Neuroradiology saves life of female Iraqi pilgrim

Muslim pilgrims arrive to cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of the annual Hajj, as it rains in Mina, near the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, June 17, 2024. (AP Photo)

• Iraqi pilgrim received treatment at King Abdullah Medical City, part of the Makkah Health Cluster, where the thrombus responsible for the stroke was removed
• An integrated medical team composed of an emergency doctor, a neurologist, and a radiologist treated the patient

MINA: A female Iraqi pilgrim suffered a stroke that caused her to lose the ability to speak and move on the right side of her body whilst in Saudi Arabia.

She received treatment at King Abdullah Medical City, part of the Makkah Health Cluster, where the thrombus responsible for the stroke was removed.

The Makkah Health Cluster said the Red Crescent transported the patient to the facility as soon as the incident was identified. An integrated medical team composed of an emergency doctor, a neurologist, and a radiologist received the patient who immediately underwent the necessary medical examinations.

A CT scan showed a thrombus in the artery supplying the left lobe of the brain and thus, she was referred to the Interventional Neuroradiology Department.

Thanks to the interdisciplinary integration and rapid procedures, the patient was transferred to the catheterization ward in the Radiology Department. The clot was successfully removed using the latest technology and the patient’s blood supply to the brain was restored without major complications.