threatening complications like fatal airway hemorrhage and stroke. Endovascular management has currently become the preferred treatment strategy due to its minimally invasive nature and lower complication rates. We report a rare case of mycotic pseudoaneurysm of extracranial ICA in a 4-year-old child as a complication of neck space infection, which was successfully managed with endovascular parent artery occlusion.