CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · J Neuroanaesth Crit Care 2019; 06(03): 292-298
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1698609
Review Article
Indian Society of Neuroanaesthesiology and Critical Care

Cerebral Hyperperfusion Syndrome after Carotid Revascularization: A Brief Review

Saurabh Anand
1   Neuroanaesthesia and Neurocritical Care, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, India
,
Asish K. Sahoo
1   Neuroanaesthesia and Neurocritical Care, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, India
› Institutsangaben
Weitere Informationen

Address for correspondence

Saurabh Anand, MD (Anaesthesia)
Neuroanaesthesia and Neurocritical Care
Artemis Hospital, Gurugram 122001
India   

Publikationsverlauf

received 01. August 2019

accepted after revision04. September 2019

Publikationsdatum:
22. November 2019 (online)

 

Abstract

Cerebral hyperperfusion (CHS) syndrome is a relatively rare but potentially devastating event that can complicate carotid endarterectomy and carotid stenting. It is associated with increased cerebral perfusion usually more than 100% from the baseline along with ipsilateral headache, seizures, focal neurological deficits, encephalopathy, intracranial hemorrhage, or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Various risk factors have been identified but most important risk factor is preprocedure evidence of reduced cerebral vasoreactivity with or without contralateral severe carotid stenosis or occlusion. Although diagnosis is suspected in patients with clinical suspicion, it can be radiologically demonstrated with computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and by dynamic imaging of cerebral perfusion such as transcranial Doppler (TCD), CT, and MR perfusion, and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Management is usually centered around prompt recognition and active regulation of blood pressure in perioperative and postoperative periods to limit the rise of cerebral blood flow. Prognosis depends on the early detection and prompt management of CHS. If detected early, coupled with intensive blood pressure management, almost all patients will recover over a period of time. For those patients who are diagnosed late and those progressing to intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), the prognosis is not nearly as good.


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Introduction

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) are regarded as treatment modalities for prevention of primary and secondary strokes in patients with significant carotid artery disease. Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) is a relatively rare but potentially devastating event that can complicate both techniques.[1] It has also been reported in patients of acute stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis and patients undergoing extracranial to intracranial arterial bypass procedures or cardiothoracic surgery for aortic stenosis.[2]

CHS is generally recognized as a clinical syndrome of ipsilateral headache, seizures, focal neurological deficits, encephalopathy, ICH, or subarachnoid hemorrhage due to regional cerebral hyperperfusion. It is seen more commonly in patients with preprocedure evidence of reduced cerebral vasoreactivity with or without contralateral severe carotid stenosis or occlusion.[3] [4] Although diagnosis is suspected in patients with clinical suspicion, it can be radiologically demonstrated with computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and by dynamic imaging of cerebral perfusion such as transcranial Doppler (TCD), CT and MR perfusion, and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).[4] Although most patients have mild symptoms and signs, progression to severe and life-threatening symptoms can occur if CHS is not recognized and treated adequately. So, prompt recognition and management, typically with acute blood pressure (BP) lowering, is imperative to reduce long-term neurological morbidity. In this brief review, we will be discussing the history, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical and radiographic presentation, diagnosis of CHS, and proposed treatment strategies. We will also try to highlight few red flag signs during the preanesthetic evaluation, which should alarm a neuroanesthetist for the possibility of CHS after carotid revascularization.


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History

The term normal perfusion pressure breakthrough was coined by Spetzler et al in 1978 to describe cerebral edema and hemorrhage in a region of impaired cerebral autoregulation following arteriovenous malformation resection due to impaired cerebral autoregulation.[5] Later on, in 1981, Sundt et al found significant postoperative increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) after CEA and described it as CHS as an explanation to combination of increased arterial blood pressure with the clinical triad of ipsilateral migraine-like headache, seizure, and transient focal neurologic deficits in the absence of cerebral ischemia.[6]


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Definition and Epidemiology

Various radiographic and clinical definitions of CHS have been used in the literature, from purely clinical signs and symptoms in the absence of new postprocedure ischemic stroke to a combination of both clinical changes and hyperperfusion on neuroimaging. Although there is some increase in CBF (20–40%) immediately after the procedure but it is usually self-limiting and subsides within few hours without any symptoms. In some patients CBF increases by more than 100% compared with baseline values after carotid revascularization, which is often seen within 3 days after revascularization and fall to steady state within 6 to 7 days. It may, however, persist longer till 4 weeks. So, CHS is usually defined as an increase in CBF >100% of baseline along with clinical signs and symptoms.[7] Rarely, it may develop in patients with increases in perfusion less than 100% compared with those with baseline values.

