Radiomics using non-contrast CT to predict hemorrhagic transformation risk in stroke patients undergoing revascularization.

OBJECTIVES: This study explores whether textural features from initial non-contrast CT scans of infarcted brain tissue are linked to hemorrhagic transformation susceptibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stroke patients undergoing thrombolysis or thrombectomy from Jan 2012 to Jan 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Hemorrhagic transformation was defined using follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 94 radiomic features were extracted from the infarcted tissue on initial NCCT scans. Patients were divided into training and test sets (7:3 ratio). Two models were developed with fivefold cross-validation: one incorporating first-order and textural radiomic features, and another using only textural radiomic features. A clinical model was also constructed using logistic regression with clinical variables, and test set validation was performed. RESULTS: Among 362 patients, 218 had hemorrhagic transformations. The LightGBM model with all radiomics features had the best performance, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.986 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.971-1.000) on the test dataset. The ExtraTrees model performed best when textural features were employed, with an AUROC of 0.845 (95% CI, 0.774-0.916). Minimum, maximum, and ten percentile values were significant predictors of hemorrhagic transformation. The clinical model showed an AUROC of 0.544 (95% CI, 0.431-0.658). The performance of the radiomics models was significantly better than that of the clinical model on the test dataset (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The radiomics model can predict hemorrhagic transformation using NCCT in stroke patients. Low Hounsfield unit was a strong predictor of hemorrhagic transformation, while textural features alone can predict hemorrhagic transformation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Using radiomic features extracted from initial non-contrast computed tomography, early prediction of hemorrhagic transformation has the potential to improve patient care and outcomes by aiding in personalized treatment decision-making and early identification of at-risk patients. KEY POINTS: • Predicting hemorrhagic transformation following thrombolysis in stroke is challenging since multiple factors are associated. • Radiomics features of infarcted tissue on initial non-contrast CT are associated with hemorrhagic transformation. • Textural features on non-contrast CT are associated with the frailty of the infarcted tissue.

Cancer Prediction With Machine Learning of Thrombi From Thrombectomy in Stroke: Multicenter Development and Validation.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to develop and validate machine learning models to diagnose patients with ischemic stroke with cancer through the analysis of histopathologic images of thrombi obtained during endovascular thrombectomy. METHODS: This was a retrospective study using a prospective multicenter registry which enrolled consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke from South Korea who underwent endovascular thrombectomy. This study included patients admitted between July 1, 2017 and December 31, 2021 from 6 academic university hospitals. Whole-slide scanning was performed for immunohistochemically stained thrombi. Machine learning models were developed using transfer learning with image slices as input to classify patients into 2 groups: cancer group or other determined cause group. The models were developed and internally validated using thrombi from patients of the primary center, and external validation was conducted in 5 centers. The model was also applied to patients with hidden cancer who were diagnosed with cancer within 1 month of their index stroke. RESULTS: The study included 70 561 images from 182 patients in both internal and external datasets (119 patients in internal and 63 in external). Machine learning models were developed for each immunohistochemical staining using antibodies against platelets, fibrin, and erythrocytes. The platelet model demonstrated consistently high accuracy in classifying patients with cancer, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.986 (95% CI, 0.983-0.989) during training, 0.954 (95% CI, 0.937-0.972) during internal validation, and 0.949 (95% CI, 0.891-1.000) during external validation. When applied to patients with occult cancer, the model accurately predicted the presence of cancer with high probabilities ranging from 88.5% to 99.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Machine learning models may be used for prediction of cancer as the underlying cause or detection of occult cancer, using platelet-stained immunohistochemical slide images of thrombi obtained during endovascular thrombectomy.

Prediction of cerebral hemorrhagic transformation after thrombectomy using a deep learning of dual-energy CT.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a deep learning model for predicting hemorrhagic transformation after endovascular thrombectomy using dual-energy computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study from a prospective registry of acute ischemic stroke. Patients admitted between May 2019 and February 2023 who underwent endovascular thrombectomy for acute anterior circulation occlusions were enrolled. Hemorrhagic transformation was defined using follow-up magnetic resonance imaging or CT. The deep learning model was developed using post-thrombectomy dual-energy CT to predict hemorrhagic transformation within 72 h. Temporal validation was performed with patients who were admitted after July 2022. The deep learning model's performance was compared with a logistic regression model developed from clinical variables using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: Total of 202 patients (mean age 71.4 years ± 14.5 [standard deviation], 92 men) were included, with 109 (54.0%) patients having hemorrhagic transformation. The deep learning model performed consistently well, showing an average AUC of 0.867 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.815-0.902) upon five-fold cross validation and AUC of 0.911 (95% CI, 0.774-1.000) with the test dataset. The clinical variable model showed an AUC of 0.775 (95% CI, 0.709-0.842) on the training dataset (p < 0.01) and AUC of 0.634 (95% CI, 0.385-0.883) on the test dataset (p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: A deep learning model was developed and validated for prediction of hemorrhagic transformation after endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute stroke using dual-energy computed tomography. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This study demonstrates that a convolutional neural network (CNN) can be utilized on dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) for the accurate prediction of hemorrhagic transformation after thrombectomy. The CNN achieves high performance without the need for region of interest drawing. KEY POINTS: • Iodine leakage on dual-energy CT after thrombectomy may be from blood-brain barrier disruption. • A convolutional neural network on post-thrombectomy dual-energy CT enables individualized prediction of hemorrhagic transformation. • Iodine leakage is an important predictor of hemorrhagic transformation following thrombectomy for ischemic stroke.

Intensive vs Conventional Blood Pressure Lowering After Endovascular Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: The OPTIMAL-BP Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Optimal blood pressure (BP) control after successful reperfusion with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for patients with acute ischemic stroke is unclear. Objective: To determine whether intensive BP management during the first 24 hours after successful reperfusion leads to better clinical outcomes than conventional BP management in patients who underwent EVT. Design, Setting, and Participants: Multicenter, randomized, open-label trial with a blinded end-point evaluation, conducted across 19 stroke centers in South Korea from June 2020 to November 2022 (final follow-up, March 8, 2023). It included 306 patients with large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke treated with EVT and with a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b or greater (partial or complete reperfusion). Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned to receive intensive BP management (systolic BP target <140 mm Hg; n = 155) or conventional management (systolic BP target 140-180 mm Hg; n = 150) for 24 hours after enrollment. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was functional independence at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2). The primary safety outcomes were symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage within 36 hours and death related to the index stroke within 3 months. Results: The trial was terminated early based on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring board, which noted safety concerns. Among 306 randomized patients, 305 were confirmed eligible and 302 (99.0%) completed the trial (mean age, 73.0 years; 122 women [40.4%]). The intensive management group had a lower proportion achieving functional independence (39.4%) than the conventional management group (54.4%), with a significant risk difference (-15.1% [95% CI, -26.2% to -3.9%]) and adjusted odds ratio (0.56 [95% CI, 0.33-0.96]; P = .03). Rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage were 9.0% in the intensive group and 8.1% in the conventional group (risk difference, 1.0% [95% CI, -5.3% to 7.3%]; adjusted odds ratio, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.48-2.53]; P = .82). Death related to the index stroke within 3 months occurred in 7.7% of the intensive group and 5.4% of the conventional group (risk difference, 2.3% [95% CI, -3.3% to 7.9%]; adjusted odds ratio, 1.73 [95% CI, 0.61-4.92]; P = .31). Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients who achieved successful reperfusion with EVT for acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion, intensive BP management for 24 hours led to a lower likelihood of functional independence at 3 months compared with conventional BP management. These results suggest that intensive BP management should be avoided after successful EVT in acute ischemic stroke. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04205305.

