Clinical Outcomes of Diffuse Angiogram-Negative Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Versus Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The outcome of diffuse angiogram-negative subarachnoid hemorrhage (dan-SAH) compared with aneurysmal SAH (aSAH) remains unclear. This study aimed to compare outcomes using propensity score matching. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty-five patients with dan-SAH and 857 patients with aSAH admitted between January 2018 and December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Propensity score matching resulted in matching 65 patients with dan-SAH to 260 patients with aSAH, and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. Compared with patients with dan-SAH, patients with aSAH were more likely to experience rehemorrhage (8.8% versus 0%, P=0.027), death (11.2% versus 1.5%; odds ratios [OR] 8.04 [95% CI, 1.07-60.12]; P=0.042), or delayed cerebral ischemia (12.3% versus 3.1%; OR, 4.42 [95% CI, 1.03-18.95]; P=0.045). Multivariate analysis revealed that Hunt-Hess grade 4 to 5 (OR, 3.13 [95% CI, 2.11-4.64]; P<0.001), presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (OR, 3.58 [95% CI, 1.72-7.46]; P=0.001), and smoking (OR, 2.44 [95% CI, 1.12-5.28]; P=0.024) were independently associated with the incidence of unfavorable outcomes (modified Rankin scale score >2 at 3 months), whereas dan-SAH was not (OR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.25-1.73]; P=0.40). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with patients with dan-SAH, patients with aSAH had higher rehemorrhage rates and in-hospital mortality, as well as a higher incidence of delayed cerebral ischemia. Unfavorable outcomes were associated with admission Hunt-Hess grade, the presence of intravenetricular hemorrhage, and smoking history, but there was no relation with the  pathogenesis of the hemorrhage (dan-SAH versus aSAH).

Endovascular recanalization for symptomatic chronic internal carotid artery occlusion: proposal of a modified angiographic classification and clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: To stratify angiographic images of chronic internal carotid artery occlusion (CICAO) into a newly modified angiographic classification, and identify suitable candidates for endovascular recanalization. METHODS: This study included 51 consecutive patients with symptomatic CICAO who underwent endovascular recanalization at our institution. Patients' clinical information, angiographic findings, procedural results, and outcomes were recorded. We attempted to stratify all angiographic images into categories based on morphological occlusive patterns and distal internal carotid artery (ICA) lumen reconstitution on digital subtraction angiography (DSA). RESULTS: Four types (I-IV) of CICAO were identified based on angiographic characteristics. We defined type I as having a tapered (IA) or blunt stump (IB) and distal ICA lumen reconstitution with collateral filling; type II as having no stump but with distal ICA lumen reconstitution; type III as having a tapered (IIIA) or blunt stump (IIIB) but no distal ICA lumen reconstitution; type IV as having no stump and no distal ICA lumen reconstitution. The rate of successful recanalization was 90.3 % for type I, 60.0 % for type II, 50.0 % for type III, 0 % for type IV, respectively (P = 0.002). The overall intraoperative complication rate was 11.8 %, and none of them led to severe neurological damage or death. The follow-up modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were significantly decreased in successfully revascularized patients, whilst there were no significant changes in the other failed patients. CONCLUSION: For symptomatic CICAO, our newly modified angiographic classification may be comprehensive and useful in selecting suitable patients for recanalization and grading the difficulty of the procedures.

ASPECTS-based net water uptake outperforms target mismatch for outcome prediction in patients with acute ischemic stroke and late therapeutic window.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prognostic value of net water uptake (NWU) and target mismatch (TM) on CT perfusion (CTP) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with late time window. METHODS: One hundred and nine consecutive AIS patients with anterior-circulation large vessel occlusion presenting within 6-24 h from onset/last seen well were enrolled. Automated Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score-based NWU (ASPECTS-NWU) was calculated from admission CT. The correlation between ASPECTS-NWU and CTP parameters was assessed. Predictors for favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2) at 90 days were assessed using logistic regression analysis. The ability of outcome prediction between ASPECTS-NWU and TM (an ischemic core < 70 mL, a mismatch ratio ≥ 1.8, and an absolute difference ≥ 15 mL) was compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: A higher level of ASPECTS-NWU was associated with a larger ischemic core (r = 0.66, p < 0.001) and a larger hypoperfusion volume (r = 0.38, p < 0.001). ASPECTS-NWU performed better than TM for outcome stratification (area under the curve [AUC], 0.738 vs 0.583, p = 0.004) and was the only independent neuroimaging marker associated with favorable outcomes compared with CTP parameters (odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62-0.87, p < 0.001). An outcome prediction model including ASPECTS-NWU and clinical variables (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores and age) yielded an AUC of 0.828 (95% CI 0.744-0.893; sensitivity 65.4%; specificity 87.7%). CONCLUSION: ASPECTS-NWU performed better than TM for outcome prediction in AIS patients with late time window and might be an alternative imaging biomarker to CTP for patient selection. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Automated Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score-based net water uptake outperforms target mismatch on CT perfusion for the outcome prediction in patients with acute ischemic stroke and can be an alternative imaging biomarker for patient selection in late therapeutic window. KEY POINTS: • A higher ASPECTS-based net water uptake was associated with larger ischemic cores and hypoperfusion volumes on CT perfusion. • ASPECTS-based net water uptake outperformed target mismatch for outcome prediction in acute ischemic stroke with extended therapeutic window. • ASPECTS-based net water uptake can be an alternative biomarker to target mismatch for selecting acute ischemic stroke patients with late therapeutic window.

Effect of Truncal-Type Occlusion Based on Multiphase or Single-Phase Computed Tomographic Angiography in Predicting Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis-Related Acute Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether truncal-type occlusion based on multiphase computed tomographic angiography (mpCTA) was more effective for predicting intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis-related occlusion (ICAS-O) than occlusion type based on single-phase computed tomographic angiography (spCTA) in patients with acute ischemic stroke with large-vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA). METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected from 72 patients with AIS-LVO in the MCA between January 2018 and December 2019. The occlusion types included truncal-type and branching-site occlusions. The association between ICAS-O and occlusion type based on the 2 computed tomographic angiography patterns was analyzed, and receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted for assessment. The areas under the curve were compared to determine the difference between the predictive powers of truncal-type occlusion based on mpCTA and spCTA. RESULTS: Among the 72 patients, 16 were classified as having ICAS-O and 56 as having embolisms. In univariate analysis, truncal-type occlusion was significantly associated with ICAS-O ( P < 0.001 for mpCTA and P = 0.001 for spCTA). After multivariable analysis, truncal-type occlusion based on both mpCTA and spCTA remained independently associated with ICAS-O ( P = 0.002 for mpCTA and P = 0.029 for spCTA). The areas under the curve were 0.821 for mpCTA and 0.683 for spCTA; this difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AIS-LVO in the MCA, truncal-type occlusion based on mpCTA enables more accurate detection of ICAS-O than that based on spCTA.

Subcortical infarcts on admission CTP predict poor outcome despite excellent reperfusion in delayed time windows.

PURPOSE: The effect of pretreatment infarct location on clinical outcome after successful mechanical thrombectomy is not understood. Our aim was to evaluate the association between computed tomography perfusion (CTP)-based ischemic core location and clinical outcome following excellent reperfusion in late time windows. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent thrombectomy for acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion in late time windows from October 2019 to June 2021 and enrolled 65 patients with visible ischemic core on admission CTP who had received excellent reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade 2c/3). Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale score of 3-6 at 90 days. The ischemic core infarct territories were classified into the cortical and subcortical areas. Multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used in this study. RESULTS: Of the 65 patients analyzed, 38 (58.5%) had a poor outcome. Multivariable logistic analysis showed that the subcortical infarcts (OR 11.75; 95% CI 1.79-77.32; P = 0.010) and their volume (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.04-1.32; P = 0.011) were independently associated with poor outcome. The ROC curve indicated the capacity of the subcortical infarct involvement (areas under the curve (AUC) = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.53-0.77, P < 0.001) and subcortical infarct volume (AUC = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.60-0.83, P < 0.001) in predicting poor outcome accurately. CONCLUSION: Subcortical infarcts and their volume on admission CTP are associated with poor outcome after excellent reperfusion in late time windows, rather than cortical infarcts.

