Research productivity on spontaneous intracranial hypotension: A bibliometric analysis.

Introduction: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is an important cause of devastating headaches and caused by CSF-leaks in the spine. Research question: The aim of this analysis was to gain an overview of the progress of research on SIH over time. The global publication landscape relating to SIH was analyzed and comparisons between regions were made. Material and methods: A bibliometric analysis was performed by searching for research articles on SIH in PubMed published between 1983 and 2022. Countries responsible for the publications were ranked by the sum of citations. An average annual growth rate was calculated and the density of SIH publications per 100 000 physicians was determined. Results: We identified 974 articles. In 1983 only one SIH patient was reported; in 2021 the number of patients had increased to 4230. The average annual growth rate of SIH publications during this period was 12.7%. The most common publication type were case reports (n = 570). The most common medical specialty of the first author was neurology (n = 251) followed by neurosurgery (n = 250) and radiology (n = 191). Although most publications originated from the United States of America (USA), South Korea had the highest density of SIH investigators (37.86 publications per 100 000 medical doctors). The most cited paper (296 citations) was published in 2006 in JAMA (USA). Discussion and conclusion: Research on SIH has increased exponentially over the past four decades. The international community of SIH researchers is growing, and with it the opportunities for global networks involved in research, treatment, and patient education.

DOT sign indicates persistent hypoperfusion and poor outcome in patients with incomplete reperfusion following thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: Distal occlusions associated with incomplete reperfusion (expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction,

Spinal CSF Leaks: The Neuroradiologist Transforming Care.

Spinal CSF leak care has evolved during the past several years due to pivotal advances in its diagnosis and treatment. To the reader of the American Journal of Neuroradiology (AJNR), it has been impossible to miss the exponential increase in groundbreaking research on spinal CSF leaks and spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). While many clinical specialties have contributed to these successes, the neuroradiologist has been instrumental in driving this transformation due to innovations in noninvasive imaging, novel myelographic techniques, and image-guided therapies. In this editorial, we will delve into the exciting advancements in spinal CSF leak diagnosis and treatment and celebrate the vital role of the neuroradiologist at the forefront of this revolution, with particular attention paid to CSF leak-related work published in the AJNR.

Microsurgical Repair of Ventral Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: Efficacy and Safety of Patch-Sealing Versus Suturing.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), microsurgical repair is recommended in Type 1 (ventral) dural leaks, when conservative measures fail. However, there is lacking consensus on the optimal surgical technique for permanent and safe closure of ventral leaks. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of surgically treated SIH patients with Type 1 leaks at our institution between 2013 and 2023. Patients were analyzed according to the type of surgical technique: (1) Microsurgical suture vs (2) extradural and intradural patching (sealing technique). End points were resolution of spinal longitudinal epidural cerebrospinal fluid collection (SLEC), change in brain SIH-Score (Bern-Score), headache resolution after 3 months, surgery time, complications, and reoperation rates. RESULTS: In total, 85 (66% women) patients with consecutive SIH (mean age 47 ± 11 years) underwent transdural microsurgical repair. The leak was sutured in 53 (62%) patients (suture group) and patch-sealed in 32 (38%) patients (sealing group). We found no significant difference in the rates of residual SLEC and resolution of headache between suture and sealing groups (13% vs 22%, P = .238 and 89% vs 94%, P = .508). No changes were found in the postoperative Bern-Score between suture and sealing groups (1.4 [±1.6] vs 1.7 [±2.1] P = 1). Mean surgery time was significantly shorter in the sealing group than in the suture group (139 ± 48 vs 169 ± 51 minutes; P = .007). Ten patients of the suture and 3 of the sealing group had a complication (23% vs 9%, P = .212), whereas 6 patients of the suture and 2 patients of the sealing group required reoperation (11% vs 6%, P = .438). CONCLUSION: Microsurgical suturing and patch-sealing of ventral dural leaks in patients with SIH are equally effective. Sealing alone is a significantly faster technique, requiring less spinal cord manipulation and may therefore minimize the risk of surgical complications.

