Open Access
CC BY 4.0 · Journal of Clinical Interventional Radiology ISVIR
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1813645
Case Report

The Trigeminocardiac Reflex: An Unusual Suspect of Sudden Intraoperative Hemodynamic Alteration, Encountered during Endovascular Embolization with DMSO/Onyx

Authors

  • Samarth S. Gowda

    1   Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
  • Rengarajan R.

    1   Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
  • Sarbesh Tiwari

    1   Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
  • Pawan Kumar Garg

    1   Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
  • Pushpinder Singh Khera

    1   Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Continuous intraoperative hemodynamic monitoring is essential during endovascular procedures. Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) embolization, using Onyx liquid embolizing agent with dimethyl sulfoxide, can trigger an unusual brainstem reflex termed the “trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR),” characterized by sudden bradycardia and hypotension. We report a case of intracranial mycotic pseudoaneurysm in a postoperative case of coronavirus disease 2019-associated rhinocerebral mucormycosis patient, treated with parent artery occlusion using Onyx and coils. Intraoperatively, TCR was promptly recognized and managed, ensuring hemodynamic recovery and favorable outcome. This case highlights the importance of early TCR detection and management during EVOH embolization for optimal patient care.



Publication History

Article published online:
09 December 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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