Basilar artery occlusion management: An international survey of gender influence on management.

BACKGROUND: The superiority of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) over medical management was not established in two early basilar artery occlusion (BAO) randomized controlled trials. Despite this, many clinicians recommended EVT for acute BAO under certain circumstances. This paper aims to compare physicians' diagnostic and management strategies of BAO according to gender. METHODS: From January to March 2022 an international survey was conducted regarding management strategies in acute BAO. We compared responses between clinicians by identifying gender. Questions were designed to examine clinical and imaging parameters influencing management of patients with BAO. RESULTS: Among the 1245 respondents from 73 countries, 311 (25.0%) identified as female. This figure was 13.6% amongst interventionists. Geographically, female respondents were lowest in Asia (14.5%) and North America (23.9%). The proportion of respondents identifying as female was consistent regardless of their years of experience. Female respondents were more likely to choose time of onset as time of first estimated stroke like symptom (48.0% vs. 38.5%, p < .01), were less likely to favor thrombectomy in the V4 segment of vertebrobasilar artery occlusions (31.5% vs. 43.3%, p < .01), and were less likely to find it acceptable to enroll all patients who met trial criteria in the standard medical treatment arm of a clinical trial (41.2% vs. 47.0%, p = .01). Male respondents were more likely to agree that thrombolysis would not alter their decision on proceeding with EVT (93.7% vs. 88.3%, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Female clinicians appear to be significantly underrepresented in stroke medicine. This is most pronounced amongst interventionists and in Asia. Although male and female opinions were closely aligned on many aspects of BAO management, differences in opinion were observed in a number of significant areas which influence decision making.

Hemostatic management of von Willebrand disease during childbirth with a plasma-derived von Willebrand factor/factor VIII concentrate.

BACKGROUND: Females with von Willebrand disease (VWD) do not show the same increases in von Willebrand factor and factor (F)VIII levels during pregnancy as females without VWD and are at higher risk of excessive bleeding associated with childbirth. Data on hemostatic management for childbirth in VWD patients are limited. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the dosing, efficacy, and safety of plasma-derived von Willebrand factor/FVIII (wilate) for prevention of excessive bleeding associated with childbirth in females with any type of VWD. METHODS: Data for females with VWD who received wilate for hemostatic coverage for childbirth during 2 prospective clinical studies were analyzed. RESULTS: Ten females with VWD and a mean age at enrolment of 29.6 years were treated with wilate to prevent excessive bleeding associated with childbirth. Two patients had type 1, 4 had type 2 (2 2A, 1 2B, and 1 2M), and 4 had type 3 VWD. Of the 10 deliveries, 5 were by cesarean section. Patients received a mean of 9.5 infusions of wilate over 6.8 exposure days, with a mean total dose of 234 IU/kg per delivery and 25 IU/kg per infusion. Hemostatic management for all deliveries was rated excellent or good, with no excessive bleeding during delivery and no postpartum bleeding during the period of wilate treatment in any patient. Two patients experienced 8 possible or probable treatment-related adverse events; all were mild or moderate and resolved. No thromboembolic events were observed. CONCLUSION: The results of this case series indicate that wilate provided effective hemostatic cover for childbirth in females with VWD during delivery and postpartum.

Engineering a "muco-trapping" ACE2-immunoglobulin hybrid with picomolar affinity as an inhaled, pan-variant immunotherapy for COVID-19.

Soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) can act as a decoy molecule that neutralizes severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by blocking spike (S) proteins on virions from binding ACE2 on host cells. Based on structural insights of ACE2 and S proteins, we designed a "muco-trapping" ACE2-Fc conjugate, termed ACE2-(G4S)6-Fc, comprised of the extracellular segment of ACE2 (lacking the C-terminal collectrin domain) that is linked to mucin-binding IgG1-Fc via an extended glycine-serine flexible linker. ACE2-(G4S)6-Fc exhibits substantially greater binding affinity and neutralization potency than conventional full length ACE2-Fc decoys or similar truncated ACE2-Fc decoys without flexible linkers, possessing picomolar binding affinity and strong neutralization potency against pseudovirus and live virus. ACE2-(G4S)6-Fc effectively trapped fluorescent SARS-CoV-2 virus like particles in fresh human airway mucus and was stably nebulized using a commercial vibrating mesh nebulizer. Intranasal dosing of ACE2-(G4S)6-Fc in hamsters as late as 2 days postinfection provided a 10-fold reduction in viral load in the nasal turbinate tissues by Day 4. These results strongly support further development of ACE2-(G4S)6-Fc as an inhaled immunotherapy for COVID-19, as well as other emerging viruses that bind ACE2 for cellular entry.

Drp1 controls complex II assembly and skeletal muscle metabolism by Sdhaf2 action on mitochondria.

The dynamin-related guanosine triphosphatase, Drp1 (encoded by Dnm1l), plays a central role in mitochondrial fission and is requisite for numerous cellular processes; however, its role in muscle metabolism remains unclear. Here, we show that, among human tissues, the highest number of gene correlations with DNM1L is in skeletal muscle. Knockdown of Drp1 (Drp1-KD) promoted mitochondrial hyperfusion in the muscle of male mice. Reduced fatty acid oxidation and impaired insulin action along with increased muscle succinate was observed in Drp1-KD muscle. Muscle Drp1-KD reduced complex II assembly and activity as a consequence of diminished mitochondrial translocation of succinate dehydrogenase assembly factor 2 (Sdhaf2). Restoration of Sdhaf2 normalized complex II activity, lipid oxidation, and insulin action in Drp1-KD myocytes. Drp1 is critical in maintaining mitochondrial complex II assembly, lipid oxidation, and insulin sensitivity, suggesting a mechanistic link between mitochondrial morphology and skeletal muscle metabolism, which is clinically relevant in combatting metabolic-related diseases.

Free PEG Suppresses Anaphylaxis to PEGylated Nanomedicine in Swine.

Covalent conjugation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is frequently employed to enhance the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of various protein and nanoparticle therapeutics. Unfortunately, some PEGylated drugs can induce elevated levels of antibodies that can bind PEG, i.e., anti-PEG antibodies (APA), in some patients. APA in turn can reduce the efficacy and increase the risks of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. There is currently no intervention available in the clinic that specifically mitigates allergic reactions to PEGylated drugs without the use of broad immunosuppression. We previously showed that infusion of high molecular weight free PEG could safely and effectively suppress the induction of APA in mice and restore prolonged circulation of various PEGylated therapeutics. Here, we explored the effectiveness of free PEG as a prophylaxis against anaphylaxis induced by PEG-specific allergic reactions in swine. Injection of PEG-liposomes (PL) resulted in anaphylactoid shock (pseudoanaphylaxis) within 1-3 min in both naïve and PL-sensitized swine. In contrast, repeated injection of free PEG alone did not result in allergic reactions, and injection of free PEG effectively suppressed allergic reactions to PL, including in previously PL-sensitized swine. These results strongly support the further investigation of free PEG for reducing APA and allergic responses to PEGylated therapeutics.

Unsuccessful Recanalization versus Medical Management of Patients with Large Ischemic Core : Analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: The outcomes of patients with large ischemic core who fail to recanalize with endovascular therapy (EVT) compared to medical management (MM) are uncertain. The objective was to evaluate the clinical and safety outcomes of patients who underwent EVT in patients with large ischemic core and unsuccessful recanalization. METHODS: This was a post hoc analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT randomized trial. Unsuccessful recanalization was defined as patients who underwent EVT with eTICI 0-2a. The primary endpoint was 90-day very poor outcome (mRS 5-6). Multivariable logistic regression was conducted controlling for ASPECTS, occlusion location, intravenous thrombolysis, and time to treatment. RESULTS: Of 455 patients 225 were treated with MM. Of 230 treated with EVT, 43 (19%) patients had unsuccessful recanalization. There was no difference in 90-day very poor outcomes (39.5% vs. 40%, aOR 0.93, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.47-1.85, p = 0.95), sICH (7.0% vs. 2.7%, aOR 2.81, 95% CI 0.6-13.29, p = 0.19), or mortality (30% vs. 20%, aOR 1.65, 95% CI 0.89-3.06, p = 0.11) between the unsuccessful EVT and MM groups, respectively. There were higher rates of ICH (55.8% vs. 17.3%, p < 0.001), infarct core volume growth (142.7 ml vs. 90.5 ml, ß = 47.77, 95% CI 20.97-74.57 ml, p < 0.001), and decompressive craniectomy (18.6% vs. 3.6%, p < 0.001) in the unsuccessful EVT versus MM groups. CONCLUSION: In a randomized trial of patients with large ischemic core undergoing EVT with unsuccessful recanalization, there was no difference in very poor outcomes, sICH or death versus medically managed patients. In the unsuccessful EVT group, there were higher rates of any ICH, volume of infarct core growth, and decompressive craniectomy.

