title: Transient CT hyperattenuation after Merci clot retrieval and intraarterial thrombolysis in acute stroke mimicking subarachnoid hemorrhage.
abstract: Unenhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed hyperattenuating lesions in two patients with acute stroke immediately after clot retrieval with the Merci device in one patient and after intraarterial thrombolysis in the other. These areas of hyperattenuation were noted in the middle cerebral artery territory in the first patient and involving the brainstem, cerebellum, and tentorium in the second. Both were falsely interpreted as subarachnoid hemorrhage. The area of hyperattenuation resolved within a few hours in both patients, reflecting contrast medium extravasation/leakage. This report highlights the need to improve physician skill in recognizing contrast medium extravasation that is common following neuroendovascular procedures, which are becoming commonplace in modern day medicine.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Missouri-Healthcare, CE-507 5 Hospital Dr, Columbia, MO 65212, USA. kumargy@health.missouri.edu
authors.forename: Gyanendra
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Chetan Rasiklal
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Soni
authors.forename: Pradeep Kumar
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Sahota
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002533:Cerebral Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003287:Contrast Media; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D004867:Equipment Design; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020521:Stroke / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents