Subarachnoidal hemorrhage following carotid stenting with the distal-balloon protection

A 61-year-old man underwent carotid stenting with the distal-balloon protec tion system for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. During the procedure, progressive elevation of the systolic blood pressure occurred, reaching a p eak of 220 mm Hg immediately following deflation of the distal balloon. Thi s was associated with severe headaches and progressive deterioration in the mental status to a coma. Head CT scan showed massive subarachnoidal hemorr hage contralateral to the stented side and a secondary intracerebral hemorr hage. Despite immediate successful blood pressure control, his condition de teriorated and he died 2 days later. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.