Ophthalmic artery stenosis on three-dimensional rotational angiography: Interrater agreement, prevalence, and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: There is emerging interest in ophthalmic artery (OA) stenosis angioplasty for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA) could be used during conventional angiography to determine the presence and severity of OA stenosis. In patients who had undergone 3DRA of the internal carotid artery, we aimed to assess the interrater agreement, prevalence, and risk factors for OA stenosis. METHODS: Consecutive patients from two centers who had undergone conventional angiography with 3DRA of the internal carotid arteries were enrolled in this study. 3DRAs were independently double read for the presence of OA stenosis, as defined as narrowing of the proximal OA of at least 50% when compared to the more distal "normal" OA. Interrater agreement for the evaluation of OA stenosis was assessed with the Cohen's kappa coefficient. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify potential predictors of OA stenosis. RESULTS: Three hundred and two patients (97 men; mean ± SD 57.6 ± 13.4 years) were included in the analysis. Cohen's kappa coefficient (95% CI) was 0.877 (0.798-0.956). OA stenosis was present in 45 patients (14.9%). Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-6.09, p = 0.02) and smoking (OR = 2.11, 95% CI 1.10-4.06, p = 0.03) were significant risk factors for OA stenosis. Age, hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and subarachnoid hemorrhage were not associated with OA stenosis. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of OA stenosis on 3DRA had excellent interrater agreement. OA stenosis was common and was associated with smoking and female sex.

Development of anti-PEG IgG/IgM/IgE ELISA assays for profiling anti-PEG immunoglobulin response in PEG-sensitized individuals and patients with alpha-gal allergy.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is frequently used in various protein and nanomedicine therapeutics. However, various studies have shown that select PEGylated therapeutics can induce production of anti-PEG antibodies (APA), potentially culminating in rapid clearance from the systemic circulation, loss of efficacy and possibly increased risks of allergic reactions. Although IgE is a frequent cause of immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IHR), the role of IgE APA in PEG-related IHR is not well understood, due in part to a lack of standardized assays for measuring IgE APA. Here, we developed a rigorous competitive ELISA method to measure the concentrations of various APA isotypes, including IgE, with picomolar sensitivities. In a small number of serum samples from patients with known PEG allergy, the assay allowed us to detect a strong correlation between IgG and IgE APA in individuals with history of allergic reactions to PEG or PEGylated drugs, but not between IgM and IgE APA. We detected appreciable levels of IgG and IgM APA in individuals with history of alpha-gal allergy, however, they were not elevated relative to those detected in other healthy controls, and we found no pre-existing IgE APA. While preliminary and should be further investigated, these results suggest that differences in the route and mechanism of PEG exposure may drive variability in APA response.

Tumor Explants Elucidate a Cascade of Paracrine SHH, WNT, and VEGF Signals Driving Pancreatic Cancer Angiosuppression.

