Recanalization by mechanical thrombectomy for cerebral infarction due to brachiocephalic artery occlusion; case report

The effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke of extracranial vascular embolism remains controversial. Cerebral infarction with brachiocephalic artery occlusion is rare, and treatment strategy have not been adequately discussed. We describe a rare case of cerebral infarction due to brachiocephalic artery occlusion treated by mechanical thrombectomy. Although the time delay to treatment caused poor outcome, mechanical thrombectomy could be expected to be effective in cerebral infarction due to brachiocephalic artery occlusion, since partial reperfusion was achieved in the present case. When a patient is diagnosed with brachiocephalic artery occlusion, it is important that the possibility of cerebral infarction should be recognized at the primary contact to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.