The effect of intravenous thrombolysis in stroke patients with unsuccessful thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: The benefit of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is well established. We aim to study the benefits of IVT in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) who underwent unsuccessful mechanical thrombectomy (MT). METHODS: We included AIS patients who underwent MT for anterior circulation LVO with failed recanalization (modified treatment in cerebral ischemia [mTICI] score ≤ 2A). Patients who received IVT prior to MT were compared to those who received MT alone. Propensity score matching using demographic, clinical, radiographic and procedural variables was used to match patients with and without IVT. The primary outcome was favorable 90-day good functional outcome (defined as modified Rankin scale of 0-2), and secondary outcomes included intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), symptomatic ICH (sICH), and 90-day mortality. RESULTS: Totally, 610 AIS patients with unsuccessful MT were included. After propensity matching, 219 patients were identified in each group. Median age was 70 years and 73 years in the IVT + MT and MT alone groups, respectively. In the IVT + MT group, final mTICI scores of 0, 1, and 2A were achieved in 92 (42.0%), 33 (15.1%), and 94 (42.9%) patients, respectively, versus 76 (34.7%), 29 (13.2%), and 114 (52.1%) in the MT alone group. The IVT + MT group had greater odds of 90-day good functional outcome (adjusted odds ratio 2.54, 95% confidence interval 1.53-4.32). There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: IVT is associated with improved functional outcomes in AIS patients with LVO despite unsuccessful MT.

Comparison of combined intravenous and intra-arterial thrombolysis with intravenous thrombolysis alone in stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy: a propensity-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: A combination of intravenous (IVT) or intra-arterial (IAT) thrombolysis with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO) has been investigated. However, there is limited data on patients who receive both IVT and IAT compared with IVT alone before MT. METHODS: STAR data from 2013 to 2023 was utilized. We performed propensity score matching between the two groups. The primary outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-2. Secondary outcomes included successful recanalization (modified treatment in cerebral infarction (mTICI) ≥2B, ≥2C), early neurological improvement, any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and 90-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 2454 AIS-LVO patients were included. Propensity matching yielded 190 well-matched patients in each group. No significant differences were observed between the groups in either ICH or sICH (odds ratio (OR): 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51-1.24, P=0.37; OR: 0.60, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.24, P=0.21, respectively). Rates of successful recanalization and early neurological improvement (ENI) were significantly lower in MT+IVT + IAT. mRS 0-1 and mortality were not significantly different between the two groups. However, the MT+IVT + IAT group demonstrated superior rates of good functional outcomes (90-day mRS 0-1) compared with patients in the MT+IVT group who had mTICI ≤2B, (OR: 2.18, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.99, P=0.04). CONCLUSION: The combined use of IAT and IVT thrombolysis in AIS-LVO patients undergoing MT is safe. Although the MT+IVT+ IAT group demonstrated lower rates of recanalization and early neurological improvement, long-term functional outcomes were favorable in this group suggesting a potential delayed benefit of IAT.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy in medium-vessel posterior cerebral artery occlusions: Subgroup analysis from STAR.

BACKGROUND: Whereas mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become standard-of-care treatment for patients with salvageable brain tissue after acute stroke caused by large-vessel occlusions, the results of MT in patients with medium-vessel occlusions (MEVOs), particularly in the posterior cerebral artery (PCA), are not well known. METHODS: Using data from the international Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR), we assessed presenting characteristics and clinical outcomes for patients who underwent MT for primary occlusions in the P2 PCA segment. As a subanalysis, we compared the PCA MeVO outcomes with STAR's anterior circulation MeVO outcomes, namely middle cerebral artery (MCA) M2 and M3 segments. RESULTS: Of the 9812 patients in STAR, 43 underwent MT for isolated PCA MeVOs. The patients' median age was 69 years (interquartile range 61-79), and 48.8% were female. The median NIH Stroke Scale score was 9 (range 6-17). After recanalization, 67.4% of patients achieved successful recanalization (modified treatment in cerebral infarction score [mTICI] ≥ 2b), with a first-pass success rate of 44.2%, and 39.6% achieved a modified Rankin score of 0-2 at 90 days. Nine patients (20.9%) had died by the 90-day follow-up. In comparison with M2 and M3 MeVOs, there were no differences in presenting characteristics among the three groups. Patients with PCA MeVOs were less likely to undergo intra-arterial thrombolysis (4.7% PCA vs. 10.1% M2 vs. 16.2% M3, p = 0.046) or to achieve successful recanalization (mTICI ≥ 2b, 67.4%, 86.7%, 82.3%, respectively, p < 0.001); however, there were no differences in the rates of successful first-pass recanalization (44.2%, 49.8%, 52.3%, respectively, p = 0.65). CONCLUSIONS: We describe the STAR experience performing MT in patients with PCA MeVOs. Our analysis supports that successful first-pass recanalization can be achieved in PCA MEVOs at a rate similar to that in MCA MeVOs, although further study and possible innovation may be necessary to improve successful PCA MeVO recanalization rates.

Complete meningioma resolution following endovascular embolization of chronic subdural hematoma.

We present the first reported case that describes the complete resolution of a meningioma following endovascular embolization. A man in his 70s who presented with gait abnormalities and recurrent falls was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and found to have a small incidental meningioma. Due to ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement for cerebrospinal fluid diversion, the patient developed a bilateral subdural hematoma (SDH) requiring evacuation and drain placement. The patient also underwent bilateral middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization. During the embolization, the known right frontal meningioma was embolized as it was supplied by the right MMA. The patient remained neurologically stable after this procedure. His follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 1 year and 2 years after the procedure demonstrated complete resolution of the meningioma.

Earlier Endovascular Thrombectomy and Mortality in Patients with Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion: A Propensity-Matched Analysis of the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry.

BACKGROUND: The definitive impact of onset to arterial puncture time (OPT) on 90-day mortality after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) remains unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of OPT on 90-day mortality in anterior circulation AIS-LVO patients who underwent EVT. METHODS: Data from 33 international centers were retrospectively analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to identify a cutoff for OPT. A propensity score-matched analysis was performed. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 6). Secondary outcomes included mortality at discharge, 90-day good outcome (mRS 0-2), 90-day poor outcome (mRS 5-6), successful recanalization (defined as postprocedure modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale ≥2b), and intracranial hemorrhage. RESULTS: A total of 2842 AIS-LVO patients with EVT were included. The cutoff for OPT for 90-day mortality was 180 min. Of these 378 patients had OPT <180 min and 378 patients had OPT ≥180 min in the propensity score-matched cohort (n = 756). Patients with OPT <180 min were less likely to have 90-day mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51-0.96) and poor outcome (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53-0.96), and more likely to have 90-day good outcome (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.16-2.08). Other outcomes showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that OPT <180 min was less related to 90-day mortality and poor outcome, and more to 90-day good outcome in AIS-LVO patients who underwent EVT.

Rescue Therapy for Failed Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Pooled Analysis of the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology Registry.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the association between rescue therapy (RT) and functional outcomes compared to medical management (MM) in patients presenting after failed mechanical thrombectomy (MT). METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized prospectively collected and maintained data from the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology Registry, spanning from 2011 to 2021. The cohort comprised patients with large vessel occlusions (LVOs) with failed MT. The primary outcome was the shift in the degree of disability, as gauged by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. Additional outcomes included functional independence (90-day mRS score of 0-2), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and 90-day mortality. RESULTS: Of a total of 7,018 patients, 958 presented failed MT and were included in the analysis. The RT group comprised 407 (42.4%) patients, and the MM group consisted of 551 (57.5%) patients. After adjusting for confounders, the RT group showed a favorable shift in the overall 90-day mRS distribution (adjusted common odds ratio = 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.32-2.45, p < 0.001) and higher rates of functional independence (RT: 28.8% vs MM: 15.7%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.21-3.07, p = 0.005) compared to the MM group. RT also showed lower rates of sICH (RT: 3.8% vs MM: 9.1%, aOR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.28-0.97, p = 0.039) and 90-day mortality (RT: 33.4% vs MM: 45.5%, aOR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.42-0.89, p = 0.009). INTERPRETATION: Our findings advocate for the utilization of RT as a potential treatment strategy for cases of LVO resistant to first-line MT techniques. Prospective studies are warranted to validate these observations and optimize the endovascular approach for failed MT patients. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:343-355.

Comparison between transradial and transfemoral mechanical thrombectomy for ICA and M1 occlusions: insights from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR).