The sparse vascularity of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents a mystery: What prevents this aggressive malignancy from undergoing neoangiogenesis to counteract hypoxia and better support growth? An incidental finding from prior work on paracrine communication between malignant PDAC cells and fibroblasts revealed that inhibition of the Hedgehog (HH) pathway partially relieved angiosuppression, increasing tumor vascularity through unknown mechanisms. Initial efforts to study this phenotype were hindered by difficulties replicating the complex interactions of multiple cell types in vitro. Here we identify a cascade of paracrine signals between multiple cell types that act sequentially to suppress angiogenesis in PDAC. Malignant epithelial cells promote HH signaling in fibroblasts, leading to inhibition of noncanonical WNT signaling in fibroblasts and epithelial cells, thereby limiting VEGFR2-dependent activation of endothelial hypersprouting. This cascade was elucidated using human and murine PDAC explant models, which effectively retain the complex cellular interactions of native tumor tissues. SIGNIFICANCE: We present a key mechanism of tumor angiosuppression, a process that sculpts the physiologic, cellular, and metabolic environment of PDAC. We further present a computational and experimental framework for the dissection of complex signaling cascades that propagate among multiple cell types in the tissue environment. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 201.

Generation and ex vivo culture of murine and human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissue slice explants.

Traditional 2D/3D co-culture models typically do not reflect the cellular heterogeneity of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors, while in vivo models can be slow and ill-suited to mechanistic investigations. Here, we present a protocol for culturing murine PDAC explants and a corresponding human PDAC model using tissue slice explants. We describe steps for sponge production, preparation of media and materials, tissue collection, and sectioning. We then detail procedures for explant plating, daily culture, and collection of samples.

Pegloticase co-administered with high MW polyethylene glycol effectively reduces PEG-immunogenicity and restores prolonged circulation in mouse.

The interactions between polymers and the immune system remains poorly controlled. In some instances, the immune system can produce antibodies specific to polymer constituents. Indeed, roughly half of pegloticase patients without immunomodulation develop high titers of anti-PEG antibodies (APA) to the PEG polymers on pegloticase, which then quickly clear the drug from circulation and render the gout treatment ineffective. Here, using pegloticase as a model drug, we show that addition of high molecular weight (MW) free (unconjugated) PEG to pegloticase allows us to control the immunogenicity and mitigates APA induction in mice. Compared to pegloticase mixed with saline, mice repeatedly dosed with pegloticase containing different MW or amount of free PEG possessed 4- to 12- fold lower anti-PEG IgG, and 6- to 10- fold lower anti-PEG IgM, after 3 rounds of pegloticase dosed every 2 weeks. The markedly reduced APA levels, together with competitive inhibition by free PEG, restored the prolonged circulation of pegloticase to levels observed in APA-naïve animals. In contrast, mice with pegloticase-induced APA eliminated nearly all pegloticase from the circulation within just four hours post-injection. These results support the growing literature demonstrating free PEG may effectively suppress drug-induced APA, which in turn may offer sustained therapeutic benefits without requiring broad immunomodulation. We also showed free PEG effectively blocked the PEGylated protein from binding with cells expressing PEG-specific B cell receptors. It provides a template of how we may be able to tune the interactions and immunogenicity of other polymer-modified therapeutics. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: A major challenge with engineering materials for drug delivery is their interactions with the immune system. For instance, our body can produce high levels of anti-PEG antibodies (APA). Unfortunately, the field currently lack tools to limit immunostimulation or overcome pre-existing anti-PEG antibodies, without using broad immunosuppression. Here, we showed that simply introducing free PEG into a clinical formulation of PEG-uricase can effectively limit induction of anti-PEG antibodies, and restore their prolonged circulation upon repeated dosing. Our work offers a readily translatable method to safely and effectively restore the use PEG-drugs in patients with PEG-immunity, and provides a template to use unconjugated polymers with low immunogenicity to regulate interactions with the immune system for other polymer-modified therapeutics.

Antiplatelet Therapy in Neurointervention.

The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the use of antiplatelet medication in neurointervention, with a focus on the clinical indications for antiplatelet use in both preventing and reducing platelet aggregation. This review will cover current antiplatelet medications, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. We will provide an overview of different endovascular devices and discuss the antiplatelet regimes in neurointervention, highlighting gaps in evidence and scope for future studies.Two randomized controlled trials have evaluated antiplatelet use in the setting of acute large vessel occlusion stroke, with neither demonstrating benefit in their overall cohorts. Evidence on antiplatelet medication for both acute and elective stenting for acute stroke and treatment of cerebral aneurysms is currently based on large case series, and practice in neurointervention has increasingly utilized dual antiplatelet regimes with clopidogrel and second-line agents like prasugrel and ticagrelor. Clopidogrel function testing has an increasing role in neurointerventional procedures, particularly for high metal surface area stents such as the braided flow diverter type stents. Intravenous glycoprotein IIB/IIIA inhibitors have been utilized for both acute bridging and rescue therapy.Antiplatelet decision making is complex, and there are few randomized control trials to guide clinical practice. Comparative trials to guide decision making remain important in both the acute and elective settings. Standardised protocols incorporating platelet function testing may play a role in assisting decision making until more robust clinical evidence is available, particularly in the context of acute neurointerventional stenting for stroke and ruptured cerebral aneurysms.

Robotic Interventional Neuroradiology: Progress, Challenges, and Future Prospects.

Advances in robotic technology have improved standard techniques in numerous surgical and endovascular specialties, offering more precision, control, and better patient outcomes. Robotic-assisted interventional neuroradiology is an emerging field at the intersection of interventional neuroradiology and biomedical robotics. Endovascular robotics can automate maneuvers to reduce procedure times and increase its safety, reduce occupational hazards associated with ionizing radiations, and expand networks of care to reduce gaps in geographic access to neurointerventions. To date, many robotic neurointerventional procedures have been successfully performed, including cerebral angiography, intracranial aneurysm embolization, carotid stenting, and epistaxis embolization. This review aims to provide a survey of the state of the art in robotic-assisted interventional neuroradiology, consider their technical and adoption limitations, and explore future developments critical for the widespread adoption of robotic-assisted neurointerventions.

Real-world safety and effectiveness of recombinant porcine sequence factor VIII in acquired haemophilia A: A non-interventional, post-authorization safety study.

INTRODUCTION: Recombinant porcine factor VIII (rpFVIII, susoctocog alfa) is indicated for the treatment of bleeding episodes in adults with acquired haemophilia A (AHA). AIM: To provide long-term real-world safety and effectiveness data for rpFVIII in the management of AHA bleeding episodes. METHODS: US PASS (NCT02610127) was a multicentre, uncontrolled, open-label, post-marketing safety surveillance study conducted in adults with AHA. Data were collected retrospectively or prospectively for 180 days after rpFVIII treatment. The primary outcome was the incidence of treatment-related serious adverse events (SAEs). Secondary outcomes included haemostatic effectiveness of rpFVIII and rpFVIII utilization. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were enrolled from December 2015 to June 2019 (prospective, n = 30; retrospective, n = 23). Six patients experienced seven treatment-related SAEs (incidence 12.0%). The most common treatment-related SAE was FVIII inhibition (inhibiting antibodies to rpFVIII; incidence 8.0%, 95% CI: 2.2-19.2). Five patients reported seven thromboembolic events; one was an SAE and possibly related to rpFVIII. Of bleeding events treated with rpFVIII, 80.3% (57/71) of bleeds resolved with rpFVIII. The median (range) dose of rpFVIII per infusion was 50 (10-300) units/kg, with a median (range) of 6.0 (1-140) infusions and a median (range) time from bleed onset to bleed resolution of 14.0 (2.0-132.7) days. CONCLUSION: In this real-world study of rpFVIII for AHA, no new safety signals were identified compared with previous clinical trial findings. Eighty percent of bleeds resolved with rpFVIII treatment.

Skeletal muscle-specific DJ-1 ablation-induced atrogenes expression and mitochondrial dysfunction contributing to muscular atrophy.