Emergency admission plasma D-dimer: a novel predictor for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) is a common and severe complication in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) after treatment with thrombectomy. OBJECTIVE: To explore the ability of admission plasma D-dimer levels to predict sICH after thrombectomy. METHODS: Between February 2018 and August 2021, consecutive patients with AIS who underwent thrombectomy at our single comprehensive stroke center were retrospectively enrolled. sICH was defined according to the criterion of the Heidelberg Bleeding Classification. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors of sICH. The overall discriminative ability of D-dimer levels in predicting sICH was evaluated by adopting a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Of the 395 enrolled patients, 48 (12.2%) had sICH. Patients with sICH were older (72.9 vs 69.3 years, P=0.037), more often female (62.5% vs 45.5%, P=0.027), had higher D-dimer levels (2.70 vs 0.74 mg/L, P<0.001), higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (20 vs 15, P<0.001), lower Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (8 vs 9, P<0.001), a higher proportion of internal carotid artery occlusions (56.2% vs 30.3%, P<0.001), and less commonly had large-artery atherosclerosis stroke etiology (12.5% vs 32.3%, P=0.010) than patients without sICH. After adjustment for potential confounders, D-dimer levels (adjusted OR=2.45, 95% CI 1.75 to 3.43, P<0.001) remained significantly associated with sICH. Based on the ROC, the D-dimer as a predictor for predicting sICH, presented with a specificity of 86.2%, a negative predictive value of 94.6%, and an area under the curve of 0.774. CONCLUSION: Elevated admission D-dimer levels are an independent predictor of sICH in patients with AIS after thrombectomy.

Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score and collateral status predict target mismatch in large vessel occlusion with delayed time windows.

BACKGROUND: The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) and collateral score (CS) are two readily available imaging metrics for the evaluation of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion (LVO). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the predictive value of the ASPECTS combined with CS in detecting patients with CT perfusion (CTP) target mismatch in delayed time windows. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-four patients with LVO-AIS were included. ASPECTS was assessed on non-contrast CT (NCCT). CS was evaluated on single-phase CT angiography (sCTA). Target mismatch was defined as a CTP core volume ≤70 mL, mismatch ratio ≥1.8, and absolute mismatch volume ≥15 mL. Spearman correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed. RESULTS: The median NCCT ASPECTS of the 164 patients was 8 (IQR 6-9), median sCTA-CS was 2 (IQR 1-2), and median CTP core volume was 8 mL (IQR 0-29.5). There was a strong correlation between NCCT ASPECTS and CTP core volume (rs=-0.756, p<0.0001) and a moderate correlation between the sCTA-CS and CTP core volume (rs=-0.450, p<0.0001). Integrating NCCT ASPECTS and sCTA-CS provided a higher area under the curve (AUC) for predicting target mismatch (AUC=0.882; sensitivity, 89.1%; specificity, 77.8%; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: NCCT ASPECTS had a strong correlation with CTP core volumes in patients with LVO-AIS in delayed time windows. Combining NCCT ASPECTS with sCTA-CS resulted in a more accurate prediction of target mismatch. If a CTP scan is not available, NCCT ASPECTS combined with sCTA-CS may guide clinicians in making treatment decisions.