BACKGROUND: The role for the transradial approach for mechanical thrombectomy is controversial. We sought to compare transradial and transfemoral mechanical thrombectomy in a large multicenter database of acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: The prospectively maintained Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) was reviewed for patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for an internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery M1 occlusion. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess outcomes including reperfusion time, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), distal embolization, and functional outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 2258 cases, 1976 via the transfemoral approach and 282 via the transradial approach, were included. Radial access was associated with shorter reperfusion time (34.1 min vs 43.6 min, P=0.001) with similar rates of Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2B or greater reperfusion (87.9% vs 88.1%, P=0.246). Patients treated via a transradial approach were more likely to achieve at least TICI 2C (59.6% vs 54.7%, P=0.001) and TICI 3 reperfusion (50.0% vs 46.2%, P=0.001), and had shorter lengths of stay (mean 9.2 days vs 10.2, P<0.001). Patients treated transradially had a lower rate of symptomatic ICH (8.0% vs 9.4%, P=0.047) but a higher rate of distal embolization (23.0% vs 7.1%, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in functional outcome at 90 days between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Radial and femoral thrombectomy resulted in similar clinical outcomes. In multivariate analysis, the radial approach had improved revascularization rates, fewer cases of symptomatic ICH, and faster reperfusion times, but higher rates of distal emboli. Further studies on the optimal approach are necessary based on patient and disease characteristics.

Device use trends in neuroendovascular procedures in the United States from 2015 to 2020.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendovascular therapies involve an everchanging landscape of new technologies. Understanding the real-world timeframe of adaptation of such technologies can provide further guidance on mechanisms that could be employed to shorten the duration necessary for the widespread use of proven therapies. In this study, we aim to investigate the trends in the use of neuroendovascular technologies, utilizing the sales of neuroendovascular devices, as a proxy for procedural volume. METHODS: Utilizing a device sales data registry from the Decision Resources Group, a healthcare research and consulting company, we examined trends in the sales of devices utilized in cerebrovascular thrombectomy, cerebral aneurysm treatment, and carotid stenting from the same 407 reporting hospitals in the United States between January 1, 2015, and January 1, 2020. Device sales per year were plotted as both the total number of devices sold per year as well as the percent of total device sales when compared against at least one other device. The Cochran-Armitage test for trend was performed when comparing at least two devices to each other. Analyses were performed using RStudio Version 1.1.456 (https://rstudio.com). RESULTS: Between 2015 and 2020, there was a significant increase in the use of flow-diverting stents as well as nondiverting stents utilized for coil assistance. However, the total number of coils utilized over the years has declined. In terms of stroke therapy, between 2015 and 2020, there was a trend of increased use of both aspiration catheters as well as stent retrievers, which plateaued in 2020. The number of stents used for carotid procedures has also been gradually increasing over time. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates an increase in the use of flow-diverting stents, nondiverting stents, carotid stents, and reperfusion devices for acute ischemic stroke intervention between 2015 and 2020. Coil use for aneurysmal treatment has declined.

Absent hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign is associated with poor functional outcome after mechanical thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: The hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign on computed tomography indicates proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion. Recent reports suggest an association between the hyperdense sign and successful reperfusion. The prognostic value of the hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign in patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy has not been extensively studied. AIMS: Our study aims to evaluate the association between the hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign and functional outcome in patients with M1 occlusions that had undergone mechanical thrombectomy. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective observational cohort study of 102 consecutive patients presenting with acute M1 occlusions that had undergone mechanical thrombectomy. Patients were stratified into cohorts based on the presence of hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign visually assessed on computed tomography by two readers. The outcomes of interests were functional disability measured by the ordinal Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days, mortality, reperfusion status and hemorrhagic conversion. RESULTS: Out of the 102 patients with M1 occlusions, 71 had hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign. There was no significant difference between the cohorts in age, baseline mRS, NIHSS, ASPECTS, and time to reperfusion. The absence of hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign was associated with increased odds of being dependent or dying (higher mRS) (OR: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.30-8.06, p = 0.011) after adjusting for other significant predictors, including age, female sex, hypertension, presenting serum glucose, ASPECTS, CTA collateral score, and successful reperfusion. CONCLUSION: The absence of hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign is associated with worse functional outcome in patients presenting with M1 occlusions undergoing thrombectomy.

Clinical Utility of the Transthoracic Echocardiogram for Isolated Lacunar Infarcts: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a prominent and financially burdensome disease. Lacunar strokes are traditionally attributed to small vessel disease rather than cardioemboli, which typically occlude larger arteries. Thus, the benefit of screening for potential sources of cardioemboli in lacunar stroke patients is unclear. We evaluated the clinical utility of the transthoracic echocardiogram performed in patients with lacunar strokes. METHODS: A single-center retrospective analysis of ischemic stroke patients from January 2013 through December 2017 was performed. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was used to select patients with a single lacunar infarct. Patients presenting with acute symptoms of cardiac disease or an abnormal electrocardiogram were excluded. Transthoracic echocardiogram results were reviewed, and their utility in decision-making was evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 442 patients at our institution diagnosed with ischemic stroke during the inclusion period, 89 met inclusion criteria. Transthoracic echocardiogram detected a patent foramen ovale in 5.6% of patients, mitral annular calcification in 9.0% of patients, and abnormal wall motion in 4.5% of patients. For all patients, there were no findings that prompted anticoagulation, antibiotic, or surgical intervention. The cost of an inpatient transthoracic echocardiogram is $4100, resulting in $364,900 in unnecessary health care spending. CONCLUSIONS: Transthoracic echocardiogram appears to have minimal therapeutic value in most patients with lacunar strokes. In stroke patients with no acute symptoms of cardiac disease and a normal electrocardiogram, it may be reasonable to forgo the transthoracic echocardiogram if the brain magnetic resonance imaging shows an isolated lacunar infarct.

Trends in interventional stroke device utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: The collateral effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on interventional stroke care is not well described. We studied this effect by utilizing stroke device sales data as markers of interventional stroke case volume in the United States. METHODS: Using a real-time healthcare device sales registry, this observational study examined trends in the sales of thrombectomy devices and cerebral aneurysm coiling from the same 945 reporting hospitals in the U.S. between January 22 and June 31, 2020, and for the same months in 2018 and 2019 to allow for comparison. We simultaneously reviewed daily reports of new COVID-19 cases. The strength of association between the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 and procedural device sales was measured using Spearman rank correlation coefficient (CC). RESULTS: Device sales decreased for thrombectomy (- 3.7%) and cerebral aneurysm coiling (- 8.5%) when comparing 2019-2020. In 2020, thrombectomy device sales were negatively associated with the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 (CC - 0.56, p < 0.0001), with stronger negative correlation during April (CC - 0.97, p < 0.0001). The same negative correlation was observed with aneurysm treatment devices (CC - 0.60, p < 0.001), with stronger correlation in April (CC - 0.97, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The decline in sales of stroke interventional equipment underscores a decline in associated case volumes. Future pandemic responses should consider strategies to mitigate such negative collateral effects.

Quantitative Assessment of Hyperdense Sign Measured by Hounsfield Units is Associated with Unsuccessful Mechanical Thrombectomy.

PURPOSE: Despite advancement in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) techniques, 10-30% of MT for large vessel occlusions (LVO) are unsuccessful. Current prediction models fail to address the association between patient-specific factors and reperfusion. We aimed to evaluate objective, easily reproducible, admission clinical and radiological biomarkers that predict unsuccessful MT. METHODS: We analyzed consecutive anterior LVO MT patients at two comprehensive stroke centers. The primary outcome was unsuccessful reperfusion defined by a modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score of 0-2a. We quantitatively assessed the hyperdense vessel sign by measuring Hounsfield units (HU) on admission computed tomography (CT). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to estimate the predictive value of quantitative hyperdense middle cerebral artery (MCA) measurements (delta and ratio) and of the final model for mTICI scores. We performed multivariable logistic regression to analyze associations with outcomes. RESULTS: Out of 348 patients 87 had unsuccessful MT. Smoking, difficult arch, vessel tortuosity, vessel calcification, diminutive vessels, truncal M1 occlusion, delta HU and HU ratio were significantly associated with unsuccessful MT in the univariate analysis. When we fitted two separate multivariate models including all significant variables and a HU measurement; delta HU <6 (odds ratio, OR = 2.07, 95% confidence intervals, CI 1.09-3.92) and HU ratio ≤1.1 (OR = 2.003, 95% CI 1.05-3.81) were independently associated with failed MT after adjustment for smoking, diminutive vessels, vessel tortuosity, and difficult arch. The area under the curve AUC<9 of the final model was 0.717. CONCLUSION: Novel radiological biomarkers on CT, CT angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) may help identify patients refractory to standard MT and prepare interventionalists for using additional alternative methods. Quantitative assessment of HU (delta and ratio) may be important in developing objective prediction tools for unsuccessful MT.

