Abstract
To elucidate the clinical course and outcome of embolic occlusion in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) by non-thrombolytic therapy, we analyzed the neuroradiological and demographic data of 32 cases with cardiogenic embolic occlusion of the MCA horizontal portion who were admitted within 4 days of onset. In terms of their final outcome, 2 cases were designated as good recovery (GR), 15 cases as moderate disability (MD), 12 cases as severe disability (SD), 1 case as vegetative state the (VS) and 2 cases died (DD). Reopening of the occluded vessel was observed in 19 of the 32 cases within 30 days of onset. Twelve of the 19 cases with reopening were regarded as GR or MD, whereas 5 of the 13 cases without reopening were regarded as SD, VS or DD. There was a tendency whereby the greater the infarct volume calculated from CT images, the worse was the final outcome. As regards the sites of occlusion, GR or MD was seen in 66.7% of cases at the distal portion of the MCA horizontal portion, 50% of cases at the central portion, and 33.3% of cases at the proximal portion.
