ENHANCED RECOVERY OUTCOMES IN ATHLETES: THE IMPACT OF BALLOON ANGIOPLASTY ALONE ON ACUTE INTRACRANIAL ARTERY OCCLUSION WITH SEVERE STENOSIS POST-RECANALIZATION

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of balloon angioplasty on long-term outcomes in athletes experiencing acute cerebral artery occlusions with severe stenosis following successful recanalization. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 80 athletes treated from July 2019 to July 2022 who underwent mechanical thrombectomy followed by balloon angioplasty for acute cerebral artery occlusions. These individuals presented with severe residual stenosis (70%-99%) post-thrombectomy, necessitating additional balloon angioplasty. Outcomes were evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 1- and 3-months post-procedure, with a focus on changes in these scores and any procedural complications. Results: Successful recanalization was achieved in the majority, with 81.25% reaching a 2b grade and 18.75% a grade 3. Significant improvements were noted in both NIHSS and mRS scores at 1- and 3-months post-procedure compared to preoperative scores, with a continuous improvement observed between the 1- and 3-month marks. The procedure demonstrated a low complication rate, with vascular rupture and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurring in 2.5% of cases each, and postoperative complications including cerebral edema and herniation were also noted. Conclusion: Balloon angioplasty post-thrombectomy significantly enhances recovery outcomes in athletes by minimizing neurological deficits associated with severe arterial stenosis. However, factors such as initial severity of stroke symptoms, timing of intervention, and the state of collateral circulation remain critical to patient prognosis, underlining the necessity for tailored therapeutic approaches in sports medicine.