Asymmetry of P1 and vertebral arteries is not related to basilar tip aneurysm development or rupture.

OBJECTIVE: Lately, morphological parameters of the surrounding vasculature aside from aneurysm size, specific for the aneurysm location, e.g., posterior cerebral artery angle for basilar artery tip aneurysms, could be identified to correlate with the risk of rupture. We examined further image-based morphological parameters of the aneurysm surrounding vasculature that could correlate with the growth or the risk of rupture of basilar artery tip aneurysms. METHODS: Data from 83 patients with basilar tip aneurysms (27 not ruptured; 56 ruptured) and 100 control patients were assessed (50 without aneurysms and 50 with aneurysms of the anterior circle of Willis). Anatomical parameters of the aneurysms were assessed and analyzed, as well as of the surrounding vasculature, namely the asymmetry of P1 and the vertebral arteries. RESULTS: Patients with basilar tip aneurysm showed no significant increase in P1 or vertebral artery asymmetry compared with the control patients or patients with aneurysms of the anterior circulation, neither was there a significant difference in asymmetry between cases with ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. Furthermore, we observed no significant correlations between P1 asymmetry and the aneurysm size or number of lobuli in the aneurysms. CONCLUSION: We observed no significant difference in aneurysm size, rupture, or lobulation associated with P1 or vertebral artery (surrounding vasculature) asymmetry. Therefore, the asymmetry of the surrounding vessels does not seem to be a promising morphological parameter for the evaluation of probability of rupture and growth in basilar tip aneurysms in future studies.

Mechanical thrombectomy in acute middle cerebral artery M2 segment occlusion with regard to vessel involvement.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment (EVT) is an established procedure in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to occlusion of the proximal M1-segment of middle cerebral artery. The assessment of distal thrombectomy in daily clinical routine has not yet been sufficiently evaluated. METHODS: Patients with M2-segment-occlusions treated by EVT in the local department (January 2012-December 2017) were included (n = 57, mean National-Institutes-of-Health-Stroke-Scale of 11, range 0-20). Patients were grouped according to localization of M2-occlusion (Cohort A (n = 14): central region only, B (n = 24): central region and involvement of frontal vessels, C (n = 19): parietal, occipital, and/or temporal vessels). Differences in proximal (M2-trunk, n = 34) and distal (M2-branches, n = 23) occlusions were also examined. Reperfusion (Thrombolysis-In-Cerebral-Infarction (TICI)), early clinical outcome at discharge (modified Rankin Scale (mRS)), and complications (hemorrhage, new emboli) were noted. RESULT: Successful reperfusion (TICI2b-3) was found in 49 patients (86.0%). Favorable early clinical outcome (mRS0-2) was achieved in n = 19 (37.7%). Compared to admission, mRS at discharge improved significantly (median (admission) 5 vs. median (discharge) 4, p < 0.001). Early clinical outcome was more favorable in patients with better reperfusion (TICI2b-3: mean mRS 3 ± 1.7 vs. TICI0-2a: mean mRS 4.4 ± 1.4, p = 0.037). Six (10.5%) patients suffered from symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage during treatment or hospitalization. Four patients died (7.0%). No significant differences in favorable clinical outcome (mRS ≤ 2: Cohort A 42.9%, B 50.0%, C 16.7%, p = 0.4; χ2-test) or periinterventional complications were found with regard to vessel involvement. CONCLUSION: EVT in patients with acute M2-occlusion is safe and leads to a significant clinical improvement at discharge. No significant differences in clinical outcome or complications were found with regard to the localization of the M2-occlusion.

One-year single-center experience with the Aperio thrombectomy device in large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation: safety, efficacy, and clinical outcome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Aperio thrombectomy device (Aperio) is a stent retriever designed to achieve rapid and substantial flow restoration in acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusions (LVOs). We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the Aperio device and compared it with published data of established stent retrievers. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed institutional data of consecutive stroke procedures in patients with LVO in the anterior circulation that were treated between January 2017 and December 2017 with the Aperio. Reperfusion rate regarding to the extended thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scale (eTICI), procedural times, early clinical outcome, and complications were documented. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were treated by using the Aperio in LVO in the anterior circulation. Median age was 77 (± 12) years (w = 59.8%). Median Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 14. Fifty-three (64.6%) patients received intravenous thrombolysis. Successful recanalization (eTICI≥2b) was achieved in 85.3%. Mean time from groin puncture to final recanalization was 52.3 ± 34.8 min. Embolization to new territories occurred in one case. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 24 h was observed in six patients (7.3%). Twenty-eight (41.2%) out of 68 patients available for assessment of functional outcome at 3 months achieved favorable outcome (mRS 0-2). CONCLUSION: The Aperio stent retriever mechanical thrombectomy device demonstrated high rates of successful reperfusion and a good safety profile in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to LVO in the anterior circulation.

