Early detection of cerebral ischemia during carotid endarterectomy using transcranial Doppler sonography and somatosensory evoked potentials

Cerebral function during carotid endarterectomy can reliably be monitored using somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP). Transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) is a noninvasive method providing on-line data about cerebral hemodynamics. The combination of both techniques during carotid surgery is helpful in evaluating the hemodynamic ("input") and the functional ("output") consequences of carotid clamping within a short time. In the present report, combined TCD and SEP monitoring early detected left hemispheric ischemia in a 68-year-old woman subjected to left carotid endarterectomy. The impairment of cerebral perfusion occurred before carotid clamping due to an intraoperative thrombosis of the left internal carotid artery as could be revealed after declamping. A temporary shunt was not inserted. Postoperatively, the patient had a new transient neurological deficit. In this case, TCD correctly indicated cerebral ischemia as confirmed by SEP recording. For carotid artery surgery, combined TCD and SEP may be helpful in detecting those patients who will profit from temporary shunting if this is not done routinely.     

Early recognition of cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome after carotid stenting--a case report

The hyperperfusion syndrome is a recognized complication of carotid endarterectomy. Reports of cerebral hyperperfusion injury following internal carotid artery angioplasty and stenting are few We report a case of 76-year-old hypertensive man who was admitted to our hospital for assessment 2 years after experiencing an ischemic stroke of right hemisphere. Angiography confirmed 60% stenosis of left internal carotid artery (ICA). Percutaneous transluminal stenting of left internal carotid artery was performed without any immediate complications. Two hours after the procedure, the patient suddenly deteriorated. Computed tomography (CT) of the brain revealed extensive intracerebral hemorrhage and he died 5 days later. There was precipitating migranous headache, and his blood pressure was moderately elevated at the time of deterioration. Sentinel headache could solely indicate the early sign of hyperperfusion injury after carotid stenting, especially in the presence of arterial hypertension. Patients with sentinel headache after angioplasty should be recognized early and they deserve intensive study for other features of cerebral hyperperfusion injury and prompt early management.     

Percutaneous cervical carotid artery access with stenting of the left internal carotid artery in an elderly patient

To describe the successful endovascular treatment in a nonagenarian with symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis using direct carotid artery access. An independent 98 year-old man was admitted to our hospital for symptoms of progressive weakness with disorientation and dysphasia. Carotid Duplex ultrasonography was performed which revealed a totally occluded right internal carotid artery and high grade stenosis of the left internal carotid artery by velocities of 608/240 cm/sec. The patient refused surgical endarterectomy and thus he was referred for carotid artery stenting. Using the femoral artery approach and multiple catheter techniques, access to the common carotid artery could not be accomplished safely. The procedure was aborted and he was therefore brought back to the catheterization laboratory the following day for direct carotid access. Carotid artery stenting was accomplished by using of a 6F sheath percutaneously in the left common carotid, cerebral protection device (CPD) and a Nitinol stent. The patient was discharged the following day without complications. At 14 months follow-up the patient is functional and independent without recurrence of symptoms. Carotid artery stenting via direct access can be accomplished in patients when the femoral artery approach is anatomically prohibitive. In this case of advanced age and the patient‘s refusal for surgery, direct carotid access was his only option.     

Life saving carotid artery stenting in Takayasu arteritis

We present two patients who had high grade unilateral carotid artery stenosis and controlateral carotid artery occlusion secondary to active stage of Takayasu arteritis. The patients were presented with hemiplegia and history of transient ischemic attacks and visual disturbances. Despite the administration of high dose systemic corticosteroids, both patients deteriorated clinically and surgery was not preferred. Angiogram of the first patient revealed the occlusion of the right common carotid, right subclavian and left subclavian artery and high grade stenosis (>95%) of the left common carotid and right vertebral artery. These two stenotic arteries were stented. Angiogram of the second patient revealed the occlusion of the left common carotid and subclavian artery and high grade stenosis (>90%) of the right common carotid artery. PTA + stenting of the right carotid artery was performed. There were no complications during a follow-up period of 10.5±7 months and control angiograms revealed that all stented vessels were free of restenosis. In conclusion, stent-supported PTA to carotid arteries provides immediate symptomatic relief for patients in the active phase of the disease. Its efficacy in the long term should be investigated.     

Left common carotid artery cannulation for type A aortic dissections

We used left common carotid artery cannulation for repair of type A aortic dissection in 2 patients for whom both femoral artery and axillary artery cannulation were thought to be more dangerous, due to dissection of the brachiocephalic trunk and left subclavian artery in association with abdominal stenosis. Before performing end-to-side anastomosis, we attached a small partial clamp to the left common carotid artery, thereby maintaining adequate cerebral blood flow during perfusion. To date, neither of our patients has experienced neurologic complications related to this procedure. We believe that left common carotid artery cannulation for type A dissections is useful when dissection of the brachiocephalic trunk and left subclavian artery is found in association with abdominal or femoral artery stenosis. To the best of our knowledge, these 2 cases are the 1st described in the medical literature.     

Intra-aortic counterpulsation during carotid stenting.

Postprocedural hypotension following endovascular stent placement of carotid artery disease (CAS) predicts increased in-hospital complications and long-term risk of death. Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) both increases mean arterial pressure and cerebral blood flow and therefore possibly reduces complications due to hemodynamic instability during and after CAS. In this study, we describe the use of IABP in a patient with severe depression of left ventricular function due to diffuse coronary artery disease undergoing CAS. Controlled studies are necessary to demonstrate a potentially protective role of IABP in high-risk CAS patients.     

Total dependence of the cerebral circulation on the right vertebral artery in Takayasu's disease—A case report

A twenty-four-year-old woman with Takayasu's disease was admitted in June 1992 to the hospital because of amaurosis fugax. There were neither a history of stroke nor other neurologic signs. For a long time the patient had suffered from extreme fatigue and claudication of the upper limbs. In 1988 arteriography revealed total occlusion of both subclavian arteries and a severe filiform stenosis of the left common carotid artery. The disease appeared to be stable between 1988 and 1992 without obvious signs of inflammation. At present arteriography additionally reveals total occlusion of both common carotid arteries and the left vertebral artery. Only the right vertebral artery is patent, although presenting clear stenosis at its origin. A computed tomographic scan of the brain appears normal.The progression of the disease in the absence of inflammatory episodes since 1988 and the total dependence of the cerebral arterial circulation on the right vertebral artery are the hallmarks of this very rare case of Takayasu's disease.     

升主动脉瘤累及右半弓的外科治疗及体外循环探讨

目的:总结升主动脉及右半弓置换术的外科治疗经验,探讨不同体外循环(CPB)方式在术中的应用。方法:28例升主动脉瘤伴右半弓受累的患者行升主动脉及右半弓置换术,其中8例单纯经股动脉与右心房插管建立CPB,在深低温停循环(DHCA)下开放吻合主动脉弓和人工血管远端;15例经右腋动脉或无名动脉及股动脉与右心房插管建立CPB,在中深低温选择性脑灌注(ACP)加全身停循环下开放吻合主动脉弓和人工血管远端;5例经股动脉右心房插管的同时,经腋动脉或无名动脉插管浅低温全流量下行ACP加下半身股动脉逆行灌注,在无名动脉和左颈总动脉之间阻断主动脉弓后吻合主动脉弓和人工血管远端。结果:术后突发大面积心肌梗死造成心源性休克死亡1例。术后偏瘫经CT确诊为脑梗死2例。呼吸功能不全需2次气管插管1例,机械通气辅助24h病情改善后脱离呼吸机。术后出现严重高钠血症需进行血滤1例。2次开胸止血1例。结论:在主动脉右半弓置换术CPB方法的选择上,外科医生和灌注师需根据患者病情、手术熟练程度正确掌握DHCA和ACP技术,选择最佳的灌注方式。     

MoMa脑保护装置在颈动脉狭窄支架置人术中的作用

目的 探讨颈动脉狭窄支架置人术中使用MoMa脑保护装置的作用.方法 回顾性分析2008年12月-2010年5月,对6例颈内动脉重度狭窄的患者行颈动脉支架置人术并使用MoMa脑保护装置的临床资料.结果 ①6例患者的临床症状均获得改善,NIHSS评分较术前提高1-2分.②保护装置的滤网中均可见捕获的小斑块,无一例患者发生栓子脱落事件,颈内动脉重度狭窄均得到改善（残余狭窄率均〈30%）.③术后3d及3个月复查头部MRI,均未发现新发的缺血病灶.有1例在使用Moma脑保护装置过程中,血液从颈外动脉逆流而加用远端脑保护装置;1例术后出现急性冠状动脉综合征,经积极治疗后好转.6例患者术后3个月复查颈部血管彩超均未发现再狭窄.结论 对颈动脉重度狭窄的患者行支架置人术时,使用MoMa脑保护装置是相对安全、有效的,但尚需大样本病例的进一步研究.     

Abciximab for the treatment of acute distal embolization associated with internal carotid artery angioplasty.

Carotid artery angioplasty and stent placement (CAS) can be complicated by procedure-related distal embolization and thrombus formation, potentially resulting in neurological sequelae. Patient A had CAS of left internal carotid artery and had loss of vision in the left eye with no flow in the left ophthalmic artery. Patient B had CAS of right internal carotid artery and developed left sided hemiparesis with total occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery. A selective intra-arterial injection of 5 mg of abciximab locally followed by a bolus of 5 mg of abciximab intravenously resulted in complete resolution of the filling defect on repeat angiography after 10 min in both patients.     

Increased cerebral blood flow after leukapheresis for acute myelogenous leukemia

Leukapheresis is often considered in the management of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) with hyperleukocytosis and its sequelae, including myocardial infarction, pulmonary complications, and stroke. It is utilized on the assumption that leukapheresis improves blood rheology. We present a woman with AML and a history of meningioma encasing her left internal carotid artery. She presented with hyperleukocytosis and symptoms of ischemia. As her white blood cell continued to rise despite initiation of hydroxyurea therapy, she underwent leukapheresis emergently. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound demonstrated increased flow velocities in the left internal carotid and the right middle cerebral arteries, which normalized after leukapheresis. This is the first documentation that leukapheresis, in combination with hydroxyurea, improves cerebral hemodynamics in a patient with AML.     

Percutaneous Thrombin Injection of Common Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysm without Cerebral Protection

An 83-year-old man with sepsis sustained right common carotid artery injury during attempted central-line placement. A computed tomographic scan showed a large hematoma in the patient''s neck and a carotid pseudoaneurysm. His clinical condition was such that transfer to the interventional suite was judged unsafe. Percutaneous thrombin injection was performed at the bedside under ultrasonographic guidance, but without protective temporary balloon occlusion. The procedure was successful, with no neurologic complications. At follow-up ultrasonographic evaluation, there was complete and sustained occlusion of the pseudoaneurysm.Emergent percutaneous treatment of common carotid artery pseudoaneurysm can be performed without temporary balloon occlusion for cerebral protection—in extreme circumstances, and at unknown risk.Key words: Aneurysm, false/drug therapy; carotid artery injuries; catheterization, central venous/adverse effects; hematoma/etiology; iatrogenic disease; infusions, intravenous; jugular veins; thrombinAccidental puncture of the common carotid artery during internal jugular vein central venous catheter placement is rare. When confronted with an acutely ill patient with sepsis who had sustained a large hematoma and common carotid artery pseudoaneurysm and had a recent history of resuscitation after cardiac arrest, we performed ultrasound-guided percutaneous injection of thrombin at the bedside, without temporary balloon occlusion for cerebral protection.     

Parallel cardiac and vascular adaptation in hypertension.

