Subcutaneous Hematoma Associated with Manual Cervical Massage during Carotid Artery Stenting

Abstract

We describe a patient with subcutaneous hematoma associated with manual cervical massage during carotid artery stenting. A 73-year-old man with left cervical carotid artery stenosis presented with left amaurosis fugax. We performed carotid artery stenting using distal embolic protection with balloon occlusion. Dual antiplatelet therapy was maintained in the periprocedural period and an anticoagulant agent was administered during the procedure. Because the aspiration catheter became entrapped by the stent, it did not reach the distal side of the stenotic lesion, and manual compression of the cervical region was therefore performed. Immediately afterwards, a subcutaneous hemorrhage occurred in the cervical region. There was no postoperative dyspnea due to enlargement of the hematoma, which was absorbed spontaneously. Cervical subcutaneous hematoma can occur in the cervical region due to cervical massage in patients who are receiving adjuvant antiplatelet therapy and anticoagulation therapy.