Endovascular therapy in 201 patients with acute symptomatic occlusion of the internal carotid artery.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Endovascular therapy is used increasingly for treatment of acute symptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, although randomized trials are lacking. Predictors of outcome are therefore of special interest. METHODS: From 1992 to 2010 we treated 201 patients with acute ICA occlusion with intra-arterial pharmacological thrombolysis (32), endovascular mechanical therapy (78) or a combination of both (91). All data were assessed prospectively. RESULTS: There were 76/38% patients with tandem occlusions [ICA plus middle (MCA) or anterior cerebral arteries (ACA)], 18/9% without concomitant occlusions of major intracranial arteries (ICA plus branch occlusion) and 107/53% with functional ICA-T occlusions (ICA plus MCA and ACA). Median baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 17. Good recanalization (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 2-3) was achieved in (157/201) 78% patients and good reperfusion (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2-3) in (151/182) 83%. Better recanalization rates were obtained with mechanical approaches, with/without thrombolytics (78/91 = 86% and 64/78 = 82%) compared with pharmacological thrombolysis only (15/32 = 47%; P < 0.001). Twelve patients (6%) suffered symptomatic intracranial haemorrhages. The 3-month outcome was favourable [modified Rankin score (mRS) 0-2] in 54/28% patients and moderate (mRS 0-3) in 90/46%; 60/31% patients died. Only 17/16% patients with functional ICA-T occlusions had favourable outcomes compared with 32/44% with tandem occlusions and 5/31% with ICA plus cerebral branch occlusions (P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis age [odds ratio (OR) = 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.93-0.98], NIHSS on admission (OR = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.83-0.98) and functional ICA-T occlusion (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.16-0.77) were non-modifiable predictors, and vessel recanalization was the only modifiable predictor of outcome (OR = 9.30, 95% CI = 2.03-42.63). CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of acute symptomatic ICA occlusion is poor. However, recanalization is associated with better outcome, and recanalization rates with mechanical techniques were superior to merely pharmacological recanalization attempts.

Safety of endovascular treatment beyond the 6-h time window in 205 patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Intra-arterial treatment (IAT) is effective when performed within 6 h of symptom onset in selected stroke patients ('T < 6H'). Its safety and efficacy is unclear when the patient has had symptoms for more than 6 h ('T > 6H') or for an unknown time (unclear-onset stroke, UOS), or woke up with a stroke (wake-up stroke, WUS). In this study we compared the safety of IAT in these four patient groups. METHODS: Eight-hundred and fifty-nine patients treated with IAT were enrolled. The main outcome parameters were clinical outcome [excellent: modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0 or 1; or favorable: mRS 0-2] or mortality 3 months after treatment. Further outcome parameters were the rates of vessel recanalization, and cerebral and systemic hemorrhage. RESULTS: Six-hundred and fifty-four patients were treated before (T < 6H) and 205 after 6 h or an unknown time (128 T > 6H, 55 WUS and 22 UOS). NIHSS scores were higher in UOS patients than in T < 6H patients, vertebrobasilar occlusion was more common in T > 6H and UOS patients, and middle cerebral artery occlusions less common in T > 6H than in T < 6H patients. Other baseline characteristics were similar. There was no significant difference in clinical outcome and the rate of hemorrhage in multivariable regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical outcome of our four groups of patients was similar with no increase of hemorrhage rates in patients treated after awakening, after an unknown time or more than 6 h. Our preliminary data suggest that treatment of such patients may be performed safely. If confirmed in randomized trials, this would have major clinical implications.

Early TICI 2b or Late TICI 3-Is Perfect the Enemy of Good?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score of 3 has been established as therapeutic goal in endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke; however, in the case of early TICI2b reperfusion, the question remains whether to stop the procedure or to continue in the pursuit of perfection (i.e., TICI 2c/3). METHODS: A total of 6635 patients were screened from the German Stroke Registry. Patients who underwent EVT for occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (M1 segment), with final TICI score of 2b/3 were included. Multivariable logistic regression was performed with functional independence (modified Rankin Scale, mRS at day 90 of 0-2) as the dependent variable. RESULTS: Of 1497 patients, 586 (39.1%) met inclusion criteria with a final TICI score of 2b and 911 (60.9%) with a TICI score of 3. Patients who achieved first-pass TICI3 showed highest odds of functional independence (Odds ratio [OR] 1.71, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.18-2.47). Patients who achieved TICI2b with the second pass (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.31-0.89) or with three or more passes (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.27-0.70) had significantly worse clinical outcomes compared to first-pass TICI2b. TICI3 at the second pass was by trend better than first-pass TICI2b (OR 1.55, 95% CI 0.98-2.45), but TICI3 after 3 or more passes (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.57-1.50) was not significantly different from first-pass TICI2b. CONCLUSION: First-pass TICI2b was superior to TICI2b after ≥ 2 retrievals and comparable to TICI3 at ≥ 3 retrievals. The potential benefit in outcome after achieving TICI3 following further retrieval attempts after first-pass TICI2b need to be weighed against the risks.

More Retrieval Attempts are Associated with Poorer Functional Outcome After Unsuccessful Thrombectomy.

PURPOSE: In mechanical thrombectomy, it has been hypothesized that multiple retrieval attempts might the improve reperfusion rate but not the clinical outcome. In order to assess a potential harmful effect of a mechanical thrombectomy on patient outcome, the number of retrieval attempts was analyzed. Only patients with a thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score of 0 were reviewed to exclude the impact of eventual successful reperfusion on the mechanical hazardousness of repeated retrievals. METHODS: In this study 6635 patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) from the prospectively administered multicenter German Stroke Registry were screened. Insufficient reperfusion was defined as no reperfusion (TICI score of 0), whereas a primary outcome was defined as functional independence (modified Rankin scale [mRS] 0-2 at day 90). Propensity score matching and multivariable logistic regressions were then performed to adjust for confounders. RESULTS: A total of 377 patients (7.8%) had a final TICI score of 0 and were included in the study. After propensity score matching functional independence was found to be significantly more frequent in patients who underwent ≤ 2 retrieval attempts (14%), compared to patients with > 2 retrieval attempts (3.9%, OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.07-0.73, p = 0.009). After adjusting for age, sex, admission NIHSS score, and location of occlusion, more than two retrieval attempts remained significantly associated with lower odds of functional independence at 90 days (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.07-0.52, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: In patients with failure of reperfusion, more than two retrieval attempts were associated with a worse clinical outcome, therefore indicating a possible harmful effect of multiple retrieval attempts.

Predictors of independent outcome of thrombectomy in stroke patients with large baseline infarcts in clinical practice: a multicenter analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze outcome and its predictors after endovascular treatment (ET) in stroke patients suffering from large vessel occlusion with large pre-treatment infarct cores defined by an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) <6. METHODS: We analyzed data from an industry-independent, multicenter, prospective registry (German Stroke Registry - Endovascular Treatment) which enrolled consecutive patients treated by ET (June 2015-April 2018) with different devices. Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified predictors of independent outcome (IO) defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2, and mortality at 90 days in patients with ASPECTS <6. RESULTS: Of 1700 patients included in the analysis, 152 (8.9%) had a baseline ASPECTS <6. Of these, 33 patients (21.6%) achieved IO, and 68 (44.7%) were dead at 90 days. A lower age, lower baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and successful recanalization (defined as modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction Score, mTICI 2b/3) were predictors of IO. Successful recanalization had the strongest association with IO (OR 7.0, 95% CI 1.8 to 26.8). Pre-treatment parameters predicting IO were age <70 years (sensitivity 0.79, specificity 0.69) and NIHSS <12 (0.57 and 0.94). A higher age, a pre-stroke mRS score >1, and failed recanalization were predictors of death. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of stroke patients with an ASPECTS <6 can achieve independence after thrombectomy, in particular, if they are younger, have only moderate baseline stroke symptoms, and no relevant pre-stroke disability. These results may encourage considering thrombectomy in low ASPECTS patients in clinical practice until randomized trials are available.

Emergency Conversion to General Anesthesia Is a Tolerable Risk in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke is performed with the patient under local anesthesia, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia. According to recent trials, up to 16% of patients require emergency conversion to general anesthesia during mechanical thrombectomy. This study investigated the procedural and clinical outcomes after emergency conversion in comparison with local anesthesia, conscious sedation, and general anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 254 patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy for acute large-vessel occlusion. The procedure was started with the patient either under local anesthesia, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia. Emergency conversion was defined as induction of general anesthesia during mechanical thrombectomy. The primary outcomes were successful reperfusion (TICI 2b/3) and functional independence (mRS at 90 days, ≤2). RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (9.8%) required emergency conversion to general anesthesia. The time from admission to flow restoration was increased under general anesthesia (median, 137 minutes) and emergency conversion (median, 138 minutes) compared with local anesthesia (median 110 minutes). After adjustment for confounders, emergency conversion to general anesthesia and primary general anesthesia had comparable chances of successful reperfusion (OR = 1.28; 95% CI, 0.31-5.25). Patients with emergency conversion had a tendency toward higher chances of functional independence (OR = 4.48; 95% CI, 0.49-40.86) compared with primary general anesthesia, but not compared with local anesthesia (OR = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.14-5.11) and conscious sedation (OR = 1.07; 95% CI, 0.17-6.53). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with emergency conversion did not have lower chances of successful reperfusion or functional independence compared those with primary general anesthesia, and time to flow restoration was also similar. We found no evidence supporting the primary induction of general anesthesia in patients at risk for emergency conversion.

Lhermitte-Duclos disease with atypical vascularization--case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: A case of Lhermitte-Duclos disease (LDD, dysplastic gangliocytoma) with atypical vascularization is reported. LDD is a rare cerebellar mass lesion which may be associated with Cowden's syndrome and the PTEN germline mutation. CASE MATERIAL: A 61-year-old male presented 15 years before with a transient episode of unspecific gait disturbance. Initial magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a right-sided, diffuse, nonenhancing cerebellar mass lesion. No definitive diagnosis was made at that time, and the symptoms resolved spontaneously. 15 years later, the patient presented with acute onset of vomiting associated with headache and ataxic gait. MR imaging showed a progression of the lesion with occlusive hydrocephalus. The lesion depicted a striated pattern characteristic for LDD with T1-hypointense and T2-hyperintense bands, nonenhancing with contrast. After resection of the mass lesion, the cerebellar and hydrocephalic symptoms improved rapidly. The pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of dysplastic gangliocytoma (WHO Grade I) with enlarged granular and molecular cell layers, reactive gliosis and dysplastic blood vessels. No other clinical features associated with Cowden's syndrome were present. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates that LDD with atypical vascularization is a slow-growing posterior fossa mass lesion which may remain asymptomatic for many years. Timing of surgical treatment and extent of resection in patients with LDD is controversial. The typical features on standard T1-/T2-weighted MR imaging allow a diagnosis without surgery in most cases. The authors believe that the decision to treat in these cases should be based on clinical deterioration.

[Thrombolysis of the middle cerebral artery]. / Thrombolyse der Arteria cerebri media.

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is the evidence-based treatment of acute ischemic stroke in the first 3 h after symptom onset (IVT 3-4.5 h: off-label use with informed consent of the patient). However, intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) results in higher recanalization rates of the middle cerebral artery compared to IVT. Therefore it seems reasonable to apply IAT in addition or instead of IVT up to 6 h after symptom onset.

