Where did the clot go? An unusual complication of mechanical thrombectomy caused by malignancy related subclavian steal phenomenon in a patient with acute basilar artery occlusion

J Neurointerv Surg. 2017 Jun;9(6):e22. doi: 10.1136/neurintsurg-2016-012665.rep. Epub 2016 Oct 31.

Abstract

Subclavian steal is a relatively common vascular phenomenon usually caused by atherosclerotic disease. While symptoms are rare, arm claudication of the ipsilateral limb is most common, with paroxysmal symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency (often exercise induced) being relatively uncommon. Here we present a case of brachial artery embolism during mechanical thrombectomy for basilar artery thrombosis, secondary to subclavian steal phenomenon. This atypical and potentially irreversible complication should be considered in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing neurointerventional management when subclavian steal is discovered angiographically.

Keywords: Complication; Embolic; Intervention; Stroke; Thrombectomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Basilar Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Basilar Artery / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / complications
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Neoplasms / surgery
  • Mechanical Thrombolysis / adverse effects*
  • Subclavian Steal Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Subclavian Steal Syndrome / etiology
  • Subclavian Steal Syndrome / surgery
  • Thrombectomy / adverse effects
  • Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / complications
  • Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging*
  • Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / surgery