A Retrospective Single-Center Case Series of Direct Aspiration Thrombectomy as First-Line Approach in Ischemic Stroke and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: The benefit of the direct aspiration thrombectomy (ADAPT) technique for the treatment of ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion are challenged after publishing of the ASTER trial that failed to show superiority of ADAPT compared to stent retriever. Aim of the present single-center study was a retrospective evaluation of the ADAPT technique comparing our results with literature. MATERIAL/METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed institutional data of stroke procedures in patients with mainstem occlusion of the middle cerebral artery treated between November 2016 and December 2017 with an initial attempt of manual thrombaspiration. Reperfusion rate (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction), procedural times, early clinical outcome and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Forty patients were treated by using direct thrombaspiration in middle cerebral artery mainstem occlusion. Median age was 67.5 (±17.8) years (m = 27.5%). Median Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 12 (IQR 7) preintervention and 3 (IQR 11) postintervention. Twenty-eight (70%) patients received intravenous thrombolysis. Successful recanalization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction ≥ 2b) could be achieved in 85% with direct aspiration alone. Mean time from groin puncture to recanalization was 25.2 ± 14.3 minutes. Embolization to new territories occurred in 1 of 40 (2.5%) cases and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in 3 of 40 (7.5%). Nineteen of 40 (47.5%) patients achieved favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale 0-2) at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: The ADAPT technique presented as a safe and efficient first-line recanalization strategy with good clinical outcome for treatment of acute ischemic stroke resulting from large vessel occlusions in this single-center study and review of the literature. However, the concept of ADAPT as an equivalent first-line approach to stent retriever thrombectomy has to be proven by future randomized studies.

Prediction of outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage using data from patient admission.

OBJECTIVES: The pathogenesis leading to poor functional outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) is multifactorial and not fully understood. We evaluated a machine learning approach based on easily determinable clinical and CT perfusion (CTP) features in the course of patient admission to predict the functional outcome 6 months after ictus. METHODS: Out of 630 consecutive subarachnoid haemorrhage patients (2008-2015), 147 (mean age 54.3, 66.7% women) were retrospectively included (Inclusion: aSAH, admission within 24 h of ictus, CTP within 24 h of admission, documented modified Rankin scale (mRS) grades after 6 months. Exclusion: occlusive therapy before first CTP, previous aSAH, CTP not evaluable). A random forests model with conditional inference trees was optimised and trained on sex, age, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) and modified Fisher grades, aneurysm in anterior vs. posterior circulation, early external ventricular drainage (EVD), as well as MTT and Tmax maximum, mean, standard deviation (SD), range, 75th quartile and interquartile range to predict dichotomised mRS (≤ 2; > 2). Performance was assessed using the balanced accuracy over the training and validation folds using 20 repeats of 10-fold cross-validation. RESULTS: In the final model, using 200 trees and the synthetic minority oversampling technique, median balanced accuracy was 84.4% (SD 0.7) over the training folds and 70.9% (SD 1.2) over the validation folds. The five most important features were the modified Fisher grade, age, MTT range, WFNS and early EVD. CONCLUSIONS: A random forests model trained on easily determinable features in the course of patient admission can predict the functional outcome 6 months after aSAH with considerable accuracy. KEY POINTS: • Features determinable in the course of admission of a patient with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) can predict the functional outcome 6 months after the occurrence of aSAH. • The top five predictive features were the modified Fisher grade, age, the mean transit time (MTT) range from computed tomography perfusion (CTP), the WFNS grade and the early necessity for an external ventricular drainage (EVD). • The range between the minimum and the maximum MTT may prove to be a valuable biomarker for detrimental functional outcome.

Comparative Analysis of the Low-Profile Acclino Stent and the Enterprise Stent for the Treatment of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: In preliminary studies, advanced intracranial stents appear to have a favorable safety profile for intracranial aneurysm treatment. This dual-center study is a head-to-head comparison of the low-profile Acandis Acclino stent (a third-generation stent) and the first- and second-generation Enterprise stent. METHODS: Patients who underwent stent-assisted coiling with either the Enterprise or the Acclino stent for unruptured aneurysms during an 8-year period were enrolled and compared for complications, clinical outcomes, and angiographic results. Primary outcome measures were ischemic stroke rate and mid-term complete occlusion rate. Propensity score adjustment was performed to account for small differences between the groups. RESULTS: Enterprise and Acclino stents were used in 48 cases each. The overall rate of thrombotic complications was higher in the Enterprise group than in the Acclino group (20.8% vs. 4.2%, HR: 6.6, 95%CI: 2.2-20.0, P = 0.01, adjusted P < 0.01), which translated into a higher rate of major ischemic stroke after Enterprise treatment (6.3% vs. 0%, HR: 2.1, 95%CI: 1.8-2.4, P = 0.08, adjusted P < 0.01). Mid-term and long-term angiographic follow-up showed complete occlusion rates of 83.3% and 75.0% for Enterprise and 89.2% and 75.9% for Acclino (both P > 0.05). Retreatment rates were 10.4% in the Enterprise group and 4.2% in the Acclino group (P = 0.42, adjusted P = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate a favorable safety profile of the Acclino over the Enterprise, justifying the use of advanced stent systems in clinical practice. However, further comparative studies of the Acclino and other competing stent systems are needed to draw a definitive conclusion on the state of stent-assisted coiling.

Diagnostic Value of Perfusion Parameters for Differentiation of Underlying Etiology in Internal Carotid Artery Occlusions.

PURPOSE: Occlusions of the internal carotid artery (ICA) may be caused by dissection, embolic or macroangiopathic pathogenesis, which partially influences the treatment; however, inferring the underlying etiology in computed tomography angiography can be challenging. In this study, we investigated whether computed tomography perfusion (CT-P) parameters could be used to distinguish between etiologies. METHODS: Patients who received CT­P in acute ischemic stroke due to ICA occlusion between 2012 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Group comparisons between etiologies regarding the ratios of CT­P parameters between both hemispheres for relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF), time to maximum (Tmax), and mean transit time (MTT) were calculated by one-factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) and compared by pairwise Bonferroni post hoc tests. An receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed if differences in group comparisons were found. Multinomial logistic regression (MLR) including pretherapeutic parameters was calculated for etiologies. RESULTS: In this study 69 patients (age = 70 ± 14 years, dissection = 10, 14.5%, embolic = 19, 27.5% and macroangiopathic = 40, 58.0%) were included. Group differences in ANOVA were only found for MTT ratio (p = 0.003, η2 = 0.164). In the post hoc test, MTT ratio showed a differentiability between embolic and macroangiopathic occlusions (p = 0.002). ROC analysis for differentiating embolic and macroangiopathic ICA occlusions based on MTT ratio showed an AUC of 0.77 (p < 0.001, CI = 0.65-0.89) and a cut-off was yielded at a value of 1.15 for the MTT ratio (sensitivity 73%, specificity 68%). The MLR showed an overall good model performance. CONCLUSION: It was possible to differentiate between patients with embolic and macroangiopathic ICA occlusions based on MTT ratios and to define a corresponding cut-off. Differentiation from patients with dissection versus the other etiologies was not possible by CT­P parameters in our sample.

The DERIVO 2 Heal Embolization Device in the Treatment of Ruptured and Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: a Retrospective Multicenter Study.

BACKROUND: The use of flow diverting stents in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms is associated with a risk of neurological morbidity due to their thrombogenicity. To reduce this risk different surface modifications have been developed. The Derivo 2 Embolization Device (Acandis, Pforzheim, Germany) has proven to be a safe and effective flow diverter. To overcome the risk of thrombo-embolism, the device was modified by adding an anti-thrombogenic fibrin-heparin coating. We aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of the Derivo 2 heal Embolization Device. METHODS: Retrospective multicenter data from nine German neurovascular centers between February 2022 until December 2023 were used. Patients treated with the Derivo 2 heal Embolization Device for unruptured or ruptured intracranial aneurysms were included. Peri- and postprocedural adverse events, clinical outcomes, and angiographic follow-up results were evaluated. RESULTS: 84 patients (73.8% female; mean age 58.7 years) with 89 aneurysms (mean size 9.8 mm) were included. 87.6% were located in the anterior circulation. Most of them were sidewall aneurysms (88.8%). 96 flow diverters were used. 99.0% were successfully implanted. An in-stent balloon angioplasty was performed in 6.0% of the cases. An additional coiling was performed in 28.6%. Technical difficulties were present in 12.0% of the cases. Thrombotic events occurred in 4.8% with no neurological sequelae. Mortality and morbidity were 0 and 1.2% respectively. Adequate aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 80.7% with a mean follow-up time of 6.6 months. CONCLUSION: The Derivo 2 heal Embolization Device showed a satisfying aneurysm occlusion and safety with a low rate of neurological morbidity.

