Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Pregnancy

Intravenous recombinant tissue-plasminogen-activator (rtPA) and mechanical-thrombectomy (MT) are currently the only approved treatments for acute ischemic stroke. Their effectiveness was demonstrated in several clinical trials, and is therefore standard of care. Pregnant women were not included in these studies and consequently the effectiveness and safety in this group are unclear. We present a rare case of a patient in the third-trimester of pregnancy that underwent MT. A 29-year-old woman of 39 weeks' gestation presented with left facial-paresis, hemiparesis, and neglect. Her CT-Angiogram showed a large occlusive thrombus within the right M1-M2 segments. During pregnancy she had developed thrombocytopenia. There was initial treatment decision dilemma. In view of her history of thrombocytopenia, there was concern about administering rtPA due to the risk of bleeding. As the thrombus was large, rtPA may also be ineffective. MT was proposed by the Stroke Physician as the preferred treatment option. A concern from the Interventional-Radiologist was the risk of exposure to radiation and contrast agents. As the patient had a disabling stroke at a young age, decision was made to proceed with MT which started 141 minutes after symptom onset. The clot was aspirated without complications. Final check angiogram showed complete resolution of flow within the right middle cerebral artery territory. The patient underwent elective uncomplicated Caesarean-section 5 days later delivering a healthy new born. Severe stroke in pregnancy is rare, but has grave consequences for both mother and infant. Timely decision-making is crucial. Our case demonstrates that MT can be provided safely and effectively in the third trimester of pregnancy.