Endovascular therapy of acute vertebrobasilar occlusions: influence of first-line strategy in the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) Registry.

BACKGROUND: The choice of the first-line technique in vertebrobasilar occlusions (VBOs) remains challenging. We aimed to report outcomes in a large cohort of patients and to compare the efficacy and safety of contact aspiration (CA) and combined technique (CoT) as a first-line endovascular technique in patients with acute VBOs. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinical and neuroradiological data of patients with VBOs from the prospective, multicenter, observational Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) Registry in France between January 2015 and August 2023. The primary outcome was the first pass effect (FPE) rate, whereas modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b-3 and 2c-3, number of passes, need for rescue strategy, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2, mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) were secondary outcomes. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to investigate differences between the two groups. RESULTS: Among the 583 included patients (mean age 66.2 years, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) 13, median posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS) 8), 393 were treated with CA alone and 190 with CoT. Procedures performed with CA were shorter compared with CoT (28 vs 47 min, P<0.0001); however, no differences were observed in terms of FPE (CA 43.3% vs CoT 38.4%, P=0.99), and successful final recanalization (mTICI 2b-3, CA 92.4% vs CoT 91.8%, P=0.74) did not differ between the two groups. Functional independence and sICH rates were also similar, whereas mortality was significantly lower in the CA group (34.5% vs 42.9%; OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.03 to 3.11). CONCLUSIONS: We observed no differences in FPE, mTICI 2b-3, sICH, and functional independence between the two study groups. First-line CA was associated with shorter procedures and lower mortality rates than CoT.

Neutrophil activation in patients treated with endovascular therapy is associated with unfavorable outcomes and mitigated by intravenous thrombolysis.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence indicates that neutrophil activation (NA) contributes to microvascular thromboinflammation in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to a large vessel occlusion. Preclinical data have suggested that intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) before endovascular therapy (EVT) could dampen microvascular thromboinflammation. In this study we investigated the association between NA dynamics and stroke outcome, and the impact of IVT on NA in patients with AIS treated with EVT. METHODS: A single-center prospective study was carried out, including patients treated with EVT for whom three blood samples (before, within 1 hour, 24 hours post-EVT) were drawn to measure plasma myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentration as a marker of NA. Unfavorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin score of 3-6 at 3 months. RESULTS: Between 2016 and 2020, 179 patients were included. The plasma MPO concentration peaked significantly 1 hour post-EVT (median increase 21.0 ng/mL (IQR -2.1-150)) and returned to pre-EVT baseline values 24 hours after EVT (median change from baseline -0.8 ng/mL (IQR -7.6-6.7)). This peak was strongly associated with unfavorable outcomes at 3 months (aOR 0.53 (95% CI 0.34 to 0.84), P=0.007). IVT before EVT abolished this 1 hour post-EVT MPO peak. Changes in plasma MPO concentration (baseline to 1 hour post-EVT) were associated with unfavorable outcomes only in patients not treated with IVT before EVT (aOR 0.54 (95% CI 0.33 to 0.88, P=0.013). However, we found no significant heterogeneity in the associations between changes in plasma MPO concentration and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: A peak in plasma MPO concentration occurs early after EVT and is associated with unfavorable outcomes. IVT abolished the post-EVT MPO peak and may modulate the association between NA and outcomes.

Revisiting malignant hypertension: rationale and design of the 'HAMA cohort', on behalf of the ESH working group 'hypertension and the kidney'.