Safety and efficacy of coated flow diverters in the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms: a retrospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: This multicenter study evaluated the safety and efficacy of coated flow diverters (cFDs) for the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: Consecutive patients treated with different cFDs for ruptured aneurysms under tirofiban at eight neurovascular centers between 2016 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The majority of patients were loaded with dual antiplatelet therapy after the treatment. Aneurysm occlusion was determined using the O'Kelly-Marotta (OKM) grading scale. Primary outcome measures were major procedural complications and aneurysmal rebleeding during hospitalization. RESULTS: The study included 60 aneurysms (posterior circulation: 28 (47%)) with a mean size of 5.8±4.7 mm. Aneurysm morphology was saccular in 28 (47%), blister-like in 12 (20%), dissecting in 13 (22%), and fusiform in 7 (12%). Technical success was 100% with a mean of 1.1 cFDs implanted per aneurysm. Adjunctive coiling was performed in 11 (18%) aneurysms. Immediate contrast retention was observed in 45 (75%) aneurysms. There was 1 (2%) major procedural complication (a major stroke, eventually leading to death) and no aneurysmal rebleeding. A good outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) was achieved in 40 (67%) patients. At a mean follow-up of 6 months, 27/34 (79%) aneurysms were completely occluded (OKM D), 3/34 (9%) had an entry remnant (OKM C), and 4/34 (12%) had residual filling (OKM A or B). There was 1 (3%) severe in-stent stenosis during follow-up that was treated with balloon angioplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of ruptured aneurysms with cFDs was reasonably safe and efficient and thus represents a valid treatment option, especially for complex cases.

Mothership vs. drip-and-ship: evaluation of initial treatment strategies for acute ischemic stroke in a well-developed network of specialized hospitals.

PURPOSE: Two strategies of initial patient care exist in endovascular thrombectomy (ET) depending on the site of initial admission: the mothership (MS) and drip-and-ship (DnS) principles. This study compares both strategies in regard to patient outcome in a local network of specialized hospitals. METHODS: Two-hundred-and-two patients undergoing ET in anterior circulation ischemic stroke between June 2016 and May 2018 were enrolled. Ninety two patients were directly admitted to our local facility (MS), One-hundred-and-ten were secondarily referred to our facility. Group comparisons between admission strategies in three-months modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Maas Score and Alberta-Stroke-Program-Early-computed-tomography-score (ASPECTS), National-Institutes-of-Health-Stroke-Scale (NIHSS), age and onset-to-recanalization-time were performed. Correlation between admission strategy and mRS was calculated. A binary logistic regression model was computed including mRS as dependent variable. RESULTS: There were neither significant group differences in three-months mRS between MS and DnS nor significant correlations. Patients tended to achieve a better outcome with DnS. Collateralization status differed between MS and DnS (p = 0.003) with better collateralization in DnS. There were no significant group differences in NIHSS or ASPECTS but in onset-to-recanalization-time (p < 0.001) between MS and DnS. Binary logistic regression showed a high explanation of variance of mRS but no significant results for admission strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Functional outcome in patients treated with ET is comparable between the MS and DnS principles. Tendentially better outcome in the DnS subgroup may be explained by selection bias due to a higher willingness to apply ET in patients with worse baseline conditions (e.g. worse collateralization), if patients undergoing MS are already on site.

Diffusion-weighted whole-body MRI with background body signal suppression: technical improvements at 3.0 T.

PURPOSE: To improve image quality of diffusion-weighted body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with background body signal suppression (DWIBS) at 3.0 T. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 30 patients and eight volunteers, a diffusion-weighted spin-echo echo-planar imaging sequence with short TI inversion recovery (STIR) fat suppression was applied and repeated using slice-selective gradient reversal (SSGR) and/or dual-source parallel radiofrequency (RF) transmission (TX). The quality of diffusion-weighted images and gray scale inverted maximum intensity projections (MIP) were visually assessed by intraindividual comparison with respect to the level of fat suppression and signal homogeneity. Moreover, the contrast between lesions/lymph nodes and background (C(lb)) was analyzed in the MIP reconstructions. RESULTS: By combining STIR with SSGR, fat suppression was significantly improved (P < 0.001) and C(lb) was increased two times. The use of TX allowed the reduction of acquisition time and improved image quality with regard to signal homogeneity (P < 0.001) and fat suppression (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: DWIBS at 3.0 T can be improved by using SSGR and TX.

A fully radiopaque hybrid stent retriever versus a precursor device: Outcome, efficacy, and safety in large vessel stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this multicenter study was to compare the clinical outcome, safety, and efficacy of the full-length radiopaque Aperio Hybrid stent retriever (APH) with the precursor Aperio thrombectomy device (AP). METHODS: Multicentric retrospective analysis of patients with stroke, treated with the APH and AP due to an acute ischemic stroke by large vessel occlusions in the anterior or posterior circulation, was performed. We focused on the comparison of favorable clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 0-2) after 3 months, favorable reperfusion rates (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scale ≥ 2b), and the complication rate. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients (female: n = 33, 64.7%, mean age 73 ± 16 years) with a median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale: 15 were treated with the APH or AP. Favorable outcome in patients treated with APH was excellent (44.0%) and comparable to the AP (36.8%). The rate of final favorable reperfusion for both devices was outstanding (APH 31/31 and AP 20/20). The overall complication rate for the APH was slightly higher compared to the AP (32.3%/15.0%). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was recorded in 0 of 51 cases. The all-cause mortality rate at 90 days was 20.0% for the APH and comparable for the AP (21.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Comparable clinical outcome, efficacy, and safety of the AP and the recently introduced APH were demonstrated. Both devices appeared feasible, efficient, and safe with regard to endovascular treatment in large vessel occlusion.

Mechanical thrombectomy in stroke patients with acute occlusion of the M1- compared to the M2-segment: Safety, efficacy, and clinical outcome.

PURPOSE: Endovascular treatment (ET) in occlusions of the M1- and proximal M2-segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is an established procedure. In contrast, ET in distal M2-occlusions has not been sufficiently evaluated yet. The purpose of this study was to assess relevant parameters for clinical outcome, efficacy, and safety of patients undergoing ET in M1-, proximal M2-, and distal M2-occlusions. METHODS: One hundred seventy-four patients undergoing ET in acute ischemic stroke with an occlusion of the M1- or M2-segment of the MCA were enrolled prospectively. Non-parametric analysis of variance in 3-month mRS, TICI scale, and complication rates were performed with Kruskal-Wallis test between M1- and proximal and distal M2-occlusions. Subsequent pairwise group comparisons were calculated using Mann-Whitney U-tests. Binary logistic regression models were calculated for each occlusion site. RESULTS: There were no significant group differences in 3-month mRS, mTICI scale, or complication rates between M1- and M2-occlusions nor between proximal and distal M2-occlusions. Binary logistic regression in patients with M1-occlusions showed a substantial explanation of variance (NR2=0.35). NIHSS (p=0.009) and Maas Score as parameter for collateralization (p=0.01) appeared as significant contributing parameters. Binary logistic regression in M2-occlusions showed a high explanation of variance (NR2=0.50) of mRS but no significant factors. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical outcome and procedural safety of patients with M2-occlusions undergoing ET are comparable to those of patients with M1-occlusions. Clinical outcome of patients with M1-occlusions undergoing ET is primarily influenced by the initial neurological deficit and the collateralization of the occlusions. By contrast, clinical outcome in patients with M2-occlusions undergoing ET is more multifactorial.

