PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Gifford, E.
AU  - Drazin, D.
AU  - Dalfino, J.C.
AU  - Nair, A.K.
AU  - Yamamoto, J.
AU  - Boulos, A.S.
TI  - The Effectiveness of Microballoon Angioplasty in Treating Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Beyond the Bifurcation
AID  - 10.3174/ajnr.A2099
DP  - 2010 Sep 01
TA  - American Journal of Neuroradiology
PG  - 1541--1548
VI  - 31
IP  - 8
4099  - http://www.ajnr.org/content/31/8/1541.short
4100  - http://www.ajnr.org/content/31/8/1541.full
SO  - Am. J. Neuroradiol.2010 Sep 01; 31
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: PTA effectively treats vasospasm and arterial disease in peripheral, coronary, and large proximal cerebral vessels but rarely reaches small vessels like the distal MCA beyond the bifurcation. Our purpose was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PTA for distal MCA occlusions in acute ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients had strokes in branches of their MCAs. Following diagnostic angiography, all received microballoon angioplasty and various combinations of IA alteplase (rtPA), abciximab, and/or nitroglycerin. Two also underwent stent placement. Comprehensive retrospective review of the patients' records was performed. Patients' NIHSS scores were reassessed before discharge. Recanalization was evaluated by angiography after treatment and at follow-up. RESULTS: PTA was successfully performed in 7 patients without treatment-associated intracerebral hemorrhage. Two patients received distal MCA angioplasty as a secondary intervention: 1 following failed treatment with a Merci retriever and the other after successful removal of proximal clot with a Merci retriever. One patient did not recover from the initial ischemic event despite an excellent angiographic result. Complete recanalization (modified TIMI grade 4) was achieved in 4 patients and near-complete recanalization with mild flow deficit (modified TIMI grade 3), in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: PTA of the distal MCA with a microballoon is safe and effective for acute ischemic stroke. This case series demonstrates that endovascular treatment beyond the MCA bifurcation can dramatically reverse neurologic deficits. AMCAlbany Medical CenterAPanteroposteriorCTACT angiographyEDemergency departmentHHHunt and HessIAintra-arterialICAinternal carotid arteryIntradrugs delivered between treatmentsIVintravenousLleftMCAmiddle cerebral arterymRSmodified Rankin ScoreNIHSSNational Institutes of Health Stroke ScalePostdrugs delivered following mechanical treatmentPrespasmolytic agents delivered prior to mechanical treatmentPTApercutaneous transluminal angioplastyRrightRHFright-handed femalertPArecombinant tissue plasminogen activatorTIMIThrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction