Association between draining vein diameters and intracranial arteriovenous malformation hemorrhage: a multicentric retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) cause hemorrhage, and the role of draining vein diameters in rupture risk is controversial. The aims of the present study were to investigate the variables related with intracranial AVM rupture and to examine the association of draining vein diameters and AVM hemorrhage. METHODS: Two hundred three patients were included in this study, of which 117 (57%) had unruptured AVMs, and 86 (43%) had ruptured AVMs. RESULTS: In an adjusted (multivariate) analysis, the variables significantly associated with AVM hemorrhagic presentation were age (OR per year increase 0.97, 95%CI 0.95-0.99, p = 0.007), a deep nidus compared with superficial nidus (OR 3.21, 95%CI 1.13-9.06, p = 0.028), the nidus diameter (OR per each mm increase 0.95, 95%CI 0.92-0.97, p < 0.001), a single draining vein compared with multiple draining veins (OR 2.14, 95%CI 1.02-4.50, p = 0.044), the draining vein diameter (OR per mm increase 1.52, 95%CI 1.26-1.83, p < 0.001), and a draining vein diameter ≥ 5 mm compared with < 5 mm (OR 5.80, 95%CI 2.70-12.47, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, after adjusted analysis, the variables associated with intracranial AVM hemorrhagic presentation were a young age, a small nidus diameter, a deeply located nidus, a single draining vein, and large draining vein diameters. A draining vein diameter cutoff ≥ 5 mm was positively associated with the risk of AVM rupture. A large and prospective study is now necessary to confirm if draining vein diameter is a risk factor for AVM hemorrhage.

Modified pressure cooker technique: An easier way to control onyx reflux.

The use of onyx enabled the treatment of various intracranial vascular diseases more effectively than cyanoacrylate. The pressure cooker technique allowed definitive control of reflux and was made possible via detachable microcatheters. We present a variation of this technique called the modified pressure cooker to make reflux control easier and more reproducible and thus simplifying the procedure. We also extended the application of the technique to other diseases beyond arteriovenous malformations including dural arteriovenous fistulas and hypervascular tumors.

Early versus late carotid artery stenting for symptomatic carotid stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: Early carotid revascularization (≤ 14 days) is recommended for symptomatic carotid stenosis. Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has become an alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA); however, safety data on early CAS is controversial. The study aims to compare early versus late CAS, when CAS is performed as a first intention revascularization strategy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all symptomatic patients admitted to our stroke unit who underwent CAS was conducted. Patients were divided between two groups: patients who had undergone CAS within 14 days after symptoms and those who had undergone CAS later. Primary endpoints were ipsilateral ischemic stroke or ipsilateral parenchymal hemorrhage (iPH) at 30 days. The secondary endpoints were major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at the 30-day and at the 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-seven consecutive patients were evaluated. Primary endpoints obtained in the early and late CAS groups were, respectively, ipsilateral stroke (2.0% vs. 2.6%, P = 1.00) and iPH (2.0% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.40). The rates of MACCE between the early and the late CAS groups were, respectively, (7.8% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.21) at the 30-day follow-up, and (12.2% vs. 10.5%, P = 0.77) at the 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, CAS seems to be safe when used as first intention revascularization treatment within 2 weeks of symptoms, if infarcted area is less than one third of the middle cerebral artery territory. Our results need to be confirmed by larger studies.