Safety and Efficacy of the Novel Low-Profile APERIO Hybrid17 for a Treatment of Proximal and Distal Vessel Occlusion in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Multi-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: To report our initial experience with the novel low-profile APERIO Hybrid17 Thrombectomy Device (AP17) for proximal and distal vessel occlusions in acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: A multicentric retrospective analysis of patients treated with the AP17 was performed. The primary effectiveness endpoint was first-pass TICI ≥2b (Thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scale). The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of hemorrhagic complications. Further outcome measures were number of passes, device-related complications, and 3-month functional outcome. RESULTS: The AP17 was used in 71 patients (mean age: 73 years) with a median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 9. Treated vessels were the carotid-T in 8 cases (11%), the M1-segment in 16 (23%), the M2-segment in 29 (41%), the anterior cerebral artery in 3 (4%), and basilar/posterior cerebral arteries in 15 (21%). The rates of first-pass and final TICI ≥2b were 75.6% and 92.7%, retrospectively, with a mean number of passes of 3 ± 2. Final TICI ≥2b rates were comparable between large and medium vessel occlusions. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages were recorded in 2 cases (2.8%). At 3-month clinical follow-up, a modified Rankin scale score ≤2 was achieved in 69.0% (29/42). The all-cause mortality at discharge was 17.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The AP17 was associated with a reasonable safety and efficacy profile for both proximal and distal vessel occlusions. These results may contribute to establish mechanical thrombectomy for distal occlusions.

Consequences of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on emergency and stroke care in a German tertiary stroke center.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic caused a decline in stroke care in several countries. The objective was to describe lockdown stroke care in a tertiary stroke center in Düsseldorf, Germany near Heinsberg, a German hot spot for COVID-19 in spring 2020. METHODS: In a retrospective, observational, single-center study, we compared all patients treated in our emergency department (ED), patients seen by a neurologist in the ED, ED patients suffering from ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) as well as stroke patients admitted to our stroke unit during lockdown in spring 2020 (16 March 2020-12 April 2020) to those cared for during the same period in 2019 and lockdown light in fall 2020 (2 November - 29 November 2020). RESULTS: In spring 2020 lockdown the mean number of patients admitted to our ED dropped by 37.4%, seen by a neurologist by 35.6%, ED stroke patients by 19.2% and number of patients admitted to our stroke unit by 10% compared to the same period in 2019. In fall lockdown light 2020 effects were comparable but less pronounced. Thrombolysis rate was stable during spring and fall lockdown, however, endovascular treatment (EVT) rate declined by 58% in spring lockdown and by 51% in fall lockdown compared to the period in 2019. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates a profound reduction of overall ED patients, neurological ED patients and EVT during COVID-19 pandemic caused lockdowns. Planning for pandemic scenarios should include access to effective emergency therapies.

Single-center experience with the new-generation Derivo embolization device for ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate safety and efficacy of the new-generation Derivo embolization device in complex ruptured (RIA) and unruptured (UIA) intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 32 patients with complex RIAs and UIAs treated with Derivo at our hospital from November 2015 to December 2018. Clinical safety was defined as absence of death, transient attack, absence of minor and major stroke, and Derivo associated hemorrhage. Treatment efficacy was assessed angiographically (DSA) immediately after treatment and at 6-month follow-up according to the O'Kelly-Marotta (OKM) Grading Scale (from A=total filling to D=no filling; prolongation of stasis 1=arterial to 3=venous phase). RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with 39 aneurysms were treated with 42 Derivos. In five aneurysms, additional coiling was performed. Deployment was technically successful in all cases. Two patients developed a procedure related minor stroke (one transient). In one patient bleeding due to an inflammatory aneurysmatic wall process occurred 20 days after retreatment and in one patient a stroke due to in-stent thrombosis occurred when dual platelet inhibition (PI) was switched to permanent single PI 12 month after FD treatment. No treatment related deaths were observed. Initial DSA revealed three OKM D, six OKM C, five OKM B, and 25 OKM A. Six-month follow-up for DSA and clinical evaluation was available in 20/32 patients (62.5%), 26 of 39 aneurysms (66.7%) and revealed 73.1% complete and 3.8% subtotal occlusion (OKM D: 19 of 26, OKM C3: one of 26). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of complex RIAs and UIAs with the new-generation Derivo appeared to be safe and effective in this single-center case series for ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Immediate DSA revealed a significant flow modulation; and 6-month follow-up showed a high occlusion rate.

