Intra-arterial thrombolysis of occluded middle cerebral artery by use of collateral pathways in patients with tandem cervical carotid artery/middle cerebral artery occlusion.
OBJECTIVE
Cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion with middle cerebral artery (MCA) embolic occlusion is associated with a low rate of recanalization and poor outcome after intravenous thrombolysis. Prompt revascularization is required to prevent disabling stroke. We report our experience on acute ischemic stroke patients with tandem ICA or MCA occlusions treated with microcathether navigation and intra-arterial thrombolysis by use of collateral pathways including the posterior or anterior communicating arteries, or both pathways.


METHODS
We retrospectively identified 8 patients with proximal ICA occlusion associated with MCA embolic occlusions treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis (IA rtPA). Access to the occluded MCA was obtained via catheter navigation through intact collateral pathways, including posterior communicating (PcomA) or anterior communicating (AcomA) arteries, without passing a microcathether through the acutely occluded ICA. We assessed clinical outcomes using modified Rankin scale (mRS) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).


RESULTS
Eight patients with a mean age of 57 +/- 4 years and median NIHSS of 14 were identified. Mean time from stroke onset to intra-arterial thrombolysis was 292 +/- 44 minutes. The MCA was revascularized completely in 5 of the 8 patients via collateral intra-arterial rtPA administration. All of the patients had a favorable outcome defined as a mRS of < or =2 or more at 1 and 3 months' follow-up after thrombolytic therapy. One patient had an asymptomatic petechial hemorrhage.


CONCLUSIONS
In this small number of patients with tandem occlusions of the ICA and MCA, intra-arterial thrombolysis and recanalization of the MCA by use of collateral pathways to bypass the occluded ICA is a safe and efficacious therapeutic option.
Ozdemir
O
O
Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London Health Sciences, University Campus, London, Ontario, Canada. ozcan_99@yahoo
Bussière
M
M
Leung
A
A
Gulka
I
I
Lee
D
D
Chan
R
R
Spence
J D
JD
Pelz
D
D
D000368:Aged; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020244:Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome