Hirudotherapy in the Treatment of Bilateral Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion: Case Report

We present a case of a 67-year-old man, who had two ischemic strokes, fi rst with a right hemiparesis and sensory aphasia, second with signs of brain stem damage. Magnetic resonance angiography and ultrasonography confirmed bilateral occlusion of internal carotid arteries. Computed tomography revealed multiple ischemic lesions of the brain. Having had contraindications for aspirin due to duodenal ulcer, the patient was initially and aft erwards regularly treated with hirudotherapy. His general medical condition was later stable, while neurological deficit almost completely improved. During the eleven-year follow-up, the patient has had only one transient ischemic attack, otherwise without any complaints. Atherosclerotic changes have been stable, as well as the parameters of platelet function.