Intra-arterial infusion of fasudil hydrochloride for cerebral vasospasm secondary to carotid artery stenting: illustrative case

BACKGROUND: Hypoperfusion due to intracranial cerebral vasospasm after carotid artery stenting (CAS) is rare. The authors presented a case of selective intraarterial infusion of fasudil hydrochloride for cerebral vasospasm after CAS. OBSERVATIONS: A 73-year-old man received CAS for asymptomatic right cervical internal carotid artery stenosis. Twelve hours after CAS, disturbance of consciousness, left hemiplegia, and right conjugate deviation appeared in the patient. Head computed tomography angiography showed diffuse vasospasm of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA). The authors hypothesized that the cause of the symptoms was hypoperfusion due to intracranial cerebral vasospasm. Medical treatment was started; however, the focal symptoms worsened rapidly. Therefore, the authors decided to infuse fasudil intraarterially. This treatment resulted in a remarkable improvement in blood flow and gradual recovery from neurological symptoms. Head magnetic resonance angiography on the day after fasudil infusion showed improved visualization of the right MCA. The neurological symptoms almost completely disappeared 22 hours after fasudil infusion (40 hours after CAS). LESSONS: As a complication after CAS, the possibility of hypoperfusion due to cerebral vasospasm should be considered. If symptoms due to hypoperfusion worsen even after medical treatment, intraarterial infusion of fasudil may be an effective option.