Thrombectomy improves functional independence in severe basilar artery occlusion with favorable collateral circulation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of collateral circulation on the outcomes of thrombectomy versus medical management alone in basilar artery occlusion (BAO) patients with varying stroke severities. METHODS: Data from the ATTENTION cohort were used to perform a post-hoc analysis comparing the outcomes of thrombectomy with medical management in BAO patients with varying degrees of collateral circulation and stroke severity. Basilar Artery on Computed Tomography Angiography (BATMAN) scores were used to quantify the collateral circulation, and the effect was estimated through a primary outcome of 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score, mRS ≤2). Favorable versus unfavorable BATMAN scores were analyzed as both continuous and categorical variables, and an adjusted multivariate regression model was applied. RESULTS: Among 221 BAO patients, thrombectomy significantly improved functional independence compared to medical management in patients with favorable BATMAN scores (aOR 7.75, 95% CI 2.78-26.1), but not in those with unfavorable BATMAN scores (aOR 1.33, 95% CI 0.28-6.92; pinteraction = 0.028). When treated as a continuous variable, increased BATMAN score was found to be associated with a higher likelihood of functional independence in the thrombectomy group (aOR 1.97, 95% CI 1.44-2.81; pinteraction = 0.053). In severe stroke patients with higher BATMAN scores (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥21), we identified a significant interaction for treatment effect with thrombectomy compared to medical management (pinteraction = 0.042). CONCLUSION: An increased BATMAN score was significantly associated with a higher probability of functional independence after thrombectomy than after medical management, particularly in patients with severe BAO.

Computed tomography perfusion deficit volume predicts the functional outcome of endovascular therapy for basilar artery occlusion.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between baseline computed tomography perfusion deficit volumes and functional outcomes in patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) undergoing endovascular therapy. METHODS: This was a single-center study in which the data of 64 patients with BAO who underwent endovascular therapy were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients underwent multi-model computed tomography on admission. The posterior-circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early Computed Tomography Score was applied to assess the ischemic changes. Perfusion deficit volumes were obtained using Syngo.via software. The primary outcome of the analysis was a good functional outcome (90-day modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 3). Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to explore predictors of functional outcome. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients (median age, 68 years; 72 % male) were recruited, of whom 26 (41 %) patients achieved good functional outcomes, while 38 (59 %) had poor functional outcomes. Tmax > 10 s, Tmax > 6 s, and rCBF < 30 % volume were independent predictors of good functional outcomes (odds ratio range, 1.0-1.2; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.0-1.4]) and performed well in the receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, exhibiting positive prognostic value; the areas under the curve values were 0.85 (95 % CI, 0.75-0.94), 0.81 (95 % CI, 0.70-0.90), and 0.78 (95 % CI, 0.67-0.89). CONCLUSION: Computed tomography perfusion deficit volume represents a valuable tool in predicting high risk of disability and mortality in patients with BAO after endovascular treatment.

One-Year Outcome After Endovascular Treatment for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The BASILAR registry, a nationwide prospective nonrandomized study conducted in China, enrolled consecutive patients with acute basilar artery occlusion receiving endovascular treatment or conventional-treatment from January 2014 to May 2019. This article aimed to report the results of clinical follow-up at one year among these patients. METHODS: The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale at one year, assessed as a common odds ratio using ordinal logistic regression analysis adjusted for prespecified prognostic factors. Secondary outcomes included the modified Rankin Scale-based outcome group at one year (0-1, 0-2, or 0-3) and all-cause death. RESULTS: Of the 829 patients enrolled in the original BASILAR registry, one-year data were available for 785 patients (94.7%). The distribution of outcomes on the modified Rankin Scale favored endovascular treatment over conventional-treatment (adjusted common odds ratio, 4.50 [95% CI, 2.81-7.29]; P<0.001). The cumulative one-year mortality rate was 54.6% in the endovascular treatment group versus 83.5% in the conventional-treatment group (adjusted odds ratio, 4.36 [95% CI, 2.69-7.29]; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The beneficial effect of endovascular treatment on functional outcome at one year in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion is similar to that reported at 90 days in the original study. REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn; Unique identifier: ChiCTR1800014759.

Computed Tomography Perfusion Deficit Volumes Predict Functional Outcome in Patients With Basilar Artery Occlusion.

Background and Purpose: Basilar artery occlusion is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Optimal imaging and treatment strategy are still controversial and prognosis estimation challenging. We, therefore, aimed to determine the predictive value of computed tomography perfusion (CTP) parameters for functional outcome in patients with basilar artery occlusion in the context of endovascular treatment. Methods: Patients with basilar artery occlusion who underwent endovascular treatment were selected from a prospectively acquired cohort. Ischemic changes were assessed with the posterior-circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early Computed Tomography Score on noncontrast computed tomography, computed tomography angiography (CTA) source images, and CTP maps. Basilar artery on CTA score, posterior-circulation CTA score, and posterior-circulation collateral score were evaluated on CTA. Perfusion deficit volumes were quantified on CTP maps. Good functional outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score ≤3 at 90 days. Statistical analysis included binary logistic regressions and receiver operating characteristics analyses. Results: Among 49 patients who matched the inclusion criteria, 24 (49.0%) achieved a good outcome. In univariate analysis, age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission, posterior cerebral artery involvement, absence of or hypoplastic posterior communicating arteries, basilar artery on CTA score, posterior-circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early Computed Tomography Score, and perfusion deficit volumes on all CTP parameter maps presented significant association with functional outcome (P<0.05). In multivariate analyses, Basilar artery on CTA score, posterior-circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early Computed Tomography Score (odds ratio range, 1.31­2.10 [95% CI, 1.00­7.24]), and perfusion deficit volumes on all CTP maps (odds ratio range, 0.77­0.98 [95% CI, 0.63­1.00]) remained as independent outcome predictors. Cerebral blood flow deficit volume yielded the best performance for the classification of good clinical outcome with an area under the curve of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.84­0.99). Age and admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale had lower discriminatory power (area under the curve, <0.7). Conclusions: CTP imaging parameters contain prognostic information for functional outcome in patients with stroke due to basilar artery occlusion and may identify patients with higher risk of disability at an early stage of hospitalization.

Evaluation of hemodynamic characteristics in posterior circulation infarction patients with vertebral artery dominance by color doppler flow imaging and transcranial doppler sonography.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the hemodynamic characteristics of posterior circulation infarction (PCI) patients with the vertebral artery dominance (VAD) using Color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and Transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) and to explore the pathogenesis of PCI caused by VAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 186 consecutive PCI patients were enrolled. All the patients underwent magnetic resonance (MR) examination and the clinical data were collected. According to the brain magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), the patients were divided into VAD and non-VAD groups. CDFI and TCD were performed to identify the hemodynamic parameters of the vertebral artery (VA) and basilar artery (BA). RESULTS: The male population was significantly more frequent in the VAD group (71.3%) as compared to the non-VAD group (53.1%). The significant difference in hemodynamic parameters was observed between VAD and non-VAD groups. Resistance index (RI) of extracranial and intracranial VA was different as well. There were also differences in the VA side-to-side diameter difference-value, peak velocity (Vp), mean velocity (Vm) and pulsatility index (PI) with varying degrees of BA curvature. CONCLUSIONS: VA and BA hemodynamic changes caused by VAD may be an important risk factor in the process of occurrence of PCI. The combination of CDFI and TCD can help to detect the hemodynamic changes in the intracranial and extracranial segments of VA and BA. This can have important clinical value in understanding the pathogenesis of PCI.

Interrelations of Cerebral Hemodynamics with Parameters of Cardiac Function and Brain Tissue in Patients with Ischemic Stroke.

We analyzed interrelations between the cerebral blood flow, cardiac output, and condition of the brain substance in 530 patients with ischemic stroke. Dependencies between the linear blood flow velocities in all arteries supplying the brain, as well as between the total volume blood flow through the internal carotid arteries and left ventricular stroke volume were revealed. The severity of atrophy was maximum in the parietal lobes (median 1.5 (1.0; 2.0)) and minimum in the occipital lobes (median 0.5 (0; 1.0)). Temporal lobes cortical atrophy significantly correlated with changes in the limbic system and in the periventricular and deep white matter; a significant weak inverse correlation of this parameter with blood flow in the middle cerebral artery was also found. Changes in the periventricular white matter (but not in deep white matter) demonstrated a significant inverse correlation with blood flow in the middle and anterior cerebral arteries.

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Tandem Vertebrobasilar Stroke: Characteristics and Treatment Outcome.

Background and Purpose- Tandem vertebrobasilar strokes are not well-known causes of posterior circulation stroke. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics and outcome of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with tandem vertebrobasilar stroke. Methods- Acute basilar artery occlusion patients with tandem vertebral artery (VA) stenosis/occlusion who underwent mechanical thrombectomy were retrospectively analyzed. Concomitant tandem VA steno-occlusion was defined as severe stenosis/occlusion of the extracranial VA with impaired flow. Clinical/angiographic characteristics, recanalization rate, procedure time, and clinical outcome were evaluated with comparisons according to the treatment strategy. Results- Tandem vertebrobasilar occlusion was identified in 24.6% (55 of 224) of the acute basilar artery occlusion patients. Overall successful recanalization and good clinical outcome was achieved in 87.2% (48 of 55) and 30.9% (17 of 55) of the patients. There were no significant differences in procedure time, recanalization rate, and clinical outcome in comparisons of the VA access route selection or angioplasty of the tandem VA lesion. Two patients developed short-term recurrent basilar artery occlusion when angioplasty of the tandem VA lesion was not performed. Good clinical outcome was more likely with lower baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (odds ratio, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.787-0.961]; P=0.006) and short onset-to-recanalization time (odds ratio, 0.993 [95% CI, 0.987-0.999]; P=0.03). Conclusions- Tandem vertebrobasilar occlusion may be a frequent pathological mechanism of posterior circulation stroke. Good outcome may be achieved by strategic choice of the access route and selective angioplasty of the tandem VA lesion.

Increased tortuosity of basilar artery might be associated with higher risk of aneurysm development.

OBJECTIVES: We analysed tortuosity of basilar artery (BA) to determine its relationship with the presence of aneurysm. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 71 patients with BA aneurysms along with 71 age- and risk factors-matched control patients without BA aneurysm. From patients' medical records, we obtained their history including previous and current diseases and medications. For each patient, we calculated relative length (RL), sum of angle metrics (SOAM), triangular index (TI), product of angle distance (PAD) and inflexion count metrics (ICM). We used t-test and Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables and χ2 test for dichotomised variables. To find independent predictors of BA aneurysm, we employed logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: We found significant positive correlation between age and SOAM (R = 0.195, p = 0.02) and PAD (R = 0.199, p = 0.018). Our study also showed that patients with BA aneurysm had significantly higher SOAM (0.21 ± 0.16 vs. 0.11 ± 0.08; p < 0.01), PAD (0.30 ± 0.19 vs. 0.18 ± 0.11; p < 0.01), TI (0.23 ± 0.23 vs. 0.10 ± 0.16; p < 0.01) and ICM (0.20 ± 0.16 vs. 0.15 ± 0.11; p = 0.045). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for all possible confounders, SOAM (OR = 1.086; 95% CI 1.046-1.136; p < 0.01) and TI (OR = 1.004; 95%C: 1.002-1.006; p < 0.01) remained independently associated with higher risk of BA aneurysm. CONCLUSIONS: Increased tortuosity of BA is associated with higher risk of its aneurysm development. KEY POINTS: • Basilar artery sum of angle metrics and product of angle distance are correlated with age. • Basilar artery tortuosity is independently associated with higher risk of its aneurysm development. • Basilar artery tortuosity is positively correlated with its diameter and bifurcation angle.

Delayed extensive brain edema caused by the growth of a giant basilar apex aneurysm treated with basilar artery obliteration: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Partially thrombosed giant aneurysms at the basilar apex (BA) artery are challenging lesions with a poor prognosis if left untreated. Here we describe a rare case of extensive brain edema after growth of a surgically treated and thrombosed giant basilar apex aneurysm. CASE PRESENTATION: We performed a proximal surgical basilar artery occlusion on a 64-year-old female with a partially thrombosed giant BA aneurysm. MRI showed no ischemic lesions but showed marked edema adjacent to the aneurysm. She had a good recovery, but 3 months after surgical occlusion, her gait deteriorated together with urinary incontinence and worsening right hemiparesis. MRI showed that the aneurysm had grown and developed intramural hemorrhage, which caused extensive brain edema and obstructive hydrocephalus. She was treated by a ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. Follow-up MRI showed progressive brain edema resolution, complete thrombosis of the lumen and shrinkage of the aneurysm. At 5 years follow-up the patient had an excellent functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed growth of a surgically treated and thrombosed giant aneurysm from wall dissection demonstrates that discontinuity with the initial parent artery does not always prevent progressive enlargement. The development of transmural vascular connections between the intraluminal thrombus and adventitial neovascularization by the vasa vasorum on the apex of the BA seems to be a key event in delayed aneurysm growth. Extensive brain edema might translate an inflammatory edematous reaction to an abrupt enlargement of the aneurysm.

Migraine Genetic Variants Influence Cerebral Blood Flow.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of migraine genetic variants with cerebral blood flow (CBF). BACKGROUND: Migraine is a common disorder with many genetic and non-genetic factors affecting its occurrence. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the disease remain unclear, but are known to involve hemodynamic and vascular disruptions. Recent genome-wide association studies have identified 44 genetic variants in 38 genetic loci that affect the risk of migraine, which provide the opportunity to further disentangle these mechanisms. METHODS: We included 4665 participants of the population-based Rotterdam Study (mean age 65.0 ± 10.9 years, 55.6% women). Cross-sectional area (mm2 ), flow velocity (mm/s), and blood flow (mL/min) were measured in both carotids and the basilar artery using 2-dimensional phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging. We analyzed 43 previously identified migraine variants separately and calculated a genetic risk score (GRS). To assess the association with CBF, we used linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, and total brain volume. Hierarchical clustering was performed based on the associations with CBF measures and tissue enrichment. RESULTS: The rs67338227 risk allele was associated with higher flow velocity and smaller cross-sectional area in the carotids (Pminimum  = 3.7 × 10-8 ). Other variants were related to CBF with opposite directions of effect, but not significantly after multiple testing adjustments (P < 1.4 × 10-4 ). The migraine GRS was not associated with CBF after multiple testing corrections. Migraine risk variants were found to be enriched for flow in the basilar artery (λ = 2.39). CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that genetic migraine risk is complexly associated with alterations in cerebral hemodynamics.

Anatomical Variations of Vertebrobasilar Artery are Closely Related to the Occurrence of Vertebral Artery Dissection-An MR Angiography Study.

