Cerebral Infarction after Transfemoral Carotid Angiography : Report of 2 Cases

Jang, Hong Jun; Cho, Kyu Yong; Lim, Jun Seob; Park, Seung Kyu; Lee, Rae Seop

Abstract

Computerized tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) have been frequently used as non-invasive methods for the evaluation of cerebral vessels. The use of an invasive therapeutic method, transfemoral carotid angiography (TFCA), has also recently increased. The complication rate after TFCA is reported to be 0.9 % to 4%, and it is continuously decreasing. We experienced 2 patients who underwent TFCA as a diagnostic tool. The embolic type of cerebral infarction, which occurred within 30 hours, was diagnosed with performing diffusion weighted MRI (DW-MRI). One patient developed temporary dysphasia and motor weakness, but the patient improved after 2 days. The other patient presented with an altered mentality and motor weakness with some permanent deficits. TFCA is a less invasive method for treating cerebral vessels, and because this is a popular therapeutic modality, the frequency of complications will increase. Clinicians should bear in mind that complications may occur when performing TFCA and so they should be prepared to deal with them.