Age-dependent differences in demographics, risk factors, co-morbidity, etiology, management, and clinical outcome of acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Comparisons between younger and older stroke patients including comorbidities are limited. METHODS: Prospective data of consecutive patients with first ever acute ischemic stroke were compared between younger (< or = 45 years) and older patients (> 45 years). RESULTS: Among 1004 patients, 137 (14 %) were < or = 45 years. Younger patients were more commonly female (57 % versus 34 %; p < 0.0001), had a lower frequency of diabetes (1 % versus 15 %; p < 0.0001), hypercholesterolemia (26 % versus 56 %; p < 0.0001), hypertension (19 % versus 65 %; p < 0.0001), coronary heart disease (14 % versus 40 %; p < 0.0001), and a lower mean Charlson co-morbidity index (CCI), (0.18 versus 0.84; p < 0.0001). Tobacco use was more prevalent in the young (39 % versus 26 %; P < 0.0001). Large artery disease (2 % versus 21 %; p < 0.0001), small artery disease (3 % versus 12 %; p = 0.0019) and atrial fibrillation (1 % versus 17 %; p = 0.001) were less common in young patients, while other etiologies (31 % versus 9 %; p < 0.0001), patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect (44 % versus 26 %; p < 0.0001), and cervical artery dissection (26 % versus 7 %; p < 0.0001) were more frequent. A favorable outcome (mRS 0 or 1) was more common (57.4 % versus 46.9 %; p = 0.023), and mortality (5.1 % versus 12 %; p = 0.009) was lower in the young. After regression analysis, there was no independent association between age and outcome (p = 0.206) or mortality (p = 0.073). Baseline NIHSS score (p < 0.0001), diabetes (p = 0.041), and CCI (p = 0.002) independently predicted an unfavorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Younger patients were more likely to be female, had different risk factors and etiologies and fewer co-morbidities. There was no independent association between age and clinical outcome or mortality.

Symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage after intra-arterial thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke: assessment of 294 patients treated with urokinase.

BACKGROUND: The PROACT II trial showed that intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) is effective for treatment of acute ischaemic stroke attributable to M1 and M2 segment occlusions. Incidence of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH) was 10%. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk and predictors of sICH after IAT by using urokinase in a large number of patients presenting with the whole spectrum of cerebral vessel occlusions. METHODS: 294 patients with stroke treated with intra-arterial urokinase were retrospectively analysed. The risk of sICH as well as bleeding characteristics were assessed. Demographic and radiological data, time to treatment, urokinase dose, recanalisation rates, stroke aetiology and severity were analysed for predictors. RESULTS: sICH occurred in 14 of 294 (4.8%) patients. The median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score of all patients was 15. All but one sICH were located in the infarcted brain tissue, and no sICH occurred in patients with peripheral vessel occlusions (M3 or M4 segments of the middle cerebral artery). Poor collaterals (p = 0.001), early signs of ischaemia on computed tomography (p = 0.003), higher urokinase dose (p = 0.019), lower recanalisation rate (p = 0.02) and higher diastolic blood pressure on admission (p = 0.04) were found to be correlated with sICH on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, poor collaterals (p = 0.004), urokinase dose (p = 0.021) and early signs on computed tomography (p = 0.026) remained predictors of sICH. CONCLUSIONS: With regard to the whole spectrum of cerebral vessel occlusions, an incidence of <5% sICH after IAT is distinctly low. This result underlines the important role of IAT in the treatment of acute stroke.

Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy in three siblings: clinical, genetic and neuroradiological features.

Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder in which a nuclear mutation of the thymidine phosphorylase (TP) gene causes mitochondrial genomic dysfunction. Patients suffer from gastrointestinal dysmotility, cachexia, ptosis, external ophthalmoparesis, myopathy and polyneuropathy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows leukoencephalopathy. We describe clinical, genetic and neuroradiological features of three brothers affected with MNGIE. Clinical examination, laboratory analyses, MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the brain, and genetic analysis have been performed in all six members of the family with the three patients with MNGIE. Two of them are monozygous twins. They all suffered from gastrointestinal dysmotility, cachexia, ophthalmoplegia, muscular atrophies, and polyneuropathy. Urinary thymidine was elevated in the patients related to the severity of clinical disease, and urinary thymidine (normally not detectable) was also found in a heterozygous carrier. Brain MRI showed leukoencephalopathy in all patients; however, their cognitive functioning was normal. Brain MRS demonstrated reduced N-acetylaspartate and choline in severely affected areas. MRI of heterozygous carriers was normal. A new mutation (T92N) in the TP gene was identified. Urinary thymidine is for the first time reported to be detectable in a heterozygous carrier. MRS findings indicate loss of neurons, axons, and glial cells in patients with MNGIE, but not in heterozygous carriers.

