Perfusion deficit and vessel wall characteristics to predict recurrent ischemic events in medically treated patients with chronic symptomatic anterior circulation large vessel occlusion.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the association between perfusion deficit, vessel wall characteristics, and risk of recurrent ischemic events in medically treated patients with chronic symptomatic anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed chronic symptomatic patients due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion in our center. All patients received multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (including perfusion-weighted imaging and high-resolution vessel wall imaging) within 4 weeks to 3 months after symptom onset. The association between baseline clinical or imaging variables and recurrent ischemic events was assessed in bivariate models and multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors of recurrence. RESULTS: Among 71 enrolled patients, 21.1% (15/71) patients had recurrent ischemic events (nine ischemic strokes and six transient ischemic attacks) during a 2-year follow-up. In bivariate models, hypertension, occlusion with hyperintense signals, the presence of intraluminal thrombus, Tmax >4 s volume, Tmax >6 s volume, Tmax >8 s volume, and Tmax >10 s volume were associated with recurrence (all p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, hypertension (p = 0.039, OR 10.057 (95% CI, 1.123-90.048)), higher deficit volume of Tmax >4 s (p = 0.011, OR 1.012 (95% CI, 1.003-1.021)) and occlusion with hyperintense signal (p = 0.030, OR 6.732 (95% CI, 1.200-37.772)) were still independent predictors of recurrent ischemic events. CONCLUSIONS: Besides hypertension history, higher deficit volume of Tmax >4 s and occlusion with hyperintense signal determined using multiparametric MRI are strongly associated with risk for recurrent ischemic events in medically treated patients with chronic symptomatic anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Future studies are needed to determine the utility of revascularization strategies in such high-risk patients.

Mimicking aneurysm in a patient with chronic occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery: A case report.

BACKGROUND: With the popularization of various cerebrovascular imaging methods and increased attention to the field, more cerebrovascular diseases are being detected in asymptomatic patients. Different cerebrovascular diseases are typically isolated but occasionally occur simultaneously, causing difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. Morphological changes in the collateral circulation of blood vessels in chronic cerebral artery occlusion patients are slow and dynamic, intercepting morphological development at a specific moment. Excessive reliance on single imaging tests such as digital subtraction cerebral angiography (DSA) can lead to misdiagnosis. CASE SUMMARY: We report a 52-year-old male who was admitted to our department for treatment of an unruptured aneurysm during a follow-up examination for brain trauma after 1 mo. Computed tomography (CT) scan was negative, but CT angiography (CTA) revealed a sac-like bulge at the bifurcation of the left middle cerebral artery. DSA revealed an unruptured aneurysm with unique scapular morphology. The stump of a middle cerebral artery occlusion was observed during exposure during aneurysm clipping surgery, and the diagnosis of chronic cerebral artery occlusion was confirmed intraoperatively. This case was confusing because of the peculiar morphology of the arterial stump and compensatory angiogenesis due to multiple cerebral artery stenoses observed on preoperative CTA and DSA. The surgery did not cause secondary damage to the patient, and medical treatment for risk factors was continued postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Multiple cerebral arterial stenoses can occur in conjunction with aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations, and their unique morphology can lead to misdiagnosis.

Non-contrast computed tomography findings for identification of chronically occluded coronary artery bypass grafts.