Perfusion Abnormalities on 24-Hour Perfusion Imaging in Patients With Complete Endovascular Reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: Perfusion abnormalities in the infarct and salvaged penumbra have been proposed as a potential reason for poor clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score >2) despite complete angiographic reperfusion (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [TICI3]). In this study, we aimed to identify different microvascular perfusion patterns and their association with clinical outcomes among TICI3 patients. METHODS: University Hospital Bern's stroke registry of all patients between February 2015 and December 2021. Macrovascular reperfusion was graded using the TICI scale. Microvascular reperfusion status was evaluated within the infarct area on cerebral blood volume and cerebral blood flow perfusion maps obtained 24-hour postintervention. Primary outcome was functional independence (90-day modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) evaluated with the logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and 24-hour infarct volume from follow-up imaging. RESULTS: Based on microvascular perfusion findings, the entire cohort (N=248) was stratified into one of the 4 clusters: (1) normoperfusion (no perfusion abnormalities; n=143/248); (2) hyperperfusion (hyperperfusion on both cerebral blood volume and cerebral blood flow; n=54/248); (3) hypoperfusion (hypoperfusion on both cerebral blood volume and cerebral blood flow; n=14/248); and (4) mixed (discrepant findings, eg, cerebral blood volume hypoperfusion and cerebral blood flow hyperperfusion; n=37/248). Compared with the normoperfusion cluster, patients in the hypoperfusion cluster were less likely to achieve functional independence (adjusted odds ratio, 0.3 [95% CI, 0.1-0.9]), while patients in the hyperperfusion cluster tended to have better outcomes (adjusted odds ratio, 3.3 [95% CI, 1.3-8.8]). CONCLUSIONS: In around half of TICI3 patients, perfusion abnormalities on the microvascular level can be observed. Microvascular hypoperfusion, despite complete macrovascular reperfusion, is rare but may explain the poor clinical course among some TICI3 patients, while a detrimental effect of hyperperfusion after reperfusion could not be confirmed.

Basilar Artery Perforator Aneurysms - The Phantom Menace of the Intracranial Universe.

Cerebral perforators are end-arteries that vascularize specific deep territories in the cerebral hemispheres and brainstem. Due to improved imaging quality, these aneurysms are increasingly diagnosed in clinical routine. High resolution 3D angiographic images are mandatory and in some occasions fusion images might be helpful to detect these aneurysms. Basilar artery perforator aneurysms (or BAPAs) are one of the most common subtypes of perforator aneurysms and might cause subarachnoid hemorrhage along the brainstem (perimesencephalic hemorrhage). Due to the limited evidence, the management of BAPAs may pose a challenge in clinical routine. While some aneurysms can be managed conservatively, a few might require treatment to prevent rebleeding. We present the cases of two patients with BAPAs managed at our center in order to increase the awareness on these potentially underdiagnosed aneurysms.

External Validation of a Model for Persistent Perfusion Deficit in Patients With Incomplete Reperfusion After Thrombectomy: EXTEND-PROCEED.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We recently developed a model (PROCEED) that predicts the occurrence of persistent perfusion deficit (PPD) at 24 hours in patients with incomplete angiographic reperfusion after thrombectomy. This study aims to externally validate the PROCEED model using prospectively acquired multicenter data. METHODS: Individual patient data for external validation were obtained from the Endovascular Therapy for Ischemic Stroke with Perfusion-Imaging Selection, Tenecteplase versus Alteplase Before Endovascular Therapy for Ischemic Stroke part 1 and 2 trials, and a prospective cohort of the Medical University of Graz. The model's primary outcome was the occurrence of PPD, defined as a focal, wedge-shaped perfusion delay on 24-hour follow-up perfusion imaging that corresponds to the capillary phase deficit on last angiographic series in patients with

Improvement of health-related quality of life after closure of spinal CSF leaks in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension.

