Fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage after carotid stenting.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) following carotid angioplasty and stent placement (CAS) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is well known. We report the occurrence of fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage in a patient undergoing CAS.

CASE REPORT

A 77-year-old woman experiencing a left-hemispheric transient ischemic attack underwent CAS for a 95% stenosis of the left ICA. CAS was performed without acute complications. At 5 hours the patient suddenly deteriorated. Her level of consciousness changed and she developed neck stiffness. CT of the brain revealed diffuse SAH with acute hydrocephalus.

CONCLUSIONS

Like ICH, SAH may develop as a severe complication after CAS. There are no reliable clinical symptoms preceding this fatal complication. However, several factors such as long-standing severe carotid stenosis with contralateral occlusion and increasing blood pressure after CAS accompanied by the extensive use of antithrombotic agents may predispose to this fatal complication.