Pretreatment with and ongoing use of omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters reduce the slow-flow phenomenon and prevent in-stent restenosis in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting.

OBJECTIVE: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a less invasive alternative to carotid endarterectomy, but it is essential to prevent thromboembolic complications during CAS and to suppress in-stent restenosis (ISR) after CAS because of the relatively high risk of periprocedural and follow-up stroke events. Clinical trials have demonstrated the strong relationship of carotid plaque vulnerability with the subsequent risk of ipsilateral ischemic stroke and thromboembolic complications during CAS. Recent studies demonstrated that both low eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and low docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels were significantly associated with lipid-rich coronary and carotid plaques, but little is known about the effect of administration of omega-3 fatty acids (O-3FAs) containing EPA and DHA before and after CAS for stabilizing carotid plaque, preventing thromboembolic complications, and suppressing ISR. In this study, the efficacy of pretreatment with and ongoing daily use of O-3FA in addition to statin treatment was evaluated in patients undergoing CAS. METHODS: This study was a nonrandomized prospective trial with retrospective analysis of historical control data. From 2012 to 2015, there were 100 consecutive patients with hyperlipidemia undergoing CAS for carotid artery stenosis who were divided into two groups. Between 2012 and 2013 (control period), 47 patients were treated with standard statin therapy. Between 2014 and 2015 (O-3FA period), patients were treated with statin therapy and add-on oral O-3FA ethyl esters containing 750 mg/d DHA and 1860 mg/d EPA from 4 weeks before CAS, followed by ongoing daily use for at least 12 months. In all patients, the plaque morphology by virtual histology intravascular ultrasound, the incidence of new ipsilateral ischemic lesions on the day after CAS, the slow-flow phenomenon during CAS, and ISR within 12 months after CAS were compared between the periods. RESULTS: The slow-flow phenomenon during CAS with filter-type embolic protection devices decreased in the O-3FA period (1 of 53 patients [2%]) compared with the control period (7 of 47 patients [15%]; P = .02). Furthermore, ISR for 12 months after CAS was significantly decreased in the O-3FA period (1 of 53 patients [2%]) compared with the control period (10 of 47 patients [21%]; P = .01). On virtual histology intravascular ultrasound analysis, the fibrofatty area was significantly smaller and the fibrous area was significantly greater in the O-3FA period. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, a low EPA/arachidonic acid ratio and a symptomatic lesion were the factors related to vulnerable plaque (P = .01 [odds ratio, 5.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.65-16.63] and P = .01 [odds ratio, 11.72; 95% confidence interval, 2.93-46.86], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with O-3FA reduces the slow-flow phenomenon generated by plaque vulnerability during CAS, and on-going daily use of O-3FA suppresses ISR after CAS.

Influence of Diabetes Mellitus and Cigarette Smoking on Variability of the Clopidogrel-Induced Antiplatelet Effect and Efficacy of Active Management of the Target P2Y12 Reaction Unit Range in Patients Undergoing Neurointerventional Procedures.

BACKGROUND: Optimal antiplatelet inhibition is essential in patients undergoing neurointerventional procedures; however, variability in response to clopidogrel can contribute to thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications. The present study evaluated the influence of diabetes mellitus and cigarette smoking on clopidogrel reactivity. METHODS: Between 2011 and 2013, 71 consecutive patients underwent aneurysmal coil embolization (CE) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) and received clopidogrel (75 mg daily) and aspirin (100 mg daily) before the treatment. The patients were divided into 2 groups: CE (n = 31) and CAS (n = 40). The patients underwent prospective assessment of preoperative platelet function using VerifyNow assay and received adjunctive cilostazol (200 mg daily, triple antiplatelet therapy) in case of clopidogrel hyporesponse. Patients with clopidogrel hyper-response underwent clopidogrel dose reduction (clopidogrel, 12.5-50 mg daily). RESULTS: Clopidogrel resistance was noted in 15 patients (37.5%) in the CAS group and in 4 patients (12.9%) in the CE group (P = .031). Clopidogrel hyper-response was noted in 2 patients (5%) in the CAS group and in 11 patients (54.8%) in the CE group (P < .001). There was a significant difference in the baseline clinical characteristics between the 2 groups. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, diabetes and age were independent predictors of clopidogrel hyporesponse, whereas current smoker was an independent predictor of clopidogrel hyper-response. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics were present when comparing patients undergoing endovascular treatment of unruptured cerebral aneurysms and carotid artery stenosis. Diabetes mellitus and current smoker status were independent factors related to reactivity to clopidogrel.