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is an important cause of orthostatic headaches caused by spinal CSF leaks. It has a strong negative impact on patients' socioeconomic status and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study aimed to analyze the impact of surgical and endovascular treatments on patients' HRQOL. METHODS: The authors conducted a prospective, observational cohort study that included all patients treated for SIH with microsurgery or embolization, depending on the type of CSF leak, at their institution between April 2022 and May 2023. Patients were asked to complete a specifically designed questionnaire, as well as the 15D HRQOL questionnaire, before and 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients (14 female; mean age 51.7 years) were treated in the study period. There were 12 (57%) type 1 leaks, 3 (14%) type 2, and 6 (29%) type 3. While 20 (95.2%) leaks were localized in the thoracic spine, only 1 (4.8%) was found in the lumbar spine. All patients completed the questionnaires. Fifteen (71.4%) patients underwent microsurgery and 6 (28.6%) endovascular embolization. The mean 15D score improved from 0.802 before to 0.889 after treatment (p = 0.013). Compared with an age- and sex-matched general population, HRQOL was significantly impaired in patients with SIH before treatment. After treatment, the authors found no significant difference in the overall HRQOL between patients and the healthy population. Mean headache intensity on a numeric rating scale improved from 8.1 before treatment to 2.3 after treatment (p = 0.003). Patients reported that SIH had a notable impact on their social and working life. CONCLUSIONS: SIH has a considerable negative impact on HRQOL. Microsurgery or embolization can dramatically improve HRQOL, subjective perception of health, and headache intensity. Therefore, surgical or endovascular treatment should be considered given the improvement observed in HRQOL for patients with SIH.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Implications of Subarachnoid Hyperdensities on Flat-Panel Detector CT following Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients with Anterior Circulation Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Flat-panel detector CT immediately after mechanical thrombectomy can detect complications, including early hemorrhagic transformation and subarachnoid hyperdensities. The clinical significance of subarachnoid hyperdensities in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 223 patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation stroke who had flat-panel detector CT performed immediately after the procedure and had follow-up imaging within 24 hours. Subarachnoid hyperdensity severity was categorized into 5 grades (subarachnoid hyperdensities, 0: absent to subarachnoid hyperdensities, IV: extensive). Baseline and procedural characteristics as well as outcome measures were analyzed using group comparisons and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Overall, 100/223 (45%) patients showed subarachnoid hyperdensities on immediate postinterventional flat-panel detector CT. The factors associated with an increased subarachnoid hyperdensity risk were the following: medium-vessel occlusion or distal-vessel occlusion compared with a large-vessel occlusion, a more distal device position, a higher number of device passes, a larger volume of contrast applied, worse final reperfusion expanded TICI, and after receiving IV thrombolysis. The occurrence of subarachnoid hyperdensity grades II-IV was independently associated with worse functional outcomes (adjusted OR for mRS, 3-6: 2.2; 95% CI 1.1-4.3), whereas patients with subarachnoid hyperdensity grade I had outcomes similar to those in patients without subarachnoid hyperdensities. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified risk factors for subarachnoid hyperdensities, most of which reflect increasingly challenging procedures or more peripheral recanalization attempts. The presence of subarachnoid hyperdensity grades II-IV was associated with poorer outcomes, suggesting the need for personalized strategies to reduce its incidence and severity or potentially improve recovery after subarachnoid hyperdensities.

Endovascular revascularization of vertebrobasilar tandem occlusions in comparison to isolated basilar artery occlusions: A multi-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a severe disease that is associated with an 85% mortality rate if untreated. Several studies have analyzed the use of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in the different scenarios of BAO. However, the results remain conflicting and the role of MT as standard of care for vertebrobasilar tandem occlusions (VBTO) has not been confirmed. Our goal was to assess technical feasibility, safety, and functional outcome of endovascular treatment of VBTO in comparison to isolated BAO (IBAO). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all prospectively collected patients with acute BAO from six tertiary centers between September 2016 and November 2021. Patients were subsequently divided into two groups: VBTO and IBAO. Baseline data, procedural details, and outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 190 patients were included, 55 presenting with a VBTO and 135 with IBAO. Successful recanalization was equally common in both groups (89.1% and 86.0%). Rates of favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale: 0-2) were higher in patients with VBTO compared to IBAO (36.4% vs. 25.2%, p = 0.048) and mortality was lower (29.1% vs. 33.3%). However, these associations faded after adjustment for confounders (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.86, 95% CI 0.35-2.05; aOR 0.93, 95% CI 0.35-2.45). Rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage did not differ between the groups (VBTO: 7.3% vs. IBAO: 4.2%; p = 0.496). CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of VBTO is technically feasible and safe with similar rates of successful recanalization, favorable functional outcome, and mortality to those in patients with IBAO.

