Two cases of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for the treatment of subclavian steal syndrome

Recently percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) has been used to treat atherosclerotic lesion of the brachiocephalic arteries. We treated two patients with subclavian steal syndrome successfully by PTA. The first patient was a 52-year-old man complaining of vertigo and ischemic symptoms of the left arm. Blood pressure was 110/90 mmHg in the left arm and 140/92 mmHg in the right. On the angiogram, about 80% stenosis was found in the proximal portion of the left subclavian artery, and retrograde filling of the left vertebral artery was observed. At first, a carotid-subclavian bypass surgery was performed, but unfortunately failed because of obstruction of the artificial arterial graft. Then we performed PTA using Grüntzig balloon dilatation catheter. The dilatation was carried out successfully. Immediately after PTA, to-and-fro and antegrade flow of the vertebral artery was observed, and one month later it became normal flow. Neurological symptoms gradually disappeared within two months. The second patient was a 57-year-old man suffering from vertigo on effort and TIA. Blood pressure was 130/78 mmHg in the left arm, and 152/82 mmHg in the right. Angiogram showed more than 95% stenosis of the left subclavian artery, and retrograde filling of the left vertebral artery. We also observed bilateral severe stenosis of the MCA. Carotid-subclavian bypass was dangerous because of the low perfusion of the ipsilateral MCA area. PTA was performed as the first choice, and the dilatation of the stenosis was sufficient. In two months natural antegrade filling of the left vertebral artery was obtained. We followed these patients for 12 months and no restenosis was observed neurologically and radiologically. We performed PTA with the Grüntzig balloon catheter using the Seldinger's method through the right femoral artery. Diameter of the balloon was 6 mm and its length was 4 cm. After setting the balloon to the stenotic lesion, we inflated the balloon with 5atm (75 psi) pressure for 30 minutes. Monitoring the blood pressure and arterial pressure wave at the tip of the catheter, we repeated inflation of the balloon 4 times. We used continuous venous infusion of low molecular dextran and heparin during PTA procedures. No complication occurred and neurological symptoms disappeared gradually. PTA is a safe and effective method, so it should be the first choice in the treatment of subclavian steal syndrome caused by severe stenosis of the subclavian artery.     

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in subclavian artery stenosis

The technique of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) that was introduced initially by Dotter and Judkins in 1964 has been applied to various arterial stenoses and some occlusive lesions and has advanced dramatically with the development of the Grüntzig catheter in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. However, the application to occlusive disease in brachiocephalic arteries is still considered to be disputable and has been made only in selective cases, especially in Japan. We report here a case with stenosis of the left subclavian artery successfully treated with PTA. The patient was 66 year-old man, who had been suffering from transient attacks of vertigo, ataxia, visual disturbance and the left arm claudication. Blood pressure was 150/92 mmHg in the right arm and 110 mmHg in systole in the left arm. Diagnostic arteriography identified the right carotid artery occlusion at its origin and significant stenosis in the proximal left subclavian artery. PTA under fluoroscopic control was performed by passing dilating catheter in antegrade fashion by Seldinger method through the left femoral artery. Anatomic correction was achieved without hemorrhagic or embolic complications. Systolic blood pressure gradient measured at the brachial artery level disappeared immediately after PTA and symptomatic relief was obtained completely. One month later, wide patency of the left subclavian artery and sufficient antegrade flow in the vertebral artery were confirmed angiographically. During follow-up period of 4 months, the patient was asymptomatic. We reviewed the literature reporting PTA for occlusive disease in brachiocephalic arteries and discussed its problems and possibilities, especially for the treatment of subclavian artery stenosis.     