Bouri et al in their meta-analysis proposed that the following four criteria be fulfilled for diagnosis of CHS: (1) within 30 days post-CEA; (2) evidence of hyperperfusion (on TCD, SPECT, or CT/MR perfusion imaging) or systolic BP > 180 mm Hg; (3) clinical features such as new headache, seizure, hemiparesis, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) < 15 or radiological features such as cerebral edema or ICH; and (4) no evidence of new cerebral ischemia, postoperative carotid occlusion, and metabolic or pharmacologic cause.[8]

The true incidence of CHS is difficult to ascertain because of various alterations in the clinical and radiographic diagnosis of CHS in the literature but the incidence of hyperperfusion after carotid revascularization has been estimated between 0.18 and 18.9%. In a meta-analysis of 36 studies by Bouri et al, the incidence of CHS was 1%, and of ICH 0.5%, with a mortality rate of 51% and permanent disability of 28%.[4] [8] [9]


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Pathophysiology

Exact pathophysiology of CHS is unclear; it mostly seems to be multifactorial. Additionally, CHS and reperfusion injury may be two pathophysiologically different but interconnected causes of clinical deterioration after revascularization. So, the term CHS has often been used interchangeably with cerebral reperfusion injury and some authors argue that the latter term is more appropriate.

Various proposed mechanisms are:

Impaired Cerebral Autoregulation

Cerebral autoregulation is the capacity of the cerebral circulation to maintain a constant CBF over a wide range of change in mean arterial pressure (50–150 mm Hg), which is usually disrupted in carotid artery disease. So, any increases in cerebral blood flow after carotid endarterectomy are not counteracted by paralysis of cerebral autoregulatory mechanisms. In patients with a carotid arterial stenosis, there is regional maximal arteriolar vasodilatation distal to stenosis, which maintains the CBF. In these regions of arteriolar vasodilation, there is reduced cerebral vasoreactivity to CO2 (percentage rise in blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery to increased CO2), so restoration of perfusion after revascularization may lead to regional hyperemia, which can overwhelm cerebral autoregulatory mechanisms in areas of chronically reduced cerebral vasoreactivity, causing disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and precipitate CHS.[10] [11] [12]


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Chronic Hypertension and Related Vascular Changes

Preoperative longstanding hypertension leads to endothelial dysfunction and microangiopathy which can result in a breakdown of the BBB. Bernstein et al found that in the postmortem study of a patient suspected of death due to CHS, the small arteries and arterioles of the left cerebral cortex showed reactive edema and hyperplasia of endothelial cells, extravasation of erythrocytes, and fibrinoid necrosis. These features of altered vascular pathology are similar to those seen in the brain with malignant hypertension.[10] Damage to the BBB allows extravasation of toxins and edema into the brain parenchyma, leading to consequent changes. Animal studies show that there might be a role of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling pathway.[13] [14] [15]


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Role of Nitric Oxide and Free Radicals

A possible mediator of impaired autoregulation in CHS is nitric oxide (NO) along with other oxygen-derived free radicals, which causes vasodilatation and can increase the permeability of cerebral vessels in addition to direct toxicity of neurons.[16] Animal studies have shown that high concentration of NO produced by nitric oxide synthase isoforms are responsible for neuronal injury and subsequent CHS. These mediators are related to reperfusion injury and can persist up to 48 hours post revascularization.[17]


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Baroreceptor Dysfunction

Baroreflex failure is due to dysfunction of baroreceptors after carotid revascularization, which may lead to CHS. So, the buffering action of baroreceptors to the rise in blood pressure is impaired. It may cause a progressive increase in the blood pressure after CEA, which is challenging to control even with blood pressure–lowering therapy.[18] Therefore, contralateral CEA performed within 3 months of CEA on the other side increases the risk of CHS. Also, the stimulation during endovascular procedure via a balloon or carotid stent results in bradycardia and hypotension, which sometimes persist for longer duration, leading to cerebral ischemia making it prone to early development of CHS.[19]