Flat-panel Detector Perfusion Imaging and Conventional Multidetector Perfusion Imaging in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke : A Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: Flat-panel detector computed tomography (FDCT) is increasingly used in (neuro)interventional angiography suites. This study aimed to compare FDCT perfusion (FDCTP) with conventional multidetector computed tomography perfusion (MDCTP) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: In this study, 19 patients with large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation who had undergone mechanical thrombectomy, baseline MDCTP and pre-interventional FDCTP were included. Hypoperfused tissue volumes were manually segmented on time to maximum (Tmax) and time to peak (TTP) maps based on the maximum visible extent. Absolute and relative thresholds were applied to the maximum visible extent on Tmax and relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) maps to delineate penumbra volumes and volumes with a high likelihood of irreversible infarcted tissue ("core"). Standard comparative metrics were used to evaluate the performance of FDCTP. RESULTS: Strong correlations and robust agreement were found between manually segmented volumes on MDCTP and FDCTP Tmax maps (r = 0.85, 95% CI 0.65-0.94, p < 0.001; ICC = 0.85, 95% CI 0.69-0.94) and TTP maps (r = 0.91, 95% CI 0.78-0.97, p < 0.001; ICC = 0.90, 95% CI 0.78-0.96); however, direct quantitative comparisons using thresholding showed lower correlations and weaker agreement (MDCTP versus FDCTP Tmax 6 s: r = 0.35, 95% CI -0.13-0.69, p = 0.15; ICC = 0.32, 95% CI 0.07-0.75). Normalization techniques improved results for Tmax maps (r = 0.78, 95% CI 0.50-0.91, p < 0.001; ICC = 0.77, 95% CI 0.55-0.91). Bland-Altman analyses indicated a slight systematic underestimation of FDCTP Tmax maximum visible extent volumes and slight overestimation of FDCTP TTP maximum visible extent volumes compared to MDCTP. CONCLUSION: FDCTP and MDCTP provide qualitatively comparable volumetric results on Tmax and TTP maps; however, direct quantitative measurements of infarct core and hypoperfused tissue volumes showed lower correlations and agreement.

Successful Thrombectomy of the Posterior Cerebral Artery P2 Segment in a 61-Year-Old Man with Acute Ischaemic Stroke: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Acute ischemic stroke in the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) territory can lead to persistent disabling deficits. The PCA is divided into 4 segments. The P2 segment begins at the posterior communicating artery and curves around the midbrain and above the tentorium cerebelli. This report is of a 61-year-old man with acute ischemic stroke involving the left hippocampus treated with direct thrombectomy of the P2 segment of the PCA. CASE REPORT A 61-year-old white man presented with transient amnesia, aphasia, right-sided hemianopia, dizziness, and persistent acute memory deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a left hippocampal acute ischemic stroke with left PCA occlusion in the P2 segment. Despite a low National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and the already-formed lesion in the hippocampus, successful stent retriever thrombectomy was performed due to a considerable perfusion-diffusion mismatch and a persistent potentially disabling neurocognitive deficit. Due to partial thrombus dislocation, occlusion of the common origin of the right posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) and anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) occurred and was immediately treated by thrombectomy to prevent severe cerebellar infarction. His clinical symptoms completely resolved and a neuropsychological exam showed no residual deficits. CONCLUSIONS Thrombectomy of the P2 segment of the PCA is feasible and can be considered to treat patients with acute occlusion at risk for persistent disabling deficits, based on clinical estimation of the impact of such deficits and the presence of potentially salvageable brain tissue. Potential procedural complications should be sought out and immediately treated, if technically feasible.

