Where did the clot go? An unusual complication of mechanical thrombectomy caused by malignancy related subclavian steal phenomenon in a patient with acute basilar artery occlusion.

Subclavian steal is a relatively common vascular phenomenon usually caused by atherosclerotic disease. While symptoms are rare, arm claudication of the ipsilateral limb is most common, with paroxysmal symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency (often exercise induced) being relatively uncommon. Here we present a case of brachial artery embolism during mechanical thrombectomy for basilar artery thrombosis, secondary to subclavian steal phenomenon. This atypical and potentially irreversible complication should be considered in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing neurointerventional management when subclavian steal is discovered angiographically. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.