Successful recanalization by in-stent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with distal protection for acute carotid stent thrombosis

A 71-year-old male presented with severe left cervical internal carotid artery stenosis manifesting as repeated transient ischemic attacks consisting of right hemiparesis and motor aphasia. Carotid artery stenting (CAS) under distal protection was performed to prevent further ischemic events. This procedure was uneventful. However, the patient exhibited progressive right hemiparesis and motor aphasia 3 days after CAS. Emergent angiography revealed carotid artery occlusion due to in-stent thrombosis. In-stent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed under distal protection. The carotid artery was recanalized with small residual thrombus. The neurological deficits almost completely disappeared after PTA. Follow-up angiography 9 months after stenting showed restenosis but no in-stent thrombosis. Carotid thrombosis after CAS can be resolved by in-stent PTA under distal protection and subsequent treatment with antithrombotic agents.     

Spontaneous extra-cranial vertebral artery dissection accompanied with multiple cerebral infarctions due to re-canalization

In this paper we report a case of vertebral artery occlusion caused by spontaneous extra-cranial vertebral artery dissection accompanied with cerebellar and thalamic infarctions due to recanalization. Furthermore, after a nine-week time lapse we performed PTA/stenting. A 62-year-old man with vertigo, dysarthria and nuchal pain without injury was admitted to our hospital. Emergent cerebral angiography revealed an occlusion of the right vertebral artery and the right PICA. The patient's symptoms gradually improved owing to local-fibrinolysis with urokinase for the right PICA via the left vertebral artery. Follow-up angiography (2 weeks later) showed re-canalization and dissection of the right vertebral artery. Treatment for spontaneous extra-cranial vertebral artery dissection is chosen, depending on whether there is co-lateral circulation or not. We obtained a good result using PTA/Stenting in this case of spontaneous extra-cranial vertebral artery dissection within nine weeks after onset.     

Therapeutic guide for renovascular hypertension with reevaluation of surgical treatment

Therapeutic guide for renovascular hypertension has been greatly changed by a development of beta-blockers and captopril, and an introduction of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) The accepted opinion was that surgical therapy was superior to drug therapy since Hunt & Strong reported the follow-up results in 1973. However, efficacy of drug therapy was reevaluated by an appearance of beta-blockers and captopril and the number of patients applied to operation was decreased. Further, since PTA was widely used in clinical practice from the end of 1970s, surgical therapy for renovascular hypertension was hardly or never considered. Has the necessity of surgical therapy really ceased to exist? Recently, we encountered 2 cases of bilateral renovascular hypertension and reevaluated the necessity of surgical therapy during the course of treatment. The first case was in a 43-year-old male, for whose bilateral renovascular stenosis a bilateral PTA was applied. One year later a complete occlusion of the right renal artery and re-stenosis of the left renal artery developed. Thus, removal of the right kidney and the auto-transplantation of the left kidney were conducted. The second case was in a 17-year-old female with bilateral renovascular stenosis complicated by moya-moya disease. PTA was conducted for the left kidney with shorter range of stenosis and auto-transplantation was conducted for the right kidney with longer range of stenosis. The prognosis was favorable in both cases and hypertension was cured or improved. We recognized and re-evaluated the necessity of surgical therapy for patients who were unsuccessful to PTA or patients with bilateral renovascular hypertension from our experience and literatures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Proximal ligation of the parent artery for symptomatic tandem stenosis of the extradural internal carotid artery: a case report

A 72-year-old man suffered blindness due to right central retinal artery occlusion. Cerebral angiography revealed tandem stenosis in the cervical, petrosal and cavernous portions of the right internal carotid artery (ICA). Blood flow from the vertebrobasilar artery via the right posterior communicating artery mainly perfused the right cerebral hemisphere. In addition, significant stenosis was observed in the left cervical carotid artery and the origin of the left vertebral artety. First, the patient underwent left carotid endarterectomy and vertebral artery to subclavian artery transposition. Two months later, ligation of the right ICA at its origin was performed. Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient has not experienced further ischemic events. We suggest that proximal ligation of the parent artery is a useful procedure for medically-refractory extradural ICA stenosis when surgical direct revascularization and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty cannot be performed.     

