Brain embolization of a healthy artery fragment as a complication of a cardiac catheterization

J Neuroradiol. 2020 Feb;47(1):59-61. doi: 10.1016/j.neurad.2018.10.006. Epub 2018 Nov 15.

Abstract

Ischemic stroke is the most common neurological complication of cardiac catheterization resulting in a high morbidity and mortality. We present a 44-year-old man admitted for vasospastic angina that suffered a right middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion after a cardiac catheterization. Mechanical thrombectomy was indicated and complete arterial recanalization was achieved. The material obtained showed a fragment of a healthy artery. Partial radial endarterectomy and cerebral embolization may be a rare complication of cardiac catheterization.

Keywords: Cardiac catheterization; Mechanical thrombectomy; Stroke.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Ischemia / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Ischemia / etiology
  • Cardiac Catheterization / adverse effects*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods*
  • Humans
  • Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery / etiology*
  • Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery / surgery*
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Stroke / diagnostic imaging
  • Stroke / etiology