Platelet inhibition by adjunctive cilostazol suppresses the frequency of cerebral ischemic lesions after carotid artery stenting in patients with carotid artery stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: Optimal platelet inhibition is an important therapeutic adjunct in patients with carotid artery stenosis undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS). Clopidogrel resistance is associated with increased periprocedural thromboembolic complications from neurovascular stent placement procedures. The addition of cilostazol to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAT) has been reported to reduce platelet reactivity and to improve clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention. This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of adjunctive cilostazol in patients with CAS. METHODS: Platelet function was assessed by light transmittance aggregometry using the VerifyNow assay. Sixty-four consecutive patients who underwent CAS received standard DAT, clopidogrel (75 mg daily), and aspirin (100 mg daily) more than 4 weeks before the procedure. From 2010 to 2011 (period I), 28 patients underwent CAS under standard DAT. From 2011 to 2013 (period II), 36 patients prospectively had preoperative assessment of platelet function, and 13 patients with clopidogrel resistance received adjunctive cilostazol (200 mg daily) in addition to standard DAT. The incidence of new ipsilateral ischemic lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging a day after CAS and ischemic or hemorrhagic events within 30 days was assessed. RESULTS: Clopidogrel resistance was indentified in 12 patients (43%) in period I and 13 patients (36%) in period II (P = .615). In period II, the addition of cilostazol significantly decreased P2Y12 reaction units and % inhibition (P = .006 and P = .005, respectively), and there was a significant difference in P2Y12 reaction units between the two periods. New ipsilateral ischemic lesions were significantly decreased in period II (2/36 patients) compared with period I (7/28 patients; P = .034); however, there was no significant difference in hemorrhagic and thromboembolic events between the two periods. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive cilostazol (triple antiplatelet therapy) in clopidogrel-resistant patients reduces the rate of clopidogrel resistance and suppresses new ischemic lesions without hemorrhagic complications, as compared with standard DAT. Antiplatelet management based on the evaluation of antiplatelet resistance would be required for prevention of perioperative thromboembolic complications in CAS.

Cervical spinal epidural arteriovenous fistula with coexisting spinal anterior spinal artery aneurysm presenting as subarachnoid hemorrhage--case report.

Hemorrhagic presentation of spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) is rare in patients with cervical spinal vascular lesions. The present report describes a patient with cervical spine epidural AVFs associated with anterior spinal artery aneurysm at the same vertebral level presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage. A 54-year-old man presented with sudden onset of headache. Computed tomography of the head showed subarachnoid hemorrhage. Diagnostic angiography revealed an epidural AVF located at the C1-2 level that was fed mainly by the dorsal somatic branches of the segmental arteries from the radicular artery and anterior spinal artery. This AVF drained only into the epidural veins without perimedullary venous reflux. Further, there was a 4-mm anterior spinal artery aneurysm in the vicinity of the fistula that was thought to be the cause of the hemorrhage. Endovascular transarterial fistulas embolization from the right radicular artery was performed to eliminate the AVF and to reduce hemodynamic stress on the aneurysm. No new symptoms developed after the treatment and discharged without neurological deficits. The aneurysm was noted to be reduced in size after the treatment and totally disappeared by 1 year later, according to follow-up angiography. Anterior spinal artery aneurysm from a separate vascular distribution may coexist with spinal epidural AVFs. In the setting of spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage, comprehensive imaging is indicated to rule out such lesions.

