Basilar Artery Thrombosis Research Articles

SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-associated basilar artery thrombosis and GBS require comprehensive workup and specific therapy.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-associated basilar artery thrombosis and GBS require comprehensive workup and specific therapy.

IV Thrombolysis in Basilar Artery Occlusion: Outcomes and Comparison With Endovascular Thrombectomy.

Recanalization is considered a prerequisite for favorable outcome in basilar artery occlusion (BAO). Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) has been successfully used for eligible patients with BAO well beyond the 4.5-hour time window but has been largely underrepresented in the best medical management arms in recent randomized controlled trials of recanalization therapy in BAO. We aimed to analyze the outcomes of patients with BAO treated with IVT only and to compare IVT with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). This observational single-center, retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with BAO treated with IVT and/or EVT up to 48 hours of symptom onset during 1995-2022. The primary outcome was favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0-3) at 3 months collected by a stroke physician by phone. In the first part, we described the outcomes and factors associated with functional outcome in the IVT-only cohort during 1995-2022. In the second part, we used doubly robust inverse probability-weighted regression adjustment models to compare functional outcome of patients treated with IVT vs EVT+/-IVT during 2010-2022. In the whole cohort of 376 patients with acute BAO treated with recanalization therapy, 245 (65.2%) received only IVT. In the IVT-only cohort, most patients had moderate-to-severe clinical presentation (median NIH Stroke Scale 18) but no extensive early ischemic changes in the posterior circulation on admission. Half of them had onset-to-treatment time over 6 hours. 46.5% of the IVT-treated patients achieved 3-month favorable functional outcome, whereas mortality was 35.9%. sICH occurred in 11.1%. In a multivariable analysis, younger age, milder symptom severity, and less baseline ischemic changes predicted favorable functional outcome. In the 2010-2022 cohort, when compared with patients treated with EVT+/-IVT (n = 121), the IVT-only cohort (n = 122) had higher odds for favorable functional outcome (IVT 58.2% vs EVT 43.0% (aOR 2.82 [95% CI 1.31-6.05]). IVT alone produced outcomes comparable with those in recent trials of endovascular BAO recanalization. Furthermore, in head-to-head comparison in our cohort, the IVT-only approach was more often associated with favorable outcome than EVT+/-IVT. Thus, it should not be overlooked as the first-line recanalization therapy in acute BAO, even in longer time windows. This study provides Class IV evidence that tPA is as effective as thrombectomy for basilar artery thrombosis.

Тромбоз базилярной артерии в молодом возрасте на фоне эритроцитоза. Клинический случай

Тромбоз базилярной артерии в молодом возрасте на фоне эритроцитоза. Клинический случай

Total Basilar Artery Thrombosis Presenting with Recurrent Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs): A Case Report

<p><strong>Background</strong>: Managing acute ischemic stroke in patients with significant comorbidities, such as hypertension, heart failure, and substance abuse, presents unique challenges. Timely intervention is critical, but the risk of complications and poor prognosis is high.<br /><strong>Case Presentation</strong>: A 46-year-old male with a history of smoking, drug abuse, poorly controlled hypertension, and dilated cardiomyopathy with an ejection fraction of 25%-30% presented with sudden left-sided weakness, facial droop, and dysarthria. The initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scal score was 6. Computed tomography (CT) brain showed no acute infarctions but revealed chronic lacunar infarctions and atrophy. CT angiography identified significant vascular abnormalities, including right internal carotid artery attenuation and non-visualization of both intracranial vertebral and basilar arteries. Intravenous thrombolysis (tPA) led to initial improvement, but recurrent strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) followed, leading to intubation and mechanical ventilation. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed evolving infarctions in the pons and cerebellum. A basilar artery thrombectomy was successfully performed, but postoperative complications included spontaneous pneumothorax and femoral artery pseudoaneurysm, requiring further interventions. Due to extensive posterior circulation infarction, the patient had a poor neurological prognosis and was placed on do not resuscitate status.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>: This case highlights the complexities of treating acute ischemic stroke in patients with substantial comorbidities. While interventions such as thrombolysis and thrombectomy are critical, they carry risks. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to balance immediate treatment with considerations of long-term prognosis and quality of life. </p>

Basilar Artery Thrombosis in a Young Patient with Factor V Leiden Mutation and Patent Foramen Ovale: A Case Report

Basilar Artery Thrombosis in a Young Patient with Factor V Leiden Mutation and Patent Foramen Ovale: A Case Report