Carotid artery stenting performed with a flow-reversal technique: improved technical performance.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience in carotid artery stenting (CAS) with GORE flow reversal system, focusing the assessment of its efficacy, security and practice procedure evolution. METHODS: Twelve patients treated for atherosclerotic carotid stenosis were prospectively evaluated. All patients were symptomatic. Carotid symptoms were embolic stroke in eight, watershed stroke in two and transient ischemic attack (TIA) in two patients. All patients underwent carotid ultrasound, brain magnetic resonance image and magnetic resonance angiography before CAS procedure. The procedure time and the flow reversal time were registered. Neurological outcome was evaluated before treatment, during the first 48 hours post-treatment and after 3 months. RESULTS: CAS was successful in all cases. Mean procedure time was 33.8 minutes. Mean flow reversal time was 7.3 minutes. Temporary bradycardia occurred with six patients without associated hemodynamic instability. NIHSS patients' scores ranged from 0 to 5 (average 1.1) on admission and remained unchanged during 48 hours after treatment. mRS patients' scores ranged from 0 to 3 (average 1.6) on admission and remained unchanged during the follow-up of 3 months. There were no complications concerning groin puncture, or general anesthesia, or myocardial infarct or death. CONCLUSION: In our present selected subjects, the CAS procedure using the GORE flow reversal system appeared to be safe and effective, with improved technical performance of the procedure. This was observed in particular with the flow-reversal times achieved. Thus, studies comparing the GORE system and other protection devices are suggested to ascertain all of the benefits of flow reversal during CAS.

Two year follow-up of distal unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with a surface modified flow diverter under prasugrel monotherapy.

BACKGROUND: A new generation of modified surface flow diverters (FDs) and monotherapy using new antiplatelets may reduce both ischemic and hemorrhagic complications during the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Previous preliminary safety analysis of distal unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with the FD p48 MW HPC (phenox-Wallaby, Bochum, Germany) under antiplatelet monotherapy with prasugrel showed promising results. However, the long term outcomes of distal intracranial aneurysms treated with FDs under antiplatelet monotherapy are not known. METHODS: This was a single center, prospective, pivotal, open single arm study. The primary (safety) endpoint was absence of any new neurological deficits after treatment until the 24 month follow-up. The primary (efficacy) endpoint was the incidence of complete aneurysm occlusion 24 months after treatment. The secondary (efficacy) endpoints were any incidence of aneurysm dome reduction 24 months after treatment. RESULTS: 21 patients harboring 27 distal aneurysms of the anterior circulation were included. No patient had neurologic deficits in the time from treatment to the 24 month follow-up. Complete aneurysm occlusion occurred in 20 (74%) of 27 aneurysms at the 24 month follow-up. Four aneurysms (14.8%) had dome reduction, and three aneurysms (11.1%) remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot trial, treatment of distal unruptured intracranial aneurysms with an FD under monotherapy with prasugrel, followed by monotherapy with aspirin, appeared to be safe and effective. Randomized studies with long term follow-up are needed to confirm these results.

Aspirin monotherapy in the treatment of distal intracranial aneurysms with a surface modified flow diverter: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Flow diverters (FDs) result in high occlusion rates of aneurysms located distally to the carotid artery. However, the complications reported are not negligible. New modified surface FDs have low thrombogenic properties that may reduce ischemic complications related to the treatment. In addition, a modified surface FD may allow for the use of a single antiplatelet medication to reduce hemorrhagic risk during the procedure. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the p48 MW HPC (phenox, Bochum, Germany) to treat distal intracranial aneurysms under the use of aspirin monotherapy. METHODS: The primary endpoint was the incidence of any neurologic deficit after treatment after 6 months of follow-up. The secondary endpoint was the rate of the complete occlusion of the aneurysms at the 6-month follow-up. Enrollment of 20 patients was planned, but after inclusion of seven patients the study was stopped due to safety issues. RESULTS: Seven patients with eight aneurysms were included. Among the seven patients, three (42.8%) had ischemic complications on the second day after FD deployment. Two patients experienced complete recovery at discharge (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score=0), while one patient maintained mild dysarthria at discharge (NIHSS score=1) which improved after 6 months (NIHSS score=0). All three patients had no new symptoms during the 6-month follow-up. Complete aneurysm occlusion occurred in six (75%) of the eight aneurysms at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Antiplatelet monotherapy with aspirin for the treatment of distal intracranial aneurysms with this modified surface FD resulted in a significant incidence of ischemic complications after treatment.

Treatment of distal unruptured intracranial aneurysms using a surface-modified flow diverter under prasugrel monotherapy: a pilot safety trial.