GOAL: Intracranial arterial dissection is a major cause of ischemic stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage in relatively young patients. We assessed the hypothesis that the tortuosity of the vertebrobasilar artery is associated with the occurrence of vertebral artery (VA) dissection, using MR angiography (MRA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled 43 patients with VA dissection, and 63 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were used as the controls. MRA was employed to evaluate the presence of dominant VA and the lateral shift of vertebrobasilar junction in both groups. The VA diameters were considered different when the difference was greater than .3 mm. These anatomical variations were divided into 3 types: Type 1 (vertebrobasilar junction within 2 mm from the midline), Type 2 (>2 mm-lateral shift of vertebrobasilar junction to the ipsilateral side of the dominant VA), and Type 3 (>2 mm-lateral shift of vertebrobasilar junction to the contralateral side of the dominant VA). FINDINGS: The presence of dominant VA and the lateral shift of vertebrobasilar junction were more prevalent in patients with VA dissection than in the controls (OR: 3.46, P = .013, and OR: 4.51, P = .001, respectively). The lateral shift of vertebrobasilar junction was classified into Type 1 (n = 6), Type 2 (n = 13), and Type 3 (n = 17) among patients with VA dissection, while into Type 1 (n = 20), Type 2 (n = 8), and Type 3 (n = 7) among the controls. Type 3 predominance was observed in patients with VA dissection (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical variations of the vertebrobasilar artery may play an important role in the occurrence of VA dissection.

Changes in the cerebrospinal fluid lipid profile following subarachnoid hemorrhage in a closed cranium model: Correlations to cerebral vasospasm, neuronal cell death and Interleukin-6 synthesis. A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Phospholipids and sphingolipids are cell membrane components, that participate in signaling events and regulate a wide variety of vital cellular processes. Sphingolipids are involved in ischemic stroke pathophysiology. Throughout cleavage of membrane sphingomyelin by sphingomyelinase in stroke patients, it results in increased Ceramide (Cer) levels in brain tissue. Different studies showed the evidence that sphingomyelinase with Cer production induces expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and have vasoconstrictive proprieties. With this study, we intend to evaluate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lipid profile changes in a rabbit closed cranium subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) model. METHODS: A total of 14 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated either to SAH or sham group. In the first group SAH was induced by extracranial-intracranial shunting from the subclavian artery into the cisterna magna. Intracranial pressure (ICP) and arterial blood pressure were continuously monitored. Digital subtraction angiography of the basilar artery, CSF and blood samples were performed at day 0 pre SAH and on day 3 post SAH. The amount of IL-6 and various lipids in CSF were quantified using ELISA and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry respectively. Cell death was detected in bilateral basal cortex, hippocampus (CA1 and CA3) using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). RESULTS: SAH Induction led to acute increase of ICP and increased delayed cerebral vasospasm (DCVS). At follow up CSF IL-6 levels showed a significant increase compared to baseline. Between baseline and follow up there were no significant differences in any of the measured CSF Lipids irrespective of subgroups. No relevant correlation was found between IL-6 and any of the sphingolipids. We found a correlation between baseline and follow up for the phospholipids phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine. CONCLUSIONS: Neuronal apoptosis, DCVS and IL-6 seems not to be related to changes in CSF lipid profiles except for PEA and PC in a rabbit closed cranium SAH model.

Large Vessel Occlusion in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Dual-Center Estimate Based on a Broad Definition of Occlusion Site.

BACKGROUND: Accurate assessment of the frequency of large vessel occlusion (LVO) is important to determine needs for neurointerventionists and thrombectomy-capable stroke facilities. Current estimates vary from 13% to 52%, depending on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) definition and methods for AIS and LVO determination. We sought to estimate LVO prevalence among confirmed and suspected AIS patients at 2 comprehensive US stroke centers using a broad occlusion site definition: internal carotid artery (ICA), first and second segments of the middle cerebral artery (MCA M1,M2), the anterior cerebral artery, vertebral artery, basilar artery, or the proximal posterior cerebral artery. METHODS: We analyzed prospectively maintained stroke databases of patients presenting to the centers between January and December 2017. ICD-10 coding was used to determine the number of patients discharged with an AIS diagnosis. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was reviewed to determine LVO presence and site. Percentages of patients with LVO among the confirmed AIS population were reported. RESULTS: Among 2245 patients with an AIS discharge diagnosis, 418 (18.6%:95% confidence interval [CI] 17.3%-20.0%) had LVO documented on CTA or MRA. Most common occlusion site was M1 (n=139 [33.3%]), followed by M2 (n=114 [27.3%]), ICA (n=69[16.5%]), and tandem ICA-MCA lesions (n=44 [10.5%]). Presentation National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores were significantly different for different occlusion sites (P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: The LVO prevalence in our large series of consecutive AIS patients was 18.6% (95% CI 17.3%-20.0%). Despite the use of a broad definition, this estimate is less than that reported in most previous studies.