Active management of the target P2Y12 reaction unit range in patients undergoing stent-assisted coil embolization for unruptured cerebral aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Platelet function tests have been increasingly adopted to measure patient responses to antiplatelet drugs, and to predict complications. However, no established optimal antiplatelet management for stent-assisted coil embolization (SAC) have been established. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of clopidogrel dose adjustment for active target P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU). METHODS: A total of 202 consecutive patients undergoing SAC to treat unruptured intracranial aneurysms were prospectively recruited. All patients were given two antiplatelet agents starting 7 days prior to the procedure, and platelet function was measured with the VerifyNow test. Clopidogrel hyper-responsive patients received reduced dosing according to the values of follow-up PRUs before and 7, 14, 30, and 90 days after the procedure. Patients were divided into three groups according to clopidogrel responsiveness before treatment, and clinical outcomes and time in target PRU ranges (TTR) were analyzed. RESULTS: No delayed ischemic or hemorrhagic events occurred that were associated with out-of-range PRU. PRU values in the hypo-responsive and hyper-responsive groups significantly improved 7 days after treatment with active target PRU management (p=0.05,<0.001, respectively). PRU values were controlled within the target PRU range with drug adjustment (p=0.034), and the time in TTR for all patients was 97% (4.8%-100%), which showed the feasibility of optimal control of PRU values with the protocol. CONCLUSION: Active target PRU management can achieve control of optimal PRU values and may decrease perioperative ischemic and hemorrhagic events among patients undergoing SAC.

Near-infrared spectroscopy carotid plaque characteristics and cerebral embolism in carotid artery stenting.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative thromboembolism is the main consideration in carotid artery stenting (CAS). Precise evaluation of carotid plaque components is clinically important to reduce ischaemic complications since CAS mechanically pushes plaque outwards, which releases plaque debris into the bloodstream. AIMS: This study aimed to determine whether high lipid core plaque (LCP) assessed by catheter-based near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is associated with ipsilateral cerebral embolism by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging during CAS using a first-generation stent. METHODS: Carotid stenosis magnetic resonance (MR) T1-weighted plaque signal intensity ratio (T1W-SIR) followed by NIRS assessment at the time of CAS (using the carotid artery Wallstent) was performed in 117 consecutive patients. RESULTS: The maximum lipid core burden index (max-LCBI) at minimal luminal areas (MLA; max-LCBIMLA) and the max-LCBI for any 4 mm segment in a target lesion defined as max-LCBIarea were significantly higher for the post-procedural new ipsilateral diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI)-positive than negative patients (p<0.001 for all). There was a significant linear correlation between max-LCBIarea and the number of new emboli (r=0.544, p<0.0001). We also found that the second quantile (Q2) of T1W-SIRMLA had a significantly higher max-LCBIMLA and a higher incidence of DWI positivity than Q1 and Q3 (p<0.001 for all). Furthermore, max-LCBIMLA appeared to distinguish between patients with and without postoperative new ipsilateral DWI positivity (AUC 0.91, 95% CI: 0.86-0.96; p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: High LCP assessed by NIRS is associated with cerebral embolism by diffusion-weighted imaging in CAS using a first-generation stent.

Endovascular therapy for cerebral infarction due to Trousseau syndrome in a patient with non-small cell lung cancer.

We describe a case of Trousseau's syndrome in a patient with lung carcinoma. A 69-year-old man presented with pleural effusion. Further evaluation revealed EGFR mutation-positive non-small cell carcinoma in the upper lobe with extensive lymph node, bone, and brain metastases. Administration of osimertinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, resulted in partial tumor response, but caused osimertinib-induced pneumonitis 10 weeks later. Prednisolone restrained lung injury progression and was gradually tapered. However, he presented with impaired consciousness and right hemiplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left middle cerebral artery M1 segment occlusion. D-dimer level was elevated to 19.5 µg/mL. In the absence of atherosclerotic or cardiogenic thrombi, these findings led to the diagnosis of Trousseau syndrome. Endovascular therapy, but not tissue plasminogen activator, improved his condition with no recurrences. These treatment strategies are crucial to restore function in patients with potentially disabling cerebral infarction due to Trousseau syndrome.