BACKGROUND: Detecting occlusions of coronary artery bypass grafts using non-contrast computed tomography (CT) series is understudied and underestimated. PURPOSE: To evaluate morphological findings for the diagnosis of chronic coronary artery bypass graft occlusion on non-contrast CT and investigate performance statistics for potential use cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-three patients with coronary artery bypass grafts who had CT angiography of the chest (non-contrast and arterial phases) were retrospectively included. Two readers applied pre-set morphologic findings to assess the patency of a bypass graft on non-contrast series. These findings included vessel shape (linear-band like), collapsed lumen and surgical graft marker without a visible vessel. Performance was tested using the simultaneously acquired arterial phase series as the ground truth. RESULTS: The per-patient diagnostic accuracy for occlusion was 0.890 (95% confidence interval = 0.795-0.951). Venous grafts overall had an 88% accuracy. None of the left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery arterial graft occlusions were detected. The negative likelihood ratio for an occluded graft that is truly patent was 0.121, demonstrating a true post-test probability of 97% for identifying a patent graft as truly patent given a prevalence of 20% occlusion at a median 8.4 years post-surgery. Neither years post-surgery, nor number of vessels was associated with a significant decrease in reader accuracy. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of coronary bypass grafts for chronic occlusion on non-contrast CT based off vessel morphology is feasible and accurate for venous grafts. Potential use cases include low-intermediate risk patients with chest pain or shortness of breath for whom non-contrast CT was ordered, or administration of iodine-based contrast is contraindicated.

Endovascular recanalization for symptomatic chronic internal carotid artery occlusion: proposal of a modified angiographic classification and clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: To stratify angiographic images of chronic internal carotid artery occlusion (CICAO) into a newly modified angiographic classification, and identify suitable candidates for endovascular recanalization. METHODS: This study included 51 consecutive patients with symptomatic CICAO who underwent endovascular recanalization at our institution. Patients' clinical information, angiographic findings, procedural results, and outcomes were recorded. We attempted to stratify all angiographic images into categories based on morphological occlusive patterns and distal internal carotid artery (ICA) lumen reconstitution on digital subtraction angiography (DSA). RESULTS: Four types (I-IV) of CICAO were identified based on angiographic characteristics. We defined type I as having a tapered (IA) or blunt stump (IB) and distal ICA lumen reconstitution with collateral filling; type II as having no stump but with distal ICA lumen reconstitution; type III as having a tapered (IIIA) or blunt stump (IIIB) but no distal ICA lumen reconstitution; type IV as having no stump and no distal ICA lumen reconstitution. The rate of successful recanalization was 90.3 % for type I, 60.0 % for type II, 50.0 % for type III, 0 % for type IV, respectively (P = 0.002). The overall intraoperative complication rate was 11.8 %, and none of them led to severe neurological damage or death. The follow-up modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were significantly decreased in successfully revascularized patients, whilst there were no significant changes in the other failed patients. CONCLUSION: For symptomatic CICAO, our newly modified angiographic classification may be comprehensive and useful in selecting suitable patients for recanalization and grading the difficulty of the procedures.

Staged endovascular recanalization for symptomatic atherosclerotic non-acutely occluded internal carotid artery.

OBJECTIVE: Symptomatic "non-acutely" occluded internal carotid artery (NAOICA) results in stroke, cognitive impairment, and hemicerebral atrophy through cerebral hypoperfusion and artery-to-artery embolism. Atherosclerosis is the main cause of NAOICA. Conventional one-stage endovascular recanalization showed effectiveness but was plagued by many challenges. This retrospective analysis reports the technical feasibility and outcomes of the staged endovascular recanalization in patients with NAOICA. METHODS: Eight consecutive patients with atherosclerotic NAOICA and ipsilateral ischemic stroke within 3 months between January 2019 and March 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients (all males, with a mean age of 64.6 years) underwent staged endovascular recanalization 13 to 56 days after documented occlusion by imaging techniques (mean 28.8 days); the mean follow-up period was 20 months (range: 6-28). The approach of the staged intervention was as follows. In the first stage, the occluded ICA was successfully recanalized using the simple small balloon dilation technique. In the second stage, angioplasty with a stent implant was performed with >50% residual stenosis in the initial segment or ≥70% residual stenosis in the C2-C5 segment. The technical success rate, the incidence of clinical adverse events (any stroke, death, cerebral hyperperfusion), and long-term in-stent stenosis (ISR) and reocclusion rates were evaluated. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in seven patients, with early reocclusion occurring in one patient after the first-stage intervention. There were no adverse events observed within 30 days (0%), and long-term reocclusion and long-term ISR rates were both 14% (1/7). However, all patients developed iatrogenic arterial dissections during the first stage, indicating the challenge of reaching the true lumen through the occlusion site without damaging the intima. Based on the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) classification, there were two type A, four type B, three type C, and two type D dissections. The mean time interval between the two stages was 46.1 days (21-152 days). All type A and B dissections resolved spontaneously after ≥3 weeks of dual antiplatelet therapy, whereas most type C and all type D dissections did not heal spontaneously before the second stage. Also, one type C dissection led to reocclusion. This observation suggested that dissections without flow limit and persistent vessel staining or extravasation could be clinically observed, while severe dissections (characterized as type C or greater) required prompt stenting rather than conservative treatment. Performing high-resolution MRI preoperatively to exclude fresh thrombus in the occluded vessel segment is indispensable in selecting appropriate candidates for endovascular recanalization. This could avoid downstream embolism during the interventional procedure. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study found that staged endovascular recanalization for symptomatic atherosclerotic NAOICA may be feasible with an acceptable technical success rate and a low complication rate in the selected candidates.