锁骨下动脉窃血综合征的再认识及血管内治疗

目的 研究评价经皮血管内成形及支架置入术治疗锁骨下动脉窃血综合征(SSS)的疗效和安全性.方法 对2007年1月至2009年12月的32例左侧SSS患者进行介入治疗,术前行数字减影血管造影(DSA)检查和评估、抗血小板药物准备,然后实施球囊扩张+支架置入术,同时注意术中抗凝及术后处理,分别于术后即刻、3、6个月随访复查经颅多普勒超声(TCD)评价其疗效.结果 32例患者术前DSA检查结果显示锁骨下动脉狭窄平均为87.5%,术后降为15.0%,术后TCD检查结果显示椎动脉反向血流消失,放置的支架均无回缩和移位.术前患、健侧收缩压差平均为51.6 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa),术后3个月时降为10 mmHg,无栓塞及死亡事件发生.结论 球囊扩张+支架置入术是治疗SSS的首选治疗手段,术后抗凝和抗血小板至关重要,TCD随访简易、安全、有效、可靠.     

Vertebral artery decompression in a patient with rotational occlusion

Summary We report a patient who suffered drop attacks during head reclination. Computer tomography of the cervical spine demonstrated a stenotic right vertebral artery at C4/5. However, Doppler ultrasonography of the vertebral artery showed no abnormality. Angiography confirmed complete occlusion of the left vertebral and a stenosis of the right vertebral artery. Dynamic angiography indicated occlusion of the stenotic region on the right side during reclination of the head. Surgery using a posterior approach with decompression of the vertebral artery, lead to an excellent outcome and the patient left the hospital without any symptoms. Therefore, in patients with drop attacks and normal ultrasonography, a stenosis of the vertebral artery caused by a spondylophytic compression could still be the cause. At worst, the stenosis could lead to brain infarction if left untreated. Dynamic angiography is crucial for the diagnosis and surgical decompression has excellent results. Correspondence: Athanasios K. Petridis, M.D., Department of Neurosurgery, University of Schleswig Holstein, Campus Kiel, Schittenhelmstr. 10, 24105 Kiel, Germany.     

Aggravation of brainstem symptoms caused by a large superior cerebellar artery aneurysm after embolization by Guglielmi detachable coils--case report.

An 81-year-old male presented with right oculomotor nerve paresis and left hemiparesis caused by a mass effect of a large superior cerebellar artery aneurysm. Endovascular treatment was performed using Guglielmi detachable coils. The patient subsequently suffered aggravation of the mass effect 3 weeks after the embolization. Bilateral vertebral artery occlusion was performed, which decreased the cerebral edema surrounding the aneurysm, but his neurological symptoms did not improve. Parent artery occlusion is recommended as the first choice of treatment for an unclippable large or giant aneurysm causing a mass effect on the brainstem.     

Early revascularization in a patient with perfusion computed tomography/diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging mismatch secondary to acute vertebral artery occlusion. Case report

A 67-year-old woman with a recent history of recurrent ischemic stroke secondary to right vertebral artery stenosis suffered acute onset of left homonymous hemianopsia and the medial longitudinal fasciculus syndrome, which resolved with hyperdynamic therapy. However, consciousness deteriorated 6 hours later. Perfusion computed tomography (CT) revealed regions of prolonged mean transit time in the bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, vermis, brainstem, and right occipital lobe, which were more extensive than the ischemic lesions demonstrated by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Subsequent cerebral angiography showed occlusion of the right vertebral artery. The patient underwent emergent left superficial temporal artery to left superior cerebellar artery bypass. Postoperatively she demonstrated resolution of the preoperative perfusion CT/diffusion-weighted MR imaging mismatch and improved neurological deficits. Early revascularization in a patient with perfusion CT/diffusion-weighted MR imaging mismatch following acute vertebrobasilar stroke can lead to improvement in cerebral perfusion and neurological function.     