Value of intravenous alteplase before thrombectomy among patients with tandem lesions and emergent carotid artery stenting: A subgroup analysis of the SWIFT DIRECT trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The value of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in eligible tandem lesion patients undergoing endovascular treatment (EVT) is unknown. We investigated treatment effect heterogeneity of EVT + IVT versus EVT-only in tandem lesion patients. Additional analyses were performed for patients undergoing emergent internal carotid artery (ICA) stenting. METHODS: SWIFT DIRECT randomized IVT-eligible patients to either EVT + IVT or EVT-only. Primary outcome was 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) after the index event. Secondary endpoints were reperfusion success, 24 h intracranial hemorrhage rate, and 90-day all-cause mortality. Interaction models were fitted for all predefined outcomes. RESULTS: Among 408 included patients, 63 (15.4%) had a tandem lesion and 33 (52.4%) received IVT. In patients with tandem lesions, 20 had undergone emergent ICA stenting (EVT + IVT: 9/33, 27.3%; EVT: 11/30, 36.7%). Tandem lesion did not show treatment effect modification of IVT on rates of functional independence (tandem lesion EVT + IVT vs. EVT: 63.6% vs. 46.7%, non-tandem lesion EVT + IVT vs. EVT: 65.6% vs. 58.2%; p for interaction = 0.77). IVT also did not increase the risk of intracranial hemorrhage  among tandem lesion patients (tandem lesion EVT + IVT vs. EVT: 34.4% vs. 46.7%, non-tandem lesion EVT + IVT vs. EVT: 33.5% vs. 26.3%; p for interaction = 0.15). No heterogeneity was noted for other endpoints (p for interaction > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: No treatment effect heterogeneity of EVT + IVT versus EVT-only was observed among tandem lesion patients. Administering IVT in patients with anticipated emergent ICA stenting seems safe, and the latter should not be a factor to consider when deciding to administer IVT before EVT.

Time to Treatment With Intravenous Thrombolysis Before Thrombectomy and Functional Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis.

Importance: The benefit of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for acute ischemic stroke declines with longer time from symptom onset, but it is not known whether a similar time dependency exists for IVT followed by thrombectomy. Objective: To determine whether the benefit associated with IVT plus thrombectomy vs thrombectomy alone decreases with treatment time from symptom onset. Design, Setting, and Participants: Individual participant data meta-analysis from 6 randomized clinical trials comparing IVT plus thrombectomy vs thrombectomy alone. Enrollment was between January 2017 and July 2021 at 190 sites in 15 countries. All participants were eligible for IVT and thrombectomy and presented directly at thrombectomy-capable stroke centers (n = 2334). For this meta-analysis, only patients with an anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion were included (n = 2313). Exposure: Interval from stroke symptom onset to expected administration of IVT and treatment with IVT plus thrombectomy vs thrombectomy alone. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome analysis tested whether the association between the allocated treatment (IVT plus thrombectomy vs thrombectomy alone) and disability at 90 days (7-level modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score range, 0 [no symptoms] to 6 [death]; minimal clinically important difference for the rates of mRS scores of 0-2: 1.3%) varied with times from symptom onset to expected administration of IVT. Results: In 2313 participants (1160 in IVT plus thrombectomy group vs 1153 in thrombectomy alone group; median age, 71 [IQR, 62 to 78] years; 44.3% were female), the median time from symptom onset to expected administration of IVT was 2 hours 28 minutes (IQR, 1 hour 46 minutes to 3 hours 17 minutes). There was a statistically significant interaction between the time from symptom onset to expected administration of IVT and the association of allocated treatment with functional outcomes (ratio of adjusted common odds ratio [OR] per 1-hour delay, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.72 to 0.97], P = .02 for interaction). The benefit of IVT plus thrombectomy decreased with longer times from symptom onset to expected administration of IVT (adjusted common OR for a 1-step mRS score shift toward improvement, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.13 to 1.96] at 1 hour, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.04 to 1.49] at 2 hours, and 1.04 [95% CI, 0.88 to 1.23] at 3 hours). For a mRS score of 0, 1, or 2, the predicted absolute risk difference was 9% (95% CI, 3% to 16%) at 1 hour, 5% (95% CI, 1% to 9%) at 2 hours, and 1% (95% CI, -3% to 5%) at 3 hours. After 2 hours 20 minutes, the benefit associated with IVT plus thrombectomy was not statistically significant and the point estimate crossed the null association at 3 hours 14 minutes. Conclusions and Relevance: In patients presenting at thrombectomy-capable stroke centers, the benefit associated with IVT plus thrombectomy vs thrombectomy alone was time dependent and statistically significant only if the time from symptom onset to expected administration of IVT was short.