Delayed Intracranial Parenchymal Changes After Aneurysmal Coil Embolization Procedures for Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: With the recent advances in endovascular treatment devices, it has become standard in wide-neck or large intracranial aneurysms to perform coil embolization with adjunctive techniques. However, device-related perioperative complications have been reported because of the use of more complex systems. OBJECTIVE: To investigate patients who developed multiple parenchymal lesions after undergoing coil embolization for treating an unruptured intracranial aneurysm. METHODS: This study investigated 305 consecutive patients who underwent coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms between 2015 and 2017. Delayed inflammatory changes referred to the delayed observation of multiple cerebral white matter lesions on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging at an area corresponding to the perfused area of the treatment target vessel. The timing and pattern of onset, device used, the combined use of adjunctive techniques, and the clinical course after steroid treatment were retrospectively investigated. RESULTS: The 7 patients (2.3%) who showed delayed inflammatory changes were all women with a mean age of 59 yr. A mean duration from treatment to onset was 28 d. Symptoms were convulsions in 3 patients, hemiplegia in 2 patients, and homonymous hemianopia in 1 patient. All 7 patients were treated with adjunctive technique including stents, double catheter method, and balloon assist. Response to steroid treatment was satisfactory both clinically and on imaging in all 7 patients. Skin patch test was positive for nickel allergy in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: Clinicians must be fully aware of symptomatic delayed inflammatory changes may occur after endovascular aneurysmal treatment with the use of various devices.

Successful Emergent Endovascular Mechanical Thrombectomy for Pediatric and Young Adult Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis in Coma.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a relatively uncommon cause of stroke in pediatric patients and young adults. The clinical course of CVST is also highly variable. In particular, coma has been noted as a predictor of poor outcome. The standard treatment for CVST in adults is systemic anticoagulation, which can lead to recanalization. Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) is considered as possibly indicated in the event of failure to respond to anticoagulation or a comatose state. However, the role of endovascular therapy in the management of pediatric and young adult CVST is unclear. Here, we describe 3 cases of successful emergent EMT for pediatric and young adult CVST presenting in a comatose state. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 17-year-old boy presented with rapid deterioration and a comatose state despite anticoagulation using heparin. Emergent EMT was performed for CVST. Balloon percutaneous transmural angioplasty and catheter aspiration were repeatedly performed, and partial recanalization of the superior sagittal sinus was achieved by the end of the procedure. The child was discharged without neurologic deficits. Another 2 comatose cases with CVST underwent emergent EMT with balloon percutaneous transmural angioplasty and catheter aspiration, and partial recanalization was again achieved. These patients finally showed complete superior sagittal sinus recanalization and were discharged without neurologic deficits. CONCLUSION: Pediatric and young comatose CVST warrants endovascular mechanical thrombectomy as soon as possible.

Extensive postoperative subdural fluid volume affects the onset of chronic subdural hematoma after unruptured aneurysmal clipping surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate risk factors associated with chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) onset after clipping surgery for unruptured intracranial aneurysm, and determine whether intraoperative conventional arachnoid-plasty (ARP) can suppress the CSDH onset by reducing subdural fluid volume. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 217 patients who underwent surgical clipping at our institution from 2012 to 2018. Risk and predictive factors for symptomatic CSDH development including clinical characteristics, postoperative subdural fluid volume, Hounsfield unit (HU) value of subdural fluid density evaluated by CT and the effect of conventional ARP were compared between CSDH and non-CSDH groups. RESULTS: Of 217 patients who underwent surgical clipping for anterior circulation aneurysm, 209 were included in this study. Among whom, postoperative CSDH, required burr irrigation, occurred in 12 (5.7%). Mean age was significantly higher in the CSDH group (70 ± 8 years) than in the non-CSDH group (64 ± 11 years, p = 0.03). Subdural fluid volumes on postoperative day (POD)1, POD8 and POD30 were significantly larger in the CSDH group than in the non-CSDH group (38.4 ± 33.5 cm3, 54.8 ± 36.3 cm3, 77.2 ± 36.1 cm3 vs 10.0 ± 7.7 cm3, 16.1 ± 12.8 cm3, 14.0 ± 17.5 cm3, p < 0.001, respectively). However, intraoperative conventional ARP did not reduce postoperative subdural fluid volume nor suppress onset of CSDH. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed extensive subdural fluid volume as the only risk factor independently associated with CSDH development. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, postoperative large subdural fluid volume represented an independent risk factor associated with the incidence of CSDH after unruptured aneurysmal clipping. Reducing subdural fluid volume strategy could suppress the onset of CSDH after surgery.