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Risk Factors

Various risk factors have been described but the most important risk factor is diminished cerebrovascular reserve along with postoperative hyperperfusion and hypertension lasting for several hours. Other systemic conditions such as diabetes mellitus (DM), long standing hypertension, old age, contralateral CAS/CEA < 3 months, and high-grade carotid stenosis, may relate to accelerated atherosclerosis, which may lead to carotid stenosis[3] [4] [9] [20] [21] [22] [23] ([Table 1]).

Table 1

Red flags in preanesthetic evaluation

• Diabetes mellitus (especially if uncontrolled)

• Longstanding hypertension

• Stroke

• Recent (<3 months) contralateral carotid endarterectomy

• High-grade carotid artery stenosis

• Impaired VMR

• Contralateral carotid stenosis


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Diagnosis

Clinical Signs and Symptoms

The clinical presentation of CHS combines symptoms resulting from brain damage caused by vasogenic edema or symptoms resulting from ICH. Ogasawara et al suggested that the onset of CHS peaks on the sixth postoperative day in patients who undergo CEA and within 12 hours after surgery in those who undergo CAS.[20] This may be due to the fact that postoperative ischemic cerebral lesions due to emboli are more frequent after CAS than during CEA. Following the emboli resorption and the artery recanalization, cerebral hyperperfusion can occur leading to hemorrhagic transformation in an unviable cerebral area.[9] Additionally, carotid baroreceptor stimulation during CAS via a balloon or a carotid stent induces transient, sometimes prolonged bradycardia and hypotension that can result in more intense cerebral ischemia than during clamping of the ICA in CEA. Furthermore, subsequent rebound arterial hypertension may induce delayed cerebral hyperperfusion.[7] [22] [23] CHS most commonly presents with ipsilateral pulsating headache, seizure, focal neurological deficits, nausea, or encephalopathy. Headache was the most frequent presenting symptom (30–60%). Incidence of seizure was approximately 36% and that of new focal neurological deficits was approximately 31%. Also, some patients develop post procedure cognitive impairment, leading to neuropsychological dysfunctions after 3 days of procedure. Routine use of antiplatelets in CAS leads to somewhat higher incidence of ICH in CAS than CEA.[9]


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Neuroimaging

Diagnosis of CHS is based on two factors: Demonstration of impaired cerebrovascular reserve preoperatively and demonstration of hyperperfusion in the postoperative period. Multiple imaging modalities are available to identify patients suffering from CHS or at risk for CHS. Few commonly used modalities are transcranial Doppler (TCD), computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MR perfusion (MRP), and single-photon-emission CT (SPECT).


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Transcranial Doppler

Transcranial Doppler is a noninvasive and real-time bedside modality, which can determine impaired cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) and hyperperfusion. TCD measures cerebral blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery with a Doppler probe through a transcranial bone window. In CHS, TCD typically shows a 150 to 300% increase in the ipsilateral middle-cerebral-artery flow velocity, and normalization of hyperperfusion with blood pressure reduction corresponds with clinical improvement[3] [7] [22] ([Fig. 1]). Preoperatively, CVR can be calculated to determine the patients who are at risk for developing CHS. Buczek et al calculated CVR as (Vmax − Vo)/Vo x 100%, where Vmax is the maximum increase of mean velocity (MV) in the MCA recorded every 5 min for 30 min after intravenous administration of 1 g acetazolamide, and Vo is the middle cerebral artery (MCA) baseline MV.[24] They used values < 25% as definition for impaired CVR. Markus et al described breath-holding index (BHI) as an indicator for deranged CVR. MCA velocities are calculated after 30 seconds of voluntary breadth holding. Then BHI is calculated as (Vend − Vbaseline)/Vbaseline × 100/seconds of breadth holding. BHI of <0.69 is considered to represent an impaired CVR.[25] A decreased BHI represents failure of the collateral flow to maintain adequate cerebral perfusion in response to the hypercapnic challenge. Other TCD criteria for the prediction of postoperative hyperperfusion in patients with recent CEA or CAS are increase in peak blood flow velocity or mean flow velocity > 100% after recanalization of artery.[26] [27] The limitations of TCD are that it is operator dependent, 10 to 15% patients have difficult insonation, and there might be variations in circle of Willis causing difficulty in accurate interpretation. So, incorporating the use of TCD in preanesthetic evaluation to check for impaired CVR can help a neuroanasthetist to assess the risk for developing CHS in perioperative period.