A dedicated animal model for mechanical thrombectomy in acute stroke.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have focused on mechanical thrombectomy as a means to reduce the time required for revascularization and increase the revascularization rate in acute stroke. To date no systematic evaluation has been made of the different mechanical devices in this novel and fast-developing field of endovascular interventions. To facilitate such evaluations, we developed a specific in vivo model for mechanical thrombectomy that allows visualization of dislocation or fragmentation of the thrombus during angiographic manipulation. METHODS: Angiography and embolization with a preformed thrombus was performed in 8 swine. The thrombus was generated by mixing 25 IU bovine thrombin and 10 mL autologous blood. For visualization during angiography, 1 g barium sulfate was added. RESULTS: The preformed thrombus exhibited mechanical stability, reproducibility, and high radiographic absorption, providing excellent visibility during angiography. The setting allowed selective embolization of targeted vessels without thrombus fragmentation. Despite the application of barium sulfate no local or systemic reaction occurred. Histologic evaluation revealed no intimal damage caused by the thrombus or contrast agent washout. CONCLUSION: The model presented here allows selective and reliable thromboembolization of vessels that reproduce the anatomic and hemodynamic situation in acute cerebrovascular stroke. It permits visualization of the thrombus during angiography and intervention, providing unique insight into the behavior of both thrombus and device, which is potentially useful in the development and evaluation of mechanical clot retrieval in acute cerebrovascular stroke.

Cerebral revascularization model in a swine.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the suitability of the cerebral vasculature of the pig regarding a revascularization procedure. In two 60 kg pigs the femoral artery was exposed and canulated for selective angiography and interventional procedures. After the angiography, the pigs were brought to the animal OR for craniotomy and analysis of the intracranial cerebral arteries and the surgical exposure of the carotid arteries under the microscope. Angiography demonstrated the presence of a true internal-, external carotid artery and vertebral arteries. Both the vertebral and internal carotid arteries are feeding a rete mirabilis both at the cranial base and the cranio-cervical junction. At these sites further advancement of the angiography catheter was not possible. Out of these rete mirabilis, an intracranial carotid artery and an intracranial vertebral artery were formed, respectively. The intracranial cerebral vessels were of the dimension of 1 mm and less. The extracranial portion of the internal carotid artery was 2.5 mm of diameter. From these findings, we conclude that a direct cerebral revascularization procedure of the intracranial vessels is not possible in the swine. However, a global revascularization procedure on the extracranial portion of the internal carotid artery is thus feasible, both using a low- and high-flow anastamosis technique.

3T MRI reveals extra- and intracranial involvement in giant cell arteritis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The frequency and amount of intracranial, intradural inflammatory vessel wall enhancement in giant cell arteritis remain unclear. The purpose of this work was to prospectively assess the intracranial extent of vasculitic changes in patients with giant cell arteritis using a dedicated MR imaging protocol optimized for assessment of mural changes of intracranial arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with suspected giant cell arteritis underwent 3T MR imaging. Imaging included a fat-saturated T1WI pre- and postcontrast application optimized for assessment of intradural vessel wall enhancement and high-resolution fat-saturated T1WI to evaluate superficial extracranial vessels. Temporal artery biopsies were available in 11 cases. Vessel wall enhancement of intradural and extracranial vessels was evaluated by 2 observers independently. RESULTS: Twenty patients had giant cell arteritis; 9 cases were biopsy-proved. Clear vessel wall enhancement of superficial extracranial and intradural internal carotid arteries was detected in 16 and 10 patients, respectively. Slight vessel wall enhancement of the vertebral arteries was seen. Of 9 patients with giant cell arteritis with vessel occlusion or stenosis, 2 presented with cerebral ischemic infarcts. Vessel occlusion or stenosis site coincided with the location of vessel wall enhancement of the vertebral arteries in 4 patients and of the intradural ICA in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: Vessel wall enhancement of intradural arteries, mainly the ICA, can be regularly found in patients with giant cell arteritis. Mural inflammatory changes of the intradural ICA detected on MR imaging may identify a subgroup of patients with giant cell arteritis and should be further evaluated in clinical studies.