Primary balloon angioplasty for chronic occlusion of intracranial internal carotid artery: A case report.

Chronic occlusion of large intracranial arteries is the main cause of ischemic stroke in China. Patients with symptomatic intracranial artery occlusion and hemodynamic impairment are at high risk of recurrent stroke. Chronic occlusion of the intracranial segment of the internal carotid artery is a common type of intracranial artery occlusion. Medical management is regarded as the standard treatment for this disease. With the development of endovascular treatment, some patients with chronic cerebral artery occlusion have achieved satisfactory results with endovascular therapy. We reported a patient with symptomatic chronic occlusion of the ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery. Simple balloon angioplasty was performed, and the occluded ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery was successfully recanalized without perioperative complications. At 4 months follow-up, the internal carotid artery remained patent and perfusion of the right cerebral hemisphere improved dramatically. In addition, we briefly reviewed the relevant literature.

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Bihemispheric Infarction Caused by Acute Unilateral Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion in a Patient with Contralateral Chronic Carotid Occlusion: A Case Report.

Objective: We report a patient with acute bihemispheric infarction who underwent mechanical thrombectomy. Case Presentation: A 76-year-old man suddenly developed coma and quadriplegia. Brain MRI and MRA revealed acute bihemispheric infarction due to occlusions of both the internal carotid arteries (ICAs). According to the DSA findings, we considered the left ICA as chronic occlusion and the right as acute. Mechanical thrombectomy for the right ICA occlusion was performed. Total recanalization was achieved using a stent retriever 181 minutes after onset. The left hemisphere was perfused by cross circulation through the anterior communicating artery, but the symptoms did not improve. MRI the day after thrombectomy showed extensive bihemispheric infarction. Recanalization for the bilateral hemispheres was maintained, although the left ICA remained occluded. He died 2 months later due to gastrointestinal bleeding. Conclusion: Acute bihemispheric infarction due to occlusions of both ICAs is a rare entity. The symptoms are very severe and the therapeutic time window is extremely short because of absent collateral pathways. We should consider pre-existing carotid occlusive disease, determine whether the occlusions are acute or chronic, and perform prompt therapy. Further investigation is warranted to obtain a better outcome.

Recanalization of superior mesenteric artery chronic total occlusion using hybrid algorithm and dissection reentry device.

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) of mesenteric arteries with associated chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Endovascular intervention has been associated with high technical success with high rates of freedom from symptoms and long-term patency. However, to achieve high procedural success, use of optimal vascular access and expertise in CTO hybrid algorithm including advanced dissection reentry strategies are essential. We present a case of CMI from severe celiac artery (CA) stenosis and CTO of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). After treatment of CA stenosis, we were unsuccessful in our first attempt at recanalization of SMA CTO. On second attempt, left brachial artery (BA) access was obtained and the hybrid algorithm along with use of Stingray Reentry balloon (Boston Scientific) for dissection reentry into true lumen was successful in recanalizing the SMA CTO with placement of balloon expandable covered stents (CS). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report utilizing Sting-ray Reentry balloon in the mesenteric arteries.