Impact of Renal Function on Short-Term Outcome After Reperfusion Therapy in Patients With Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: A high and low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) could affect outcomes after reperfusion therapy for ischemic stroke. This study aimed to determine whether renal function based on eGFR affects mortality risk in patients with ischemic stroke within 6 months following reperfusion therapy. METHODS: This prospective registry-based cohort study included 2266 patients who received reperfusion therapy between January 2000 and September 2019 and were registered in the SECRET (Selection Criteria in Endovascular Thrombectomy and Thrombolytic Therapy) study or the Yonsei Stroke Cohort. A high and low eGFR were based on the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation and defined, respectively, as the 5th and 95th percentiles of age- and sex-specific eGFR. Occurrence of death within 6 months was compared among the groups according to their eGFR such as low, normal, or high eGFR. RESULTS: Of the 2266 patients, 2051 (90.5%) had a normal eGFR, 110 (4.9%) a low eGFR, and 105 (4.6%) a high eGFR. Patients with high eGFR were younger or less likely to have hypertension, diabetes, or atrial fibrillation than the other groups. Active cancer was more prevalent in the high-eGFR group. During the 6-month follow-up, there were 24 deaths (22.9%) in the high-eGFR group, 37 (33.6%) in the low-eGFR group, and 237 (11.6%) in the normal-eGFR group. After adjusting for variables with P<0.10 in the univariable analysis, 6-month mortality was independently associated with high eGFR (hazard ratio, 2.22 [95% CI, 1.36-3.62]; P=0.001) and low eGFR (HR, 2.29 [95% CI, 1.41-3.72]; P=0.001). These associations persisted regardless of treatment modality or various baseline characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: High eGFR as well as low eGFR were independently associated with 6-month mortality after reperfusion therapy. Kidney function could be considered a prognostic factor in patients with ischemic stroke after reperfusion therapy.

Mechanical thrombectomy for acute posterior cerebral artery stroke; Feasibility and predictors of outcome.

PURPOSE: The territorial involvement and the clinical benefit of endovascular therapy (EVT) of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) occlusion may vary between patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in isolated posterior cerebral artery occlusions (IPCAOs) and the prognostic factors of EVT. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with acute PCA occlusion who underwent EVT between Mar 2008 and Apr 2021 from 2 tertiary centers were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical characteristics, imaging and perfusion abnormalities, and angiographic and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Ischemic changes were assessed with the posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early Computed Tomography Score (pc-ASPECTS). Perfusion abnormalities were assessed using automated software for Tmax volume measurement and identification of Tmax involved in PCA eloquent areas. RESULTS: The IPCAO sites were P1 (n = 17) and P2 (n = 31). Overall successful recanalization (mTICI 2b/3) was achieved in 68.8% (33/48) and excellent outcome (90-day mRS 0-1) in 52.1% (25/48) of the patients. Excellent/non-excellent outcome was associated with male sex (p = 0.036), admission NIHSS (p = 0.002), pc-ASPECTS (p = 0.035), Tmax > 6 s involvement of the midbrain-thalamus (p = 0.008), first-line stent-retriever thrombectomy (p = 0.036), complete recanalization (p = 0.009), and modified first pass effect (FPE, p = 0.047). Tmax>6 s involvement of the midbrain-thalamus was an independent predictor for non-excellent outcome on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: Acute stroke from IPCAO may be successfully treated with EVT. Tmax > 6 s involvement of the midbrain-thalamus on perfusion imaging may be a predictor for clinical outcome.

Endovascular treatment for large (> 10 mm) basilar tip aneurysms: a retrospective case series.

PURPOSE: To report the long-term clinical and angiographic outcomes of the endovascular treatment of large/giant basilar tip aneurysms (BTAs) in our institutions. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed cases of BTA larger than 10 mm that received endovascular treatment between January 2009 and December 2019. Data on the demographic and clinical characteristics and radiologic severity were obtained from the patients' medical records. The collected clinical follow-up data included neurological evaluation. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was performed 6 to 12 months after the procedure, followed by once every 1 to 2 years as needed. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients with BTA were included in this study. The median age was 60.08 years (27-80 years), and the mean clinical follow-up was 66.78 months (19.00-142.87 months). Almost half of the patients presented with unruptured BTAs (58.33%, n = 7). The median maximum aneurysm diameter was 13.00 mm (10.46-20.90 mm) and the mean neck size was 8.34 mm (4.82-13.04 mm). A Modified Raymond Roy Classification (MRRC1) of 1 or 2 was observed in 66.67% of the patients (n = 8) immediately after the first procedure. Procedural morbidity and mortality were 33.33% and 8.33%, respectively. Major recanalization occurred in two patients, one of whom underwent additional coiling with the other being merely observed due to older age. CONCLUSION: It is very difficult to cure a large BTA completely at once and recanalization occurred often after endovascular treatment. Conducting long-term follow-up studies at short intervals is warranted, as well as improving existing treatment methods and developing new approaches.

Stent Opening Visualization During Mechanical Thrombectomy; Relationship with the Retrieved Clot and Procedural Success.

PURPOSE: The angiographic visualization of the stent during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) may provide information regarding the characteristics of the underlying occluding clot, device-clot interaction, and recanalization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the open stent sign in relation to the retrieved clot and recanalization. METHODOLOGY: 78 patients treated with the stent retriever for acute stroke were retrospectively reviewed. The open stent sign was defined as full opening (>80% of normal vessel diameter) of the stent on DSA after deployment across the occlusion. The retrieved clot was visually classified as red or non-red clots. The relationship between the open stent sign and the patient characteristics, recanalization, retrieved clot, and clinical outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall successful recanalization and good outcome was achieved in 68 (87.2%) and 35 (44.9%) patients, respectively. Open stent sign was seen in 52 patients (66.7%). Occlusions showing positive open stent sign was associated with significantly higher first pass effect (44.2% vs 19.2%, p=0.044) and successful recanalization rate (94.2% vs 73.1%, p=0.013) compared to negative open stent sign. The open stent sign was associated with higher incidence of red clot (75.0% vs 38.9%, p=0.008). On multivariate analysis, the open stent sign (OR 22.721, 95% CI 1.953-264.372, p=0.013) was a predictor of successful recanalization. CONCLUSIONS: The visualization of the open stent during MT of acute ischemic stroke may provide added information in terms of clot characteristics and procedural success. The open stent sign is associated with red clots, higher first pass effect and successful recanalization.

Immediate and Long-Term Outcomes of Reperfusion Therapy in Patients With Cancer.

Background and Purpose: Patients with acute stroke are often accompanied by comorbidities, such as active cancer. However, adequate treatment guidelines are not available for these patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between cancer and the outcomes of reperfusion therapy in patients with stroke. Methods: We compared treatment outcomes in patients who underwent reperfusion therapy, using a nationwide reperfusion therapy registry. We divided the patients into 3 groups according to cancer activity: active cancer, nonactive cancer, and without a history of cancer. We investigated reperfusion processes, 24-hour neurological improvement, adverse events, 3-month functional outcome, and 6-month survival and related factors after reperfusion therapy. Results: Among 1338 patients who underwent reperfusion therapy, 62 patients (4.6%) had active cancer, 78 patients (5.8%) had nonactive cancer, and 1198 patients (89.5%) had no history of cancer. Of the enrolled patients, 969 patients received intravenous thrombolysis and 685 patients underwent endovascular treatment (316 patients received combined therapy). Patients with active cancer had more comorbidities and experienced more severe strokes; however, they showed similar 24-hour neurological improvement and adverse events, including cerebral hemorrhage, compared with the other groups. Although the functional outcome at 3 months was poorer than the other groups, 36.4% of patients with active cancer showed functional independence. Additionally, 52.9% of the patients with determined stroke etiology showed functional independence despite active cancer. During the 6-month follow-up, 46.6% of patients with active cancer died, and active cancer was independently associated with poor survival (hazard ratio, 3.973 [95% CI, 2.528­6.245]). Conclusions: In patients with active cancer, reperfusion therapy showed similar adverse events and short-term outcomes to that of other groups. While long-term prognosis was worse in the active cancer group than the nonactive cancer groups, not negligible number of patients had good functional outcomes, especially those with determined stroke mechanisms.

Scepter dual-lumen balloon catheter for Onyx embolization for dural arteriovenous fistula.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Scepter dual-lumen balloon catheter for transarterial Onyx embolization of dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF). METHODS: Transarterial Onyx embolization using a Scepter dual-lumen balloon catheter (Scepter-assisted Onyx embolization) for DAVF was attempted in a total of 35 patients (mean age, 52.5 years; M:F = 24:11) between October 2012 and December 2018. The results of Scepter-assisted Onyx embolization were evaluated with respect to total procedural and Onyx injection times, the types and number of feeders requiring embolization, angiographic and clinical outcomes, and treatment-related complications. RESULTS: Initial presentations were non-hemorrhagic neurological deficits in 10, intracranial hemorrhage in 8, seizure in 7, headache in 7, and intractable tinnitus in 3. All DAVF were aggressive type (Borden type 2, 14.3 %; type 3, 85.7 %). Scepter-assisted Onyx embolization resulted in immediately complete occlusion in 33 patients (94.3 %) and near complete occlusion in 2 patients. Middle meningeal artery (51.4 %) was the most commonly used for Scepter-assisted technique, followed by occipital artery (42.9 %), ascending pharyngeal artery (2.9 %) and superficial temporal artery (2.9 %). There was no difference in complete occlusion rate between middle meningeal artery and the other arteries (94.4 % versus 94.1 %). The median number of total feeders embolized was 1 (range, 1-3). The median total procedural time was 45 minutes (range, 21 minutes - 127 minutes) and the median Onyx injection time was 11 minutes (range, 3 minutes - 25 minutes). All patients recovered completely (n = 31) or partially (n = 4) from presenting symptoms. Treatment-related complications occurred in 2 patients, of whom one had a permanent morbidity (2.8 %, ipsilateral facial nerve palsy). No patient showed a recurrence on follow-up imaging (median, 15 months; range, 3-56 months). CONCLUSIONS: Scepter-assisted transarterial Onyx embolization showed a very high complete occlusion rate with a low morbidity and no recurrence in aggressive type DAVF. Scepter dual-lumen balloon catheter seems to be a useful tool for transarterial Onyx embolization of DAVF.

Recurrence and risk factors of posterior communicating artery aneurysms after endovascular treatment.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment (EVT) of posterior communicating artery aneurysms (PcomA) is challenging because of posterior communicating artery (Pcom) architecture. Additionally, these aneurysms have a high risk of recanalization compared with those located elsewhere. METHODS: The radiographic findings of 171 patients treated with EVT at two institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, and subgroup analyses were performed based on Pcom characteristics. RESULTS: Recanalization of PcomAs occurred in 53 patients (30.9%). Seven patients (4.0%) were retreated (six endovascularly and one with microsurgical clipping). The mean follow-up duration was 27.7 months (range: 3.5-78.6). The maximum diameter (odds ratio [OR] 1.23, P = .006, 95% CI 1.07-1.44), a Raymond-Roy classification of grade II or III (OR 2.26, P = .03, 95% CI 1.08-4.82), and the presence of reinforcement (balloon or/and stent, OR 0.44, P = .03, 95% CI 0.20-0.91) were associated with recanalization using multivariate logistic regression. Significant differences were found in maximum aneurysm diameter (P = .03) between normal- and fetal-type Pcoms on analysis of variance. CONCLUSIONS: The recanalization rate of PcomAs after EVT was 30.9%; the retreatment rate was 4.0%. Maximum diameter, Raymond-Roy classification, and presence of reinforcement were significantly associated with recanalization but not associated with fetal-type Pcom. Aneurysm size was larger in patients with a fetal-type Pcom than in those with a normal Pcom. Pcom size was not related to recanalization rate.

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.

Histological features of intracranial thrombi in stroke patients with cancer.

The histological features of thrombus in stroke patients with cancer are not well known. Using immunohistochemical staining of thrombi retrieved during mechanical thrombectomy in stroke patients, thrombus compositions were compared between 16 patients with active cancer, 16 patients with inactive cancer, and 16 patients without any history of cancer. The active cancer group showed higher platelet and lower erythrocyte fractions than the inactive cancer or the control group. Four patients with vegetation showed very high platelet and low erythrocyte fractions. Patients with cryptogenic etiology in the active cancer group showed a similar pattern to those with vegetation. These findings may aid the determination of treatment strategies in cancer-associated stroke. ANN NEUROL 2019.

Evaluation of an optimal cutoff of parathyroid venous sampling gradient for localizing primary hyperparathyroidism.

INTRODUCTION: Parathyroid venous sampling (PVS) has been reported to be a useful adjunctive test in localizing lesions in elusive cases of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Conventional cutoff (twofold) is now widely being used, but optimal cutoff threshold for PVS gradient based on discriminatory performance remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among a total of 197 consecutive patients (mean age 58.2 years, female 74.6%) with PHPT who underwent parathyroidectomy at a tertiary center between 2012 and 2018, we retrospectively analyzed 59 subjects who underwent PVS for persistent or recurrent disease after previous parathyroidectomy, or for equivocal or negative results from conventional imaging modalities including ultrasonography (US) and Tc99m-Sestamibi SPECT-CT (MIBI). True parathyroid lesions were confirmed by combination of surgical, pathological findings, and intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) changes. Optimal PVS cutoff were determined by receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) analysis with Youden and Liu method. RESULTS: Compared to subjects who did not require PVS, PVS group tends to have lower PTH (119.8 pg/mL vs 133.7 pg/mL, p = 0.075). A total of 79 culprit parathyroid lesions (left 40; right 39) from 59 patients (left 24; right 26; bilateral 9) were confirmed by surgery. The optimal cutoff for PVS gradient was estimated as 1.5-fold gradient (1.5 ×) with sensitivity of 61.8% and specificity of 84%. When 1.5 × cutoff was applied, PVS improved the discrimination for true parathyroid lesions substantially based on area under ROC (0.892 to 0.942, p < 0.001) when added to US and MIBI. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that PVS with cutoff threshold 1.5 × can provide useful complementary information for pre-operative localization in selected cases.

Effect of Cumulative Case Volume on Procedural and Clinical Outcomes in Endovascular Thrombectomy.

Background and Purpose- The effect of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) cumulative case volume (EVT-CCV) on outcomes of acute stroke patients has not been studied. This study investigated whether EVT-CCV was associated with outcomes. Methods- We identified all patients who underwent EVT for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Patients who met enrollment criteria were grouped into 5 based on the number of previous cases at each hospital. The number of cases that were recruited from each hospital and then assigned to each group (n) was designed to increase by the function of 10×2(n-1); group 1 consisted of cases 1 to 10 at each hospital, group 2 was cases 11 to 30, group 3 was cases 31 to 70, group 4 was cases 71 to 150, and group 5 was cases ≥151. We tested whether EVT-CCV group was associated with procedural and clinical outcomes. Results- Nine hundred fifty-five patients fulfilled the enrollment criteria. Recanalization and good outcome positively correlated with EVT-CCV group ( P<0.001 [correlation coefficient, r=0.122] for recanalization; P=0.002 [ r=0.099] for good outcome), whereas symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality negatively correlated ( P=0.039 [ r=-0.067] for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage; P=0.016 [ r=-0.078] for mortality). EVT-CCV group was independently associated with recanalization (odds ratio, 1.182; 95% CI, 1.029-1.358) and good outcome (odds ratio, 1.187; 95% CI, 1.053-1.337). Conclusions- With increased EVT-CCV, recanalization and good outcome increased, whereas symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality decreased. Increased EVT-CCV was independently associated with recanalization and good outcome.

Comparison Between Perfusion- and Collateral-Based Triage for Endovascular Thrombectomy in a Late Time Window.

Background and Purpose- Perfusion-based triage has proven to be effective and safe for selecting patients who are likely to benefit from endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in a late time window. We investigated collateral-based triage for EVT in patients presenting beyond 6 hours, in terms of interrater reliability and efficacy in predicting clinical outcome, in comparison to perfusion-based triage. Methods- One hundred and thirty-two patients who underwent both computed tomographic angiography and computed tomography perfusion for anterior circulation large artery occlusion 6 to 24 hours after last seen well were enrolled. Patients were classified into EVT-eligible and EVT-ineligible groups according to perfusion- and collateral-based triages. We evaluated the interrater reliability of collateral-based triage and differences in good outcome rates of patients who received EVT in the EVT-eligible groups based on perfusion- and collateral-based triages. Results- Both computed tomographic angiography and computed tomography perfusion were assessable in 93 patients. Seventy-six patients were eligible for EVT according to perfusion-based triage. Among them, EVT was performed in 58, of whom 32 (55.1%) had good outcome. Sixty-nine patients were eligible for EVT based on collateral-based triage. Among them, EVT was performed in 50 patients, of whom 31 (62.0%) had good outcome. Interrater reliability of collateral-based triage was good (generalized κ=0.73 [95% CI, 0.59-0.84]). Agreement on EVT eligibility between perfusion- and collateral-based triages was moderate (κ=0.41 [95% CI, 0.16-0.61]). There was no difference in good outcome rates of patients who underwent EVT in the EVT-eligible groups based on perfusion- and collateral-based triages (55.1% versus 62.0%; P=0.0675). Conclusions- Collateral-based triage showed good interrater reliability and comparable efficacy to that of perfusion-based triage in predicting clinical outcome after EVT in patients presenting beyond 6 hours. Collateral-based triage is a reliable approach for selecting patients for EVT in the extended therapeutic time window.

Balloon Guide Catheter Is Beneficial in Endovascular Treatment Regardless of Mechanical Recanalization Modality.

Background and Purpose- Based on its mechanism, the use of balloon guide catheters (BGCs) may be beneficial during endovascular treatment, regardless of the type of mechanical recanalization modality used-stent retriever thrombectomy or thrombaspiration. We evaluated whether the use of BGCs can be beneficial regardless of the first-line mechanical endovascular modality used. Methods- We retrospectively reviewed consecutive acute stroke patients who underwent stent retriever thrombectomy or thrombaspiration from the prospectively maintained registries of 17 stroke centers nationwide. Patients were assigned to the BGC or non-BGC group based on the use of BGCs during procedures. Endovascular and clinical outcomes were compared between the BGC and non-BGC groups. To adjust the influence of the type of first-line endovascular modality on successful recanalization and favorable outcome, multivariable analyses were also performed. Results- This study included a total of 955 patients. Stent retriever thrombectomy was used as the first-line modality in 526 patients (55.1%) and thrombaspiration in 429 (44.9%). BGC was used in 516 patients (54.0%; 61.2% of stent retriever thrombectomy patients; 45.2% of thrombaspiration patients). The successful recanalization rate was significantly higher in the BGC group compared with the non-BGC group (86.8% versus 74.7%, respectively; P<0.001). Furthermore, the first-pass recanalization rate was more frequent (37.0% versus 14.1%; P<0.001), and the number of device passes was fewer in the BGC group (2.5±1.9 versus 3.3±2.1; P<0.001). The procedural time was also shorter in the BGC group (54.3±27.4 versus 67.6±38.2; P<0.001). The use of BGC was an independent factor for successful recanalization (odds ratio, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.54-3.10; P<0.001) irrespective of the type of first-line endovascular modality used. The use of BGC was also an independent factor for a favorable outcome (odds ratio, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.02-1.92; P=0.038) irrespective of the type of first-line endovascular modality used. Conclusions- Regardless of the first-line mechanical endovascular modality used, the use of BGC in endovascular treatment was beneficial in terms of both recanalization success and functional outcome.

Mechanical Thrombectomy in Subtypes of Basilar Artery Occlusion: Relationship to Recanalization Rate and Clinical Outcome.

Background Acute stroke because of basilar artery occlusion (BAO) represents 1% of all ischemic strokes. However, recanalization rates and treatment outcome for the different pathologic subtypes of BAO stroke are not fully understood. Purpose To compare the recanalization rate and clinical outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy in different subtypes of BAO. Materials and Methods Eighty-two patients (46 men and 36 women; mean age, 73 years; age range, 20-90 years; mean age in men, 70 years [age range, 20-90 years]; mean age in women, 75 years [age range; 61-90 years]) with acute BAO who underwent mechanical thrombectomy between March 2010 and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified into three groups: embolism without vertebral artery (VA) steno-occlusion (group 1), embolism from tandem VA steno-occlusion (group 2), and in situ atherosclerotic thrombosis (group 3). Clinical and angiographic characteristics, recanalization rate, procedure times, and clinical outcomes were compared between groups by using the Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson χ2, and Fisher exact tests. Results The incidence of BAO according to stroke mechanism were as follows: group 1, n = 34 (41%); group 2, n = 28 (34%), group 3, n = 20 (24%). Overall, successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade 2b or 3) was achieved in 78% (64 of 82) and favorable outcome (90-day modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2) in 37% (30 of 82) of the patients. The procedure time was shorter in group 1 than in group 2 (49 vs 66 minutes, respectively; P = .01). Group 1 showed a higher successful recanalization rate than group 3 (29 of 34 [85%] vs 11 of 20 [55%], respectively; P = .01). Good clinical outcome rate was higher in group 1 than in group 3 (18 of 34 [53%] vs four of 20 [20%], respectively; P = .02). Conclusion The outcome of mechanical thrombectomy for basilar artery occlusion differs according to the pathologic mechanism of stroke; the best outcomes and recanalization rate occurred in patients with embolism without vertebral artery steno-occlusion. © RSNA, 2019 See also the editorial by Hetts in this issue.

Preliminary experience of stent-assisted coiling of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms with a single microcatheter.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to report our preliminary experience of stent-assisted coiling (SAC) of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms with a single microcatheter in patients with parent arteries that were small-caliber, with stenosis, or a very tortuous course. METHODS: Between March 2018 and December 2018, we treated 394 aneurysms in 359 patients with endovascular treatment. Among 197 aneurysms treated by SAC, there were 16 cases (all wide-necked unruptured aneurysms) treated by SAC with a single microcatheter and a Neuroform Atlas stent. Follow-up angiography was performed at 6 to 12 months after SAC, and clinical follow-up was performed from 6 to 12 months in all patients. RESULTS: The reasons for SAC with a single 0.0165-in. microcatheter were small-caliber (n = 4), stenosis (n = 2), and very tortuous course (n = 10) of the parent arteries. There was no complication related to delivering or deploying the Neuroform Atlas stent as well as no failure of selecting aneurysm by cell-through technique. All patients had a modified Rankin score of 0 at discharge and at follow-up. Initial angiographic results showed six cases (37.5%) of complete occlusion. In follow-up angiographies, 12 cases (75.0%) achieved compete occlusion. CONCLUSION: When performing SAC of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms in parent arteries with small-caliber, stenosis, or a very tortuous course, cell-through SAC using a single microcatheter and a Neuroform Atlas stent within a 5 Fr- (or smaller) guiding or intermediate catheter might be a useful option.