Zoom Image
Fig. 1 Transcranial Doppler of a patient with carotid stenosis who underwent CAS. Baseline MCA velocity (left) became almost double after 12 hours of CAS. Patient was actively managed with intensive BP control for 48 hours and was discharged when the velocities returned to baseline values.

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Computerized Tomography

Computerized tomography scan is not a specific diagnostic modality for detecting CHS but it can detect postoperative bleed, cerebral edema, or mass effect. So, it should be used as initial imaging technique if there is some suspicion of CHS.[3]


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Single-Photon Emission CT

Single-photon emission CT can detect alterations in brain perfusion and the impairment of preoperative cerebrovascular reactivity (after acetazolamide). A diffuse asymmetric pattern of preoperative CBF reduction seems to be characteristic in these patients.[28] [29] Ogasawara et al suggested that hyperperfusion for first 3 postoperative days on SPECT predisposes to CHS development.[20]


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Magnetic Resonance Techniques

Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities can be similar to those seen on CT of the brain including white matter edema, focal infarction, and hemorrhage. On noncontrast brain MRI, T2 or FLAIR sequences may show focal, unilateral, or more diffuse hyperintensities consistent with vasogenic edema, and perfusion-weighted MRI may show a relative hyperperfusion in the revascularized hemisphere.[30] MR perfusion images show a relative interhemispheric CBF differences in patients with CHS after CEA. Arterial spin labeling MRI can also be used to detect cerebral hyperperfusion and has been identified as a tool to predict risk for hemorrhagic transformation after ischemic stroke reperfusion.[31] [32]


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Ocular Pneumoplethysmography

Postoperative increase of ocular blood flow greater than 204% is associated with a high risk for CHS.[33]


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Transcranial Color-Coded Real-Time Ultrasonography with Echo Contrast Agents

A 1.5-fold postoperative increase of MCA mean flow velocity within 4 days compared with preoperative levels yielded high accuracy predictions of CHS.[34]


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Transcranial Regional Cerebral-Oxygen-Saturation Monitoring

An increase in regional cerebral oxygen saturation is a sign of increase in the cerebral blood flow when cerebral oxygen consumption and arterial oxygen saturation are stable. It can be estimated by near-infrared spectroscopy.[35]


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Electroencephalography

Although it is not specific but some cases show periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges, even in the absence of seizures or post seizure. These discharges are indicative of localized cerebral foci of irritability, which may not correspond to higher risk for CHS.[3] [36]


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Management Strategies

Prevention and Treatment

Preventive strategies for CHS include proper blood pressure control in the perioperative period, and consideration of timing of surgery, type of anesthesia, and use of free radical scavengers. There are no data from randomized trials comparing the optimal perioperative management protocol for patients with CHS, due to the rarity of this complication. There are no data regarding the superiority of CAS over CEA or vice versa and the differences between CAS and CEA with respect to CHS are illustrated in [Table 2].

Table 2

Difference between CAS and CEA with respect to CHS

• Postoperative ischemic cerebral lesions due to emboli are more frequent after CAS than during CEA

• Following the emboli resorption and the artery recanalization, cerebral hyperperfusion can occur, leading to hemorrhagic transformation in an unviable cerebral area

• Carotid baroreceptor stimulation during CAS via a balloon or a carotid stent induces transient, sometimes prolonged bradycardia and hypotension that can result in more intense cerebral ischemia than during clamping of the ICA in CEA