Enhanced Hematoma Membrane on DynaCT Images During Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Persistently Recurrent Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is generally treated by burr-hole irrigation, but it can recur despite repeating these procedures. Embolization of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) has recently been proposed as a curative treatment for CSDH, but evidence for the indication and timing of MMA embolization is not definitive. The present study retrospectively analyzed the effects and safety of MMA embolization among patients with persistent CSDH recurrence. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed data from 381 consecutive patients who underwent burr-hole irrigation for CSDH between 2009 and 2017. Recurrent symptomatic ipsilateral CSDH in 71 (18%) patients was treated by a second burr-hole irrigation, and 20 of them had a further symptomatic CSDH recurrence thereafter. Those with persistent ipsilateral CSDH recurrence were treated by MMA embolization. Before the MMA embolization procedures, the amount of hematoma membrane enhancement determined using superselective MMA angiography-DynaCT imaging was classified into 3 stages. RESULTS: Embolization of the MMA proceeded without perioperative complications or further CSDH recurrence. The interval between recurrence and the amount of hematoma membrane enhancement significantly correlated (first to second and second to third treatments: P = 0.012 and P = 0.017, respectively). The frequency of bilateral CSDH was significantly higher and the recurrence interval between the first and second treatments was significantly shorter in the repeated recurrences group compared with the recurrence group (P = 0.023 and P = 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Repeatedly recurrent CSDH can be safely treated and cured by MMA embolization. Hematoma membrane enhancement pattern using DynaCT images can predict repeated recurrences CSDH.

Appropriate Flow Reduction for Unilateral Ruptured Vertebral Artery Dissection by Proximal Clipping to Prevent Rebleeding and Medullary Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Medullary infarction (MI) occasionally occurs after treatment of ruptured vertebral artery dissection (VAD). The aim of this study was to validate whether flow reduction for ruptured unilateral VAD by proximal clipping prevents rebleeding and MI in comparison with trapping. METHODS: Thirty-one patients who underwent direct surgery or endovascular procedures for unilateral ruptured VAD and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including 9 patients treated with trapping and 22 patients treated with proximal clipping, were enrolled. For posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA)-involved type VAD, occipital artery to PICA anastomosis was added as needed to isolate the rupture point. The rate of rebleeding and the occurrence of MI on MRI were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: There was no rebleeding after treatment in all 31 patients. However, 5 patients had MI on postoperative MRI (16.1%, κ = 0.903). In 5 of the 9 patients treated with trapping, MI was seen on MRI after treatment (55.6%). On the other hand, 0 of the 22 patients treated with proximal clipping developed MI (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate flow reduction for ruptured unilateral VAD by proximal clipping is thought to be effective for preventing rebleeding and avoiding MI.

Nickel-associated delayed multiple white matter lesions after stent-assisted coil embolization of intracranial unruptured aneurysm.

Metal-induced encephalopathy after stent-assisted coil embolization is extremely rare. The present report describes two patients who presented with symptomatic intracranial parenchymal edematous lesions after stent-assisted coil embolization. A 64-year-old woman underwent stent-assisted coil embolization for a left internal carotid artery aneurysm; 21 days after the procedure she presented with right hand weakness and MRI revealed multifocal white matter lesions. Another woman aged 52 years underwent stent-assisted coil embolization for right vertebral artery aneurysm; 18 days after the procedure she presented with left-sided sensory disturbance and MRI demonstrated multiple white matter lesions. Treatment in both cases resulted in improvement of these lesions after steroid pulse therapy, and the patients had no associated morbidity 4 months after the procedures. Clinicians should monitor for neurologic symptoms and postoperative delayed radiologic parenchymal edematous changes associated with the metal allergic reaction after nitinol stent-assisted coil embolization.

Nickel-associated delayed multiple white matter lesions after stent-assisted coil embolization of intracranial unruptured aneurysm.

Metal-induced encephalopathy after stent-assisted coil embolization is extremely rare. The present report describes two patients who presented with symptomatic intracranial parenchymal edematous lesions after stent-assisted coil embolization. A 64-year-old woman underwent stent-assisted coil embolization for a left internal carotid artery aneurysm; 21 days after the procedure she presented with right hand weakness and MRI revealed multifocal white matter lesions. Another woman aged 52 years underwent stent-assisted coil embolization for right vertebral artery aneurysm; 18 days after the procedure she presented with left-sided sensory disturbance and MRI demonstrated multiple white matter lesions. Treatment in both cases resulted in improvement of these lesions after steroid pulse therapy, and the patients had no associated morbidity 4 months after the procedures. Clinicians should monitor for neurologic symptoms and postoperative delayed radiologic parenchymal edematous changes associated with the metal allergic reaction after nitinol stent-assisted coil embolization.