BACKGROUND. Although vascular damage in the noncoronary circulation is a major cause of complications in hypertension, relatively little is known of the in vivo geometry and function of the arterial circulation in patients with uncomplicated hypertension or of their relation to left ventricular hypertrophy, a marker of enhanced risk of cardiovascular complications. METHODS AND RESULTS. Wall thickness and internal diameter of the common carotid artery and the presence of atherosclerosis within the extracranial carotid arteries were determined by ultrasound in 43 asymptomatic hypertensive patients and 43 normotensive subjects matched for sex, age, and body size. Vascular stiffness was estimated from simultaneous superimposed carotid pressure waveforms obtained with an external solid-state transducer. Left ventricular size and function were determined echocardiographically. Compared with normal subjects, hypertensive patients had greater left ventricular absolute and relative wall thicknesses, left ventricular mass, and carotid absolute and relative wall thicknesses (p < 0.005). Carotid intimal-medial thickness exceeded the 95th percentile of normal values in 28% of hypertensive patients (p < 0.01). Carotid atherosclerosis was equally prevalent within the two blood pressure groups and was associated with older age, larger left ventricular and carotid wall thicknesses, and carotid diameter. Despite similar carotid pulse pressures, vascular stiffness was significantly increased in the hypertensive patients. Among the population as a whole, significant relations existed between cardiac and vascular wall thicknesses and internal dimensions. In multivariate analyses, these relations were statistically independent of age and blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS. The present study documents the presence of geometric and functional changes within the common carotid artery in uncomplicated hypertension that parallel findings within the left ventricle. The potential contribution of these changes to the cardiovascular complications of hypertension, particularly in the setting of left ventricular hypertrophy, is unknown.     

颈动脉粥样硬化斑块发病特征及与脑梗死的关系

目的　分析国人颈动脉粥样硬化 (CAS)斑块发病特征及与脑梗死的相关性。方法　应用磁共振血管成像技术对 10 5 8例怀疑脑部缺血或颈动脉病变患者进行颈动脉检测 ,评价粥样硬化斑块的发病部位、形态、大小与数目。结果　 10 5 8例患者中 198例经CT或磁共振成像证实为脑梗死 ,同时磁共振血管造影术检测到同侧CAS斑块 ;36例检测到CAS斑块 ,但未发现脑梗死灶 ;70例证实为脑梗死 ,但未检测到CAS斑块 ;790例梗死灶及粥样硬化斑块均未检测到。所有CAS患者 ,只累及 1段血管者 12 9例 ,累及多段血管者 10 5例 ,其中两侧颈动脉多发粥样硬化斑块并动脉狭窄 16例。 198例脑梗死患者 ,粥样硬化斑块多发生于颈总动脉分叉处 ,斑块累及多段血管。 36例无脑梗死患者 ,斑块多表现为浅小斑块 ,主要位于颈总动脉主干。结论　颈动脉粥样硬化斑块是脑梗死重要危险因素。     

Carotid artery stenting prior to coronary artery bypass graft surgery inpatients with left-main-coronary-artery disease

Patients with concomitant carotid and left main or left main equivalent coronary artery disease are at high risk of both cardiac and cerebrovascular complications when they undergo revascularization procedures. Here, we present case reports of three patients who successfully underwent elective carotid stenting prior to coronary artery bypass surgery. Any sort of intervention in these patients is fraught with high risk due to the severity of their carotid and coronary artery disease.     

Embolic cerebral infarction caused by intraluminal thrombus in the carotid siphon successfully treated with combination of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.

A 54-year-old-man experienced serial ischemic embolic strokes and retinal artery embolism in the left carotid territory. In the acute phase, intraluminal thrombus in the left carotid siphon and frequent microembolic signals (MES) in the left middle cerebral artery were detected with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and transcranial Doppler (TCD). The patient was initially treated with only heparin for 3 days; however, more than 30 MES per 30 min were still detected. After adding ticlopidine as an antiplatelet therapy, MES were suppressed completely. After starting combination therapy of heparin (later warfarin) and ticlopidine, repeated MRA confirmed resolution of carotid thrombus and ischemic stroke did not recur. For management of intraluminal thrombus in the carotid artery, MES with TCD was useful in evaluating the risk of distal embolism. Combination treatment with anticoagulants and ticlopidine can both resolve the thrombus and prevent distal embolism.     

