Recanalization of the middle cerebral artery after prolonged induced hypertensive therapy to rescue early neurologic deterioration: a case report

Background Although decades have passed since the introduction of pharmacologically induced hypertensive therapy (PIHT) against early neurologic deterioration (END) in acute ischemic stroke, the optimal duration of PIHT remains elusive. Case Report A 70-year-old man developed right hemiplegia and aphasia 25 hours before arrival. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed acute infarction in the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory and occlusion of the left internal carotid artery. He experienced END 36 hours after admission, and CTA revealed a newly developed proximal MCA occlusion. PIHT was initiated to augment cerebral perfusion. As his neurologic symptoms were highly dependent on blood pressure, PIHT was inevitably sustained for over 3 weeks. Follow-up CTA revealed recanalization of the MCA. Conclusion Although further investigation is required to expedite the future clinical application, prolonged PIHT may serve as a viable collateral-enhancing treatment for a certain subset of patients with END without alternative treatment options.