Value of Immediate Flat Panel Perfusion Imaging after Endovascular Therapy (AFTERMATH): A Proof of Concept Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Potential utility of flat panel CT perfusion imaging (FPCT-PI) performed immediately after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is unknown. We aimed to assess whether FPCT-PI obtained directly post-MT could provide additional potentially relevant information on tissue reperfusion status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center analysis of all patients with consecutive acute stroke admitted between June 2019 and March 2021 who underwent MT and postinterventional FPCT-PI (n = 26). A core lab blinded to technical details and clinical data performed TICI grading on postinterventional DSA images and qualitatively assessed reperfusion on time-sensitive FPCT-PI maps. According to agreement between DSA and FPCT-PI, all patients were classified into 4 groups: hypoperfusion findings perfectly matched by location (group 1), hypoperfusion findings mismatched by location (group 2), complete reperfusion on DSA with hypoperfusion on FPCT-PI (group 3), and hypoperfusion on DSA with complete reperfusion on FPCT-PI (group 4). RESULTS: Detection of hypoperfusion (present/absent) concurred in 21/26 patients. Of these, reperfusion findings showed perfect agreement on location and size in 16 patients (group 1), while in 5 patients there was a mismatch by location (group 2). Of the remaining 5 patients with disagreement regarding the presence or absence of hypoperfusion, 3 were classified into group 3 and 2 into group 4. FPCT-PI findings could have avoided TICI overestimation in all false-positive operator-rated TICI 3 cases (10/26). CONCLUSIONS: FPCT-PI may provide additional clinically relevant information in a considerable proportion of patients undergoing MT. Hence, FPCT-PI may complement the evaluation of reperfusion efficacy and potentially inform decision-making in the angiography suite.

Connecting the DOTs: a novel imaging sign on flat-panel detector CT indicating distal vessel occlusions after thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: Immediate non-contrast post-interventional flat-panel detector CT (FPDCT) has been suggested as an imaging tool to assess complications after endovascular therapy (EVT). We systematically investigated a new imaging finding of focal hyperdensities correlating with remaining distal vessel occlusion after EVT. METHODS: A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted for all acute ischemic stroke patients admitted between July 2020 and December 2022 who underwent EVT and immediate post-interventional FPDCT. A blinded core lab performed reperfusion grading on post-interventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images and evaluated focal hyperdensities on FPDCT (here called the distal occlusion tracker (DOT) sign). DOT sign was defined as a tubular or punctiform, vessel confined, hyperdense signal within the initial occlusion target territory. We assessed sensitivity and specificity of the DOT sign when compared with DSA findings. RESULTS: The median age of the cohort (n=215) was 74 years (IQR 63-82) and 58.6% were male. The DOT sign was positive in half of the cohort (51%, 110/215). The DOT sign had high specificity (85%, 95% CI 72% to 93%), but only moderate sensitivity (63%, 95% CI 55% to 70%) for detection of residual vessel occlusions. In comparison to the core lab, operators overestimated complete reperfusion in a quarter of the entire cohort (25%, 53/215). In more than half of these cases (53%, 28/53) there was a positive DOT sign, which could have mitigated this overestimation. CONCLUSION: The DOT sign appears to be a frequent finding on immediate post-interventional FPDCT. It correlates strongly with incomplete reperfusion and indicates residual distal vessel occlusions. In the future, it may be used to complement grading of reperfusion success and may help mitigating overestimation of reperfusion in the acute setting.

Effect of Bridging Thrombolysis on the Efficacy of Stent Retriever Thrombectomy Techniques : Insights from the SWIFT-DIRECT trial.

