Negative susceptibility vessel sign might be predictive of complete reperfusion in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion managed with thrombectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Negative susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) on pre-thrombectomy MRI has been linked to fibrin-rich thrombus and difficult retrieval in anterior ischemic stroke. However, its impact in posterior circulation-large vessel occlusion stroke (PC-LVOS) has not yet been elucidated. We aim to investigate the relationship of SVS parameters with stroke subtypes and their influence on angiographic and functional outcomes. METHODS: Prospective thrombectomy registries at two-comprehensive stroke centers were retrospectively reviewed between January 2015 and December 2019 for consecutive MRI-selected patients with PC-LVOS. Two groups were assigned by two independent readers, based on the presence or absence of the SVS (SVS +, SVS -) on MRI-GRE sequence. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to study primarily the impact of the SVS on the rate of complete recanalization (defined as mTICI 2c/3) at the final series following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) and whether or not it might influence the efficacy of the frontline EVT strategy. Secondarily, we studied whether the absence of the SVS was predictive of the rate of 90-day functional independence (defined as mRS score < 2). Lastly, both qualitative (SVS +, SVS-) and quantitative (SVS length and diameter) parameters of the SVS were analyzed in association with the puncture to recanalization interval and various stroke etiological subtypes based on TOAST criteria. RESULTS: Among 1823 patients, 116 were qualified for final analysis (median age, 68 (59-75) years; male, 65%); SVS was detected in 62.9% (73/116) of cases. SVS length was an independent predictor of procedural duration (p = .01) whilst two-layered SVS was inversely associated with the atherosclerosis etiological subtype (aOR = 0.27, 95% CI 0.08-0.89; p = .03). Successful recanalization was achieved in 82% (60/73) vs. 86% (37/43), p = .80 of patients with SVS (+, -) respectively. Only in SVS (+), stentriever (RR 0.59 (0.4-0.88), p = .009), and contact-aspiration (RR 0.82 (0.7-0.96), p = .01) achieved a lower rate of successful recanalization compared to combined technique. SVS (-) was significantly associated with a higher rate of mTICI 2c/3 (aOR = 4.444; 95% CI 1.466-13.473; p = .008) and showed an indirect effect of 9% towards functional independence mediated by mTICI 2c/3. CONCLUSION: SVS parameters in PC-LVOS might predict stroke subtype and indirectly influence the functional outcome by virtue of complete recanalization. KEY POINTS: • Negative susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) in patients with basilar occlusion independently predict complete recanalization that indirectly instigated a 3-month favorable outcome following thrombectomy. • The longer the SVS, the higher likelihood of large artery atherosclerosis and the longer the thrombectomy procedure. • Two-layered SVS might be negatively associated with the presence of atherosclerosis, yet already-known limitations of TOAST classification and the absence of pathological analysis should be taken into consideration.

Ticagrelor versus clopidogrel dual antiplatelet therapy for unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with flowdiverter.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Antiplatelet therapy (APT) is a key element limiting the risk of thromboembolic events (TEE) in neuroendovascular procedures, including aneurysm treatment with flowdiverter. Clopidogrel combined with aspirin is the mostly reported dual APT (DAPT). However, resistance phenomenon and intraindividual efficacy fluctuation are identified limitations. In recent years, ticagrelor has been increasingly used in this indication. We compared these two DAPT regimens for intracranial aneurysm treated with flowdiverter. METHODS: We conducted a multicentric retrospective study from prospectively maintained databases in two high volume centers extracting consecutive patients presenting unruptured intracranial aneurysm treated with flowdiverter and receiving DAPT (May 2015 to December 2019).  Two groups were compared according to their DAPT regimen: "ticagrelor+aspirin" and "clopidogrel+aspirin". Clopidogrel group was systematically checked with platelet test inhibition before endovascular procedure. The primary endpoint was composite, defined as any thrombo-embolic event (TEE) or major hemorrhagic event occurring the first 6 months during and after embolization RESULTS: 260 patients met our inclusion criteria. Baseline patients and aneurysms characteristics were comparable between groups, except for aneurysm location, median size and pre-treatment modified Rankin scale. No significant difference was observed regarding the primary composite outcome: 11.5% (12/104) in the ticagrelor group versus 10.9% (17/156) in the clopidogrel group (p = 1.000). There was also no significant difference in secondary outcomes including TEE (10.5 vs 9.0%; p = 0.673), major hemorrhage (0.9 vs 1.2%; p = 0.651) and clinical outcome (at least 1-point mRS worsening during follow up: 6.7% vs 8.3%; p = 0.813). CONCLUSION: First-line DAPT with ticagrelor+aspirin seems as safe and effective as clopidogrel+aspirin regimen.