BACKGROUND: Flow diverters (FDs) are effective in the treatment of carotid aneurysms. Compared with carotid aneurysms, the treatment of distal intracranial aneurysms with FDs has been associated with a relatively high incidence of complications. Low thrombogenic modified-surface FDs may reduce ischemic complications and allow for the use of a single antiplatelet medication. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the p48 MW HPC Flow Modulation Device (Phenox GmbH, Bochum, Germany) to treat distal intracranial aneurysms used in combination with prasugrel monotherapy. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective, pivotal, open, single-arm study. Patients were included in this study from December 2019 to September 2020. The primary endpoints were the incidence of any neurologic deficit after treatment until 1 month of follow-up, defined as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥1, and the incidence of acute ischemic lesions in magnetic resonance imagin (MRI) images 48 hours after treatment. The secondary endpoint was the rate of complete occlusion of the aneurysms at the 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients harboring 27 distal aneurysms of the anterior circulation were included. Mean age was 57.8 (SD 9.7) years, and 16 patients were female (80%). No patient had neurologic symptoms at the 1-month follow-up. Four patients (20%) had asymptomatic acute brain ischemic lesions on MRI. Complete aneurysm occlusion occurred in 9/27 (33.3%) aneurysms at the 1-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: In this pilot safety trial, treatment of distal intracranial aneurysms with p48 MW HPC under monotherapy with prasugrel appeared to be safe.

Casper vs. Closed-Cell Stent : Carotid Artery Stenting Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this trial was to compare the efficacy of closed-cell stents with Casper stents during carotid angioplasty stenting (CAS). METHODS: This was a randomized superiority trial in which 88 patients were enrolled. The primary end points were the incidence, number, and size of new ischemic brain lesions after CAS under distal embolic protection devices (EPD). The secondary end points included stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) and myocardial infarction (MI). Ischemic brain lesions were assessed by a diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance image (DW-MRI). Neurological outcomes were evaluated by means of the National Institutes of Health scale score (NIHSS) and the modified Rankin scale (mRS). RESULTS: Compared with closed-cell stents (n = 47), Casper stents (n = 41), resulted in no significant reduction in the incidence (44.7% versus 39%, P = 0.592), number (1.3 ± 1.8 versus 0.9 ± 1.5, p = 0.444), and size (3.9 ± 5.8 mm versus 2.8 ± 4.1 mm, p = 0.353) of new ischemic brain lesions. The global rate of stroke/TIA/MI was (2/88, 2.3%). Two TIA occurred during the hospitalization period, one in each group (1/41, 2.4% vs 1/47, 2.1%). One patient of the Casper group had an asymptomatic in-stent thrombosis. One patient of the control group had a MI (1/47, 2.1%) after discharge. CONCLUSION: The Casper stents did not show superiority in the rate of incidence, number and size of new silent ischemic brain lesions detect by DW-MRI when compared to close cell stents during CAS under distal EPD.

The use of dual-lumen balloon for embolization of peripheral arteriovenous malformations.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the embolization of peripheral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) with non-adhesive liquid agents (NALA) injected by dual-lumen balloons (DLB). METHODS: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study between January 2017 and June 2019, including patients with peripheral AVM embolized with NALA by DLB. Fourteen patients were included. The AVM classification, technical and clinical success were evaluated, as were nidus size, liquid agent used, volume and time of injection in DLB, complications, follow-up and need of surgical intervention. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 37±22.5 years (range, 6-82 years). The mean nidus size was 5.2±2.4 cm (range, 3.0-12.0 cm). By Schobinger classification, 11 AVMs were classified in stage 3 and 3 AVMs were classified in stage 2. By Cho's classification, 2 AVMs were in stage II, 4 AVMs were in stage I, 4 AVMs were in stage IIIa and 4 AVMs were in stage IIIb. Onyx was used in 11 patients (78.6%), while Squid, PHIL, and both Onyx and Squid were used in one patient each (7.1%). Seven patients (50%) required one session of embolization, 4 patients (28.6%) required two, 2 patients (14.3%) required three and 1 patient (7.1%) required four sessions. Complete nidus exclusion was achieved in 11 patients (78.6%), optimal clinical response in 12 patients (85.7%). Four patients (28.6%) exhibited minor complications, all controlled. No major complications were seen. Four patients underwent surgical intervention (28.6%). CONCLUSION: The embolization of peripheral AVM with NALA in DLB appears to be safe and feasible, achieving high rates of technical and clinical success.

