Pediatric Interventional Neuroradiology: Opportunities and Challenges.

Pediatric interventional neuroradiology (PINR) is a relatively new field of diagnostic and therapeutic care in the pediatric population that has seen considerable advances in recent decades. However, it is still lagging behind adult interventional neuroradiology due to a variety of reasons, including the lack of evidence validating pediatric-specific procedures, the relative absence of pediatric-specific equipment, and the challenges in establishing and maintaining PINR competencies in a relatively small number of cases. Despite these challenges, the number and variety of PINR procedures are expanding for a variety of indications, including unique pediatric conditions, and are associated with reduced morbidity and psychological stigma. Continued technological advances, such as improved catheter and microwire designs and novel embolic agents, are also contributing to the growth of the field. This review aims to increase awareness of PINR and provide an overview of the current evidence base for minimally invasive neurological interventions in children. Important considerations, such as sedation, contrast agent use, and radiation protection, will also be discussed, taking into account the distinct characteristics of the pediatric population. The review highlights the usefulness and benefits of PINR and emphasizes the need for ongoing research and development to further advance this field.

Combining superselective catheterization and electrochemotherapy: A new technological approach to the treatment of high-flow head and neck vascular malformations.

Introduction: The study aims to demonstrate a combination of superselective catheterization and electrochemotherapy as a feasible and effective new technological approach in treating high-flow vascular malformations of the head and neck region. Patients and methods: In the patient with high-flow arteriovenous malformation of the lower lip, superselective catheterization was performed under general anesthesia. The microcatheter was used to administer 750 IU BLM intra-arterially into the feeding vessel. The whole malformation surface was then covered with 15 applications of electric pulses using the plate electrode. Results: Excellent response, without functional or aesthetic deficits, was obtained in 10 weeks. During this period, debridement and necrectomy were performed regularly on follow-up visits. The pain was managed with oral paracetamol and sodium metamizole. Conclusion: Combining electrochemotherapy using bleomycin with superselective catheterization and arteriography is a feasible treatment option for high-flow vascular malformations in the head and neck region and could play a significant role in managing these challenging lesions.

Treatment of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Related Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Recently cases of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) and thrombosis following the adenoviral vector vaccine against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were reported. A mechanism similar to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia was proposed with antibodies to platelet factor 4 (PF4). Vaccine related arterial thrombosis in the brain is rare but life-threatening and optimal treatment is not established. We report clinical, laboratory, imaging findings and treatment in a 51-year-old female presenting with acute left middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion 7 days after the first dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. Due to low platelet count and suspicion of VITT she was not eligible for intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and proceeded to mechanical thrombectomy (MER) with successful recanalization four hours after onset of symptoms. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and heparin pentasaccharide fondaparinux was initiated. Presence of anti-PF4 antibodies was confirmed. The patient improved clinically with normalization of platelet count. Clinicians should be alert of VITT in patients with acute ischemic stroke after ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccination and low platelet counts. MER showed to be feasible and effective. We propose considering MER in patients with VITT and large vessel occlusion despite thrombocytopenia. High-dose IVIG should be started immediately. Alternative anticoagulation to heparin should be started 24 hours after stroke onset unless significant hemorrhagic transformation occurred. Platelet transfusion is contraindicated and should be considered only in severe hemorrhagic complications. Restenosis or reocclusion of the revascularized artery is possible due to the hypercoagulable state in VITT and angiographic surveillance after the procedure is reasonable.

Transarterial embolization of the external carotid artery in the treatment of life-threatening haemorrhage following blunt maxillofacial trauma.

Background Severe bleeding after blunt maxillofacial trauma is a rare but life-threatening event. Non-responders to conventional treatment options with surgically inaccessible bleeding points can be treated by transarterial embolization (TAE) of the external carotid artery (ECA) or its branches. Case series on such embolizations are small; considering the relatively high incidence of maxillofacial trauma, the ECA TAE procedure has been hypothesized either underused or underreported. In addition, the literature on the ECA TAE using novel non-adhesive liquid embolization agents is remarkably scarce. Patients and methods PubMed review was performed to identify the ECA TAE literature in the context of blunt maxillofacial trauma. If available, the location of the ECA injury, the location of embolization, the chosen embolization agent, and efficacy and safety of the TAE were noted for each case. Survival prognostic factors were also reviewed. Additionally, we present an illustrative TAE case using a precipitating hydrophobic injectable liquid (PHIL) to safely and effectively control a massive bleeding originating bilaterally in the ECA territories. Results and conclusions Based on a review of 205 cases, the efficacy of TAE was 79.4-100%, while the rate of major complications was about 2-4%. Successful TAE haemostasis, Glasgow Coma Scale score ≥ 8 at presentation, injury severity score ≤ 32, shock index ≤ 1.1 before TAE and ≤ 0.8 after TAE were significantly correlated with higher survival rate. PHIL allowed for fast yet punctilious application, thus saving invaluable time in life-threatening situations while simultaneously diminishing the possibility of inadvertent injection into the ECA-internal carotid artery (ICA) anastomoses.

Safe use of alteplase in a 10 months old infant with cardio-embolic stroke.

The knowledge about safety and efficacy of thrombolysis in paediatric stroke is limited, especially for very young children. We present an infant with cardioembolic stroke treated with alteplase. He had hypoplastic left heart syndrome since birth. He underwent Norwood operation, followed by bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis at 3 months. On aspirin therapy he was well until heart failure developed at the age of 9 months with 2 thrombi in the right ventricle. During the course of enoxaparin therapy sudden acute left-sided haemiplegia occurred. The emergency brain CT scan was normal. Informed consent was obtained from parents after explaining the alteplase treatment protocol and possible complications. Alteplase was administered i.v. according to standard adult stroke regimen. A control CT scan obtained 24 h later was negative for intracranial haemorrhage but the hypodense area in insula, internal capsule and subcortical area of the right parietal region were indicative of ischaemic stroke. Anticoagulation therapy was continued. He recovered hand functions after 5 days and full repertoire of movements on his left side 3 weeks later. A neurological examination performed 2 months after indicated mild residual haemiparesis and a modified Rankin scale score of 1. Three months later, the patient died of progressive heart failure. An international multicentre prospective trial is ongoing to investigate the safety and appropriate dose of alteplase for paediatric ages 2-17 years. The aim of this paper is to report safe use of alteplase even in a very young child.