• Cerebral hyperperfusion occur earlier after CAS then CEA


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Blood Pressure Control

Although it is recommended to maintain “normotension” after CEA or CAS, there is lack of data regarding target BP to prevent CHS after intracranial thrombectomy. During carotid intervention by both CEA and CAS, intraprocedural hypotension can occur, because of denervation of carotid baroreceptors, followed by a rebound hypertension; this is more so after CAS. So, intensive perioperative monitoring of BP, preferably by invasive methods, should be done and such patients should be monitored in a specialized unit. Most of the authors recommend to keep SBP < 120–140 mm Hg as seldom CHS develop with SBP < 135 mm Hg.[3] [7] [9] [23] Bouri et al found that the cumulative incidence of CHS increased above an inflection point of postoperative systolic BP > 150 mm Hg.[8] There are no randomized prospective studies on optimal antihypertensive medications in management of CHS after CEA or CAS. Beta-blockers, such as labetalol, are a good first-line agent, as they decrease cerebral perfusion pressure and MAP and do not directly affect cerebral blood flow. Clonidine is also used after CEA for its sympatholytic properties. Labetalol, which has a mixed alfa- and beta-adrenergic antagonistic action with no effect on CBF and decreases the MAP by 30% has been successfully used in CHS. Due to their vasodilatory properties and potential to increase cerebral blood flow, it is generally advised to avoid sodium nitroprusside, nitrates, hydralazine, ACE-inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers acutely.[3] Although there are limited data on the duration of therapy, treatment should be continued until cerebral autoregulation is restored. The time period for this varies between patients. Some recommend treatment for 6 months, whereas others use equalization of TCD signals in both the hemispheres to guide the duration of treatment. It is important that patients are not discharged with severe hypertension or a SBP that is rising. Patients with labile BP should be considered for a home BP monitor for the first postoperative week, after review by a physician and should refer to the treating physician if SBP > 160 mm Hg.


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Timing of Surgery

As per the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association Guidelines, the best benefits are obtained within 2 weeks of the ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. However, there is a potential risk of CHS and ICH if surgery is done early in patients with large cerebral infarction or stroke in evolution.[37] Moreover, in the case of bilateral carotid stenosis, the risk of CHS is higher in a patient who undergoes CEA in less than 3 months of the initial procedure on the contralateral side. These factors should be considered when planning CEA.[14] [38]


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Type of Anesthesia

High doses of halogenated inhalation anesthetic agents may increase CBF, which may predispose to CHS.[3] So, titrated dose of volatile anesthetic agents should be used. Propofol have minimal effects on the CBF; therefore, it is a safer option in these patients. There is not enough evidence from randomized trials comparing carotid endarterectomy under local anesthetics with carotid endarterectomy under general anesthetics.[39]


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Antiepileptic Medications

There are no available data recommending prophylactic use of anticonvulsant therapy in patients undergoing carotid revascularization. However, in the presence of seizures, treatment with anticonvulsants is always indicated.[3]


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Treatment of Cerebral Edema

There is no indication for the prophylactic treatment of cerebral edema in CHS. However, if the cerebral edema progresses to a point where it is causing uncontrollable increases in intracranial pressure, the use of sedation, osmotic agents (mannitol, hypertonic saline), and ultimately mechanical ventilation may be necessary.[14]


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Anticoagulation and Antiplatelet Therapy

Seizures after carotid endarterectomy are a contraindication for anticoagulation therapy. Although not definitively linked to an increased incidence of CHS, it does seem to be linked to ICH.[21] Management of ICH after CAS is more complicated as the patient is usually on dual antiplatelets for the prevention of stent thrombosis. In such cases, patient might be shifted to single antiplatelet, which might further increase the risk of stent thrombosis. No guideline is available for management of such cases. Recently published PATCH trial did recommend not to use platelet transfusion for the management of ICH.[40]


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Role of Antioxidants

In a study by Ogasawara et al, pretreatment with edaravone, a free radical scavenger, decreased the incidence of hyperperfusion after CEA when measured by SPECT.[41] The evidence for the use of antioxidants and free radical scavengers is limited; therefore, larger studies are required to assess its usefulness.