Abstract Number ‐ 170: Trends for Endovascular Mechanical Thrombectomy versus Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Vertebrobasilar Stroke Treatment

Introduction Acute vertebrobasilar artery occlusion (VBAO) represents approximately 20% of patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke. The occlusion is caused by an embolus or underlying atherosclerotic disease plaque rupture forming an acute thrombus. Without treatment, VBAO’s mortality nears 80–90%, thus, effective and timely treatment strategies become paramount in managing the patients. Herein, we analyzed the age difference and outcomes in patients that underwent either Endovascular Mechanical Thrombectomy (MT) or intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Methods National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried from years 2016 to 2018 using ICD‐10 diagnosis and procedure codes for occlusion or thrombosis of vertebral artery or basilar artery (I63.21, I63.22, I63.01, and I63.02), IV tPA (3E03317), and MT (03CG3ZZ, 03CG3Z6, 03CG3Z7, 03CG4Z6, 03CG4ZZ). Chi‐square test and was used for statistical analysis. Results From 2016 to 2018, there were 37,310 patients admitted with vertebrobasilar stroke. Out of these, IV tPA was administered in 2,530 (6.8%) admissions, whereas MT was done in 2,330 (6.2%) admissions. IV tPA was used significantly more than MT in age groups 65–84 and > = 85 years. MT was used significantly more than IV tPA in age groups 18–44 and 45–64 (Figure 1). There was no significant difference in their use between men and women. In large hospitals, MT was more common than IV tPA (8.1% vs 7%, p < 0.0001), and in small hospitals, IV tPA usage was significantly higher (3.8% vs 2%, p < 0.0001). All‐cause mortality rate was significantly higher in MT than IV tPA admissions (16.8% vs 8.1%, p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in mean length of stay (LOS) between the two modalities (Figure 1). Conclusions We saw a trend of higher rate of mechcnical thrombectomy in younger age group (18‐64 years) than older, however, no sex difference was noted. All‐cause mortality rate was higher in the mechanical thrombectomy group than intravenous tissue plasminogen activator group. In addition, there was no difference in length of hospital stay.

Abstract Number ‐ 231: Role of Anticoagulation in Recurrent Basilar Artery Thrombosis Secondary to Dolichoectasia, a Case Report

Introduction Basilar artery thrombosis accounts for a small part of ischemic strokes but contributes to one‐fifth of the posterior circulation strokes. Recurrent basilar artery thrombosis secondary to dolichoectasia is caused by abnormal flow in the dilated artery and can result in cerebral ischemia. We present a similar case of recurrent thrombosis with a missed dose of anticoagulation and dehydration on two separate occasions. Methods An 81‐year‐old man with a past medical history of ulcerative colitis with colostomy, provoked deep venous thrombosis presented as a transfer from an outside hospital with acute onset of dysarthria, nausea/vomiting, unsteadiness, and left hemiparesis. CT angiogram of head and neck revealed right vertebral thrombosis extending into the basilar artery with dolichoectasia involving distal right vertebral artery and basilar artery. He was started on heparin infusion with improvement in symptoms and a return to baseline. He was later transitioned to apixaban and discharged home. On a follow‐up office visit two months later, his repeat CT angiogram revealed resolution of the thrombus. He was advised to continue the medication due to the risk of recurrent occlusion secondary to vessel anomaly. After four months, the patient returned to the emergency department with acute onset dizziness, imbalance, nausea, and vomiting. CT angiogram of the head and neck was performed which revealed non‐occlusive thrombosis in the basilar artery. On evaluation by neurology, he admits to three missed doses of apixaban. Clinical and laboratory data were concerning for volume depletion. On further questioning about his symptoms, he mentions decreased oral intake on the day of colostomy change. He was advised to continue apixaban and stay hydrated. Results After fifteen months of the first presentation, the patient is symptom‐free but was continued on anticoagulation with apixaban to prevent recurrent events. Conclusions The role of short‐term and long‐term anticoagulation in basilar artery occlusion is less studied. No prospective trials were done so far to suggest that antithrombotic therapy lowers the risk of recurrent ischemic events and/or anticoagulation is superior to antiplatelets. Dolichoectasia by itself can increase the risk of recurrent thrombosis and dehydration likely facilitated the thrombosis in our patient during the event of missed anticoagulation.