Hypoperfusion Symptoms Poorly Predict Hemodynamic Compromise and Stroke Risk in Vertebrobasilar Disease.

Background and Purpose- Cerebral hypoperfusion symptoms (defined as symptoms related to change in position, effort or exertion, or recent change in antihypertensive medication) have been used in stroke studies as a surrogate for detecting hemodynamic compromise. However, the validity of these symptoms in identifying flow compromise in patients has not been well established. We examined whether hypoperfusion symptoms correlated with quantitative measurements of flow compromise in the prospective, observational VERiTAS study (Vertebrobasilar Flow Evaluation and Risk of Transient Ischemic Attack and Stroke). Methods- VERiTAS enrolled patients with recent vertebrobasilar transient ischemic attack or stroke and ≥50% atherosclerotic stenosis or occlusion in vertebral or basilar arteries. Hemodynamic status using vertebrobasilar large vessel flow was measured using quantitative magnetic resonance angiography, and patients were designated as low, borderline, or normal flow based on distal territory regional flow, incorporating collateral capacity. The presence of qualifying event hypoperfusion symptoms was assessed relative to the quantitatively determined flow status (normal versus borderline/low) and also examined as a predictor of subsequent stroke risk. Results- Of the 72 enrolled subjects, 66 had data on hypoperfusion symptoms available. On initial quantitative magnetic resonance angiography designation, 43 subjects were designated as normal flow versus 23 subjects designated as low flow (n=16) or borderline flow (n=7). Of these, 5 (11.6%) normal flow and 3 (13.0%) low/borderline flow subjects reported at least one qualifying event hypoperfusion symptom ( P=0.99, Fisher exact test). Hypoperfusion symptoms had a positive predictive value of 37.5% and negative predictive value of 65.5% for low/borderline flow status. Compared with flow status, which strongly predicted subsequent stroke risk, hypoperfusion symptoms were not associated with stroke outcome ( P=0.87, log-rank test). Conclusions- These results suggest that hypoperfusion symptoms alone correlate poorly with actual hemodynamic compromise as assessed by quantitative magnetic resonance angiography and subsequent stroke risk in vertebrobasilar disease, and are not a reliable surrogate for flow measurement. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT00590980.

Impaired endothelial function may predict treatment response in restless legs syndrome.

While dopaminergic dysfunction is believed to be a crucial role in restless legs syndrome (RLS), changes in peripheral microvasculature system such as peripheral hypoxia and altered skin temperature, have been found. This study aimed to investigate whether patients with RLS would have a cerebral and peripheral endothelial dysfunction, and this may have association with treatment responsiveness. We evaluated cerebral endothelial function using breath-holding index (BHI) on transcranial Doppler in bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA), posterior cerebral artery (PCA) and basilar artery (BA) and peripheral endothelial function using brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in 34 patients with RLS compared with age and sex-matched controls. The values of BHI in both MCA and BA were significantly lower in RLS group than control group. The values of FMD also were significantly lower in RLS patients. There was a weak correlation between BHI and FMD (p = 0.038 in Rt MCA, p = 0.032 in Lt MCA, p = 0.362 in BA) in RLS, but not in controls. BHI differed according to treatment responsiveness. (p < 0.005). Our study suggests that RLS patients have poorer cerebral and peripheral endothelial function than controls, showing an underlying mechanism of RLS and further evidence of a possible association between RLS and cardiovascular disease.