Complete recanalization predicts favorable outcome in patients with distal M2-M3 middle cerebral artery occlusions following endovascular thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: - scanty articles illustrate the prognostic factors for favorable outcome after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in distal vessel occlusion (DMVO). Moreover, the current literature is diversified; conglomerating both primary, secondary, and anterior, posterior circulations embolic strokes in the same shell. PURPOSE: to identify the association between complete reperfusion and favorable outcome following EVT for DMVO in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. METHODS: -we performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained EVT registries at two comprehensive stroke centers between January 2015 and December 2019 for consecutive stroke patients with MCA-DMVO. DMVO was defined as an occlusion of distal M2 and M3 segments of the MCA. Only patients with primary isolated occlusions were included. A multivariate logistic regression was utilized to identify clinical and procedural-related factors associated with the 90-day favorable clinical outcome [defined as modified Rankin score (mRS) 0-2] after EVT. RESULTS: -Out of 1823 within the registries; 66 patients (median age was 72 (60-78) and 59% were males) with primary isolated DMVO of the MCA were eligible for inclusion in the current study. Complete reperfusion was achieved in 56% (37/66) of the patients with no difference among the reperfusion strategies while the favorable outcome was observed in 68% (45/66). In the multivariate analysis, final complete reperfusion [modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score 2c-3] was significantly associated with favorable outcome [aOR=7.69; (95% CI 1.73-34.17); p=.01], while higher baseline NIHSS score [aOR=0.82; (95% CI 0.69-0.98); p=.03] and increased imaging to puncture interval [aOR=0.99; (95% CI 0.98, 1.00); p=.01] decreased the probability of the favorable outcome. CONCLUSION: according to our results, complete reperfusion was the most significant predictor of the favorable outcome, while higher baseline NIHSS and longer imaging to puncture interval decreased the probability of the favorable outcome.

Impact of White Matter Hyperintensity Burden on Outcome in Large-Vessel Occlusion Stroke.

Background White matter hyperintensity (WMH) has been linked to poor clinical outcomes after acute ischemic stroke. Purpose To assess whether the WMH burden on pretreatment MRI scans is associated with an increased risk for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) or poor functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, consecutive patients treated with EVT for anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke at a comprehensive stroke center (where MRI was the first-line pretreatment imaging strategy; January 2015 to December 2017) were included and analyzed. WMH volumes were assessed with semiautomated volumetric analysis at fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI by readers who were blinded to clinical data. The associations of WMH burden with sICH and 3-month functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score) were assessed. Results A total of 366 patients were included (mean age, 69 years ± 19 [SD]; 188 women [51%]). Median total WMH volume was 3.61 cm3 (IQR, 1.10-10.83 cm3). Patients demonstrated higher mRS scores with increasing WMH volumes (odds ratio [OR], 1.020 [95% CI: 1.003, 1.037] per 1.0-cm3 increase for each mRS point increase; P = .018) after adjustment for patient and clinical variables. There were no significant associations between WMH severity and 90-day mortality (OR, 1.007 [95% CI: 0.990, 1.024]; P = .40) or the occurrence of sICH (OR, 1.001 [95% CI: 0.978, 1.024]; P = .94). Conclusion Higher white matter hyperintensity burden was associated with increased risk for poor 3-month functional outcome after endovascular thrombectomy for large-vessel occlusive stroke. © RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Mossa-Basha and Zhu in this issue.

FLAIR vascular hyperintensities predict functional outcome after endovascular thrombectomy in patients with large ischemic cores.