Endovascular Treatment of Tentorial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas Using the Transarterial Approach as a First-Line Strategy.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, endovascular approaches have become the standard treatment for most tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas (TDAVFs). Although endovascular treatment (EVT) is associated with better clinical outcomes, the angiographic occlusion rates are lower than those of surgical or combined approaches. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of EVT for TDAVFs using the transarterial approach (TAA) as a first-line strategy. METHODS: Clinical and radiological data from 45 consecutive patients with TDAVFs who underwent EVT at 2 centers were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics and clinical and angiographic data were registered. Postprocedural and 6-mo follow-up angiographic and clinical results were evaluated. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify angiographic occlusion predictors after the first session and predictors of clinical complications. RESULTS: An isolated TAA was used for 40 TDAVFs (88.9%). A total of 37 (82.2%) TDAVFs were completely occluded after a single EVT session, and 44 TDAVFs (97.8%) were completely occluded after the last procedure. The presence of fewer than 5 arterial feeders was a predictor for total occlusion after the first treatment session (odds ratio [OR], 18.9; 95% CI 2.06-173.57; P = .01). Six-month angiographic control was performed in 42 patients, and all TDAVFs were occluded. Good long-term neurological outcomes were observed in 41 patients (91.1%). Clinical complications occurred in 7 (15.6%) patients. They were related to the number of accessed arteries to perform TAA (odds ratio, 2.53; 95% CI 1.10-5.86; P = .03). The procedure-related mortality rate was 2.2%. CONCLUSION: TAA is a safe and effective treatment for TDAVFs.

Thrombectomy for Posterior Circulation Stroke: Predictors of Outcomes in a Brazilian Registry.

BACKGROUND: Acute basilar artery occlusion is a devastating life-threatening condition. Early recanalization is the therapeutic goal in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Despite the high rates of recanalization achieved with modern devices for basilar occlusions, many patients have had poor clinical outcomes. This study aimed to assess the predictors of good and poor outcomes among patients with basilar artery occlusion treated with thrombectomy. METHODS: A consecutive registry of 80 patients was included in this retrospective study. The primary end point was to access variables associated with neurologic outcomes defined by a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality at 3 months follow-up. RESULTS: Recanalization was achieved in 86.2%, and the sICH rate was 8.7%. A good neurologic outcome (mRS score 0-2) was observed in 26.2% and a moderate outcome (mRS score 0-3) in 32.5% of patients. The mortality was 38.7% at 3 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: After thrombectomy for posterior circulation strokes, young patients, V4-proximal basilar occlusion, (high) baseline posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, and complete recanalization were independent predictors of good neurologic outcomes. Failure to recanalize was strongly related to sICH and mortality. In addition, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores ≥10 had an independent association with mortality. This study contributes to the knowledge required to optimize recanalization treatments for posterior circulation strokes and may help to improve future clinical studies.

Endovascular treatment of residual or recurrent intracranial aneurysms after surgical clipping.

