Acute revascularization for progressing stroke.

The effectiveness of acute stage vascular reconstruction in cases of progressing stroke is reported. The clinical material consists of 28 cases of progressing stroke in the anterior circulation upon which vascular reconstruction was performed. Following admission, brain protective substances (500 ml mannitol, 500 mg vitamin E, 500 mg phenytoin) and dextran, were administered to the patients, and induced hypertension was also performed. Changes in symptoms were then observed and vascular reconstruction was carried out in cases where symptoms progressed. The vascular lesion was on the internal carotid artery in 8 cases and on the middle cerebral artery in 20 cases. Complete disappearance of neurological symptoms was obtained in 12 cases, whereas only mild neurological symptoms remained but a return to normal social life was possible in 11 other cases. Symptoms remained in three cases and there were two fatalities. In a long-term follow-up study, there were no cases of aggravation of symptoms due to ischaemic stroke. Moreover, the reconstruction was judged as effective on the basis of cerebral blood flow and metabolism. We concluded that acute vascular reconstruction for progressing stroke under the administration of brain protective substances is effective in preventing the progression of neurological symptoms.