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Prognosis

Prognosis depends on the early detection and prompt management of CHS. If detected early, coupled with intensive blood pressure management, almost all patients will recover over a period of time. For those patients who are diagnosed late and those progressing to ICH, the prognosis is not nearly as good, with up to 30% remaining partially disabled and with mortality rates up to 50%.[21] [42] [43] Thus, although intracerebral hemorrhage in CHS is rare, it is almost uniformly a devastating occurrence.


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Conclusion

CHS is a rare but serious complication after carotid revascularization. Early identification of at-risk individuals, particularly with impaired CVR by TCD or other radiological modalities, can prepare the physician to deal with it. Aggressive blood pressure management has shown to be greatly beneficial in preventing morbidity and mortality associated with it. Further research is warranted regarding preprocedure cerebral vasoreactivity testing to predict CHS in patients undergoing CEA and CAS, and in defining optimal postprocedure hemodynamic management to prevent and treat CHS. The management protocol followed in our institute has been illustrated in [Table 3].

Table 3

Institute protocol for detection and management of CAS

1. Preoperative history and risk factors to be seen in detail

• Diabetes mellitus

• Longstanding hypertension

• Stroke

• Recent (<3 months) contralateral carotid revascularization procedure

• High-grade carotid artery stenosis

2. Preoperative transcranial Doppler (TCD) in every patient

• Baseline MFV in both MCA noted; along with that a note is made about the delayed systolic acceleration or the blunted waveform on the affected side

• VMR assessed by BHI and graded as absent or insufficient if the values are less than 0.3 and 0.69, respectively. If the value is more than 0.69, it is termed as preserved VMR

• Intraoperatively, invasive blood pressure monitoring is done in every case, which is continued postoperatively

3. Postoperative TCD

• Done in every patient just after the completion of the procedure and two times daily for first 48 hours. Any increase in MFV in TCD (ipsilateral side) is noted

• If increase in MFV is more than 100%, then strict control of BP is done with labetalol, as first-line drug, started as infusion dose of maximum up to 1 mg/min. Along with that, oral antihypertensive, preferably clonidine, is also started

• Intensive care unit stay is prolonged for 48 hours at least. Regular TCD is also performed to see that BP control has resulted in stabilizing the MFV of MCA. In the first 2 weeks, a strict control of BP is advised. Home-based blood pressure monitoring every 4 hours is recommended, if discharged. If more than 2 consecutive readings are higher than the set target or severe headache, then the patient is advised to contact the hospital

• If there is ipsilateral headache and radiological signs of cerebral edema, osmotic diuretics and antiepileptic medications are started

• A follow-up TCD is advised in high-risk patients after 1 week


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Conflict of Interest

None declared.

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  • 39 Kaisti KK, Langsjo JW, Aalto S. et al. Effects of sevoflurane, propofol, and adjunct nitrous oxide on regional cerebral blood flow, oxygen consumption, and blood volume in humans. Anesthesiology 2003; 99 (03) 603-613
  • 40 Baharoglu MI, Cordonnier C, Salman RA. et al. PATCH Investigators. Platelet transfusion versus standard care after acute stroke due to spontaneous cerebral haemorrhage associated with antiplatelet therapy (PATCH): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial. Lancet 2016; 387 (10038) 2605-2613
  • 41 Ogasawara K, Inoue T, Kobayashi M, Endo H, Fukuda T, Ogawa A. Pretreatment with the free radical scavenger edaravone prevents cerebral hyperperfusion after carotid endarterectomy. Neurosurgery 2004; 55 (05) 1060-1067
  • 42 Meyers PM, Higashida RT, Phatouros CC. et al. Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome after percutaneous transluminal stenting of the craniocervical arteries. Neurosurgery 2000; 47 (02) 335-343, discussion 343–345
  • 43 Lieb M, Shah U, Hines GL. Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome after carotid intervention: a review. Cardiol Rev 2012; 20 (02) 84-89

Address for correspondence

Saurabh Anand, MD (Anaesthesia)
Neuroanaesthesia and Neurocritical Care
Artemis Hospital, Gurugram 122001
India   

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Zoom Image
Fig. 1 Transcranial Doppler of a patient with carotid stenosis who underwent CAS. Baseline MCA velocity (left) became almost double after 12 hours of CAS. Patient was actively managed with intensive BP control for 48 hours and was discharged when the velocities returned to baseline values.