OBJECTIVE: Total aneurysm occlusion is crucial for the prevention of rebleeding of a ruptured aneurysm or to avoid rupture of an unruptured lesion. Both surgical and endovascular embolization fail to achieve complete aneurysm occlusion in all the cases. The objective of the study was to establish the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment for previously clipped residual or recurrent aneurysms. METHODS: This was an observational, retrospective study of patients harboring incompletely occluded intracranial aneurysms after clipping who underwent endovascular treatment. Patients were treated using 4 different techniques: (1) simple coiling, (2) balloon remodeling, (3) stent-assisted coiling, and (4) flow diversion. Analyses were performed to identify predictors of total aneurysm occlusion, recanalization and complications. RESULTS: Between May 2010 and September 2018, 70 patients harboring incompletely occluded intracranial aneurysms after clipping met the inclusion criteria in 5 centers. The mean residual aneurysm size was 7.5 mm. Fifty-nine aneurysms were unruptured. Total aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 75.3% of the aneurysms after 1 year. All aneurysms treated with flow diversion revealed complete occlusion according to control angiography. Recanalization was observed in 14.5%. Permanent morbidity and mortality occurred in 2.9% and 1.4% of the patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of recurrent or residual aneurysms after surgical clipping was safe and efficacious. Flow diversion seems to be associated with better anatomical results. A more rigid study, a larger group of patients, and longterm follow-up are required to provide stronger conclusions about the best approach for residual clipped aneurysms.

Safety of ultrasound-guided distal radial artery access for abdominopelvic transarterial interventions: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate ultrasound-guided distal radial artery (DRA) access to perform abdominopelvic endovascular procedures. METHODS: A prospective, observational study was carried out in a single center between December 2017 and February 2019. Forty-two abdominopelvic endovascular procedures were performed by the same operator in 37 patients with DRA access using a 5 F sheath. Most patients were male (67.6%) with a mean age of 62.0±11.4 years (age range, 27.6-82.8 years). Patient characteristics, including Barbeau's test classification, radial and ulnar sizes and technical success, were evaluated. Patients with a DRA smaller than 1.7 mm could not be safely punctured and were not included. RESULTS: Procedures included chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma in 35 cases (83.3%), embolization of hepatic metastasis in neuroendocrine tumors in 4 cases (9.5%) and other embolization procedures in 3 cases (7.1%). The mean diameters of the DRA, proximal radial artery and proximal ulnar artery were 2.31, 2.63, and 2.09 mm, respectively. Out of 42 DRA puncture attempts, 97.6% (41/42) were successfully performed. There were no postoperative complications related to the access site, such as pain, palsy, paresthesia, occlusion, finger ischemia, bleeding, hematoma, and pseudoaneurysm. Transient forearm discomfort was reported in 7.1% of patients (3/42); one occurrence was associated with kinking rectification, and two occurrences were attributed to small arteries and/or vasospasm. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided DRA access seems to be feasible and safe to perform in abdominopelvic endovascular procedures in patients with a DRA considered amenable to be safely punctured, with high technical success rates.

Transarterial embolization with n-butyl cyanoacrylate for the treatment of abdominal wall hemorrhage.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) in the context of the transarterial embolization (TAE) of abdominal wall hemorrhage in an urgent scenario. METHODS: A retrospective study of cases admitted from January 2008 to December 2017 in the emergency unit of our institution revealed 11 patients with abdominal wall hemorrhage who underwent digital subtraction angiography and TAE with n-BCA. We analyzed the sex, age, hemorrhagic risk factors, etiology, embolized vessel, technical success (no rebleeding in the embolized area), clinical success (hemoglobin level control and hemodynamic stability after the procedure), complications inherent to the procedure, and clinical outcome (mortality in 30 days). RESULTS: The mean age was 63.4 years (52-83 years), with a predominance of the female sex (64%). The majority (91%) of patients presented hemorrhagic risk factors (chronic hepatopathy and anticoagulation drug usage). Spontaneous hemorrhage was present in 18% of patients, and the other 82% had an iatrogenic etiology. Technical success was achieved in 100% of the patients, which required the embolization of inferior epigastric artery in 10 patients (91%), circumflex iliac artery in 2 (18%), and superior epigastric artery in 1 (9%). Five patients were hemodynamically unstable, and despite achieving technical success, 4 (36%) died in less than 30 days due to decompensation of their clinical comorbidities caused by the acute phase. There were no complications inherent to the procedures. CONCLUSION: The present study concludes that TAE with n-BCA is a safe and effective treatment for abdominal wall hemorrhage in an urgent scenario, with high rates of technical and clinical success.

