Abstract
Background
Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization is an emerging intervention for subdural
hemorrhage. Few cases discuss the utility of contralateral MMA embolization due to
challenging ipsilateral MMA anatomy for this indication.
Case Presentation
A 90-year-old male presented after 6 days of slurred speech and severe headache. A
head computed tomography (CT) revealed a left-sided 13-mm subdural hemorrhage, and
neck CT angiography revealed left internal carotid artery stenosis at 50%. The carotid
stenosis was treated with a standard carotid endarterectomy at the carotid bulb. Despite
direct catheterization of the external carotid artery, selective catheterization of
the MMA was not feasible. Instead, coils were placed in the left internal maxillary
artery spanning the left MMA origin, and the right MMA was selectively embolized using
a standard transradial approach. Postoperative CT showed a reduction in subdural hematoma
(SDH) size, and the patient was discharged in stable condition on postoperative day
6.
Conclusion
This case presents a rescue or salvage maneuver for MMA embolization for SDH with
a favorable safety profile and outcome.
Keywords
neurosurgery - vascular - hematoma - carotid bulb access - middle meningeal artery
embolization