Stent-supported angioplasty for acute stroke caused by carotid dissection.

INTRODUCTION

Carotid dissection is a less common but important cause of acute ischemic stroke, which has specific treatment implications.

CASE RECORD: We describe the case of a patient with acute, fluctuating neurological symptoms found to be caused by carotid dissection who underwent endovascular stent-supported angioplasty of this lesion with good outcome.

DISCUSSION: Pros and cons of the various treatment options encountered in this case including intravenous thrombolysis, angioplasty and stenting, and antithrombotic therapy are discussed.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment of carotid dissection in acute stroke can be performed safely. Treatment must ultimately be individualized to each specific case.