Mucor Thrombus

Neurocrit Care. 2016 Apr;24(2):268-72. doi: 10.1007/s12028-015-0186-x.

Abstract

Background: To describe a rare presentation of ischemic stroke secondary to angioinvasive mucormycosis and endovascular retrieval of mycotic thrombus with stenting of the compressed vessel.

Summary of case: We report a case of angioinvasive mucormycosis that externally compressed and invaded the internal carotid artery causing ischemic cerebral infarction. A sample of the thrombus was obtained using a stent retriever. Subsequent pathological analysis was shown to be consistent with the diagnosis of angioinvasive mucormycosis. The thrombosed and compressed segment was recanalized with the deployment of a stent.

Conclusions: The endovascular placement of an expandable stent in the setting of angioinvasive mucormycosis restored good cerebral blood flow in a proximal internal carotid artery occlusion. The patient's aphasia resolved following this intervention. Artifacts of CT angiography may result in the overestimation of acute arterial occlusions. Endovascular carotid stenting may be a palliative measure in the setting of angioinvasive rhino-cerebro-orbital mucormycosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Infarction / etiology*
  • Brain Infarction / surgery
  • Endovascular Procedures
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mucor
  • Mucormycosis / complications*
  • Mucormycosis / surgery
  • Stents
  • Thrombosis / complications
  • Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Thrombosis / surgery