J Cerebrovasc Endovasc Neurosurg.  2013 Dec;15(4):326-329. 10.7461/jcen.2013.15.4.326.

Ophthalmic Artery Occlusion After Carotid Revascularization

• Yi YJ
• Yun JK
• Kim DW
• Kang SD

• KMID: 1810793
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7461/jcen.2013.15.4.326

Abstract

Distal embolization resulting from carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) occurs mainly in the cerebral hemisphere. We report a case of ophthalmic artery occlusion after carotid revascularization. A 75-year old man received emergency CAS for cervical internal carotid artery occlusion. Two months later, the patient was readmitted for decreased visual acuity. We found ophthalmic artery occlusion that was not noticed soon after CAS. Although ophthalmic artery occlusion after CAS is rare, endovascular neurosurgeons should be aware of this potential complication.

Keyword

Carotid angioplasty and stenting; Embolization; Ophthalmic artery occlusion

MeSH Terms

Aged
Angioplasty
Carotid Artery, Internal
Cerebrum
Emergencies
Humans
Ophthalmic Artery*
Stents
Visual Acuity

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Right internal carotid artery (ICA) angiogram showing collateral circulation to left anterior cerebral artery (ACA) via anterior communicating artery and to middle cerebral artery territory via leptomenigeal anastomosis from ACA. The arrow indicates thrombus at left ICA bifurcation.

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  Fig. 2 Left common carotid artery (CCA) angiogram reveals left proximal cervical ICA occlusion.

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  Fig. 3 Left CCA angiogram shows good dilatation of the left proximal cervical ICA after carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS).

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  Fig. 4 Cerebral angiogram shows flow restoration in the left middle cerebral artery after thrombus aspiration.

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  Fig. 5 Cerebral angiogram after CAS demonstrates ophthalmic artery occlusion (arrow).

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  Fig. 6 Left cerebral angiogram two months after CAS shows no occlusion of the ophthalmic artery and normal blood flow.

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