Hyperdense MCA with Merci device

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Sudden onset of hemiplegia.

Patient Data

Age: 70 years
Gender: Male

Non-contrast CT demonstrates a strikingly hyperdense right cavernous ICA and MCA. There is subtle loss / blurring of the grey-white matter differentiation of the insular cortex and right lentiform nucleus. 

The patient went on to angiography which demonstrated stasis of contrast in the right internal carotid artery, with an abrupt cut off due to thrombus. 

An endoluminal clot retrieval device (Merci) was employed. This was able to reestablish flow in the middle cerebral artery (not shown). 

Case Discussion

Acute agressive management of thromboembolic stroke relies upon prompt presentation to hospital and rapid mobilization or relevant resources if at-risk cerebral tissue is to be saved by reperfusion. In this case, despite clot retrieval, a sizable right MCA territory stroke developed. The patient was eventually discharged to rehab. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.