Collateral Scores and Outcomes after Endovascular Treatment for Basilar Artery Occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a rare stroke subtype with high mortality rates. Best BAO reperfusion strategy is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: We aim to describe outcomes of BAO patients submitted to mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in a comprehensive stroke center in Brazil and analyze which previous published computed tomography angiography (CTA) collateral score better predict functional outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive BAO patients. CTA was used to evaluate the posterior circulation collateral score (PC-CS), the basilar artery on CTA score, and for the presence of posterior communicating arteries. A favorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Score ≤3 at 90-days. After univariate analyses, multivariate logistic regression was used to identify if any collateral score independently predicts favorable outcomes. RESULTS: Between January 2011 and April 2017, 27 (85% male) BAO patients with median NIHSS 26 (IQR 15-32) were identified. Twenty-five (93%) patients were treated with MT devices, and only 2 (7%) patients were treated with angioplasty and stenting. Successful recanalization rate was 85%, and only 1 (3.7%) patient had symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation. Favorable outcomes were reached in 10 (37%) patients. In univariate analysis, female sex, NIHSS, Glasgow coma scale, mild-to-moderate symptoms on admission, onset-to-groin time, and PC-CS predicted favorable outcomes. In multivariate analysis, PC-CS (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.10-2.60; p = 0.016) and NIHSS (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.77-0.93; p = 0.001) remained the only independent predictors of favorable outcomes. The PC-CS AUC was 0.80 (95% CI 0.62-0.98; p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: MT is a promising strategy for BAO treatment. Among collateral scores, PC-CS was the only independent predictor of favorable outcomes in the present study.

Exploration of Physiological and Pathophysiological Implications of miRNA-143 and miRNA-145 in Cerebral Arteries.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a type of hemorrhagic stroke with a high short-term mortality rate which leads to cognitive impairments that reduce the quality of life of the majority of patients. The miRNA-143/145 cluster is highly expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and has been shown to be necessary for differentiation and function, as well as an important determinant for phenotypic modulation/switching of VSMCs in response to vascular injury. We aimed to determine whether miRNA-143 and miRNA-145 are important regulators of phenotypical changes of VSMCs in relation to SAH, as well as establishing their physiological role in the cerebral vasculature. We applied quantitative PCR to study ischemia-induced alterations in the expression of miRNA-143 and miRNA-145, for rat cerebral vasculature, in an ex vivo organ culture model and an in vivo SAH model. To determine the physiological importance, we did myograph studies on basilar and femoral arteries from miRNA-143/145 knockout mice. miRNA-143 and miRNA-145 are not upregulated in the vasculature following our SAH model, despite the upregulation of miR-145 in the organ culture model. Regarding physiological function, miRNA-143 and miRNA-145 are very important for general contractility in cerebral vessels in response to depolarization, angiotensin II, and endothelin-1. Applying an anti-miRNA targeting approach in SAH does not seem to be a feasible approach because miRNA-143 and miRNA-145 are not upregulated following SAH. The knockout mouse data suggest that targeting miRNA-143 and miRNA-145 would lead to a general reduced contractility of the cerebral vasculature and unwanted dedifferentiation of VSMCs.

Endovascular treatment for acute basilar artery occlusion: a single center retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment (EVT) is now considered the gold standard for select patient populations with anterior circulation stroke; however, data on the treatment of posterior circulation stroke are less clear. This study aims to determine the characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) and to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of EVT for patients with acute BAO in a high-volume stroke center. METHODS: This study included 187 consecutive patients with acute BAO who underwent EVT from January 2012 to July 2018 in the Beijing Tiantan Hospital. The baseline characteristics, procedure parameters, and functional outcome were assessed. RESULTS: Among the 187 patients, 138 (73.8%) underwent mechanical thrombectomy with a stent retriever, 33 (17.6%) underwent direct intracranial angioplasty (balloon dilation and/or stent implantation) for underlying severe intracranial atherosclerotic disease, and 91 (48.7%) underwent combined mechanical thrombectomy and angioplasty. Successful recanalization [modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grade 2b-3] was achieved in 158 patients (84.5%). Overall, the rates of functional independence [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2] and favorable outcome (mRS 0-3) at 90 days were 36.4 and 49.2%, respectively, and 90-day all-cause mortality was 20.3%. CONCLUSION: EVT was effective and safe for treating patients with acute BAO.