BACKGROUND: DJ-1 is a causative gene for Parkinson's disease. DJ-1-deficient mice develop gait-associated progressive behavioural abnormalities and hypoactive forearm grip strength. However, underlying activity mechanisms are not fully explored. METHODS: Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction approaches were adopted to analyse DJ-1 expression in skeletal muscle from aged humans or mice and compared with young subjects. Skeletal muscle-specific-DJ-1 knockout (MDKO) mice were generated, followed by an assessment of the physical activity phenotypes (grip strength, maximal load capacity, and hanging, rotarod, and exercise capacity tests) of the MDKO and control mice on the chow diet. Muscular atrophy phenotypes (cross-sectional area and fibre types) were determined by imaging and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Mitochondrial function and skeletal muscle morphology were evaluated by oxygen consumption rate and electron microscopy, respectively. Tail suspension was applied to address disuse atrophy. RNA-seq analysis was performed to indicate molecular changes in muscles with DJ-1 ablation. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were employed to identify the promoter region of Trim63 and Fbxo32 genes, which were indirectly regulated by DJ-1 via the FoxO1 pathway. Cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions of DJ-1-deleted muscle cells were analysed by western blotting. Compound 23 was administered into the gastrocnemius muscle to mimic the of DJ-1 deletion effects. RESULTS: DJ-1 expression decreased in atrophied muscles of aged human (young men, n = 2; old with aged men, n = 2; young women, n = 2; old with aged women, n = 2) and immobilization mice (n = 6, P < 0.01). MDKO mice exhibited no body weight difference compared with control mice on the chow diet (Flox, n = 8; MDKO, n = 9). DJ-1-deficient muscles were slightly dystrophic (Flox, n = 7; MDKO, n = 8; P < 0.05), with impaired physical activities and oxidative capacity (n = 8, P < 0.01). In disuse-atrophic conditions, MDKO mice showed smaller cross-sectional area (n = 5, P < 0.01) and more central nuclei than control mice (Flox, n = 7; MDKO, n = 6; P < 0.05), without alteration in muscle fibre types (Flox, n = 6; MDKO, n = 7). Biochemical analysis indicated that reduced mitochondrial function and upregulated of atrogenes induced these changes. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis revealed enhanced activity of the FoxO1 signalling pathway in DJ-1-ablated muscles, which was responsible for the induction of atrogenes. Finally, compound 23 (an inhibitor of DJ-1) could mimic the effects of DJ-1 ablation in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Our results illuminate the crucial of skeletal muscle DJ-1 in the regulation of catabolic signals from mechanical stimulation, providing a therapeutic target for muscle wasting diseases.

Endovascular and microsurgical management of blister aneurysms: a multi-centre review.

Blister aneurysms (BA) are high-risk cerebrovascular lesions accounting for 1% of intracranial aneurysms. The defective vessel wall and broad-based neck make this clinical entity difficult to treat, with high rates of re-rupture and mortality in patients presenting with acute subarachnoid haemorrhage. Blister aneurysms pose substantial challenges for both endovascular and microsurgical management. The objective of this study is to evaluate endovascular and microsurgical outcomes in intracranial blister aneurysm management across two tertiary hospitals. A review of two tertiary hospitals with a systematic imaging database search for term of "blister" in modalities from January 2010 to October 2022 was conducted. Operation reports were screened for the 5-year period since cerebral angiogram reports transitioned to surgical database. Identified reports were screened and reviewed for confirmed diagnosis by consultant neuroradiologist. A total of 21 cases of blister aneurysms managed at respective facilities were included. Sixteen cases (76%) were managed endovascularly. Four cases (19%) were managed surgically-2 with primary clipping, and 2 wrap and clipping. One case was managed conservatively (5%). Clinical outcomes were discharge disposition, aneurysm exclusion and post-operative complications. BAs have challenging considerations with high mortality and morbidity. Endovascular treatment offers a less invasive modality with lower rates of intraoperative rupture and morbidity. Mortality rates and patients discharged home were comparable. Commencement of dual anti-platelet therapy was safe in patients with flow diversion stents despite sub-arachnoid blood volume. Management of blister aneurysms is complex. Endovascular treatment shows promise for acute management but careful collaborative consideration of antithrombotic regime and requirement for further surgery should be considered.

Cerebral venous disorders: Diagnosis and endovascular management.

The role of the venous circulation in neurological diseases has been underestimated. In this review, we present an overview of the intracranial venous anatomy, venous disorders of the central nervous system, and options for endovascular management. We discuss the role the venous circulation plays in various neurological diseases including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disorders (intracranial hypertension and intracranial hypotension), arteriovenous diseases, and pulsatile tinnitus. We also shed light on emergent cerebral venous interventions including transvenous brain-computer interface implantation, transvenous treatment of communicating hydrocephalus, and the endovascular treatment of CSF-venous disorders.