OBJECTIVES: To establish whether collateral circulation was associated with functional outcome in stroke patients with large infarct size (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score [ASPECTS] ≤ 5) undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) METHODS: Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation and an ASPECTS of ≤ 5 were analyzed. Quantification of collateral circulation was performed using a fluid-attenuated inversion recovery vascular hyperintensity (FVH)-ASPECTS rating system (score ranging from 0 [no FVH] to 7 [FVHs abutting all ASPECTS cortical areas]) by two independent neuroradiologists. Good functional outcome was defined by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 to 3 at 3 months. We determined the association between FVH score and clinical outcome using multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 139 patients (age, 63.1 ± 20.8 years; men, 51.8%) admitted between March 2012 and December 2017 were included. Good functional outcome (mRS 0-3) was observed in 65 (46.8%) patients, functional independence (mRS 0-2) was achieved in 43 (30.9%) patients, and 33 (23.7%) patients died at 90 days. The median FVH score was 4 (IQR, 3-5). FVH score was independently correlated with good outcome (adjusted OR = 1.41 [95% CI, 1.03-1.92]; p = 0.03 per 1-point increase). CONCLUSIONS: In stroke patients with large-volume infarcts, good collaterals as measured by the FVH-ASPECTS rating system are associated with improved outcomes and may help select patients for reperfusion therapy. KEY POINTS: • Endovascular thrombectomy can allow almost 1 in 2 patients with large infarct cores to achieve good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] of 0-3) and 1 in 3 patients to regain functional independence (mRS 0-2) at 3 months. • The extent of FVH score (as reflected by FLAIR vascular hyperintensity [FVH]-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score [ASPECTS] values) is associated with functional outcome at 3 months in this patient group.

Benefit of mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke related to calcified cerebral embolus.

PURPOSE: Mechanical thrombectomies (MT) in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) related to calcified cerebral embolus (CCE) have been reported, through small case series, being associated with low reperfusion rate and worse outcome, compared to regular MT. The purpose of the MASC (Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke Related to Calcified Cerebral Embolus) study was to evaluate the incidence of CCEs treated by MT and the effectiveness of MT in this indication. METHODS: The MASC study is a retrospective multicentric (n = 37) national study gathering the cases of adult patients who underwent MT for acute ischemic stroke with LVO related to a CCE in France from January 2015 to November 2019. Reperfusion rate (mTICI ≥ 2B), complication rate and 90-day mRS were systematically collected. We then conducted a systematic review by searching for articles in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Google Scholar from January 2015 to March 2020. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate clinical outcome at 90 days, reperfusion rate and complications. RESULTS: We gathered data from 35 patients. Reperfusion was obtained in 57% of the cases. Good clinical outcome was observed in 28% of the patients. The meta-analysis retrieved 136 patients. Reperfusion and good clinical outcome were obtained in 50% and 29% of the cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: The MASC study found worse angiographic and clinical outcomes compared to regular thrombectomies. Individual patient-based meta-analysis including the MASC findings shows a 50% reperfusion rate and a 29% of good clinical outcome.

White Matter Hyperintensity Burden and Collateral Circulation in Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: White matter hyperintensity (WMH), a marker of chronic cerebral small vessel disease, might impact the recruitment of leptomeningeal collaterals. We aimed to assess whether the WMH burden is associated with collateral circulation in patients treated by endovascular thrombectomy for anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: Consecutive acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion and treated with endovascular thrombectomy from January 2015 to December 2017 were included. WMH volumes (periventricular, deep, and total) were assessed by a semiautomated volumetric analysis on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery-magnetic resonance imaging. Collateral status was graded on baseline catheter angiography using the American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology/Society of Interventional Radiology grading system (good when ≥3). We investigated associations of WMH burden with collateral status. RESULTS: A total of 302 patients were included (mean age, 69.1±19.4 years; women, 55.6%). Poor collaterals were observed in 49.3% of patients. Median total WMH volume was 3.76 cm3 (interquartile range, 1.09-11.81 cm3). The regression analyses showed no apparent relationship between WMH burden and the collateral status measured at baseline angiography (adjusted odds ratio, 0.987 [95% CI, 0.971-1.003]; P=0.12). CONCLUSIONS: WMH burden exhibits no overt association with collaterals in large vessel occlusive stroke.