Patterns and Outcomes of the Top of the Basilar Artery Syndrome: The Role of the Posterior Communicating Artery.

BACKGROUND: Clinical syndromes secondary to infarcts in the distal basilar artery (BA) area have been described as "top of the basilar" (TOB) syndrome. However, in the era of advanced imaging technology, it has been realized that the clinical and imaging features are quite diverse in patients with distal BA occlusion. The aim of the present study was to investigate the patterns and clinical outcomes of TOB assessed with modern images and categorize TOBs accordingly. Additionally, we examined the possible influence of the posterior communicating artery (PcoA) on the patterns of TOB. METHODS: Patients with distal BA occlusion on magnetic resonance angiography were categorized as TOB-A, and those with multiple lesions in the distal BA territory on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging as TOB-L. Patients with angiographically and lesion distribution-defined TOB were classified as having TOB-A&L; those with angiographically defined TOB as having TOB-A without TOB-L; and those with lesion distribution-defined TOB as having TOB-L without TOB-A. The PcoA was categorized as "textbook-type" (good P1) and "fetal-type" (absent P1). Factors associated with unfavorable short-term outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 5-6 at discharge), and 1-year and long-term mortalities, were assessed. RESULTS: Of 1,466 patients with ischemic stroke in the posterior circulation who were admitted to Asan Medical Center within 24 h of symptom onset, 124 (8.5%) had TOB, including 45 with TOB-A&L, 44 with TOB-A, and 35 with TOB-L. NIHSS scores (21 [9.5-26] vs. 6 [3-11.5] vs. 6 [3-9]; p < 0.01) and rates of motor deficit (75.6 vs. 54.5 vs. 34.4%; p < 0.01), concomitant pontine lesions (17.8 vs. 25.0 vs. 2.9%; p < 0.01), PcoA presence (44.4 vs. 68.2 vs. 25.7%; p < 0.01), and unfavorable short-term outcomes (62.2 vs. 25.0 vs. 14.3%; p < 0.01) differed significantly in the 3 patient groups. Multivariate analysis showed that textbook-type PcoA was independently associated with a lower frequency of unfavorable short-term outcomes (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03-0.70). Reperfusion therapy (hazard ratio [HR] 0.25, 95% CI 0.07-0.89) and the presence of textbook-type PcoA (HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05-0.90) were associated with a lower 1-year mortality rate after stroke. CONCLUSION: Patterns and clinical outcomes of TOB vary and are affected by the hemodynamic status of the arterial system, such as BA recanalization and the presence of textbook-type PcoA.

Why does my patient's basilar artery continue to grow? A four-year case study of a patient with symptoms of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia.

BACKGROUND: Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) is a clinical entity associated with ischemic stroke, compression of cranial nerves or brainstem, and hydrocephalus. There have been relatively few studies following the progression of VBD in patients presenting with a variety of diverse clinical features. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report a case study of a male with progressive VBD who was followed from November 2012 to December 2016. The patient had diagnosed hypertension for several years and suffered from left peripheral facial paralysis, recurrent ischemic attacks in the brainstem and cerebellum, obstructive hydrocephalus and frequent pneumonia. A series of cranial CT and multi-modal MRI scans were performed to explore the brain imaging features of the patient during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The presented case study suggests that aging, uncontrolled hypertension, arterial dissection and infection may contribute to the exacerbation of VBD and recurrent ischemic stroke.