Dolichoectasia: a brain arterial disease with an elusive treatment

Dolichoectasia is a form of brain large artery disease associated with a high risk of mortality and morbidity. Progressive enlargement of arterial size is a predictor of mortality, but there are no specific treatments for arresting or slowing down dilatation. Additionally, dilated brain arteries can cause flow stagnation, which can trigger thrombosis and cause stroke. Pathology and genetic studies indicate a possible role for increased matrix metalloproteinase activation in arterial dilatation and thus in the pathophysiology of dolichoectasia. Therefore, therapeutic interventions aimed at slowing down arterial dilatation and preventing thrombosis could hypothetically play a role in treating patients with dolichoectasia. We present four patients with dolichoectasia that exemplify therapeutic challenges worth discussing in the context of the current literature. Two patients were treated off-label with doxycycline (based on its antiMMP properties) and with apixaban, one patient was put on warfarin and later switched to aspirin, and the fourth patient underwent endovascular treatment. We report four cases, all men 50years or older. Of the two patients treated with doxycycline, we noted a slowdown of the basilar artery (BA) growth, but the BA continued to grow in the other patient. Of the two patients who received apixaban, none had a subsequent stroke in 5 and 4years of follow-up, respectively. One patient was admitted with a fatal BA thrombosis and rupture, and pathological examination of the brain arteries demonstrated advanced arterial wall degeneration but no atherosclerosis. These cases exemplify the challenges of treating people with dolichoectasia and highlight the need for better evidence regarding the best possible treatment for this population.

A CASE OF FOVILLE SYNDROME

60 year old diabetic and hypertensive female presented to casualty with right hemiplegia and hemianesthesia with lower motor neuron type of facial nerve palsy and loss of pain, temperature on left side of the face. She had difculty adduction and abduction on left eye with horizontal nystagmus in the contralateral eye when abducted while vertical movements were preserved. MRI brain was done which showed acute focal non hemorrhagic infarct in the left hemi pons along with partial basilar artery thrombosis. Hence a diagnosis of foville syndrome with inter nuclear opthalmoplegia was made. Classically foville syndrome is characterised by ipsilateral sixth nerve palsy, lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy, fth sensory nuclear palsy along with contralateral hemiparesis and hemisensory loss. The patient was started on single antiplatelet along with high intensity statin. On follow up after 3 months patients power improved.

Thrombectomy in patients with basilar artery thrombosis

Introduction. This article is devoted to the discussion of a life-threatening condition - basilar artery thrombosis (BAT). The article presents the results of a comparative analysis of two groups of patients with angiographically confirmed BAT: with and without reperfusion therapy.Relevance. Basilar artery thrombosis is a life-threatening condition in which mortality can reach 95%, and severe neurological deficits and dependence in everyday life on others (modified Ran-kin Scale (mRS), score 4–5) are observed in 65% of surviving patients. Ischemic stroke (IS) due to BAT is diagnosed in 1–4% of patients with acute cerebrovascular event (ACVE). Currently, reperfusion therapy (RT) in the form of systemic thrombolytic therapy (sTLT) with rt-PA and/or thrombectomy (TE) is the only effective and safe method for treating patients with IS. In randomized trials, it was found that RT, whether it is sTLT, TE or a combination of these techniques, despite the best degree of functional recovery in patients by day 90 from the onset of the disease, does not lead to a statistically significant decrease in mortality. Nevertheless, the results of 10 prospective studies of the use of endovascular treatment in patients with IS in the posterior circulation system indicate that this type of therapy leads to a decrease in 90-day mortality from 95% to 16–47% in case of successful recanalization (mTICI (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction), 2–b–3).Aim of study. To assess the safety and efficacy of TE in patients with BAT.Material and methods. This study included 15 patients with IS, admitted within the 6-hour therapeutic window, and confirmed BAT by CT and/or MRangiography. The baseline level of wakefulness was assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and the severity of neurological deficit was assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).Results. Basilar artery thrombectomy was performed in 7 patients (endovascular treatment group), 8 patients received no endovascular treatment (standard therapy group). Good clinical outcomes by day 90 from the onset of the disease (mRS, score 0–2) were observed in 57.1% of patients in the endovascular treatment group and in 12.5% of patients in the standard therapy group. However, these differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). There were also no differences between the two groups in functional outcomes and Rivermead mobility index (RMI) by day 90 from the onset of the disease (Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living (BI) score 97±5.0 and 100, RMI score 14.0±0.0 and 15 in the endovascular treatment group and standard therapy group, respectively). Mortality by day 90 in the endovascular treatment group was 42.9% (3 patients), in the standard therapy group — 87.5% (7 patients). In the subgroup of patients with GCS score at admission no more than score 8, there was a statistically significant strong two-way negative correlation between TE performance and mortality (r=-1.0; p=0.000), as well as a positive correlation between TE and a Rankine score by day 90 (r=0.956; p=0.003). Mortality was statistically significantly lower in the endovascular treatment group compared to the standard therapy group (0% versus 100%, respectively, p=0.025). Clinical outcomes of the disease by day 90 were statistically significantly better in the endovascular treatment group: mRS, score 0–2 in 100% of cases versus 0% in the standard treatment group (p=0.028).Conclusion. Currently, the only effective treatment for basilar artery thrombosis is thrombectomy. The possibility of performing thromboectomy in these cases should be considered in all patients, regardless of the severity of the stroke and the decrease in the level of wakefulness, since endovascular treatment in this case is a life-saving procedure. The symptom of a hyperdense basilar artery can be used as a diagnostic tool for suspected basilar artery thrombosis, but should not rule out angiography. In our series of observations, the mortality rate in patients who underwent thrombectomy was 42.9%. Good functional outcomes (mRS, score 0–2) and the absence mobility limitation (RMI, score 14) were observed in 57.1% of patients by day 90 after thrombectomy.

Abstract 1122‐000230: Unique Clinical Finding of Localized Bifacial Hyperhydrosis in a Patient with Basilar Artery Thrombosis

This meeting abstract was removed due to the OA licensing requirements of this journal. The full abstract is listed here : https://www.svin.org/files/SVIN_2021_Abstracts_for_Web.pdf

Bilateral anterior cerebral artery thrombosis - a mimicker of basilar artery thrombosis: a case report

We present a rare case of bilateral anterior cerebral artery (ACA) territory infarction with akinetic mutism, quadriparesis and frontal lobe release signs along with limbic dysfunction mimicking a basilar artery thrombosis. The etiology was thrombosis of the anterior communicating artery with propagation or embolism of the thrombus to both A2 segments of the anterior cerebral artery and restricted or absent blood flow in the branches arising from the A2 and A3 segments causing extensive infarction. We also aim to review the anatomy of the ACA to understand localization of lesions.

Sequential pontine and bilateral cerebral peduncle infarction with resultant early Wallerian degeneration of the ponto‐cerebellar fibers

AbstractBilateral cerebral peduncular infarction (BCPI) is an extremely rare neurological disorder reportedly associated with locked‐in syndrome. A 60‐year‐old man represented with reduction in conscious level three weeks following a paramedian pontine infarction due to basilar artery thrombosis. Repeated MRI revealed subacute pontine infarction with new infarct involving bilateral cerebral peduncle. MRA showed absent flow‐related signal along the basilar artery consistent with occlusion. Additionally, Wallerian degeneration characterized by symmetrical hyperintense signal on MRI involving the ponto‐cerebellar fibers and both the middle cerebellar peduncles (MCPs) were seen. BCPI is an exceedingly rare type of stroke with characteristic symmetrical signal change involving the cerebral peduncles called “Mickey Mouse Ear” sign. Early Wallerian degeneration of the bilateral MCPs ensuing pontine infarction is also uncommon and is often detected incidentally and exhibits regular and symmetrical signal changes on MRI. Here, a rare encounter of early Wallerian degeneration following sequential pontine and BCPI is described.

Headache secondary to cerebrovascular disease.

To discuss headache secondary to cerebrovascular disease. Headache is an important symptom in cerebrovascular diseases. In some conditions, headache is the leading symptom. Migraine is associated with an increased risk of stroke. The authors undertook a literature search for the terms "headache" and "cerebrovascular diseases". We report studies on headache in subarachnoidal hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, TIA, basilar artery thrombosis, cervical artery dissection, cerebellar stroke, arteritis and cerebral sinus venous thrombosis. In addition, we discuss migraine and stroke and thunderclap headache. Headache is a leading symptom in many cerebrovascular diseases. Headache in combination with focal neurological deficits requires immediate diagnosis and treatment.