Unexpected normal left ventricular systolic function after total chronic occlusion of left main coronary artery and stenosis of right coronary artery: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Total occlusion of the left main coronary artery is a very rare finding in coronary angiography because of its highly lethal nature. Right coronary artery dominance and extensive collateral circulation are the principal determinant factors of survival after total occlusion of the left main coronary artery. The impact on the left ventricle is often significant with a profound alteration of its systolic function. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a 52-year-old North African man, a tobacco smoker, who presented symptoms of unstable angina related to a total chronic occlusion of his left main coronary artery with a right coronary artery stenosis. Unexpectedly, the impact on his left ventricle was absent with normal dimensions and systolic function. He underwent a successful on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with uneventful postoperative course and good recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Total occlusion of the left main coronary artery is a rare condition, the fact that the left ventricle retains a normal size and systolic function makes it exceptional, which must be kept in mind to avoid dangerous examinations and delayed treatment. Coronary artery bypass surgery should be considered the main treatment of total chronic occlusion of the left main coronary artery.

Hirschsprung disease in an adult with intestinal malrotation and volvulus: an exceptional association.

BACKGROUND: Hirschsprung disease is a neonatal discovery in almost all cases, and the association of Hirschsprung disease in adults with symptomatic intestinal malrotation is unusual. This combination delays diagnosis and can lead to mistake in surgical strategy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 43-year-old patient with a history of colectomy for colonic inertia and megadolichocolon was admitted to the Carcassonne Hospital emergency room for a volvulus of small bowel obstruction in a chronic intestinal obstruction context with episodes of acute, variable-looking occlusive syndromes. Intestinal malrotation was discovered during surgical small bowel detorsion. The acute occlusion syndrome recurred after the procedure. In view of the unfavorable evolution, an emptying of the dilated small bowel and a discharge ileostomy upstream of the rectum were performed. In the face of postoperative improvement, rectal manometry and deep full parietal rectal biopsies made it possible to highlight the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease. The patient thus had functional acute occlusive syndromes and chronic occlusion due to Hirschsprung disease of attenuated form and acute organic occlusive syndromes related to her incomplete common mesentery. CONCLUSIONS: This rare association, which may be responsible for delayed diagnostic and therapeutic wandering, highlights the importance of performing manometry and deep full parietal biopsies before a colectomy for colonic inertia, as well as the possibility of suggesting a common Hirschsprung disease and/or mesentery in an adult with multiple occlusive syndromes of variable appearance.

Distal Thrombectomy for Acute Anterior Circulation Stroke with Chronic Large Vessel Occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular therapy has been increasingly recommended for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation. However, occlusions of the distal cerebral artery are not uncommon and may cause clinical deficits, especially when combined with ipsilateral chronic large vessel occlusion. Therefore in this patient population, the recognition of chronic occlusion and recanalization of the distal occlusive artery might be of great value for flow compensation. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 59-year-old male with a history of stroke was transferred to the emergency department with a severe right hemiplegia and aphasia syndrome. Head computed tomography demonstrated an old infarction focus of the left basal ganglia, and digital subtraction angiography revealed an occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA). After careful attempts, the microguidewire could not pass through the left MCA. On consideration of the patient's previous stroke history and the angiographic neovascularization, the left MCA was recognized as a chronic occlusion and its territory was supposed to be partly compensated by the ipsilateral anterior cerebral artery (ACA). A super-selective angiography of the left ACA demonstrated an occlusion of the callosomarginal artery. After a mechanical thrombectomy with a stent retriever, an angiogram showed complete recanalization and good antegrade reperfusion of the ACA supplying the partial MCA territory. The patient had a positive prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: The recognition of chronic occlusion is crucial during acute mechanical thrombectomy, and distal thrombectomy may be beneficial after a careful full-scale assessment.

Zero contrast retrograde chronic total occlusions percutaneous coronary intervention: a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a high risk of contrast-induced nephropathy and resulting progression of CKD to need for renal replacement therapy. Chronic total occlusions (CTO) PCI is increasingly utilized in the treatment of refractory stable angina and ischaemic heart failure. Recent studies have described the feasibility of 'minimal' or 'zero' contrast PCI by employing intravascular imaging and intra-coronary physiology to guide successful stent implantation with resolution of ischaemia. We extended these techniques to CTO lesions via the retrograde approach. CASE PRESENTATION: Two patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤15 mL/min who presented with angina symptoms and had subsequent positive stress tests were referred for CTO-PCI. The patients had diagnostic angiography with minimal contrast. After a recovery period, the patients underwent successful retrograde zero contrast CTO-PCI with the use of adjunctive intravascular ultrasound imaging. DISCUSSION: The described reports are the first two successful attempts at zero contrast retrograde procedures and demonstrate the feasibility of imaging and physiology-guided retrograde PCI without contrast administration in two patients with significant coronary artery disease requiring intervention. When indicated, zero contrast PCI offers the ability to treat obstructive coronary disease without worsening renal function in patients with severe CKD.

Estimation and Recanalization of Chronic Occluded Internal Carotid Artery: Hybrid Operation by Carotid Endarterectomy and Endovascular Angioplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Proper treatment for chronic occluded internal carotid artery (ICA) has not been determined. Endovascular recanalization may cause arterial injury and distal embolism. Hybrid recanalization for chronic occluded ICA was performed, and its safety and effectiveness were estimated. METHODS: From March 2011 to March 2017, 21 patients were treated by hybrid recanalization with >1 year of follow-up. The ICA was totally occluded from the cervical segment to the cavernous, ophthalmic, or supraclinoid segment. Clinical characteristics, treatment strategy, recanalization rate, and main adverse events were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Initial recanalization was achieved in 15 patients (71.4%). Successful revascularization was more likely if the ICA was occluded with the plaque at the carotid bifurcation and the thrombus anterograde to the cavernous segment. There was no carotid dissection or intracranial hemorrhage. There were no new postprocedural neurologic deficits. Among 14 patients who underwent successful recanalization with follow-up, 1 patient had a repeat occlusion and another experienced about 50% restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid recanalization by carotid endarterectomy and arterial angioplasty is a safe treatment method for chronic totally occluded ICA. Recanalization was more likely to be successful if the ICA was occluded by the plaque at the carotid bifurcation with the thrombus anterograde to the cavernous segment than if the artery was occluded by the plaque at the ophthalmic or supraclinoid segment with the thrombus retrograde to the cervical segment.

