Abstract
Objective: Cerebral embolism is known as a complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) but is rare. We present a case of mechanical thrombectomy for acute middle cerebral artery occlusion during PCI for acute myocardial infarction. Case: A 72-year-old male was transferred to our hospital because of acute myocardial infarction. Emergent PCI was performed. During PCI, he suddenly developed conscious disturbance, right hemiplegia, and aphasia. Cerebral angiography was done immediately after PCI, and left middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion was confirmed. Mechanical thrombectomy was performed, and MCA was successfully recanalized. Yellowish plaque containing cholesterin crystal was captured with a stent retriever. After thrombectomy, his motor function was fully recovered; however, total aphasia remained. He was transferred to the rehabilitation hospital with modified Rankin scale 3. After rehabilitation, sensory aphasia was significantly recovered. Conclusion: Cerebral embolism associated with PCI is rare but might cause severe neurological deficits. It is important to establish prompt cooperation between cardiologists and neuro-interventionists.