Rupture of intracranial aneurysms in patients with blunt head trauma: Review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: With a prevalence of 1-5 %, intracranial aneurysms are common. However, only 20-50 % of these aneurysms will rupture during a person's lifetime. This often happens spontaneously without exogenous factors. In the present study we reviewed the literature concerning the relation between trauma and rupture of a pre-existing aneurysm. METHODS: All studies that reported a causal relation between trauma and rupture of a pre-existing aneurysm were included, irrespective of study design. They were limited though to those written in English or German. Excluded were studies with traumatic aneurysms, studies where the rupture of an aneurysm lead to trauma and studies with doubts about the order of events. RESULTS: Thirteen studies with twenty-two cases of ruptured aneurysm in context with trauma and two unpublished cases were included. Fourteen patients were involved in a fight, seven patients in a bike/motorbike/bus accident and three got hit on the head in a setting outside of interpersonal violence. The aneurysm was located in internal carotid artery in most cases (7/24). The clear majority of patients (19/24) did not survive. CONCLUSION: Arteries and aneurysms can rupture in context with head trauma although this is rarely the case. Patients after head trauma with typical blood pattern for aneurysmal SAH in the native CT scan should receive conventional angiography to exclude a vascular or aneurysmal rupture, even when CT-angiography is inconspicuous.

The New Fully Radiopaque Aperio Hybrid Stent Retriever: Efficient and Safe? An Early Multicenter Experience.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the visibility, safety, and efficacy of the full-length radiopaque Aperio Hybrid stent retriever (APH) in mechanical thrombectomy of large vessel occlusions. METHODS: Multicentric retrospective analysis of patients with stroke, treated with the APH due to an acute ischemic stroke by large vessel occlusions in the anterior or posterior circulation, was performed. We focused on technical and angiographic parameters including device visibility, perfusion results (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scale [mTICI]), procedural times, periprocedural complications, and favorable clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 0-2) at discharge and after 90 days. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients (male: n = 22, 45.8%, mean age 73 years [standard deviation (SD), ±15], median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale: 15 [2-36], n = 25, 52.1% received additional intravenous thrombolytics) were treated with the APH with a mean number of 2 device passes (SD, +3) in APH-only cases (n = 41). The median time from groin puncture to the final mTICI was 54 minutes (SD, +33). In 46 patients (95.8%), mTICI 2b-3 was achieved (mTICI 2c, 12.5%; mTICI 3, 47.9%). Favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale <2) was achieved in 15 (32.6%) patients at discharge and in 11 of the 30 (36.7%) patients available for 90-day follow-up. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was recorded in 3 of 48 cases (6.3%). Difficulties during device delivery and/or deployment occurred in 6.3% (3 of 48). APH-related adverse events did not occur. APH radiopacity was rated as good and very good in 97.9% (47 of 48). CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical thrombectomy with the APH appeared feasible, efficient, and safe. Full-length device radiopacity may facilitate thrombectomy or support to adapt the course of action during retrieval, if required.

Endovascular treatment of intracranial 'blister' and dissecting aneurysms.

INTRODUCTION: Blister and dissecting aneurysms may have a different pathological background but they are commonly defined by instability of the vessel wall and bear a high risk of fatal rupture and rerupture. Lack of aneurysm sack makes treatment challenging. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and feasibility of endovascular treatment of intracranial blister and dissecting aneurysms. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed all patients with ruptured and unruptured blister and dissecting aneurysms treated endovascularly between 2004-2018. Procedural details, complications, morbidity/mortality, clinical favourable outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≤2) and aneurysm occlusion rates were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients with endovascular treatment of 35 aneurysms (26 dissecting aneurysms and 9 blister aneurysms) were included. Five aneurysms were treated by parent vessel occlusion, and 30 aneurysms were treated by vessel reconstruction using stent monotherapy (n = 9), stent-assisted coiling (n = 7), flow diverting stents (n = 13) and coiling + Onyx embolization (n = 1). No aneurysm rebleeding and no procedure-related major complications or deaths occurred. There were five deaths in consequence of initial subarachnoid haemorrhage. Complete occlusion (79.2%) was detected in 19/24 aneurysms available for angiographic follow-up, and aneurysm recurrence in 2/24 (8.3%). The modified Rankin Scale ≤2 rate at mean follow-up of 15.1 months was 64.7%. CONCLUSION: Treatment of blister and dissecting aneurysms developed from coil embolization to flow diversion with multiple stents to the usage of flow diverting stents. Results using modern flow diverting stents encourage us to effectively treat this aneurysm entity endovascularly by vessel reconstruction. Therefore, we recommend preference of vessel reconstructive techniques to parent vessel occlusion.