External carotid artery angioplasty and stenting followed by superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery anastomosis

Staged Common and External Carotid Artery Stenting Followed by Superficial Temporal Artery to Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass

Superficial temporal artery (STA) to middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass surgery for internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusive disease necessarily requires sufficient external carotid artery (ECA) blood flow. Surgical bypass is therefore precluded if there is common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion. Here we present two such cases: one patient had a CCA occlusion and the other had an ICA occlusion and ECA stenosis. Both had failed medical management, and were therefore treated with angioplasty and stenting of the ECA, followed by STA-MCA bypass. We describe the clinical and radiologic outcomes of these cases, and remark on the potential pitfalls associated with this novel approach.

External carotid artery to internal carotid artery transposition to augment flow for a superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass associated with severe external carotid artery stenosis

BACKGROUND

Donor vessel quality can impact the outcome of extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass. External carotid artery (ECA) disease may produce embolism into the anastomosis and cerebral territory and possibly reduce flow in the superficial temporal artery (STA). Previously reported remedies to ECA stenosis include ECA endarterectomy, stenting, and angioplasty. Clinical presentation A middle-aged patient with chronic left MCA occlusion, progressive ischemic symptoms on maximal medical therapy, and imaging confirmation of compromised hemodynamic reserve was evaluated for EC-IC bypass. Angiography demonstrated severe ECA origin stenosis. An ECA-ICA transposition was performed, primarily to eliminate the risk of emboli and secondarily to possibly improve the STA flow. The patient sustained an excellent radiological and clinical outcome, and the STA donor cut-flow was increased modestly by 22% (45 to 55 mL/min).

CONCLUSION

This case is the first report of an ECA to internal carotid artery transposition as an option in the management of ECA stenosis in preparation for an STA-MCA bypass for the purpose of flow augmentation.

T-Configuration Stent Placement for Carotid Bifurcation Stenosis Co-Existing with Ipsilateral Intracranial Stenosis: A Case Report and Literature Review

In patients with carotid bifurcation stenosis co-existing with ipsilateral intracranial artery stenosis, combined treatment with carotid artery stenting (CAS)/carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and extracranial-to- intracranial (EC-IC) bypass can be a useful option to prevent future ischemic stroke events. EC-IC bypass requires a sufficient antegrade flow in the ipsilateral external carotid artery. However, standard CAS/CEA occasionally lead to external carotid artery occlusion. Herein, we present a case of successful one-stage endovascular revascularization of both the antegrade internal and external carotid artery flow using the carotid T-stent technique for carotid bifurcation stenosis co-existing with ipsilateral middle cerebral artery stenosis.

External carotid stenting for symptomatic stenosis in a patient with patent EDAS for Moyamoya disease

BACKGROUND

Moyamoya disease is characterized by progressive narrowing of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Symptomatic patients typically undergo cerebrovascular intervention via extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass, most often with the use of the superficial temporal artery. This case of Moyamoya disease is of particular interest as the patient presented with a unilateral atherosclerotic external carotid artery (ECA) stenosis after EC-IC bypass that eliminated the benefit of his original surgery, resulting in a symptomatic presentation.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 53-year-old man presenting with Moyamoya disease and known left ICA occlusion had received a bilateral encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) bypass 10 years previously. He re-presented complaining of right-sided tingling, weakness, and numbness radiating up the arm. CT angiography indicated significant stenosis of the left ECA. ECA angioplasty and stenting with a distal protection device resulted in resolution of his symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This case illustrates that a patient presenting with Moyamoya disease and concurrent symptomatic ECA stenosis post-EDAS can be effectively and safely treated with ECA stenting.

External carotid stenting for symptomatic stenosis in a patient with patent EDAS for Moyamoya disease

BACKGROUND

Moyamoya disease is characterized by progressive narrowing of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Symptomatic patients typically undergo cerebrovascular intervention via extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass, most often with the use of the superficial temporal artery. This case of Moyamoya disease is of particular interest as the patient presented with a unilateral atherosclerotic external carotid artery (ECA) stenosis after EC-IC bypass that eliminated the benefit of his original surgery, resulting in a symptomatic presentation.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 53-year-old man presenting with Moyamoya disease and known left ICA occlusion had received a bilateral encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) bypass 10 years previously. He re-presented complaining of right-sided tingling, weakness, and numbness radiating up the arm. CT angiography indicated significant stenosis of the left ECA. ECA angioplasty and stenting with a distal protection device resulted in resolution of his symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This case illustrates that a patient presenting with Moyamoya disease and concurrent symptomatic ECA stenosis post-EDAS can be effectively and safely treated with ECA stenting.

Limb-shaking transient ischemic attacks successfully treated with external carotid artery stenting

The external carotid artery (ECA) is one of the most important extracranial-to-intracranial sources of collateral circulation, contributing significantly to the cerebral blood flow especially when perfusion through the internal carotid artery (ICA) is compromised. Most of the endovascular studies so far have been dedicated to ICA, with little focus on the ECA. Limb-shaking transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are a relatively rare manifestation of carotid artery disease that may present with repetitive shaking movements of the affected limbs. We report a case of an 80-year-old male with bilateral internal and contralateral external carotid artery occlusion who developed limb-shaking TIAs as a result of significant stenosis of the right ECA. Percutaneous revascularization of the ECA was performed by angioplasty and stenting. At the follow-up 12 months later, the patient remained neurologically intact with complete resolution of his symptoms. Stenting of the ECA should be considered as a reasonable alternative to conventional open repair especially in patients with contralateral carotid stenosis, insufficient circle of Willis, and significant comorbidities.