First reported use of retrievable stent technology for removal of a large septic embolus in the middle cerebral artery

World Neurosurg. 2012 Mar-Apr;77(3-4):591.e1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2011.05.059. Epub 2011 Nov 7.

Abstract

Background: The treatment of acute ischemic stroke in the setting of infective endocarditis (IE) is not well established. Although there have been a few reports on the use of intravenous thrombolysis, the role of mechanical thrombolysis through embolectomy is unknown.

Case description: A 78-year-old woman with an acute middle cerebral artery stroke secondary to septic embolization underwent successful stent retrieval of the septic embolus, followed by complete revascularization and neurologic improvement.

Conclusions: Mechanical thrombolysis with embolectomy may be a safe and efficacious option for selected patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to IE.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brain Ischemia / etiology
  • Brain Ischemia / therapy
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Cerebral Revascularization / methods*
  • Embolectomy / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery / complications
  • Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery / surgery*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods*
  • Sepsis / surgery*
  • Stents*
  • Stroke / etiology
  • Stroke / therapy
  • Thrombolytic Therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed