title: Delayed cerebral infarct following anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ischemic stroke following anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) is an exceedingly rare complication. There are only three previous cases focusing on this problem in the literature; here, we present the fourth case.
  
  
  METHODS
  A patient, cared for at an outside institution, developed a delayed ischemic stroke 3 days following an ACDF. This complication was attributed to carotid manipulation precipitating vascular injury in the setting of multiple comorbid vascular and coagulopathic risk factors, including previously undiagnosed carotid atherosclerosis, a prior history of pulmonary embolus requiring Warfarin anticoagulation (held perioperatively), acute dehydration, and atrial fibrillation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case demonstrates the importance of focused history and examination in appropriate patients prior to ACDF, with special consideration given to the significance of age, comorbidities including coagulopathy and arrhythmia, and potential underlying vascular disease as markers for increased risk of perioperative thrombotic stroke associated with carotid manipulation. Patients at higher risk warrant comprehensive preoperative assessment, including medical evaluation, carotid imaging, and consideration for alternative surgical approaches.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
authors.forename: Christopher S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Graffeo
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
authors.forename: Ross C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Puffer
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
authors.forename: Eelco F M
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Wijdicks
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
authors.forename: William E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Krauss
keywords: Anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion; carotid disease; cerebral infarct; screening