Patterns of Care and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Cerebral Sinus Venous Thrombosis.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the association between rurality, transfer patterns and level of care with clinical outcomes of CVST patients in a rural Midwestern state. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CVST patients admitted to the hospitals between 2005 and 2014 were identified by inpatient diagnosis codes from statewide administrative claims dataset. Records were linked across interhospital transfers using probabilistic linkage. Rurality was defined by Rural-Urban Commuting Areas using the 2-category approximation. Driving distances were estimated using GoogleMaps Application Programming Interface. Hospital stroke certification was defined by the Joint Commission. Severity of CVST was estimated by cost of care corrected for inflation and cost-to-charge ratios. Outcome was discharge disposition and total length of stay (LOS). Wilcoxon rank-sum, Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests and linear and logistic regressions were used. RESULTS: 168 CVST patients were identified (79.8% female; median age = 32, IQR = 24.0-45.5). Median LOS was four days (IQR = 2-7) and patients traveled a median of 8.1 miles (IQR = 2.5-28.5) to the first hospital; 42% of patients were transferred to a second hospital, 5% to a third. More than half (58.3%) bypassed the nearest hospital. 86% visit a primary or comprehensive stroke center (CSC) during their acute care. Rurality was not significantly associated with LOS or discharge disposition after adjusting for age, sex and cost of care. Patients in CSC demonstrated greater likelihood of being discharged home compared to at a primary stroke center after adjusting for age and disease severity (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: While rurality was not significantly associated with LOS or disposition outcome, care at a CSC increases likelihood of being discharge home.

Association of admission clinical predictors and functional outcome in patients with Cerebral Venous and Dural Sinus Thrombosis.

OBJECTIVES: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare subtype of stroke that most commonly affects younger women. While most patients treated with anticoagulation therapy have good outcomes, a significant number go on to experience disability. The primary aim of this study was to identify objective, easily reproducible, clinical admission predictors of poor outcome at discharge in patients with CVST. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of adult CVST patients admitted at our comprehensive stroke center between April 2004 and December 2017. The medical records of patients with a CVST discharge diagnosis code were reviewed for diagnosis confirmation and extraction of clinical and demographic admission data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to build predictive models of objective, standardized examination signs and adjusted for confounders. The primary endpoint was modified Rankin Scale score at discharge defined as good outcome (0-2) and poor outcome (3-6). Mortality was the secondary endpoint. RESULTS: A total of 176 CVST patients were identified. Most patients were white (91 %) and female (65 %). The median age was 40 years old. Headache was the most commonly reported symptom (74 %). Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) was present in 27 % of patients, venous infarct occurred in 22 % of the patients, and 12 % had both. Age (OR = 1.03, 95 % CI 1.01-1.05), abnormal level of consciousness (OR = 4.38, 95 % CI 1.86-8.88), and focal motor deficits (OR = 3.49, 95 % CI 1.49-8.15) were found to be predictive of poor functional outcome. Pre-hospitalization infections (OR = 5.22, 95 % CI 1.51-18.07) and abnormal level of consciousness (OR = 9.22, 95 % CI 2.34-36.40) were significant predictors of mortality. The predictive effect remained significant after adjusting by median PTT level, presence of intracranial hemorrhage, and venous infarct. CONCLUSIONS: Age, abnormal level of consciousness, and focal motor deficits identified at admission are independently associated with poor outcome in CVST patients. These frequently prevalent, easily reproducible examination signs represent the first step to develop a clinical prediction tool toward stratifying CVST patients with poor prognosis at admission.

