Abstract Number ‐ 66: Symptomatic Chronic Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion Managed With Bilateral Common Carotid Angioplasty: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction Several guidelines have addressed symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis treatment with intensive medical management and surgical management based on the severity of stenosis [1]. In acute occlusions, endovascular treatment (EVT) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with or without prior thrombolytics provide the best recanalization and functional outcomes when compared to intravenous or intra‐arterial thrombolysis alone. There is, however, less robust evidence on management of symptomatic chronic internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion occurring in tandem with significant contralateral ICA stenosis [2]. In chronic ICA occlusion (ICAO), EVT and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) are technically unfeasible, but indirect procedures have been arising as safe and effective alternatives, notably CEA or stenting of contralateral stenotic ICA [3] and CEA or stenting of ipsilateral external carotid artery (ECA) [4]. We hereby report a case of symptomatic chronic ICAO that was managed with staggered angioplasty and stenting of bilateral common carotid artery (CCA) bifurcations. Methods We hereby present a case report. Results A 62‐year‐old male with atrial fibrillation and hypertension woke up with sudden dysarthria and right upper extremity and facial weakness. NIHSS at presentation was 4. Last seen normal 9 hours prior. Non‐contrast head computerized tomography (CT) did not show acute intracranial abnormality, CT angiogram of head and neck showed severe right ICA stenosis and complete occlusion of the left ICA at cervical, petrous and cavernous segments, with distal reconstitution at the supraclinoid segment with left proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) thrombus. CT perfusion showed a core infarct volume of 8cc in left MCA territory, mismatch volume of 78cc and ratio of 10.8. Risks of acute neuro‐intervention were deemed to outweigh benefits. Given favorable perfusion imaging, and in concordance with the EXTEND trial [5], tPA was administered. The patient remained stable without hemorrhagic complications with residual deficits of mild right upper extremity weakness and mild expressive aphasia. MRI confirmed left ICA territory ischemic infarcts. Patient underwent stenting of the asymptomatic right ICA at the CCA bifurcation first, followed by left CCA stent after one month with impressive improvement in subsequent perfusion imaging. Conclusions Our case encourages consideration of well‐timed angioplasty and stenting in cases of chronic bilateral carotid artery disease especially when the asymptomatic side is also significantly stenotic