Mechanical Thrombectomy in Two Children Under the Age of One Year

TL;DR

Two infants under one year successfully underwent mechanical thrombectomy for artery blockages, showing the procedure can be safe and effective in very young children.

Contribution

Demonstrates the feasibility and safety of mechanical thrombectomy in infants under one year with rare arterial occlusions.

Findings

Both infants achieved full recanalization (eTICI = 3) without infarction or hemorrhage.

Postoperative imaging confirmed no complications and normal neurological outcomes (pedNIHSS = 0).

MT was shown to be a viable treatment option for high-risk thromboembolic events in very young children.

Abstract

This case series examines mechanical thrombectomy (MT) with thromboaspiration in two infants under 1 year, a rarely performed procedure due to ethical challenges and limited data. Both cases involved thromboembolic complications during intra‐arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma. An 11‐month‐old with left posterior inferior cerebellar artery occlusion and a 5‐month‐old with basilar artery occlusion underwent MT, achieving full recanalization (eTICI = 3) without infarction or hemorrhage. Postoperative imaging confirmed no complications, and both patients had normal neurological outcomes (pedNIHSS = 0). These cases highlight the feasibility and safety of MT in infants, demonstrating its potential to achieve excellent outcomes in high‐risk situations. Further research is needed to establish standardized guidelines and expand MT's use in pediatric stroke management.

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