Acute internal carotid artery occlusion due to dissection of the paraclinoid segment: Diagnostic usefulness of angiographic findings during stent retriever deployment

Intracranial artery dissection is an uncommon but possible cause of ischemic stroke, and is usually diagnosed based on imaging findings such as mural hematoma and dissection flap. However, it is challenging to recognize the underlying dissection in cases of acute large vessel occlusion. In this report, we present a case of acute internal carotid artery occlusion, in which the underlying dissection of the paraclinoid segment was found during the thrombectomy procedure. Two thrombectomy procedures failed to recanalize the acute internal carotid artery occlusion without removing any clot. Angiography performed during a Trevo stent retriever deployment in the first pass showed obscure contrast defects in the stent strut with temporary flow restoration. In the next pass, the appearance of the contrast defects changed and a parallel linear contrast appeared on the outside of the vessel wall. These angiographic findings were identified as mural hematoma and dissection flap, indicating dissection of the paraclinoid as the cause of the occlusion. During antiplatelet loading and preparation of a dedicated intracranial stent, the Trevo stent retriever was left deployed again at the occlusion site to maintain the blood flow. After permanent stenting with an Enterprise stent, angiography revealed complete recanalization. The patient recovered fully after the procedure. In the present case, stent retriever deployment revealed the hallmarks of dissection on angiography, such as mural hematoma, dissection flap, and temporal morphological changes, by restoring the blood flow temporarily. Such angiographic findings can provide useful information on the occlusion characteristics and real-time feedback for optimal treatment strategy.