Reversal of Aphasia with STA-MC Anastomosis

Abstract

Thirteen aphasic patients with right hemiparesis due to cerebral vascular occlusions were treated with the superficial temporal arteries and middle cerebral arteries anastomoses (STA-MC anastomoses) and studied to determine the improvement in aphasias. The aphasic symptoms were evaluated by Standard Language Test of Aphasia (SLTA). In seven patients their aphasia regressed markedly following STA-MC anastomoses. CT scans of these patients revealed the good preservation in the cortical area and angiographies showed the good retrograde filling in the cortical branches of the left middle cerebral artery.
In six patients, the aphasia did not regress so well. Their CT scans showed the low density in the cortical region. And, retrograde fillings of cortical branches of the left middle cerebral artery were poor in their angiographies.