A novel technique to visualize true lumen in endovascular treatment of the occlusive carotid dissection and the usefulness of external-internal carotid collateral channel.

Background Dissection of the internal carotid artery (ICA) can cause occlusion or severe stenosis and is known to be one of the major causes of ischemic stroke in the young. Endovascular treatment is one of the useful options for carotid dissections, but passing the guidewire through the occlusion (lesion-cross) and confirmation of the true lumen are sometimes difficult. Case presentation A 40-year-old right-handed man complaining of dysarthria and gait disturbance consulted our hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging and angiography revealed right ICA dissection. Because of worsening symptoms with conservative treatment, we performed endovascular treatment. Prior to the lesion-cross, a microcatheter was navigated to the third segment of the internal maxillary artery and a balloon-guiding catheter was navigated to the proximal ICA. Under balloon occlusion of the ICA, superselective angiography via the ipsilateral maxillary artery and slow evacuation from the balloon-guiding catheter were performed. Thereafter, the course of the true lumen was clearly visualized, and we were able to navigate another microcatheter without difficulty. Subsequently, angioplasty and stent placement were successfully accomplished. Conclusion We presented a case of ICA dissection and demonstrated a novel technique for a safe lesion-cross for occlusive ICA dissection.