A case of filum terminale arterial venous fistula needed a long arterial access for trans-arterial shunt obliteration.

A 78-year-old man was referred to our institution with a predominantly progressive numbness of both legs, and bladder dysfunction with urinary retention. He was diagnosed as the symptomatic arteriovenous fistula of the filum terminale (AVFFT). A trans-arterial embolization (TAE) of the arteriovenous shunt was planned for his symptomatic AVFFT. The long distance between the origin of the radiculo meningeal artery (Th8) and the site of the fistula (S1) resulted in the first TAE having a feeder occlusion. The length of accessible feeder in the first TAE was the longest (about 40 cm) as the past reports of the endovascular therapy. However, complete shunt occlusion was accomplished at a second session two weeks after the initial TAE because a more accessible feeder was developed by the initial feeder occlusion.

Amplitude of Tissue Oxygenation Index Change Predicts Cerebral Hyperperfusion Syndrome During Carotid Artery Stenting.

OBJECTIVE: Hyperperfusion syndrome (HPS) after carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a rare but serious complication. HPS is associated with preoperative hemodynamic impairment as the result of poor collateral flow and intraoperative cerebral ischemia. Filter-type embolic protection devices maintain anterograde carotid flow during CAS and prevent HPS somewhat. The early treatment of patients undergoing CAS and at risk for HPS is essential. Near-infrared spectroscopy allows noninvasive, real-time measurement of frontal lobe regional cerebral O2 saturation (TOI; tissue oxygenation index). METHODS: The perioperative amplitude of TOI was monitored in 130 patients undergoing CAS while using a filter-type embolic protection device. Patients were divided retrospectively into good (n = 110) and poor/no crossflow groups (n = 20), and we compared the amplitude of the TOI change, correlation with ipsilateral regional cerebral blood flow, and clinical results. RESULTS: The incidence of HPS was significantly greater in the poor/no crossflow group (P = 0.019). In 2 patients with HPS, the amplitude of the TOI change was V-shaped, with a decrease after postdilatation and an increase above baseline 5 minutes after reperfusion. The TOI/baseline ratio was significantly decreased after internal carotid artery occlusion for postdilatation in the ipsilateral hemisphere in the poor/no crossflow group (P < 0.05). Significant linear correlations were observed between TOI/baseline ratio changes and preoperative cerebrovascular reactivity and the postoperative asymmetry index (r = -0.346, P = 0.002, r = 0.613, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The amplitude of the TOI change measured by near-infrared spectroscopy was an excellent predictor of cerebral HPS after CAS.

Successful Coil Embolization of Pediatric Carotid Cavernous Fistula Due to Ruptured Posttraumatic Giant Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: The goal of the treatment of direct carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) is to occlude the arteriovenous shunt and to preserve the patency of the concerned internal carotid artery. However, for the ipsilateral posttraumatic fragile cerebrum, coil embolization plus parent artery occlusion for the high-flow direct CCF is better for the prevention of hyperperfusion syndrome and intracranial hemorrhage. We experienced such a case and managed it successfully. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 6-year-old boy had severe head trauma caused by being hit by a car. He was transferred to our department and diagnosed as having left acute subdural hematoma and acute brain swelling. Emergent evacuation of hematoma and external decompression were performed. He was treated for severe brain swelling in the intensive care unit for 2 months. Cranioplasty was performed 3 months after the injury. His right hemiparesis and aphasia persisted, so he was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital. However, 2 years after the head injury, he was referred to our department because of abducens nerve palsy. He was diagnosed as having a symptomatic posttraumatic direct CCF, which was caused by a ruptured left cavernous giant internal carotid artery aneurysm. The direct CCF was treated with coil embolization of the giant aneurysm and parent artery occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: Coil embolization of the aneurysm and parent artery occlusion for the posttraumatic direct CCF was a good option to manage the abducens nerve palsy and to prevent postoperative hyperperfusion.

Efficacy of cilostazol-based dual antiplatelet treatment in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting.

