Ensemble machine learning to predict futile recanalization after mechanical thrombectomy based on non-contrast CT imaging.

OBJECTIVES: Despite successful recanalization after Mechanical Thrombectomy (MT), approximately 25 % of patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) due to Large Vessel Occlusion (LVO) show unfavorable clinical outcomes, namely Futile Recanalization (FR). We aimed to use a Machine Learning (ML) Non-Contrast brain CT (NCCT) imaging predictive model to identify FR in patients undergoing MT. MATERIALS & METHODS: Between July 2022 and December 2022, 70 consecutive patients with LVO undergoing a complete recanalization (eTICI 3) with MT within 8 h from onset at our Centre were analyzed. Two NCCT images per patient of middle cerebral artery vascular territory and patients' clinical characteristics were classified by the presence of ischemic features on 24 h NCCT after MT. Each slice was segmented with "Mazda" software ver.4.6 by placing a Region Of Interest (ROI) on the whole brain by two radiologists in consensus. A total of 381 features were extracted for each slice. The dataset was split into train and test set with a 70:30 ratio. RESULTS: Eleven classification models were trained. An Ensemble Machine Learning (EML) model was obtained by averaging the predictions of models with accuracy on a test set >70 %, with and without patients' clinical characteristics. The EML model combined with clinical data showed an accuracy of 0.76, a sensitivity of 0.88, a specificity of 0.69 with a NPV of 0.90, a PPV of 0.64, with AUC of 0.84. CONCLUSION: NCCT and ML analysis shows promise in predicting FR after complete recanalization following MT in AIS patients. Larger studies are required to confirm these preliminary results.

Endovascular treatment of acute arteriosclerotic vertebrobasilar occlusion: A single center experience.

OBJECTIVES: Few experiences on vertebrobasilar occlusion over underlying intracranial atherosclerotic disease have been reported in literature and the optimal strategy on how to perform a mechanical thrombectomy is unclear. The aim of this paper is to bring our experience based on patients admitted with acute vertebrobasilar occlusion with underlying atheromatous lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Several data were collected from August 2009 to October 2022 including clinical history, pre- and post-treatment neurological objectivity, diagnostic images and angiographic procedural images, and clinical outcome at 6 months. We selected 13 patients from August 2009 to October 2022, 12 men and 1 woman, aged 40 to 82 years (mean age, 62.6 years). RESULTS: Mechanical thrombectomy with a thromboaspiration was performed in all patients as beginning of the procedure. In three patients, the procedures resulted in excellent angiographic result and clinical outcome, while in three patients, we observed a failure of the procedural and clinical outcome. For residual intracranial stenosis in three patients, an angioplasty was performed obtaining an ischemic area related to the posterior circulation. In four patients, a stent was placed, in three patients, we obtained a good clinical outcome with a mRS between 0 and 2, while one treatment resulted in death, probably due to a late endovascular treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment with stent deployment appears to result in an excellent outcome in patients with occlusion of the vertebrobasilar circulation in cases of occlusion on atheromatic plaque. The degree of residual stenosis after thrombospiration can significantly affect subsequent type of treatment.

Percutaneous transhepatic stent for chronic intestinal bleeding from jejunal varices in primary idiophatic superior mesenteric vein stenosis: A case report.

Jejunal varices are a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. In most cases, they are due to portal hypertension related to liver cirrhosis, less frequently to superior mesenteric vein stenosis (SMV). In this article we describe an unusual case of a 61 year-old male patient who arrived at our emergency department with intermittent variceal bleeding due to jejunal varices causing melena and subsequent chronic anaemia. Patient was indeed discovered to have primary idiopathic superior mesenteric vein stenosis. We managed to treat this patient via SMV stenting through percutaneous transhepatic approach. In cases of upper-GI bleed with negative endoscopy for active bleeding, a contrast-enhanced CT scan should be performed to diagnose jejunal varices and their underlying cause, such as SMV stenosis which is best treated with percutaneous phlebography.