BACKGROUND: Malignant hypertension has not disappeared and is associated with a poor prognosis. Yet, so far, it has received limited attention from the medical community. Guidelines are mainly based on expert consensus and low quality evidences. METHOD: We set up a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort of patients with malignant hypertension. We collect at admission medical history, demographic data, ongoing treatment, clinical parameters, symptoms, care pathways, target organ status and at discharge and during follow up treatment administrated, adverse events, blood pressure level, target organ status. We aim to recruit 500 patients with malignant hypertension in 5 years, with a 5-year follow-up. Our primary objective is to assess the 5 years prognosis of these patients. DISCUSSION: The HAMA (Hypertension Arterielle MAligne, meaning malignant hypertension) registry aims to describe the epidemiology and to assess the prognosis of malignant hypertension in a contemporary multidisciplinary cohort, with emphasis on the diversity of current management and care pathway among the different medical specialties. It may help improving our pathophysiological knowledge, and pave the way to update the definition of this particular form of hypertension. The multidisciplinary network developed in the wake of this project is expected to facilitate the set up therapeutic trials, laying the ground for evidence-based recommendations.

Thrombectomy in basilar artery occlusions: impact of number of passes and futile reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: The number of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) passes is strongly associated with angiographic reperfusion as well as clinical outcomes in patients with anterior circulation ischemic stroke. However, these associations have not been analyzed in patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO). We investigated the influence of the number of MT passes on the degree of reperfusion and clinical outcomes, and compared outcome after ≤3 passes versus >3 passes. METHODS: We used data from the prospective multicentric Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) Registry at 18 sites in France. Patients with BAO treated with MT were included. The primary outcome was a favorable outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-3 at 90 days. We fit mixed multiple regression models, with center as a random effect. RESULTS: We included 275 patients. Successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b-3) was achieved in 88.4%, and 41.8% had a favorable outcome. The odds ratio for favorable outcome with each pass above 1 was 0.41 (95% CI 0.23 to 0.73) and for recanalization (mTICI 2b-3) it was 0.70 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.87). In patients with ≤3 passes, the rate of favorable outcome in recanalized versus non-recanalized patients was 50.5% versus 10.0% (p=0.001), while in those with >3 passes it was 16.7% versus 15.2% (p=0.901). CONCLUSIONS: We found that BAO patients had a significant relationship between the number of MT passes and both recanalization and favorable functional outcome. We further found that the benefit of recanalization in BAO patients was significant only when recanalization was achieved within three passes, encouraging at least three passes before stopping the procedure.

Safety and efficacy of intensive systolic blood pressure lowering after successful endovascular therapy: a post hoc analysis of the BP TARGET trial.

BACKGROUND: The Safety and Efficacy of Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering after Successful Endovascular Therapy in Acute Ischaemic Stroke (BP TARGET) trial demonstrated no benefit from intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) treatment after successful reperfusion with endovascular therapy. However, it remains unknown if the response to blood pressure treatment is modified by other factors. OBJECTIVE: To carry out a post hoc analysis of the BP TARGET trial data to determine if the response to blood pressure treatment is modified by factors such as age, history of hypertension, recanalization status, location of occlusion, diabetes, hyperglycemia, or pretreatment with intravenous thrombolysis. METHODS: This is a post hoc analysis of the BP TARGET trial. Patients were divided into groups based on age, diabetes, blood glucose, site of occlusion, history of hypertension, and pretreatment with intravenous thrombolysis. The primary outcome was any intraparenchymal hemorrhage. RESULTS: 318 patients were included. Diabetes modified the treatment effect on favorable functional outcome (Pheteogenity=0.041). There was a trend towards benefit from intensive SBP treatment in diabetic patients (OR=2.81; 95% CI 0.88 to 8.88; p=0.08) but not in non-diabetic patients (OR=0.75; 95% 0.45 to 126; p 0.28). Age, location of occlusion, admission SBP, pretreatment with intravenous thrombolysis, and history of hypertension did not modify the effect of intensive SBP treatment on any of the outcomes. CONCLUSION: The effect of SBP lowering treatment was not modified by age, location of occlusion history of hypertension, intravenous thrombolysis, and admission SBP. Diabetes modified the effect of intensive SBP lowering treatment, and there was a trend towards benefit from intensive SBP treatment in diabetic patients. This finding is hypothesis generating and requires further validation.