Higher Levels of Admission N-Terminal Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide are Associated with Delayed Cerebral Ischemia Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) greatly influences the prognosis of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We aimed to determine whether higher levels of admission N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) were related to neurogenic cardiac injury and predicted DCI occurrence in patients with aSAH. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with aSAH between January 2018 and April 2021 in our department. Patients with admission NT-pro BNP were included for analysis. The associations between admission NT-pro BNP levels and admission cardiac troponin T levels and electrocardiogram characteristics, as well as the incidence of DCI, were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 415 patients with aSAH were included, among whom DCI occurred in 53 (12.8%). The admission NT-pro BNP levels were positively correlated with the cardiac troponin T levels and were significantly higher in patients with abnormal electrocardiogram characteristics. The admission log NT-pro BNP levels were higher in patients with DCI than in those without DCI. Multivariable analysis revealed that admission log NT-pro BNP levels and modified Fisher scale were independent predictors of the incidence of DCI. Compared with the modified Fisher scale alone (area under the curve = 0.739), combining the modified Fisher scale with admission NT-pro BNP (area under the curve = 0.794) significantly improved the prediction accuracy for DCI (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Higher admission levels of NT-pro BNP correlated with neurogenic cardiac injury and predicted the occurrence of DCI in patients with aSAH. A combination of the modified Fisher scale and admission NT-pro BNP significantly improved the prediction accuracy for DCI.

Early plasma D-dimer as a predictor of acute intracranial atherosclerosis-related large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial atherosclerosis-related large vessel occlusion (ICAS+LVO) poses an important technical challenge for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). PURPOSE: To evaluate the value of D-dimer in predicting ICAS+LVO alone and in combination with other clinical and imaging predictors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent EVT at our center between January 2018 and June 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified to the ICAS+LVO or ICAS-LVO group according to angiographic findings. Collateral gradings were evaluated based on computed tomography angiography and categorized as follows: score 0-1 unfavorable collaterals and score 2-3 favorable collaterals. Receiver operating characteristic curve was analyzed to evaluate the predictive value of D-dimer and the combination of other predictors for ICAS+LVO. RESULTS: A total of 374 patients were enrolled, among them, 107 (28.6%) had an ICAS+LVO, while ICAS-LVO was determined in 267 (71.4%) patients. Median D-dimer levels were lower (0.36 vs. 1.18 mg/L; P < 0.001) while the proportion of favorable collaterals was higher (85.0% vs. 22.5%; P < 0.001) in the ICAS+LVO group than the ICAS-LVO group. After multivariable analysis, D-dimer (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.21-0.50; P < 0.001) and collaterals (adjusted OR=16.25, 95% CI=7.58-34.84; P < 0.001) remained independent predictors of ICAS+LVO. The area under the curve of D-dimer, collaterals, and combination for identification of ICAS+LVO was 0.82, 0.85, and 0.92, respectively. CONCLUSION: Low early plasma D-dimer levels are a significant and independent predictor of ICAS+LVO, and predictive value strengthens when in a combined model using D-dimer and collateral grading.

Tmax profile in computed tomography perfusion-based RAPID software maps influences outcome after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with basilar artery occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) parameters have been shown to have predictive value for functional outcomes of patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO). We report the predictive value of CTP-based software (CTP-Rapid Processing of Perfusion and Diffusion (RAPID); iSchemia View) for functional outcomes of patients with BAO after endovascular therapy (EVT). METHODS: Patients with BAO who underwent EVT were retrospectively analyzed in our center from December 2019 to July 2021. Baseline characteristics and imaging parameters from non-contrast CT, CT angiography (CTA), and CTP-RAPID were collected for analysis. RESULTS: Among the 55 patients enrolled in this study, 22 (40.0%) achieved a good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤3 at 90 days). In the univariate analysis, posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, Basilar Artery on CT Angiography score, posterior circulation CTA score, posterior communicating artery deficiency, perfusion deficit volume in time to maximum (Tmax) >4 s, Tmax >6 s, and mismatch volume were associated with functional outcomes (all p<0.05). In the multivariate analysis, perfusion deficit volume in Tmax >6 s (OR 1.011 (95% CI 1.001 to 1.020)) and posterior circulation CTA score (OR 0.435 (95% CI 0.225 to 0.840)) remained independent outcome predictors (all p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Perfusion deficit volume in Tmax >6 s on CTP-RAPID imaging maps and basilar artery on CTA score have potential as functional outcome predictors in patients with BAO after EVT.

Predictors of Futile Recanalization in Patients with Intracranial Atherosclerosis-Related Stroke Undergoing Endovascular Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The predictors of futile recanalization in patients with intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS)-related stroke are not understood. This study aimed to identify the predictors of futile recanalization after endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients who experience an acute stroke caused by ICAS-related occlusion. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with ICAS-related stroke who underwent EVT from January 2018 to July 2021. Futile recanalization was defined as functional dependence (modified Rankin scale 3-6) despite successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2 b/3). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors associated with futile recanalization. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to examine the predictive value of the risk prediction model for futile recanalization. RESULTS: Of the 87 patients enrolled, futile recanalization was observed in 32 (36.8%). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that older age (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.10; P = 0.026), a higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.08-1.45; P = 0.003), and poor collaterals (OR, 5.49; 95% CI, 1.70-17.79; P = 0.004) were independently associated with futile recanalization after EVT in patients with ICAS-related stroke. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the model in combination with age, admission NIHSS score, and collateral status could accurately predict futile recanalization in these patients (areas under the curve, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.76-0.92; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Older age, higher NIHSS score on admission, and poor collaterals are predictors of futile recanalization in patients with ICAS-related stroke.

Micro-guidewire electrocoagulation for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms that are inaccessible by microcatheterization: a case series and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The use of traditional endovascular techniques for aneurysms that are difficult to catheterize is challenging. We present our experience of using micro-guidewire electrocoagulation for the treatment of aneurysms that were inaccessible by a microcatheter. METHODS: Seven consecutive patients who underwent endovascular electrocoagulation for the treatment of aneurysms between January 2020 and May 2022 were retrospectively included. Patient demographics, treatment procedures, and follow-up outcomes were assessed. A review of the literature was also performed. RESULTS: All of the seven treated aneurysms were ruptured, and micro-guidewire electrocoagulation was only conducted if the microcatheter could not advance into the aneurysm or parent artery. After electrocoagulation for 1-4 min, all seven aneurysms disappeared on contrast angiography. Parent artery occlusion was observed in six cases, and post-procedure infarctions of the operating region were identified in three patients. The 3-month follow-up modified Rankin Scale score was 0 in all except one patient. Follow-up angiography was available in six patients, and complete obliteration of the aneurysm was observed in all of them. With a mean follow-up time of 13.6 months, there was no rebleeding in any of the cases. To date, there are only eight published cases of aneurysms treated using micro-guidewire electrocoagulation, and seven of them achieved total occlusion of the aneurysm without neurological deficits. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular electrocoagulation is practicable and effective for the treatment of aneurysms that are inaccessible by a microcatheter during short-term observation. Studies on larger populations are needed to further confirm the safety and long-term outcomes for this technique.

Effects of endovascular treatment and prognostic factors for recovery of oculomotor nerve palsy caused by posterior communicating artery aneurysms: a multi-center retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) may result from posterior communicating artery (PcomA) aneurysms. We aimed to evaluate the resolution of ONP after endovascular treatment with the intention of clarifying predictors of nerve recovery in a relatively large series. METHODS: A total of 211 patients with ONP caused by PcomA aneurysms underwent endovascular coiling between May 2010 and December 2020 in four tertiary hospitals. We evaluated the demographics, clinical characteristics, aneurysm morphology parameters and ONP resolution to analyze the predictors of ONP recovery using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: At the last available clinical follow-up, ONP resolution was complete in 126 (59.7%) patients, partial in 73 (34.6%) patients, and no recovery in 12 (5.7%) patients. The median resolution time after endovascular treatment was 55 days (interquartile range: 40-90 days). In multivariate analysis, degree of ONP (incomplete palsy) on admission (OR 5.396; 95% CI 2.836-10.266; P < 0.001), duration of ONP (≤ 14 days) before treatment (OR 5.940; 95% CI 2.724-12.954; P < 0.001) were statistically significant predictors of complete recovery of ONP. In the subgroup analysis of patients with unruptured aneurysms, aspirin showed a higher complete recovery rate in univariate analysis (OR 2.652; 95% CI 1.057-6.656; P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: Initial incomplete ONP and early management might predict better recovery of ONP after endovascular treatment.

Balloon Angioplasty Combined with Tirofiban as a First-Line Rescue Treatment After Failed Mechanical Thrombectomy for Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion with Underlying Atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: The standard rescue modality for patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis after failed mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is not well established. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of balloon dilation in combination with tirofiban as the first-line salvage therapy when MT failed in these patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 47 patients admitted between January 2018 and June 2021, with middle cerebral artery atherosclerotic occlusion, who underwent balloon angioplasty in combination with tirofiban as the first-line salvage therapy after the failure of MT. The recanalization outcome, procedure-related complications, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and functional outcome at 90 days were reviewed. RESULTS: Recanalization with a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade of 2b-3 was achieved in 41 (87.2%) of the 47 patients. Acute stents were deployed in another 6 patients who did not achieve successful re-perfusion after balloon angioplasty. Successful recanalization was achieved in 3 of them. One patient (2.1%, 1/47) experienced re-occlusion several days later due to the withdrawal of antiplatelet therapy for parenchymal hematoma. Seven patients (14.9%, 7/47) underwent stent angioplasty in the stable stage (range: 1-2 months) because severe residual stenosis was detected on follow-up imaging. There was only one event of periprocedural complication, namely ectopic migration of emboli. The good functional outcome rate was 55.3% (26/47), without the events of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Balloon angioplasty in combination with tirofiban is safe and effective for middle cerebral artery atherosclerotic occlusion after the failure of MT.

Stent-assisted coiling of unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms with wide neck or unfavorable dome-to-neck ratio: Results of ventral wall vs dorsal wall with propensity score matching analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of stent-assisted coil embolization of unruptured wide-necked paraclinoid aneurysms based on the projection distribution. METHODS: Between November 2015 and September 2020, 267 unruptured paraclinod aneurysms in 236 patients were identified with a wide neck or unfavorable dome-to-neck ratio and treated with stent-assisted coiling technique. The classification of this segment aneurysms was simplified to the dorsal group (located on the anterior wall) and ventral group (Non-dorsal). Following propensity score matching analysis, the clinical and radiographic data were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Among 267 aneurysms, 186 were located on the ventral wall and 81 were on the dorsal wall. Dorsal wall aneurysms had a larger size (p < .001), wider neck (p = .001), and higher dome-to-neck ratio (p = .023) compared with ventral wall aneurysms. Propensity score-matched analysis found that dorsal group had a significantly higher likelihood of unfavorable results in immediate (residual sac, 39.4% vs. 18.2%, p = .007) and follow-up angiography (residual sac, 14.8% vs. 1.9%, p = .037) compared with ventral group, with significant difference in recurrence rates (9.3% vs. 0%, p = .028). The rates of procedure-related complications were not significantly different, but one thromboembolic event occurred in the dorsal group with clinical deterioration. CONCLUSIONS: Traditional stent-assisted coiling can be given preference in paraclinoid aneurysms located on the ventral wall. The relatively high rate of recurrence in dorsal wall aneurysms with stent assistance may require other treatment options.

Overlapping Stents-Assisted Coiling for Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysm : LVIS Stent within Neuroform EZ Stent.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an overlapped stenting-assisted coiling technique in treating vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm (VADA) via Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support (LVIS) stent-within-Neuroform EZ stent. METHODS: From January 2017 to June 2019, 18 consecutive patients with VADAs (ruptured : unruptured=5 : 13) were treated with the overlapping stents assisted-coiling technique in our center. The overlapping manner was a Neuroform EZ stent being deployed first, followed by LVIS stents placement using the 'shelf' technique. The patients' clinical characteristics, technical feasibility and safety, and immediate and follow-up angiographic results were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Seventeen (94.4%) procedures were technically successful with an exact deployment of the stents and patent parent or perforator arteries. The immediate angiographies after procedure confirmed Raymond class I, II, and III occlusion of VADAs were in 12 (66.7%), two (11.1%), and four cases (22.2%), respectively. Post-procedural complications developed in one patient (5.6%) with minor brainstem infarctions, which resulted from an in-stent thrombosis during the procedure. Angiographic follow-up at 5.7 months (range 3 to 9 months) demonstrated Raymond class I and II occlusion were in all cases (100%). The modified Rankin Scale scores at 21.3 months (range 15 to 42 months) 0-2 in 17 cases (94.4%) and three in one case (5.6%). CONCLUSION: Overlapping stents via LVIS stent-within-Neuroform EZ stent combined with coiling is safe and effective for patients with VADA in the midterm results.

Effect of baseline infarct size on endovascular thrombectomy with or without intravenous alteplase in stroke patients: A subgroup analysis of a randomized trial (DIRECT-MT).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: DIRECT-MT showed that endovascular thrombectomy was noninferior to thrombectomy preceded by intravenous alteplase with regard to functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke. In this post hoc analysis, we examined whether infarct size modified the effect of alteplase. METHODS: All patients with baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) grades were included. The primary outcome was the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the adjusted common odds ratio (OR) for better functional outcome based on the mRS for thrombectomy alone versus combination therapy. An interaction term was entered to test for an interaction with baseline ASPECTS subgroups: 0-4 versus 5-7 versus 8-10. RESULTS: Of 649 patients, 323 (49.8%) were in the thrombectomy-alone group and 326 (50.2%) in the combination-therapy group. There was no significant treatment-by-trichotomized ASPECTS interaction with alteplase prior to endovascular treatment for the primary endpoint of ordinal mRS (p-value interaction term relative to ASPECTS 8-10: ASPECTS 0-4, p = 0.386; ASPECTS 5-7, p = 0.936). Adjusted common ORs for improvement in the 90-day mRS with thrombectomy alone compared with combination therapy were 1.99 (95% confidence interval = 0.72-5.46) for ASPECTS 0-4, 1.07 (0.62-1.86) for ASPECTS 5-7, and 1.03 (0.74-1.45) for ASPECTS 8-10. There was no significant difference in the safety outcomes between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline infarct size may not modify the effect of alteplase prior to endovascular thrombectomy with regard to favorable functional outcomes and adverse events.

Cerebral blood volume Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score predicts intracranial hemorrhage after thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke in an extended time window.

BACKGROUND: Higher baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) was associated with a lower probability of hemorrhagic transformation in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). PURPOSE: To investigate the predictive value of cerebral blood volume (CBV)-ASPECTS of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in AIS treated with thrombectomy selected by computed tomographic perfusion (CTP) in an extended time window. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 91 consecutive patients with AIS with large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation after thrombectomy in an extended time window were enrolled between January 2018 and September 2019. ICH was diagnosed according to Heidelberg Bleeding Classification. CBV-ASPECTS was assessed by evaluating each ASPECTS region for relatively low CBV value compared with the mirror region in the contralateral hemisphere. Demographic characteristics, clinical data, CBV-ASPECTS, and procedure process and results were compared between patients with ICH and those without. RESULTS: ICH occurred in 31/91 (34.1%) patients with AIS. Symptomatic ICH (sICH) was observed in 4 (4.4%) patients, while asymptomatic ICH (aICH) was seen in 27 (29.7%). In univariate analysis, both ICH and aICH were associated with high admission NIHSS score (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively), more passes of retriever (P = 0.007 and P = 0.019, respectively), low NCCT-ASPECTS (P = 0.013 and P = 0.034, respectively), and low CBV-ASPECTS (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). After multivariable analysis, low CBV-ASPECTS remained an independent predictor of ICH (odds ratio [OR] 0.521, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.371-0.732, P < 0.001) and aICH (OR 0.532, 95% CI 0.376-0.752, P < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: Low CBV-ASPECTS independently predicts ICH in patients with AIS treated with thrombectomy selected by CTP in an extended time window.

Effect of "drip-and-ship" and "drip-and-drive" on endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion: a single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO) were usually transferred from a primary stroke center (PSC) to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) for endovascular treatment (drip-and-ship [DS]), while driving the doctor from a CSC to a PSC to perform a procedure is an alternative strategy (drip-and-drive [DD]). PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and prognosis of the two strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From February 2017 to June 2019, 62 patients with LVO received endovascular treatment via the DS and DD models and were retrospectively analyzed from the stroke alliance based on our CSC. Primary endpoint was door-to-reperfusion (DTR) time. Secondary endpoints included puncture-to-recanalization (PTR) time, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) rates at the end of the procedure, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. RESULTS: Forty-one patients received the DS strategy and 21 patients received the DD strategy. The DTR time was significantly longer in the DS group compared to the DD group (315.5 ± 83.8 min vs. 248.6 ± 80.0 min; P < 0.05), and PTR time was shorter (77.2 ± 35.9 min vs. 113.7 ± 69.7 min; P = 0.033) compared with the DD group. Successful recanalization (mTICI 2b/3) was achieved in 89% (36/41) of patients in the DS group and 86% (18/21) in the DD group (P = 1.000). Favorable functional outcomes (mRS 0-2) were observed in 49% (20/41) of patients in the DS group and 71% (15/21) in the DD group at 90 days (P = 0.089). CONCLUSION: Compared with the DS strategy, the DD strategy showed more effective and a trend of better clinical outcomes for AIS patients with LVO.

Intracranial hematoma following ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms: risk factors, outcome, and prognostic factors after management of coiling first.

BACKGROUND: To determine the risk factors for intracranial hematoma (ICH) development following ruptured anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysms and to determine prognostic factors associated with unfavorable outcomes after coiling first. METHODS: From March 2014 to February 2020, 235 patients with ruptured AcomA aneurysms underwent endovascular treatment in our department. The clinical and radiographic conditions were collected retrospectively. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores of ≤ 2 were accepted as favorable outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify significant factors contributing to the incidence of ICHs and to unfavorable outcomes. RESULTS: Of these 235 patients, 68 had additional ICHs. A posterior orientation of ruptured AcomA aneurysms was the independent variable associated with the incidence of ICHs (OR 3.675; p<0.001). Furthermore, having preoperative Hunt-Hess grades Ⅳ-Ⅴ was an independent variable associated with unfavorable outcomes for ICH patients (OR 80.000; p<0.001). Among the 68 patients with ICHs, 40% (27/68) had Hunt-Hess grades IV-V. Four percent of patients (3/68) underwent surgical hematoma evacuation after the coiling procedure and 15% of the patients (10/68) underwent external ventricular drainage. A favorable outcome was achieved in 72% (49/68) of patients with ruptured AcomA aneurysms. The mortality rate was 21% (14/68) at 6 months. CONCLUSION: A posterior orientation of ruptured AcomA aneurysms was associated with the incidence of ICHs. Coiling first with surgical management if necessary seems to be an acceptable treatment for ruptured AcomA aneurysms with ICHs. The clinical outcome was associated with the clinical neurological status on admission.