BACKGROUND: There are little available data regarding the influence of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) on the efficacy of different first line endovascular treatment (EVT) techniques. METHODS: We used the dataset of the SWIFT-DIRECT trial which randomized 408 patients to IVT + EVT or EVT alone at 48 international sites. The protocol required the use of a stent retriever (SR), but concomitant use of a balloon guide catheter (BGC) and/or distal aspiration (DA) catheter was left to the discretion of the operators. Four first line techniques were applied in the study population: SR, SR + BGC, SR + DA, SR + DA + BGC. To assess whether the effect of allocation to IVT + EVT versus EVT alone was modified by the first line technique, interaction models were fitted for predefined outcomes. The primary outcome was first pass mTICI 2c­3 reperfusion (FPR). RESULTS: This study included 385 patients of whom 172 were treated with SR + DA, 121 with SR + DA + BGC, 57 with SR + BGC and 35 with SR. There was no evidence that the effect of IVT + EVT versus EVT alone would be modified by the choice of first line technique; however, allocation to IVT + EVT increased the odds of FPR by a factor of 1.68 (95% confidence interval, CI 1.11-2.54). CONCLUSION: This post hoc analysis does not suggest treatment effect heterogeneity of IVT + EVT vs EVT alone in different stent retriever techniques but provides evidence for increased FPR if bridging IVT is administered before stent retriever thrombectomy.

Long-Term Effect of Mechanical Thrombectomy in Stroke Patients According to Advanced Imaging Characteristics.

PURPOSE: Data on long-term effect of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with large ischemic cores (≥ 70 ml) are scarce. Our study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes in MT-patients according to baseline advanced imaging parameters. METHODS: We performed a single-centre retrospective cohort study of stroke patients receiving MT between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2018. We assessed baseline imaging to determine core and mismatch volumes and hypoperfusion intensity ratio (with low ratio reflecting good collateral status) using RAPID automated post-processing software. Main outcomes were cross-sectional long-term mortality, functional outcome and quality of life by May 2020. Analysis were stratified by the final reperfusion status. RESULTS: In total 519 patients were included of whom 288 (55.5%) have deceased at follow-up (median follow-up time 28 months, interquartile range 1-55). Successful reperfusion was associated with lower long-term mortality in patients with ischemic core volumes ≥ 70 ml (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.20; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.10-0.44) and ≥ 100 ml (aHR 0.26; 95% CI 0.08-0.87). The effect of successful reperfusion on long-term mortality was significant only in the presence of relevant mismatch (aHR 0.17; 95% CI 0.01-0.44). Increasing reperfusion grade was associated with a higher rate of favorable outcomes (mRS 0-3) also in patients with ischemic core volume ≥ 70 ml (aOR 3.58, 95% CI 1.64-7.83). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated a sustainable benefit of better reperfusion status in patients with large ischemic core volumes. Our results suggest that patient deselection based on large ischemic cores alone is not advisable.

Surgical closure of spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks improves symptoms in patients with superficial siderosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks may cause a myriad of symptoms, most common being orthostatic headache. In addition, ventral spinal CSF leaks are a possible etiology of superficial siderosis (SS), a rare condition characterized by hemosiderin deposits in the central nervous system (CNS). The classical presentation of SS involves ataxia, bilateral hearing loss, and myelopathy. Unfortunately, treatment options are scarce. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether microsurgical closure of CSF leaks can prevent further clinical deterioration or improve symptoms of SS. METHODS: This cohort study was conducted using data from a prospectively maintained database in two large spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) referral centers in Germany and Switzerland of patients who meet the modified International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition criteria for SIH. Patients with spinal CSF leaks were screened for the presence of idiopathic infratentorial symmetric SS of the CNS. RESULTS: Twelve patients were included. The median latency between the onset of orthostatic headaches and symptoms attributed to SS was 9.5 years. After surgical closure of the underlying spinal CSF leak, symptoms attributed to SS improved in seven patients and remained stable in three. Patients who presented within 1 year after the onset of SS symptoms improved, but those who presented in 8-12 years did not improve. We could show a significant association between patients with spinal longitudinal extrathecal collections and SS. CONCLUSIONS: Long-standing untreated ventral spinal CSF leaks can lead to SS of the CNS, and microsurgical sealing of spinal CSF leaks might stop progression and improve symptoms in patients with SS in a time-dependent manner.