Safety and efficacy of the use of large bore intermediate suction catheters alone or in combination for the treatment of acute cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: A multicenter experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Systemic anticoagulation is the standard treatment for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). Several endovascular techniques have been described as salvage therapy for anticoagulation refractory CVST cases. We aim to evaluate the safety and feasibility of endovascular aspiration thrombectomy using the new generation, large bore suction catheters alone or in combination with stentriever devices for the treatment of CVST. METHODS: We collected data on 16 consecutive patients with CVST who received endovascular aspiration thrombectomy at three large academic centers. Second generation reperfusion catheters were used as a large bore suction catheter and advanced to the affected sinus using a coaxial technique. Suction was performed using pump suction. At times, a stentriever was used as an anchor to facilitate advancing the suction catheter and to increase thrombectomy capabilities. RESULTS: Median decade of age was the 50s and nine patients were women. Fifty percent of the patients had multiple sinuses involved. All patients received systemic anticoagulation prior to endovascular aspiration thrombectomy. The most common reason to pursue endovascular aspiration thrombectomy in CVST patients was deterioration of initial clinical status (10/16). The mean time from admission to endovascular aspiration thrombectomy was 1.5 days (range 0-6 days). Good recanalization was obtained in all patients. There were no major peri-procedural complications. Most patients were discharged to either home or a rehabilitation facility. CONCLUSION: Endovascular aspiration treatment using large bore suction catheters for CVST is a safe and feasible approach for the treatment of anticoagulation refractory CVST. Heterogeneity of the clinical and radiological presentation requires further investigation to optimize patient selection before evaluating the efficacy of this technique in larger prospective studies.

A paradoxical relationship between hemoglobin A1C and in-hospital mortality in intracerebral hemorrhage patients.

OBJECTIVES: The relationship between prior glycemic status and outcomes in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is not established. We hypothesized that higher hemoglobin (Hb) A1c is associated with worse outcomes in ICH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using the GWTG-Stroke registry, data on patients with ICH between April 1, 2003 and September 30, 2015 were harvested. Patients were divided into four ordinal groups based on HbA1c values of <5.7%, 5.7-6.4%, 6.5-8.0% and >8.0%. Outcomes (mortality, modified Rankin Scale (mRS), home discharge and independent ambulatory status) were analyzed for patients overall and separately for patients with or without history of diabetes using multivariable regression models. RESULTS: Among 75,455 patients with ICH (with available HbA1c data), patients with lower HbA1c (<5.7%) had higher rates of in-hospital mortality in the entire cohort (15.5%; 3947/25473); as well as those with history of diabetes (19.0%; 542/2852). Among those without history of diabetes, both lower HbA1c (15.1%; 3405/22621) and higher HbA1c (>8.0%), (15.0%; 205/1364) were associated with higher in-hospital mortality. Lower HbA1c was also associated with higher mRS, less chance of going home, and lower likelihood of having independent ambulatory status in patients with prior history of diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with no reported history of diabetes, both very low and very high HbA1c were directly associated with higher in-hospital mortality. Only very low HbA1c was associated with higher mortality in known diabetic patients. Further studies are needed to better define the relationship between HbA1c and outcomes, for it may have important implications for care of ICH patients.

Endovascular Thrombolysis or Thrombectomy for Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: Study of Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2004-2014.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: 15% of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) patients have poor outcomes despite anticoagulation. Uncontrolled studies suggest that endovascular approaches may benefit such patients. In this study, we analyze Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) data to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular therapy (ET) versus medical management in CVT. We also examined the yearly trends of ET utilization in the United States. METHODS: International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes were utilized to identify CVT patients who received ET. To make the data nationally representative, weights were applied per NIS recommendations. Since ET was not randomly assigned to patients and was likely to be influenced by disease severity, propensity score weighting methods were utilized to correct for this treatment selection bias. Outcome variables included in-hospital mortality and discharge disposition. To determine if our primary outcomes were associated with ET, we used weighted multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Of the 49,952 estimated CVT cases, 48,704 (97%) received medical management and 1248 (3%) received ET (mechanical thrombectomy [MT] alone, N = 269 [21%], MT ± thrombolysis, N = 297 [24%], and thrombolysis alone, N = 682 [55%]). Patients who received ET were older with more CVT associated complications including venous infarct, intracranial hemorrhage, coma, seizure, and cerebral edema. There was a significant yearly rise in the use of ET, with a trend favoring MT versus thrombolysis alone. ET was independently associated with an increased risk of death (odds ratio 1.96, 95% confidence interval 1.15-3.32). CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving ET experienced higher mortality after adjusting for age and CVT associated complications. Large, well designed prospective randomized trials are warranted for further evaluation of the safety and efficacy of ETs.