Ischemic stroke is a rare yet devastating complication that may occur following cardiothoracic surgery. Fibrinolytic treatment is contraindicated due to elevated risk for hemorrhage. Mechanical thrombectomy entails a catheterized approach wherein the thrombus is physically removed from the vessel without the use of fibrinolytics, minimizing the possibility of intracranial hemorrhage. Here, we present two original cases of mechanical thrombectomy as treatment for patients experiencing emergent large vessel occlusion following cardiothoracic surgery. A literature review was conducted to determine current treatment guidelines, risk factors, and complications resulting from recanalization due to mechanical thrombectomy versus fibrinolytic therapy. One patient was admitted due to chronic, American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association stage D, New York Heart Association functional class IV heart failure and required complete, artificial hemodynamic support for two weeks and on the 19th day experienced neurologic decline secondary to a supraclinoid left internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. Mechanical thrombectomy resulted in distal reperfusion and neurologic improvement. The second patient presented with coronary artery disease and underwent triple coronary artery bypass grafting and endovein harvesting. On post-operative day 2, the patient experienced a left ICA occlusion extending to the cavernous ICA resulting in speech impairment and right-sided weakness. The patient was heparinized and underwent mechanical thrombectomy, resulting in immediate speech and muscle strength recovery. Medical advances allow mechanical thrombectomy to be performed in a timely and effective manner at specialized treatment centers. It offers endovascular treatment modalities to a unique patient population with postoperative stroke. In such patients, thrombectomy can safely provide reperfusion while reducing the risk of complications associated with conventional thrombolytics.
Carotid cavernous fistulae (CCF) are defined as abnormal connections between the carotid circulation and cavernous sinus. CCFs can be categorized as being direct or indirect. Direct CCFs are usually associated with trauma, whereas indirect CCFs are associated with revascularization following cavernous sinus thrombosis. We present a case of a 53-year-old male who presented with tinnitus, proptosis, conjunctivitis, and blurry vision. The patient had a recent endovascular transvenous embolization that was only partially successful, with a residual carotid cavernous fistula draining to the left superior ophthalmic vein and multiple cortical veins. A physical examination of the patient showed elevated intraocular pressures bilaterally. The patient had a high-flow indirect carotid cavernous fistula with bilateral superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) and retrograde cortical vein drainage. The SOV was punctured with a micropuncture needle and was used to successfully gain access to the cavernous sinus. Multiple coils were placed in the posterior aspect of the sinus until there was complete occlusion of venous flow. Coils were packed up to the posterior aspect of the orbit near the junction of the cavernous sinus with the SOV, and the embolization was successful. Indirect CCFs have gradual onset and are usually low-flow. Low-flow CCFs might improve with medical management.Some CCFs may cause ocular manifestations and can be symptomatically managed with prism therapy or ocular patching for diplopia, lubrication for keratopathy, or topical agents for elevated intraocular pressures. However, patients presenting with persistent ocular morbidity may require surgical or endovascular intervention.
Background: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a well-established treatment modality for chronic pain. Thoracic radiculopathy has been reported as a complication of SCS paddle lead implantation by several authors and commonly presents as abdominal pain. Methods: We performed a search of all patients who underwent either placement of a new epidural paddle lead electrode or revision of an epidural paddle lead electrode for SCS in the thoracic region from January 2017 to January 2018. We then investigated all cases of immediate postoperative abdominal pain. Results: We identified 7 patients who had immediate postoperative abdominal pain among 86 cases of epidural SCS procedures. Most patients were discharged on postoperative days 1–3. No patients required revisions or removals of their SCS for any reason. Conclusions: We conclude that the etiology of immediate postoperative abdominal pain after thoracic paddle lead implantation for SCS is most likely thoracic radiculopathy. We hypothesize that small, transient epidural hematomas could be the cause of this thoracic radiculopathy. We argue that all patients with immediate postoperative abdominal pain and no other neurologic deficits after thoracic paddle lead implantation for SCS should first be treated conservatively with observation and pain management.
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is classified as a decrease in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure secondary to a CSF leakage and consequent descent of the brain into the foramen magnum. Diagnosing SIH can be difficult due to its overlapping findings with Arnold-Chiari type 1 Malformation (CM1) where the cerebellar tonsils herniate into the foramen magnum. The similarity of both conditions calls for a more reliable imaging technique to localize the CSF leak which could narrow the differential diagnosis and aid in choosing the correct treatment. Here, we present a case of a 28-year-old female, ten weeks post-partum with symptoms similar to SIH. MRI of the brain was remarkable for tonsillar herniation below the foramen magnum. Literature was reviewed for additional neuroradiology techniques that would aid in narrowing our differential diagnosis. Interestingly, computed tomography-, digital subtraction-, and magnetic resonance myelography with intrathecal gadolinium are the preferred techniques for diagnosis of high flow and low flow CSF leaks, respectively. These modalities further aid in choosing the correct treatment while avoiding complications. Literature suggests that treatment for CM1 involves posterior fossa decompression, whereas the mainstay of treatment for SIH involves an epidural blood patch (EBP). Thus, our patient was treated with an EBP and recovered without complication.
Ischemic stroke is an uncommon cause of death among teenagers and young adults; however, the etiologies differ when compared to ischemic strokes in older individuals. Large-vessel atherosclerosis and small-vessel disease causing ischemic stroke are rare for the teenage population, while cervicocerebral arterial dissections account for up to 20% of ischemic strokes. Here, we present the case of a 16-year-old male who developed internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) after a head injury and subsequently developed ischemic stroke and seizures.
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