Thromboaspiration in a Patient With Persisting Intracranial Occlusion After Intravenous Thrombolysis: A Case Report

Abstract

The last few years have been characterized by a rapid diffusion of endovascular treatments aimed at achieving arterial recanalization in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Clinical trials have shown higher rates of arterial recanalization being achieved by the Penumbra System (PS) as compared to standard treatment, i.e. systemic thrombolysis by recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA). This case-report enhances the relevance of strict patient monitoring during and after rtPA administration in order to consider urgent mechanical thrombectomy as additional treatment in highly selected cases. A 69-year-old woman presented with sudden onset of left hemiparesis and slurred speech. Systemic rtPA was administered with marked clinical improvement. Ultrasound study performed during rtPA infusion suggested intracranial occlusion. Diffusion-weighted MRI was negative for acute ischemia, perfusion-weighted imaging detected a wide region of hypoperfused tissue in the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory, and MR angiography detected right proximal MCA occlusion. After the initial clinical improvement, the patient deteriorated. Clot aspiration by the PS and complete recanalization were achieved in 56 minutes. The patient was discharged with mild left hemiparesis, and she had excellent recovery at 6 months. Acute endovascular treatment by the PS proved successful in this patient experiencing clinical fluctuations due to persisting intracranial artery occlusion after systemic thrombolysis. Strict patient monitoring by MRI and ultrasound studies may allow prompt mobilization of the interventional radiology team thus offering an increased chance of favourable outcome and preventing more invalidating strokes in patients known to benefit poorly by systemic thrombolysis. doi:10.4021/jnr84w