Exploratory hierarchy and surgical indications for carotid surgery in patients with coronary disease

The major cause of death from carotid artery surgery (1.2% in 1984 in this series) is still coronary disease and myocardial infarct. A series of 50 patients were randomly selected for detailed study of post-operative cardiologic complications and the following sequelae were noted: mortality = 1 myocardial infarct; morbidity = 1 myocardial infarct, 3 documented anginal pains, 8 repolarization disorders, 4 benign ventricular arrhythmias. Analysis of these complications and a literature review demonstrated: the high frequency of combined carotid artery and coronary artery stenosis even in asymptomatic patients (25 to 40% of cases); the elevated percentage of complications in patients with symptomatic coronary disease (mortality risk multiplied by ten), hypertension or arterial disease; the low effect of age taken alone as risk factor. Pre-operative explorations to detect angina, particularly when latent and asymptomatic, should include a questionnaire, strict patient clinical examination and detailed reading of electrocardiogram tracings. An effort test should be performed as a function of results and patients' medical history and when positive should lead to coronarography in patients under 70 in good general condition, and when doubt persists after the effort tests. The indication for surgical treatment is dependent on results of these explorations: Carotid artery surgery (stenosis with high cerebral risk) should be performed under pre- and post-operative myocardial protection in patients with coronary artery disease who are too old or inoperable for cardiac reasons. Simultaneous myocardial and cerebral revascularization in the presence of severe lesions and at equivalent risk of progression. First intention carotid artery surgery for bilateral stable lesions with subsequent simultaneous myocardial and cerebral revascularization. First intention carotid artery surgery in case of cerebral ischemia with coronary artery shunt surgery at a later stage. Improved exploration of patients and close cooperation between cardiologists, anaesthetists and surgeons should allow patients at high risk to be operated upon under improved conditions of safety.     

The Paramount Role of the Anterior Communicating Artery in the Collateral Cerebral Circulation

Clinical manifestation of carotid occlusive disease is largely dependent on the severity of stenosis and the capability of collateral circulation. However, due to the complexity and difficulty in evaluation, cerebral collateral circulation has, so far, remained underappreciated. We report a patient with advanced extracranial arterial disease (including the right subclavian steal, occlusion of the right external carotid artery, and severe stenosis of the left vertebral artery), who underwent transient right internal carotid artery occlusion during carotid intervention. Throughout the occlusion, the flow into the right hemisphere (monitored by transcranial Doppler ultrasound in the right middle cerebral artery) was sufficient despite almost totally dependent on the anterior communicating artery, which highlights its role as the most potent collateral pathway.     

Carotid artery stenting with filter protection

BACKGROUND: Neurologic events associated with distal embolization of debris during percutaneous carotid artery stenting complicate the procedure. Filter devices for cerebral protection potentially reduce the risk of embolization and other neurologic events. We studied the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of carotid artery stenting with a filter device. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between January 2002 and January 2003, a total of 22 consecutive patients (30 lesions) who had >70% diameter stenosis of the internal carotid artery underwent carotid artery stenting with filter protection at our institute. The mean age of the patients was 64+/-9 years; 14 were men and 8 women, and 15 had neurologic symptoms. A stent was successfully implanted in 29 lesions. It was possible to position a filter device in all the 29 lesions. Neurologic complications during the procedure, in the hospital, and at 30-day clinical follow-up occurred in 2 patients. One patient suffered a minor stroke that resolved within 24 hours. None of the patients had a major embolic stroke. There was one death from intracerebral hemorrhage related to hyperperfusion and the use of a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: Filter protection during carotid artery stenting seems technically feasible, safe, and effective. In the present study, the incidence of embolic neurologic events was low.     

Carotid artery approach for balloon dilation of aortic valve stenosis in the neonate: a preliminary report

Balloon valvuloplasty in neonates with severe aortic valve stenosis is limited by difficulties in catheter manipulation around the arch and across the valve and by the risk of femoral artery complications. A right common carotid artery cutdown was utilized for balloon aortic valvuloplasty in five neonates 1 to 20 days of age, weighing 3.1 to 3.9 kg. Standard balloon valvuloplasty was performed through a 6F sheath inserted in the right carotid artery. The arteriotomy was repaired at the end of the procedure. Mean left ventricular systolic pressure was reduced from 142 to 97 mm Hg, with a decrease in mean peak systolic pressure gradient from 76 to 33 mm Hg. Only one patient developed mild aortic regurgitation. One patient with a hypoplastic left ventricle died, and one patient required open valvotomy. All four survivors have a normal carotid pulse and no neurologic sequelae. Two of these patients required repeat balloon dilation to treat residual aortic valve stenosis at 8 and 10 months of age, respectively. Balloon valvuloplasty using a carotid artery approach is feasible and was safe in five neonates with severe aortic valve stenosis.