FLAIR vascular hyperintensities and functional outcome in nonagenarians with anterior circulation large-vessel ischemic stroke treated with endovascular thrombectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To establish whether imaging assessments of irreversibly injured ischemic core and potentially salvageable penumbral volumes and collateral circulation were associated with functional outcome in nonagenarians (90 years or older) undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). METHODS: Data from a prospectively maintained institutional registry of consecutive stroke patients treated with EVT from January 2012 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Functional outcome was evaluated with the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 3 months. mRS score of 0-3 was defined as a good clinical outcome. Ischemic core and penumbral volumes were calculated using the RAPID software. Quantification of collateral circulation was performed using a fluid-attenuated inversion recovery vascular hyperintensity (FVH)-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) rating system. RESULTS: Among 85 patients (age, 92.4 ± 2.6 years; men, 30.6%) treated with EVT, good outcome (mRS 0-3) was achieved in 29 (34.1%) patients and 31 (36.5%) patients died at 90 days. The median estimated ischemic core volume was 15 mL (IQR, 7-27 mL). The median mismatch volume was 83 mL (IQR, 43-120 mL). The median FVH score was 4 (IQR, 3-4). FVH score was independently associated with good functional outcome (adjusted OR = 1.96 [95% CI, 1.16-3.32]; p = 0.01 per 1-point increase) and mortality (adjusted OR = 0.54 [95% CI, 0.34-0.85]; p = 0.007 per 1-point increase). Ischemic core and mismatch volumes were associated with neither good outcome nor mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In nonagenarians with anterior circulation large-vessel ischemic stroke, good collaterals as measured by the FVH-ASPECTS rating system are independently associated with improved outcomes and may help select patients for reperfusion therapy in this frail population. KEY POINTS: • Endovascular thrombectomy can allow at least 1 in 3 patients older than 90 years of age to achieve good functional outcome (modified Rankin scale of 0-3) at 3 months. • Functional outcome at 3 months is associated with pre-stroke status (number and severity of patients' comorbidities). • A higher FVH score (as reflected by higher FLAIR vascular hyperintensity [FVH]-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score [ASPECTS] values) is independently associated with better 3-month functional outcome and mortality in nonagenarians with anterior circulation ischemic stroke.

Impact of endovascular reperfusion therapy in nonagenarians with anterior circulation large-vessel ischaemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The benefit of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) among nonagenarians (90 years or older) is poorly documented. We aimed to investigate the clinical and imaging factors associated with good outcomes and mortality at 90 days in nonagenarians undergoing EVT for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). METHODS: Data from a prospectively maintained institutional registry of consecutive AIS patients treated with EVT from January 2012 to December 2018 were retrospectively analysed. Comorbid conditions were classified with a modified version of the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). The degree of disability was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Outcomes included good functional outcome (mRS scores of 0-3) and mortality at 90 days. RESULTS: Among 110 patients (age, 92.3 ± 2.5 years; men, 28.2%) treated with EVT, good outcome was achieved in 39 (35.5%) patients, successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grades of 2b-3) was achieved in 78 (70.9%) patients and 38 (34.5%) patients died at 90 days. The functional outcome at 3 months was associated with pre-stroke status (CCI and pre-stroke mRS score). Successful reperfusion (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 11.6; 95% CI, 1.3-104.2; P = 0.03) and early neurologic improvement at 24 h (adjusted OR, 16.4; 95% CI, 5.2-51.5; P < 0.001) were independent predictors of a good outcome. Early neurological improvement (adjusted OR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.02-0.23; P < 0.001) was an independent predictor of 90-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Successful reperfusion therapy improves the functional outcome of nonagenarians who should not be excluded from EVT. The presence and severity of comorbidities should be considered in the procedural management of this vulnerable population.

Optimal intracranial pressure in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage treated with coiling and requiring external ventricular drainage.

Optimal management of intracranial pressure (ICP) among aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients requiring external ventricular drainage (EVD) is controversial. To analyze predictors of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI)-related cerebral infarction after aSAH and the influence of ICP values on DCI, we prospectively collected consecutive patients with aSAH receiving coiling and requiring EVD. Predictors of DCI-related cerebral infarction (new CT hypodensities developed within the first 3 weeks not related to other causes) were studied. Vasospasm and brain hypoperfusion were studied with CT angiography and CT perfusion (RAPID-software). Among 50 aSAH patients requiring EVD, 21 (42%) developed DCI-related cerebral infarction, while 27 (54%) presented vasospasm. Mean ICP ranged between 2 and 19 mmHg. On the multivariate analysis, the mean ICP (OR = 2, 95%CI = 1.01-3.9, p = 0.042) and the mean hypoperfusion volume on Tmax delay > 6 (OR = 1.2, 95%CI = 1.01-1.3, p = 0.025) were independent predictors of DCI. To predict DCI-related cerebral infarction, Tmax delay > 6 s presented the highest AUC (0.956, SE = 0.025), with a cutoff value of 18 ml showing sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of 90.5% (95%CI = 69-98.8%), 86.2% (95%CI = 68.4-96%), 82.6% (95%CI = 65.4-92%), 92.5% (95%CI = 77-98%), and 88% (95%CI = 75-95%), respectively. The AUC of the mean ICP was 0.825 (SE = 0.057), and the best cutoff value was 6.7 mmHg providing sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of 71.4% (95%CI = 48-89%), 62% (95%CI = 42-79%), 58% (95%CI = 44-70%), 75% (95%CI = 59-86%), and 66% (95%CI = 51-79%) for the prediction of DCI-related cerebral infarction, respectively. Among aSAH patients receiving coiling and EVD, lower ICP (< 6.7 mmHg in our study) could potentially be beneficial in decreasing DCI-related cerebral infarction. Brain hypoperfusion with a volume > 18 ml at Tmax delay > 6 s presents a high sensibility and specificity in prediction of DCI-related cerebral infarction.

Anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistula: Transarterial embolization from the ophthalmic artery as first-line treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively review the outcome of patients with dural arteriovenous fistula of the anterior cranial fossa (afDAVF) treated by transarterial embolization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six consecutive patients were referred to our hospital for afDAVF treatment. After a multidisciplinary discussion, they underwent endovascular embolization with Onyx injection through the ophthalmic artery. Their clinical presentation, management and outcomes were retrospectively assessed. RESULTS: All interventions were performed with the liquid embolic agent Onyx through the transarterial route from the ophthalmic artery to access the fistulous point. All patients showed a good outcome with complete afDAVF obliteration. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that afDAVFs can be safely and completely obliterated by transarterial embolization via the ophthalmic artery.

WEB-assisted microwire navigation for the treatment of complex wide-neck intracranial aneurysms: Technical note.

BACKGROUND: Unfavorable aneurysm anatomy can make microwire navigation challenging, increasing the risk of complications. We present our experience of WEB-assisted microcatheterization in complex aneurysms. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Flow diversion was performed for three wide-neck large/giant intracranial aneurysms. A WEB was placed inside the sac, blocking the aneurysm neck and providing a contact surface to redirect the microwire across the aneurysm. CONCLUSION: WEB-assisted microcatheterization appears an alternative strategy for the treatment of complex aneurysms.

Chronic occlusion of the internal carotid artery: Endovascular revascularization technique of long occlusive lesions.

BACKGROUND: Despite series of endovascular recanalization of chronically occluded ICA (COICA) have been already reported, technical aspects of this strategy were not described. We discussed technical details and feasibility of this strategy. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Five COICA (C1-cavernous ICA) patients presenting symptomatic hypoperfusion were recanalized with multiple coronary and carotid stents. All patients experienced long-term reperfusion with resolution of the clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION: Endovascular revascularization of COICA appears feasible and associated with improvement of the hypoperfusion.

Patency of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery branches after flow diversion treatment. A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Placement of flow-diverters across the ostia of major ICA branches carries a risk of arterial occlusion. We determined the rate of occlusion of the supraclinoid ICA branches and the related symptoms, following coverage with flow-diverters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. We selected studies reporting treatments with flow-diverters in which the device was placed across the ostium of the OphtA, PcomA, or AchorA. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the following outcomes: rate of arterial occlusion, diminished flow, incidence of related symptoms, factors associated with arterial occlusion. RESULT: Twenty-one studies evaluating 1152 supraclinoid ICA branches were included in the meta-analysis. The incidence of OphtA occlusion and associated symptoms was 5.9% (95 CI% = 3.1-8.6%) (incidence rate = 6% per patient-year), and 0.8% (95% CI = 0.1-1.4%) (incidence rate = 0.8% per patient-year), respectively. Although asymptomatic in all cases, PcomA showed a higher occlusion rate (20.7%, 95% CI = 8.9-32.4%) (incidence rate = 19.5% per patient-year). AchorA was occluded in 1% (95% CI = 0.3-2.4%) of cases, with approximately 1% (95% CI = 0.4-2.3%) of transient neurological symptoms (incidence rate = 0.96% per patient-year). There was a trend toward higher odds of arterial patency among arteries arising from the aneurysm (OR = 2.94, P = 0.06). Demographic factors and multiple stents were not associated with higher risk of arterial impairment. Adequate collateral circulation was reported in 94.5% of patients with arterial occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: During aneurysm treatment, the ostium of the supraclinoid ICA branches can be covered with flow-diverter devices with low rates of neurological symptoms related to arterial occlusion.

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Minor and Mild Stroke Patients Harboring Large Vessel Occlusion in the Anterior Circulation: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Proximal large vessel occlusion (LVO) is present in up to 30% of minor strokes. The effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in the subgroup of minor stroke with LVO in the anterior circulation is still open to debate. Data about MT in this subgroup of patients are sparse, and their optimal management has not yet been defined. The purpose of this multicenter cohort study was to evaluate the effectiveness of MT in patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke (AIS) because of LVO in the anterior circulation, presenting with minor-to-mild stroke symptoms (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of <8). METHODS: Multicenter cohort study involving 4 comprehensive stroke centers having 2 therapeutic approaches (urgent thrombectomy associated with best medical treatment [BMT] versus BMT first and MT if worsening occurs) about management of patients with minor and mild acute ischemic stroke harboring LVO in the anterior circulation. An intention-to-treat analysis was conducted. The primary end point was the rate of excellent outcome defined as the achievement of a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 1 at 3 months. RESULTS: Three hundred one patients were included, 170 with urgent MT associated with BMT, and 131 with BMT alone as first-line treatment. Patients treated with MT were younger, more often received intravenous thrombolysis, and had shorter time to imaging. Twenty-four patients (18.0%) in the medical group had rescue MT because of neurological worsening. Overall, excellent outcome was achieved in 64.5% of patients, with no difference between the 2 groups. Stratified analysis according to key subgroups did not find heterogeneity in the treatment effect size. CONCLUSIONS: Minor-to-mild stroke patients with LVO achieved excellent and favorable functional outcomes at 3 months in similar proportions between urgent MT versus delayed MT associated with BMT. There is thus an urgent need for randomized trials to define the effectiveness of MT in this patient subgroup.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Parotid Gland Tumors: Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Sequence Evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the characterization of parotid gland tumors. METHODS: Fifty-five parotid lesions in 55 patients were retrospectively included. Two observers interpreted 2 reading protocols derived from all MR imaging in 2 distinct sessions, independently and blinded. Benign versus malignant distinction was carried out for protocol 1 (without contrast administration) and protocol 2 (with dynamic contrast-enhanced sequence). Histopathological results after surgical resection were used as the criterion standard. Diagnostic accuracy was compared between protocols using McNemar test. A P values of less than 0.05 indicated significant difference. RESULTS: There was no intraobserver statistical discordance between protocols for both observers (P = 0.27 and P = 1). Interobserver reliability showed moderate agreement for protocol 1 (κ = 0.591; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.376-0.806) and 2 (κ = 0.463, 95% CI, 0.226-0.701). Intraobserver reliability showed moderate agreement for observer 1 (κ = 0.507; 95% CI, 0.279-0.736) and 2 (κ = 0.477; 95% CI, 0.241-0.712). CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging protocol including dynamic sequence for the characterization of parotid gland lesion yielded nonsignificant increases in sensitivity, specificity, or positive predictive values, and negative predictive values over noninjected protocol.

Diffusion weighted imaging and time in acute ischemic stroke, is there any relation?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) is useful for patient selection during the first 6hours after stroke onset. The main aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the time from stroke symptom onset and stroke volume assessed using DWI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 203 patients with anterior circulation stroke who were admitted to Montpellier's Stroke Unit and for whom a DWI ASPECT score (DWI-ASPECTS) was obtained during the first 6hours from symptom onset. Patients were classified according to the number of hours after the onset of symptoms that DWI was performed. Two experienced neuroradiologists independently calculated the DWI-ASPECTS, which was classified by the size of the stroke volume in three groups: 0-3, 4-6 and 7-10. RESULTS: No relationship was found between temporal groups and the DWI-ASPECTS. The number of patients who reached each of the 3 classified stroke volumes was not different between the temporal groups. CONCLUSION: There is no correlation in our findings between the time of stroke symptom onset and the DWI-ASPECT score during the first 6hours from stroke onset.

A proposed modern standardized technical approach for symptomatic chronic carotid total occlusion management.

Chronic carotid total occlusion (CCTO) is a known cause of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack. Symptomatic CCTO is associated with up to 30% risk of recurrent ischemic stroke, despite optimal medical treatment. Notably, a randomized controlled trial reported that previous surgical management did not improve the overall prognosis of these patients. Endovascular treatment of CCTO has been proposed as a feasible strategy to re-establish cerebral perfusion in symptomatic patients. However, its use is controversial and not supported by evidence from randomized clinical trials. Recently, a meta-analysis reported a reasonably high procedural success without an excess periprocedural complication rate, but several steps are needed before the procedure is mature enough to be tested in randomized controlled trials. This review highlights the developments in the endovascular recanalization of CCTO and emphasizes key steps towards standardizing the procedure.

Becoming a thrombectomy-capable stroke center: Clinical and medico-economical effectiveness at the hospital level.

INTRODUCTION: Too few patients benefit from endovascular therapy (EVT) in large vessel occlusion acute stroke (LVOS), and various acute stroke care paradigms are currently investigated to reduce these inequalities in health access. We aimed to investigate whether newly set-up thrombectomy-capable stroke centers (TSC) offered a safe, effective and cost-effective procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This French retrospective study compared the outcomes of LVOS patients with an indication for EVT and treated at the Perpignan hospital before on-site thrombectomy was available (Primary stroke center), and after formation of local radiology team for neurointervention (TSC). Primary endpoints were 3-months functional outcomes, assessed by the modified Rankin scale. Various safety endpoints for ischemic and hemorragic procedural complications were assessed. We conducted a medico-economic analysis to estimate the cost-benefit of becoming a TSC for the hospital. RESULTS: The differences between 422 patients in the PSC and 266 in the TSC were adjusted by the means of weighted logistic regression. Patients treated in the TSC had higher odds of excellent functional outcome (aOR 1.77 [1.16-2.72], p = 0.008), with no significant differences in the rates of procedural complications. The TSC setting shortened onset-to-reperfusion times by 144 min (95% CI [131-155]; p < 0.0001), and was cost-effective after 21 treated LVOS patients. On-site thrombectomy saves 10.825€ per patient for the hospital. DISCUSSION: Our results demonstrate that the TSC setting improves functional outcomes and reduces intra-hospital costs in LVOS patients. TSCs could play a major public health role in acute stroke care and access to EVT.

Inflammation biomarkers in the intracranial blood are associated with outcome in patients with ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Performing endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) allows a port of entry for intracranial biological sampling. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that specific immune players are molecular contributors to disease, outcome biomarkers, and potential targets for modifying AIS. METHODS: We examined 75 subjects presenting with large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation and undergoing EVT. Intracranial blood samples were obtained by microcatheter aspiration, as positioned for stent deployment. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the femoral artery. Plasma samples were quality controlled by electrophoresis and analyzed using a Mesoscale multiplex for targeted inflammatory and vascular factors. RESULTS: We measured 37 protein biomarkers in our sample cohort. Through multivariate analysis, adjusted for age, intravenous thrombolysis, pretreatment National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT scores, we found that post-clot blood levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly correlated (adjusted P value <0.05) with disability assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days, with medium effect size. Chemokine (C-C) ligand 17 CCL17/TARC levels were inversely correlated with the mRS score. Examination of peripheral blood showed that these correlations did not reach statistical significance after correction. Intracranial biomarker IL-6 level was specifically associated with a lower likelihood of favorable outcome, defined as a mRS score of 0-2. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show a signature of blood inflammatory factors at the cerebrovascular occlusion site. The correlations between these acute-stage biomarkers and mRS score outcome support an avenue for add-on and localized immune modulatory strategies in AIS.