Unusual presentation of basilar artery thrombosis

Strokes in the territory of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) may rarely cause acute confusion or delirium, especially when bilateral or the dominant PCA are involved. Delirium as the only initial presentation of basilar artery thrombosis (with no brainstem or long tract findings) is an extremely rare occurrence. In this article, the clinical presentation of our case was an acute confusion with septic shock-like features (tachycardia, hypotension, and leukocytosis) for a few days without any focal deficit. These symptoms pointed more toward a non-focal neurological cause, especially meningoencephalitis. This case highlights the importance of detailed history and thorough evaluation of high-risk patients who present with an acute devastating neurological syndrome. In addition, knowledge of the atypical presentation of stroke should be acquired, and the limitation of an unenhanced computed tomography scan of the brain without vascular imaging should be known. Investigating patients with a sudden acute confusion should be directed toward the evaluation of the etiology in a stepwise manner. However, the pace of investigations should be fast to establish the diagnosis and optimize the outcome.

Basilar artery thrombosis due to hyperhomocysteinemia treated conservatively: a therapeutic success

Basilar artery thrombosis is a rare and potentially fatal cause of posterior circulation stroke. Among the various etiologies, hyperhomocysteinemia is crucial and often under diagnosed, especially in developing countries. Authors describe the case of a 15-year male who presented with 1-day history of headache, vomiting and altered mental status. Non-contrast CT Head revealed multiple acute infarcts in posterior circulation of brain. Laboratory investigations revealed hyperhomocysteinemia. Contrast enhanced MRI Brain showed acute infarcts in bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, pons, midbrain, medulla and vermis. MR venography was suggestive of Basilar Artery thrombosis. Thrombolysis was not done due to delayed presentation; hence authors resorted to conservative management with folic acid and vitamin B supplementation. The patient showed gradual clinical improvement and had complete clinical recovery during follow up visit. A favorable outcome with conservative management of basilar artery thrombosis is rarely reported in literature.

A 52-Year-Old Man With Vertigo: A Common Symptom or an Urgent Syndrome?

Basilar occlusion syndrome is an uncommon cause of posterior circulation cerebrovascular syndromes. Approximately one-fifth of the ischemic strokes occur in the posterior cerebrovascular system and it is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. The symptoms and signs are non-specific, resulting in delays in diagnosis, and a high index of suspicion is required that will lead to the correct diagnosis. Herein, we present a case of a 52-year-old patient who presented to the emergency department with acute onset of dizziness and vertigo due to partial thrombosis of the basilar artery. J Med Cases. 2020;11(7):221-223 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3525

FIVE CASES OF ACUTE HYPOACUSIA/DEAFNESS SECONDARY TO ARTERIAL AND VENOUS CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASE

I present five cases of acute onset hypoacusia (four unilateral and one bilateral), all of different physiopathological mechanisms and vascular territories, secondary to either arterial or venous causes. First case is a 39-year-old male with Left Middle Inferior Pontine Syndrome (Foville Syndrome) with associated Vertebro-Basilar Insufficiency (VBI) secondary to Spontaneous Vertebral Artery Dissection (SVAD) and secondary hypoacusia. Case two, is a 76-year-old female with right Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (AICA) Syndrome generating a lateral pontine infarct with hypoacusia as an initial presentation. Case three, is a 77-year-old male presenting a left Superior Cerebellar Artery (SCA) infarct with hypoacusia as an initial presentation. Case four, a 79-year-old female patient presenting sudden onset bilateral hypoacusia secondary to Basilar Artery (BA) thrombosis. Finally, case five, is a 23-year-old post-partum female presenting a right Transverse Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST) presenting with acute hypoacusia as only clinical manifestation. Keywords: hypoacusia, deafness, cerebrovascular disease.

Basilar artery thrombosis during sexual intercourse

An ischemic stroke during sexual intercourse is very rare. A basilar artery thrombosis during sexual intercourse has not been described previously. We report a young woman with a life-threatening basilar artery thrombosis during sexual intercourse, with a resulting locked-in syndrome. The positive high intensity transient signals (HITS) diagnosis showed a right-to-left shunt and is in line with paradoxic embolism. The molecular genetics revealed a homozygosity 4G/4G in the region PAI1, -675 (promoter polymorphism) as a risk factor for ischemic stroke. Sexual intercourse is a possible, albeit unusual stroke cause, especially in young people.

Vertebral Pseudo-occlusion Due to Acute Basilar Artery Thrombosis.

Vertebral Pseudo-occlusion Due to Acute Basilar Artery Thrombosis.