A case of unilateral atypical moyamoya disease of adult onset with stenosis of the basilar artery]

A 29-year-old, 39-week-pregnant female who had headache and nausea was admitted to our hospital. She bore a baby son by natural delivery after several hours. After labor, her headache was continuous. Brain CT scan demonstrated intracerebral and intraventricular hemorrhage. After conservative treatment for two weeks, her only neurological deficiency was visual field defect. Angiography demonstrated that her left internal carotid artery had partial stenosis at the C2 portion. Her right internal carotid artery had stenosis at the C2 portion. Her right middle cerebral artery was occluded at the M1 portion, and abnormal vascular networks had developed in the ganglionic region. Stenosis was also found in the basilar artery. We diagnosed her as being a case of adult-onset, unilateral, atypical Moyamoya disease with basilar artery stenosis. As our case was of adult-onset, and as she showed no ischemic signs, we did not think that reconstructive surgery was indicated. About the posterior circulation of Moyamoya or atypical Moyamoya disease, it was reported that in cases of juvenile onset the vertebral, basilar or posterior cerebral artery was sometimes stenosed or occluded, but, in adult-onset cases, stenosis or occlusion of the posterior cerebral artery would be an abnormality. Our case is a very rare example of unilateral atypical Moyamoya disease of adult onset with basilar artery stenosis.     

Erfolgreiche interdisziplinäre Sanierung eines komplexen supraaortalen Gefäßbefundes

Complex supra-aortic vascular lesions demand individually selected therapy management. We report on a 74-year-old patient with a bypass aneurysm after subclavian-subclavian bypass implantation 22 years previously. Additionally, the patient presented with a stenosis of the proximal left subclavian artery and an occluded innominate and left carotid artery. A clinically compensated occlusion of the bypass occurred in hospital during diagnostic procedures. Following this, the stenosis of the left subclavian artery was successfully treated by PTA and stent placement. After this intervention, subclavian-subclavian bypass grafting was performed leaving the occluded original bypass in place. The patient had an uneventful recovery and follow-up at 6 months revealed an open bypass and no clinical signs of neurological deficits. We suggest that combined PTA/stenting and surgery provide an effective method in the treatment of complex, supra-aortic vascular lesions.     

症状性大脑中动脉狭窄的血管内干预治疗

目的 探讨经皮腔内血管成形术及血管成形支架置入术治疗症状性大脑中动脉狭窄的可行性、安全性及有效性.方法 回顾性分析39例患者经药物治疗无效、反复短暂性脑缺血发作(TIA)或有明显脑缺血症状的大脑中动脉狭窄,经皮腔内血管成形或支架置入术的治疗及术后随访结果.结果 39例大脑中动脉狭窄(左侧23例,右侧13例,双侧3例,合并颈动脉狭窄5例)患者经皮腔内血管成形术9例、血管成形支架置入术30例(术后残余狭窄程度均<10%)均获成功,术后给予抗血小板聚集治疗,临床脑缺血症状和体征明显改善.2例患者术中见对比剂外泄,但无明显临床症状,且恢复良好;1例在术后1 h出现意识变化、对侧肢体活动障碍,CT提示支架侧底节区脑出血,经手术治疗后患者遗留语言障碍及右侧肢体不全偏瘫.其余患者无并发症发生.临床随访5～60个月,仅1例在支架置入7个月后右上肢无力症状复发,但较前轻微.经颅多普勒复查26例,显示原病变侧大脑中动脉血流速度增快2例;行数字减影血管造影复查14例,2例支架内发生再狭窄,均行药物治疗观察.结论 经皮腔内血管成形术及血管成形支架置入术治疗大脑中动脉狭窄是可行、安全、有效的;大样本的长期疗效有待于进一步观察.     

Anterior decompression of the atlantoaxial vertebral artery to treat bow hunter's stroke: technical case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Bow hunter's stroke is a symptomatic vertebrobasilar insufficiency caused by stenosis or occlusion of the vertebral artery at the C1C2 level with head rotation. No case of anterior decompression of the vertebral artery for surgical treatment of bow hunter's stroke has been reported. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 47-year-old male patient presented with repeated episodes of unconsciousness caused by turning his head approximately 40 degrees to the right; he recovered consciousness within approximately 10 seconds after his head was returned to the neutral position. Angiography revealed an occluded right vertebral artery and temporary occlusion of the left vertebral artery, at the level of the C2 transverse foramen, when the patient's head was turned approximately 40 degrees to the right. INTERVENTION: Anterior decompression of the left vertebral artery at the transverse foramen of the axis was performed. Postoperative angiography demonstrated sufficient flow in the left vertebral artery even when the neck was rotated. CONCLUSION: The patient was discharged without neurological deficits. We demonstrate that simple surgical untethering of the vertebral artery at the transverse foramen of the axis is an effective method of treatment that avoids the limitation of head rotation. The advantage of this procedure is that it does not result in postoperative restriction of the patient's neck movements. The anterior approach, with decompression of the transverse foramen of the axis, in the present case provided adequate exposure of the vertebral artery and resulted in a satisfactory outcome.     

An experience of single dose captopril renal scintigraphy in the diagnosis and management of bilateral renovascular hypertension

A 41-year-old woman visited our hospital with chief complaint of hypertension which was refractory to multiple antihypertensive drugs. Her blood pressure was 200/140 mmHg and her plasma renin activity was as high as 3.1 ng/ml/hr. Angiography revealed bilateral renal artery stenosis. To determine the laterality of the kidney which were responsible for her hypertension, the 99mTc-DTPA renal scintigraphy with captopril was performed. The estimated GFR of the right kidney was lowered than that of the control, while there was no change in the left kidney. Subsequently Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) was performed to the right kidney. Postoperatively blood pressure remained elevated as well as serum renin level. 99mTc-DTPA scintigraphy with captopril was repeated and revealed no decrease in the GFR of the right kidney this time, but significant reduction in the GFR of the left kidney. After the second PTA to the left kidney, her blood pressure was finally normalized. Postoperatively GFR of both kidneys was not affected by captopril on renal scintigraphy, and currently she has remained normotensive without medication. 99mTc-DTPA scintigraphy with captopril appears to be a useful method to diagnose the laterality and to evaluate in clinical response to therapeutic intervention.     

Anesthetic management of a patient undergoing PTA stent placement for right common carotid artery stenosis

A 60-year-old man underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) stent replacement of the right common carotid artery. Preoperative angiogram revealed bilateral vertebral artery occlusion and 50% stenosis in contralateral internal carotid artery. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with fentanyl and propofol by TCI. rSO2, BIS and EEG were monitored. Moderate hypothermia (33-35 degrees C) was induced by concomitant use of milrinone. Edaravone, a novel free radical scavenger, and Sendai cocktail were administered before interruption of carotid flow. During 5 minutes of test occlusion by balloon, right rSO2 decreased from 61% to 49% and EEG showed slow waves with decreased amplitude. Therefore we decided to perform PTA and stenting separately. Right rSO2 decreased from 62% to 48% during PTA (6 min occlusion), while rSO2 decreased from 66% to 50% during stenting (7.5 min occlusion). EEG also showed the similar changes as observed during test occlusion. After the procedures, rSO2 and EEG recovered in a short time. Postoperative angiogram showed an improvement of carotid artery stenosis and intracranial vessels showed no branch occlusion. Patient was maintained hypothermic (35 degrees C) for 2 days after surgery. He recovered without additional neurological complications. We found that rSO2 was a useful, real-time and non-invasive method for evaluation of cerebral ischemia in our patient.     

Ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the vertebral artery associated with occlusive internal carotid artery dissection--case report

A 64-year-old male presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Angiography showed a dissecting aneurysm of the right vertebral artery (VA), and severe stenosis of the right internal carotid artery (ICA). He was treated conservatively in the early stage. Repeat angiography showed enlargement of the dissecting aneurysm of the VA and partial resolution of the stenosis of the right ICA. Intraaneurysmal coil embolization with proximal coil occlusion was performed following a balloon occlusion test. The postoperative course was uneventful. Based on the neuroradiological findings, the stenotic lesion of the right ICA was considered to be due to dissection. Analysis of serial changes in dissecting lesions in the craniocervical arteries is important for the correct choice of treatment, especially in patients with multi-vessel dissections. The surgical options should be determined on an individual basis.     

A case of combined reconstruction of extracranial vertebral and carotid artery stenosis

A 67-year-old man was admitted for status epilepticus, right hemiparesis, repeating vertigo and vomiting. Computed tomography showed no abnormality except for slight brain atrophy. Angiogram demonstrated bilateral vertebral artery stenosis at the origin, especially on the left side, and bilateral cervical internal carotid artery stenosis associated with ulceration. Intracranially, bilateral anterior cerebral artery was filled only by right internal carotid artery. Internal carotid artery on both sides did not fill the posterior cerebral artery. From these findings, we thought that both bilateral internal carotid artery and left vertebral artery should be surgically reconstructed. On June 4, 1986, left vertebral transposition to the common carotid artery and left carotid endarterectomy using double-balloon shunt were performed. Waiting for recovery of the general condition, right carotid endarterectomy was carried out on June 27, 1986. Postoperative angiogram demonstrated disappearance of bilateral internal carotid artery stenosis, and good filling of left vertebral artery through left common carotid artery. Postoperative course was uneventful and right hemiparesis gradually improved. Vertigo and vomiting completely subsided. The method and indication of combined reconstruction for extracranial vertebral and carotid artery were discussed.     

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for multiple brachiocephalic artery stenosis: case report

We encountered a patient with multiple stenotic lesions. He was treated by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). The patient, a 59 year-old male, complained of right motor weakness. CT scan showed a multiple low density area (LDA) in the distribution of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA), but did not reveal LDA in the distribution of the left MCA on the affected side. After hospitalization, right motor weakness gradually worsened and aphasia became apparent. A repeat CT scan, 8 days after the stroke, disclosed a new LDA in the left watershed zone and the basal ganglia. Angiographical findings revealed a right ICA occlusion, left ICA stenosis, right VA anaplasia and left subclavian artery stenosis, which proved inadequate for anatomical collateral supply. We treated both the left ICA stenosis and the left subclavian artery stenosis by Dotter balloon dilatation catheter, and successfully obtained sufficient dilatation of the vessels concerned. No complication occurred. PTA is a useful method to use in patients with multiple stenotic lesions which might result in ischemic injury if surgical procedures were used. It would also be of value in cases where surgery using general anesthesia might be highly risky.     

Axilloaxillary bypass for the treatment of subclavian artery stenosis complicated by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion: technical case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: We successfully treated a patient with stenosis of the left subclavian artery, complicated by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion, via axilloaxillary bypass surgery. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old patient with a history of hypertension and cerebral infarction underwent neck irradiation for treatment of a vocal cord tumor. Three months later, he began to experience transient tetraparesis several times per day. The blood pressure measurements for his right and left arms were different. Supratentorial blood flow was markedly low. The common carotid arteries were bilaterally occluded, and the right vertebral artery was hypoplastic. Therefore, only the left vertebral artery contributed to the patient's cerebral circulation; his left subclavian artery was severely stenotic. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent axilloaxillary bypass surgery because the procedure avoids thoracotomy or sternotomy, manipulation of the carotid artery, and interruption of the vertebral artery blood flow. The patient has been free of symptoms for more than 5 years. CONCLUSION: Neurosurgeons should be aware that extra-anatomic bypass surgery is an effective treatment option for selected patients with cerebral ischemia.