Safety and Efficacy of Tenecteplase and Alteplase in Patients With Tandem Lesion Stroke: A Post Hoc Analysis of the EXTEND-IA TNK Trials.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The safety and efficacy of tenecteplase (TNK) in patients with tandem lesion (TL) stroke is unknown. We performed a comparative analysis of TNK and alteplase in patients with TLs. METHODS: We first compared the treatment effect of TNK and alteplase in patients with TLs using individual patient data from the EXTEND-IA TNK trials. We evaluated intracranial reperfusion at initial angiographic assessment and 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) with ordinal logistic and Firth regression models. Because 2 key outcomes, mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), were few in number among those who received alteplase in the EXTEND-IA TNK trials, we generated pooled estimates for these outcomes by supplementing trial data with estimates of incidence obtained through a meta-analysis of studies identified in a systematic review. We then calculated unadjusted risk differences to compare the pooled estimates for those receiving alteplase with the incidence observed in the trial among those receiving TNK. RESULTS: Seventy-one of 483 patients (15%) in the EXTEND-IA TNK trials possessed a TL. In patients with TLs, intracranial reperfusion was observed in 11/56 (20%) of TNK-treated patients vs 1/15 (7%) alteplase-treated patients (adjusted odds ratio 2.19; 95% CI 0.28-17.29). No significant difference in 90-day mRS was observed (adjusted common odds ratio 1.48; 95% CI 0.44-5.00). A pooled study-level proportion of alteplase-associated mortality and sICH was 0.14 (95% CI 0.08-0.21) and 0.09 (95% CI 0.04-0.16), respectively. Compared with a mortality rate of 0.09 (95% CI 0.03-0.20) and an sICH rate of 0.07 (95% CI 0.02-0.17) in TNK-treated patients, no significant difference was observed. DISCUSSION: Functional outcomes, mortality, and sICH did not significantly differ between patients with TLs treated with TNK and those treated with alteplase. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class III evidence that TNK is associated with similar rates of intracranial reperfusion, functional outcome, mortality, and sICH compared with alteplase in patients with acute stroke due to TLs. However, the CIs do not rule out clinically important differences. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02388061; clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03340493.

Global Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Stroke Volumes and Cerebrovascular Events: A 1-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Declines in stroke admission, IV thrombolysis (IVT), and mechanical thrombectomy volumes were reported during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a paucity of data on the longer-term effect of the pandemic on stroke volumes over the course of a year and through the second wave of the pandemic. We sought to measure the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the volumes of stroke admissions, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), IVT, and mechanical thrombectomy over a 1-year period at the onset of the pandemic (March 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021) compared with the immediately preceding year (March 1, 2019, to February 29, 2020). METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal retrospective study across 6 continents, 56 countries, and 275 stroke centers. We collected volume data for COVID-19 admissions and 4 stroke metrics: ischemic stroke admissions, ICH admissions, IVT treatments, and mechanical thrombectomy procedures. Diagnoses were identified by their ICD-10 codes or classifications in stroke databases. RESULTS: There were 148,895 stroke admissions in the 1 year immediately before compared with 138,453 admissions during the 1-year pandemic, representing a 7% decline (95% CI [95% CI 7.1-6.9]; p < 0.0001). ICH volumes declined from 29,585 to 28,156 (4.8% [5.1-4.6]; p < 0.0001) and IVT volume from 24,584 to 23,077 (6.1% [6.4-5.8]; p < 0.0001). Larger declines were observed at high-volume compared with low-volume centers (all p < 0.0001). There was no significant change in mechanical thrombectomy volumes (0.7% [0.6-0.9]; p = 0.49). Stroke was diagnosed in 1.3% [1.31-1.38] of 406,792 COVID-19 hospitalizations. SARS-CoV-2 infection was present in 2.9% ([2.82-2.97], 5,656/195,539) of all stroke hospitalizations. DISCUSSION: There was a global decline and shift to lower-volume centers of stroke admission volumes, ICH volumes, and IVT volumes during the 1st year of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the prior year. Mechanical thrombectomy volumes were preserved. These results suggest preservation in the stroke care of higher severity of disease through the first pandemic year. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: This study is registered under NCT04934020.