Endovascular Stenting of Vertebral Artery Dissection in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: Vertebral artery (VA) dissection causing acute stroke is commonly treated with anticoagulation and rarely requires stenting. While stenting for atherosclerotic stenosis of VA is an established and efficient treatment option, the safety of stenting for VA dissection has not been studied. Case information: We report the technical challenges associated with stenting of a proximal VA dissection in a 74 year-old male with NIHSSS > 20 outside of the time window for thrombolytic therapy presenting with acute basilar artery thrombus and a hypoplastic contralateral VA. Methods: A coronary Drug-Eluting Stent (DES) was implemented in right VA following balloon angioplasty and basilar artery thrombolysis to maintain the patency of the dissected area in proximal VA. Results: The procedure was completed without complication. Postoperative Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) confirmed the patency of the vertebrobasilar system. There was no evidence of significant residual stenosis in the right vertebral artery on the follow up Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) 2 months after the stent placement. Conclusion: Endovascular stenting of proximal VA dissection in the setting of acute ischemic stroke is relatively safe and feasible. It could be particularly considered in patients ineligible for IV thrombolysis with a hypoplastic contralateral VA. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of stenting for VA dissection.