Enhancement of cerebral diseases: how much contrast agent is enough? Comparison of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mmol/kg gadoteridol at 0.2 T with 0.1 mmol/kg gadoteridol at 1.5 T.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical dose of gadoteridol (ProHance, Bracco-Byk Gulden) to use for the assessment of blood-brain barrier breakdown on low-field magnetic resonance (MR) scanners that corresponds to a standard dose of gadoteridol on high-field MR scanners. METHODS: This prospective study was carried out at four centers. A total of 138 patients with suspected or known brain diseases underwent a routine head scan comprising precontrast T2-weighted turbo spin-echo and T1-weighted spin-echo sequences on a 1.5-T MR scanner. After administration of a standard dose of 0.1 mmol/kg gadoteridol, the T1-weighted scan was repeated after a delay of 15 to 20 minutes. For continuing the examination on a 0.2-T MR scanner (Magnetom OPEN, Siemens), a standard-dose T1 spin-echo sequence was started within 30 to 50 minutes of the first injection. Then two additional T1-weighted low-field sequences were each started 5 minutes after two additional doses of 0.1 mmol/kg gadoteridol. Eighty patients with enhancing lesions underwent an intraindividual comparison. Evaluation of the overall numbers of lesions detected and of lesion size and character was performed on-site as well as off-site by two independent readers. RESULTS: The single-dose, low-field sequence detected significantly fewer enhancing lesions (80/95 lesions; P < 0.05), particularly metastases and infarctions, than did the standard-dose, high-field sequence. No statistically relevant differences (reader 1: P = 1; reader 2: P = 0.8) were found between the double- and triple-dose, low-field sequences and the standard-dose, high-field sequence. Primary brain tumors were detected by all postcontrast sequences irrespective of the dose. CONCLUSIONS: At low field, the clinically equivalent dose to 0.1 mmol/kg gadoteridol at high field is 0.2 mmol/kg. A dose of 0.1 mmol/kg gadoteridol is less effective and cannot be recommended for use on extremely low-field scanners.

Nonpalpable ultrasonographically not detectable Implanon rods can be localized by magnetic resonance imaging.

Recently, the contraceptive implant Implanon has been introduced in several European countries. In comparison to the six-capsule preparation Norplant, the removal of this single-rod system should be associated with less complications. However, the removal of nonpalpable Implanon rods can be difficult because the implant is not always visible with ultrasound. The aim of this study was to find a radiologic method for the localization of Implanon implants that are nonpalpable and can not be detected by ultrasound. X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were investigated as methods to localize Implanon in a pig chest preparation and in a woman with a nonpalpable implant. The implant in the woman could be localized unequivocally only by MRI. We conclude that MRI is the best method for the unequivocal localization of nonpalpable, ultrasonographically not detectable Implanon rods. To avoid unnecessary scar tissue formation, it may be appropriate to defer surgery for the removal until definitive localization.

Metastatic adenocarcinoma of the temporomandibular joint from the cardia of the stomach: a case report.

A case is presented of a 67-year-old man with adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia that metastasised to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A carcinoma of the cardia metastatic to the TMJ has not previously been reported. The case is unusual in many respects. The condyle and disc were anteriorly displaced by the tumour, resulting in progressive mandibular deviation and crossbite. Radiographically, however, no destructive changes of the joint were observable. Tumour staging showed this lesion to be the only distant metastasis.