Endovascular Reperfusion for Acute Isolated Cervical Carotid Occlusions: The Concept of "Hemodynamic Thrombectomy".

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endovascular treatment improves the outcomes of patients presenting with acute large vessel occlusions. Isolated proximal carotid occlusions presenting with hemodynamic ischemic stroke may probably also benefit from endovascular treatment. We aimed to assess the clinical and radiological data findings on patients who underwent endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke related to an isolated cervical carotid artery occlusion. METHODS: Of a consecutive series of 223 patients who were admitted with acute ische-mic stroke and were treated by thrombectomy, we included 9 patients with isolated cervical internal carotid occlusions. RESULTS: The mean baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 11.8. Complete carotid recanalization was achieved in 5 of the 9 patients (55.5%). In 2 patients, vertebral angioplasty was performed to improve the collateral flow. All patients had a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score of 3 at the end of the procedures. A good neurological outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 at the 3-month follow-up, was observed in 6 patients (66.7%). No symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages or deaths occurred during the 3 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The endovascular recanalization of isolated cervical carotid occlusions presenting with acute ischemic stroke symptoms is feasible. Because isolated cervical carotid occlusions are associated with hemodynamic ischemic symptoms, if carotid recanalization cannot be achieved, stenting other cervical arteries' stenoses, with a focus on intracranial flow improvement, appears to be a reasonable strategy. Large controlled studies are necessary to assess the safety and efficacy of recanalization of acute isolated cervical carotid occlusions.

Safety and Effectiveness of the Pipeline Flex Embolization Device With Shield Technology for the Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms: Midterm Results From a Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of the first generation of the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED; Medtronic Inc) have been proven in large case series. Ischemic events are one of the most common complications following treatment of aneurysms with flow diverters. The new PED Flex with Shield technology (PED Shield; Medtronic Inc) was introduced to minimize the rate of complications. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of patients harboring aneurysms treated with the PED Shield. METHODS: This was an observational, prospective, single-arm multicenter study of patients treated with the PED Shield. The primary safety endpoint was the absence of major neurological complications and death. The secondary effectiveness endpoint was angiographic occlusion at 6 and 12 mo. Technical complications were also reported. RESULTS: Between November 2017 and December 2018, 151 patients from 7 centers with 182 aneurysms were enrolled. The mean aneurysm size was 7.0 mm; 27 (14.8%) aneurysms were large, and 7 (3.8%) were giant. In 141 of 151 patients (93.4%), the primary endpoint was reached. The overall rate of periprocedural complications was 7.3%. Of the aneurysms, 79.7% met the study's secondary endpoint of complete occlusion at 6 mo and 85.3% at 12 mo. CONCLUSION: The PED Shield is a safe and effective treatment for intracranial aneurysms. The results regarding total occlusion and ischemic complications did not differ from those obtained in case series using previous versions of the PED. Long-term follow-up and comparative studies are required to provide stronger conclusions regarding the reduced thrombogenicity of this device.

Thrombectomy for M2 occlusions and the role of the dominant branch.

INTRODUCTION: The benefits of thrombectomy for occlusion of M2 segments remain controversial. The aim of this study is to assess thrombectomy's efficacy and safety in patients with M2 segment occlusion and associations between occlusion sites and anatomic variations of M1 division. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective series of 30 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) resulting from M2 segment occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) who underwent thrombectomy was analyzed. The primary endpoint was assessed by the Extended Treatment in Cerebral Infarction scale (eTICI). The secondary endpoints were the incidence of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (sICH), mortality and good functional outcome at three months. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 69.2 years. The mean National Institutes Health Stroke Scale score (NIHSS) upon hospital admission was 16. The recanalization rates were eTICI 2b/3 in 90% and 2c/3 in 60% of the patients. Total recanalization of the M2 branch was achieved in 53% of patients. sICH incidence was 6.6%, the mortality rate was 30%, and a good functional outcome (mRS ≤2) was observed in 50% of the patients. Twenty-seven patients (90%) had a dominant M2 branch and all were occluded. Regarding the site of M2 occlusions, 74% of patients had proximal M2 occlusions. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombectomy appears to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of acute M2 segment occlusions of the MCA. Most of the cases had a dominant M2 branch, and all of them were occluded. Larger studies are needed to verify the benefits of thrombectomy for different settings of M2 occlusions.