BACKGROUND: It is essential that patients undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS) receive optimal antiplatelet inhibition. Although a reduction in platelet reactivity and improved clinical outcomes occur when using adjunctive cilostazol with dual antiplatelet therapy, this can lead to an increased risk of hemorrhagic complications. Therefore, our current study examined patients undergoing CAS and evaluated the impact of cilostazol-based dual antiplatelet treatment on the outcomes. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2015, 137 consecutive patients underwent CAS. From 2010 to 2011 (period 1), 28 patients underwent CAS in conjunction with aspirin and clopidogrel dual antiplatelet treatment (DAPT). From 2010 to 2013 (period 2), 44 patients underwent a preoperative assessment of their platelet function, with the clopidogrel-resistant patients receiving adjunctive cilostazol in addition to the aspirin and clopidogrel. From 2013 to 2015 (period 3), 65 patients underwent CAS in conjunction with cilostazol and clopidogrel treatment. In all patients, the incidence of new ipsilateral ischemic lesions observed by diffusion-weighted imaging on the day after CAS, and ischemic or hemorrhagic events occurring within 30 days were assessed. RESULTS: Clopidogrel resistance was identified in 43% of the patients in period 1, in 16% in period 2, and in 5% in period 3 (P < 0.001). The on-treatment platelet reactivity results indicated that the PRU value during cilostazol-based DAPT was significantly lower than that observed for the standard DAPT (P < 0.05). New ipsilateral ischemic lesions decreased by 9% and 8% in periods 2 and 3, respectively, versus a 25% decrease in period 1 (P = 0.047). However, there were no significant differences noted for any of the hemorrhagic or thromboembolic events. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the standard aspirin and clopidogrel dual antiplatelet therapy, cilostazol-based dual antiplatelet treatment reduces the rate of clopidogrel resistance and suppresses new ischemic lesions without hemorrhagic complications.

Resolution of Trigeminal Neuralgia After Transvenous Embolization of a Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula.

BACKGROUND: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) resulting from a dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) are rare. A case of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CSDAVF) in a patient with TN that resolved immediately after transvenous embolization (TVE) is described. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 75-year-old woman presented with continuous facial pain. On time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), a CSDAVF was suspected, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed a CSDAVF. The TN completely resolved immediately after TVE, with no recurrence. Follow-up MRA showed complete obliteration of the fistula 13 months after TVE. CONCLUSIONS: The pulsatile flow at the posteromedial part of the cavernous sinus might have compressed the upper aspect of the Gasserian ganglion, causing TN. Disappearance of pulsatile flow after TVE might result in complete resolution of TN.

Indocyanine green kinetics with near-infrared spectroscopy predicts cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome after carotid artery stenting.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (HPS) is a potentially life-threatening complication following carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endoarterectomy (CEA). Early prediction and treatment of patients at risk for HPS are required in patients undergoing CAS because HPS occurs significantly earlier after CAS than CEA. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is often used for monitoring, and indocyanine green (ICG) kinetics by NIRS (ICG-NIRS) can detect reductions in cerebral perfusion in patients with acute stroke. However, whether ICG-NIRS can predict postoperative hyperperfusion phenomenon (HP) after carotid revascularization is unclear. OBJECTIVE: Here, we evaluated whether the blood flow index (BFI) ratio calculated from a time-intensity curve from ICG-NIRS monitoring can predict HPS after CAS. METHODS: The BFI ratio was prospectively monitored using ICG-NIRS in 135 patients undergoing CAS. Preoperative cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) and the postoperative asymmetry index (AI) were also assessed with single-photon emission computed tomography before and after CAS, and the correlation was evaluated. In addition, patients were divided into two groups, a non-HP group (n = 113) and an HP group (n = 22), and we evaluated the correlation with hemodynamic impairment in the ipsilateral hemisphere and clinical results. RESULTS: Twenty-two cases (16%) showed HP, and four (3%) showed HPS after CAS. The BFI ratio calculated from ICG-NIRS showed a significant linear correlation with preoperative CVR and postoperative AI (r = -0.568, 0.538, P < 0.001, <0.001, respectively). The degree of stenosis, the rate of no cross flow, preoperative CVR, and the incidence of HPS were significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of ICG kinetics by NIRS is useful for detection of HPS in patients who underwent CAS.