Mesenchymal Stem Cells From Cord Blood Could Aid in the Treatment of Basilar Artery Dissections

The Basilar Artery is one of the main arteries that supplies blood to the brain. Sometimes, individuals are diagnosed with a Basilar Artery Dissection, which is a tear in this particular artery. The condition is often associated with death, as many patients diagnosed do not survive. However, a new study has revealed that mesenchymal stem cells, like those found in cord blood, can be used to treat this condition.  

A 17-year-old from Korea was recently diagnosed with a Basilar Artery Dissection. The patient could have faced serious health risks, but an injection of mesenchymal stem cells has helped to save his life. The dissection caused an infarction in his cerebellum and midbrain. These injuries are likely to be deadly, but stem cells helped to prevent them from claiming his life.    

Mesenchymal stem cells were introduced into the patient’s system via an intrathecal injection. This means that the injection took place under the arachnoid membrane. The transplant of stem cells helped to repair the brain injuries, marking a significant development in stem cell technology.  

This particular case of Basilar Artery Dissection demonstrates that mesenchymal stem cells are an effective treatment of this rare but life-threatening condition.

Source: http://7thspace.com/headlines/401319/intrathecal_injection_of_human_umbilical_cord_blood_derived_mesenchymal_stem_cells_for_the_treatment_of_basilar_artery_dissection_a_case_report.html