Transvenous embolization of dural carotid cavernous fistulas: the role of liquid embolic agents in association with coils on patient outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Transvenous embolization is the standard treatment for dural carotid cavernous fistulas (DCCF). Although various embolic materials have been used, the best embolic material for the treatment of DCCF is still unknown. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of different embolic materials used for the endovascular treatment of DCCF. METHODS: A retrospective data analysis of a consecutive series of 62 patients presenting DCCF was performed. Clinical and radiological data from patients were assessed, and the embolic material used-coils or liquids-were compared between two groups of patients. RESULTS: Complete angiographic occlusion of DCCF after treatment was achieved in 83.9% of the patients (52/62). We found a higher rate of complete occlusion of DCCF when liquids were associated with coils than with coils alone (96.5% vs 71.8%, p=0.01), and no differences in complication rates or clinical outcomes were seen between the two groups. At the 6-month follow-up, we found a higher rate of improvement in ocular symptoms compared with cranial nerve palsy improvement (94.7% vs 77.7%, p=0.02). Two patients (3.2%) had treatment-related complications without clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION: In this study, in comparison with the use of coils alone, the association of transvenous embolization with liquid embolic agents for DCCF treatment resulted in higher rates of complete occlusion without increasing complication rates. The clinical outcome at the 6-month follow-up showed significant improvement in ocular symptoms over cranial nerve palsy regression, which was independent of the embolic agent chosen for treatment.

Extending the indications for transvenous approach embolization for superficial brain arteriovenous malformations.

INTRODUCTION: Transarterial embolization is the standard endovascular treatment strategy for intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The transvenous approach has been indicated for the embolization of deep AVMs meeting a set of strict eligibility criteria. The present study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of the transvenous approach for superficial AVMs. METHODS: A retrospective series of 12 patients presenting with cortical AVMs were treated by endovascular embolization using a transvenous approach with a curative intent. RESULTS: Nine patients (75%) had ruptured AVMs at admission. The mean nidus size was 1.9 cm, six patients (50%) had a nidus in eloquent areas and the median Spetzler-Martin grade was 2. The rate of immediate angiographic occlusion of the AVMs was 91.6% (11/12). One patient in whom immediate angiographic occlusion was not achieved showed spontaneous occlusion at the 6-month follow-up. No procedural or clinical complications were observed. The mean and median modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores at discharge were 1.7 and 2 (range 0-3, SD=0.96), and the mean and median mRS scores at 6 months were 1.6 and 2 (0-3, 1.16). Nine patients (75%) were independent (mRS ≤2) at discharge and 11 patients (91.6%) were independent (mRS ≤2) at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The curative transvenous embolization of superficial intracranial AVMs is feasible and appears safe and effective when strict anatomical selection is respected. This technique extends the current indications for transvenous embolization of intracranial AVMs and may improve cure rates while reducing embolization-related complications.

International Survey on the Management of Wake-Up Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Patients who wake up having experienced a stroke while asleep represent around 20% of acute stroke admissions. According to international guidelines for the management of acute stroke, patients presenting with wake-up stroke are not currently eligible to receive revascularization treatments. In this study, we aimed to assess the opinions of stroke experts about the management of patients with wake-up stroke by using an international multicenter electronic survey. METHOD: This study consisted of 8 questions on wake-up stroke treatment. RESULTS: Two hundred invitations to participate in the survey were sent by e-mail. Fifty-nine participants started the survey, 4 dropped out before completing it, and 55 completed the full questionnaire. We had 55 participants from 22 countries. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, most stroke experts recommended a recanalization treatment for wake-up stroke. However, there was considerable disagreement among experts regarding the best brain imaging method and the best recanalization treatment. The results of ongoing randomized trials on wake-up stroke are urgently needed.