[Therapeutic interventional neuroradiology in acute stroke]. / Interventionelle neuroradiologische Techniken zur frühen Behandlung des Schlaganfalles.

Interventional neuroradiological techniques are described, which are used for revascularisation of the intra-extracranial vessels in acute stroke. The results are based on our experience gained during the endovascular treatment of more than 300 patients suffering from acute stroke during the last years. Indication, procedures and results of intraarterial thrombolysis, thrombo-aspiration, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, and implantation of stents in cases of occlusion or pseudoocclusion of brain supplying vessels are discussed. Furthermore first experiences with new techniques from other centers are presented, e.g., thrombolysis by ultrasound (sonothrombolysis), by angiojet aspiration, and laser evaporation of the thromboembolic occlusion of intra- and extracranial blood vessels.

[Stents in the treatment of supraaortic vessel stenosis]. / Stents zur Behandlung von Stenosen hirnversorgender supraaortaler Gefässe.

We describe and discuss our experience of more than 500 endovascular procedures for revascularisation of acute or chronic occlusion and stenosis of supraaortic vessels using stents in 171 cases. Whereas endovascular treatment of the innominate, subclavian and vertebral arteries are routinely used in atherosclerotic occlusive lesions, carotid stenting is currently being investigated as an alternative treatment to carotid endarterectomy and seems to offer a less invasive, less traumatic and less cost expensive alternative to achieve the goal to prevent stroke. In a subgroup of high surgical risk patients carotid artery stenting with simultaneous embolic protection of the cerebral blood flow by filter systems was even superior to the endarterectomy-treated patients in a prospective, randomized multi-center study (SAPPHIRE): at 30-day follow up the major event rate for the stented group of 156 patients was 5.8% versus 12.6 for the 151 endarterectomy-treated patients.

Technical feasibility and application of mechanical thrombectomy with the Solitaire FR Revascularization Device in acute basilar artery occlusion.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute BAO is a devastating neurological condition associated with a poor clinical outcome and a high mortality rate. Recanalization has been identified as a major prognostic factor for good outcome in BAO. Mechanical thrombectomy using retrievable stents is an emerging treatment option for acute stroke. First clinical trials using stent retrievers have shown promising high recanalization rates. However, these studies mainly included large artery occlusions in the anterior circulation with only a few or single cases of BAO. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate technical feasibility, safety, and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy using retrievable stent in the treatment of acute BAO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen consecutive patients with BAO undergoing endovascular therapy using retrievable stents (Solitaire FR Revascularization Device) were included. Additional multimodal treatment approaches included thromboaspiration, intravenous and/or intra-arterial thrombolysis, and PTA/ permanent stent placement. Recanalization rates after multimodal therapy and stent retrieval were determined. Clinical outcome and mortality were assessed 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: Median patient age was 64.5 years (range 55-85). Median NIHSS score at presentation was 21 (range 5-36). Overall, successful recanalization (TICI 3 or 2b) was achieved in all patients (TICI 3 in 78.6%, 11/14). In 4 patients (28.6%), insufficient recanalization after stent retrieval was due to an underlying atherosclerotic stenosis. Additional deployment of a permanent intracranial stent was performed in 3 patients (21.4%) and PTA alone in 1 patient (7.1%), resulting in final TICI 3 in 1 patient and TICI 2b in 3 patients. Stent retrieval alone was performed in 4 patients (28.6%). Average number of device passes was 1.3 (range 1-3). Median procedure time to maximal recanalization was 47 minutes (range 10-252). No device-related complications or thromboembolic occlusion of a previously unaffected artery occurred. There was no symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. At 3 months, good functional outcome (mRS 0-2) was observed in 28.6% (4/14); overall mortality was 35.7% (5/14). CONCLUSIONS: A multimodal endovascular approach using retrievable stents in BAO has high recanalization rates, with very low complication rates. Underlying atherothrombotic stenotic lesions of the basilar artery may still necessitate additional permanent stent placement to achieve complete recanalization.