Two Year Outcome After Chronic Iliac Vein Occlusion Recanalisation Using the Vici Venous Stent®.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: The aim was to assess two year outcomes with placement of the Vici Venous Stent® in patients with chronic iliofemoral venous occlusions (complete blockage). METHODS: This was a retrospective single centre study comprising patients treated with the Vici Venous Stent for venographically verified iliofemoral venous occlusion and post-thrombotic syndrome (Villalta score ≥ 5 points) at least 12 months after acute deep vein thrombosis. Venography and intravascular ultrasound were used peri-operatively; duplex ultrasound was used to assess stent patency during follow up. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients (101 limbs) had stent placement between March 2014 and October 2016. Median pre-treatment Villalta score was 14 (range 5-33). Stenting extended across the inguinal ligament in 63 limbs (62%) in order to land in a healthy venous segment. Six patients (7%) required endophlebectomy and fistula creation. Median imaging follow up was 21 months (range 0-41 months). Primary, assisted primary and secondary patency rates at one year were 59%, 78%, and 87%, respectively, and two years 51%, 73%, and 82%, respectively. Forty-three limbs (43%) had re-intervention (lysis, venoplasty, and/or placement of stent) during follow up; median time to re-intervention was 32 days (range 0-520 days). At 24 months, 37 of 53 limbs (70%) with available Villalta assessment showed clinically significant improvement (>30% reduction of baseline score). Villalta scores at the 6, 12, and 24 month clinical follow up were significantly lower than before stenting (p < .001, all time points). In a subset analyses of limbs with stenting terminating above and below the inguinal ligament, secondary cumulative patency rates at 24 months were 90% and 79%, respectively; clinical outcome showed 58% vs. 73% of limbs with clinically significant improvement, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in patency or clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: The Vici Venous Stent is associated with a good secondary patency rate and durable and substantial symptomatic resolution in patients with chronic post-thrombotic occlusions, regardless of whether stents extended beneath the inguinal ligament.

Determination of predictors of successful recanalization of the chronic occlusions of coronary arteries by means of CT-coronarography method.

The review illuminated actual issues of the diagnostic efficiency of computed tomography (CT) of the coronary arteries in the planning of the procedure percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with chronic occlusion of coronary arteries (CTO). The results of researches of detection of predictors of unsuccessful recanalization according to traditional coronary angiography (CAG) and CT angiography were presented. The major CT characteristics of the CTO, which can supplement the coronary angiography data to predict outcomes of the PCI were discussed.

Laser Recanalization of a Chronically Occluded Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS).

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) dysfunction is conventionally managed with balloon angioplasty, stent extension, and sharp recanalization when necessary. We describe percutaneous transjugular recanalization and neointimal excision of a chronically occluded 17-year-old TIPS using excimer laser after conventional techniques were unsuccessful. Patient clinical improvement and shunt patency were documented three weeks post-intervention.

Recanalisation of Chronically Occluded Remote Superficial Femoral Artery Endarterectomy Through Angioplasty for Limb Salvage.

We report a novel application of balloon angioplasty to recanalise a chronically occluded remote endarterectomy superficial femoral artery. This patient previously had two occluded surgical bypass grafts in an attempt to revascularise the limb and presented with critical limb ischaemia and necrotic foot ulcerations. Following the angioplasty, the patient showed significant improvement in rest pain and healing of the ulcerations. This technique may be useful for limb salvage in patients where surgical options have been exhausted.

Successful recanalization of long femoro-crural occlusive disease after failed bypass surgery.

Patients with critical limb ischemia necessitate immediate intervention to restore blood flow to the affected limb. Endovascular procedures are currently preferred for these patients. We describe the case of an 80-year-old female patient who presented to our department with ischemic rest pain and ulceration of the left limb. The patient had history of left femoral popliteal bypass surgery, femoral thromboendarterectomy and patch angioplasty of the same limb 2 years ago. Doppler sonography and magnetic resonance angiography revealed an occlusion of the left superficial femoral artery (SFA) and popliteal artery and of all three infra-popliteal arteries. Due to severe comorbidities, the patient was scheduled for a digital subtraction angiography. An antegrade approach was first attempted, however the occlusion could not be passed. After revision of the angiography acquisition, a stent was identified at the level of the mid SFA, which was subsequently directly punctured, facilitating the retrograde crossing of the occlusion. Thereafter, balloon angioplasty was performed in the SFA, popliteal artery and posterior tibial artery. The result was considered suboptimal, but due to the large amount of contrast agent used, a second angiography was planned in 4 wk. In the second session, drug coated balloons were used to optimize treatment of the SFA, combined with recanalization of the left fibular artery, to optimize outflow. The post-procedural course was uneventful. Ischemic pain resolved completely after the procedure and at 8 wk of follow-up and the foot ulceration completely healed.