Effect of intravenous thrombolysis before endovascular therapy on outcome according to collateral status: insight from the ETIS Registry.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether collateral status modifies the effect of pretreatment intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) on the outcomes of patients with large vessel occlusions treated with endovascular therapy (EVT). We aimed to assess whether collateral status modifies the effect of IVT on the outcomes of EVT in clinical practice. METHODS: We used data from the ongoing prospective multicentric Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) Registry in France. Patients with anterior circulation proximal large vessel occlusions treated with EVT within 6 hours of symptom onset were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups based on pretreatment with IVT. The two groups were matched based on baseline characteristics. We tested the interaction between collateral status and IVT in unadjusted and adjusted models. RESULTS: A total of 1589 patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 55% received IVT. Using a propensity score matching method, 724 no IVT patients were matched to 549 IVT patients. In propensity score weighted analysis, IVT was associated with higher odds of early neurological improvement (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.33 to 2.26), favorable functional outcome (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.23 to 2.24), excellent functional outcome (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.47 to 2.83), and successful reperfusion (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.51 to 3.16). IVT was not associated with mortality or hemorrhagic complications. There was no interaction between collateral status and IVT association with any of the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Collateral status does not modify the effect of pretreatment IVT on the efficacy and safety outcomes of EVT.

Effect of Baseline Antihypertensive Treatments on Stroke Severity and Outcomes in the BP TARGET Trial.

BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with a history of hypertension experience worse outcomes, which may be explained by a deleterious impact of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) overactivation. We sought to investigate whether prestroke antihypertensive treatments (AHT) influenced baseline stroke severity and neurological outcomes, in patients with AIS successfully treated by endovascular therapy. METHODS: We performed a post hoc analysis of the BP TARGET trial (Blood Pressure Target in Acute Stroke to Reduce Hemorrhage After Endovascular Therapy) and included hypertensive patients with available data regarding AHT at admission, categorized as RAS inhibitors (ACE [angiotensin-converting enzyme] inhibitors, ARBs [angiotensin 2 receptor blockers], and ß-blockers) and non-RAS inhibitors (calcium channel blockers and diuretics). Associations of each AHT with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at baseline were investigated in linear mixed model adjusted for the number of treatments and center. Associations of each AHT with 24-hour NIHSS change, intracranial hemorrhage were performed using linear mixed model adjusted for baseline NIHSS, the number of treatments, center, age, and sex and adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, and current smoking for favorable outcome. All analyses were performed on cases-available data regarding the low number of missing data. RESULTS: Overall, 203 patients with at least one AHT were included. Patients under non-RAS inhibitor treatments had a higher NIHSS score at baseline (adjusted mean difference=3.28 [95% CI, 1.33-5.22]; P=0.001). Conversely, patients under RAS inhibitor treatments had a lower baseline NIHSS score (adjusted mean difference=-2.81 [95% CI, -5.37 to -0.25]; P=0.031). Intracranial hemorrhage occurrence was significantly more frequent in patients under non-RAS inhibitor treatments (adjusted odds ratio of 2.48 [95% CI, 1.12-5.47]; P=0.025). Conversely, the use of RAS inhibitor treatments before AIS was not associated with higher odds of radiographic intracranial hemorrhage. Patients with non-RAS inhibitor treatments had less improvement of NIHSS at 24 hours compared with patients without (adjusted mean difference, 2.83 [95% CI, -0.16 to 5.81]; P=0.063). Baseline RAS inhibitor or noninhibitor treatments were not associated with favorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: We showed an opposite effect of baseline AHT, based on their effect on the RAS. Patients treated with RAS inhibitor agents before AIS exhibited less severe AIS compared with patients under non-RAS inhibitor treatments, developed less intracranial hemorrhage at 24 hours and had a trend toward better NIHSS score at 24 hours. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT03160677.

Endovascular reperfusion of M2 occlusions in acute ischemic stroke reduced disability and mortality: ETIS Registry results.

BACKGROUND: The predictors of successful reperfusion and the effect of reperfusion after endovascular treatment (EVT) for M2 occlusions have not been well studied. We aimed to identify predictors of successful reperfusion and the effect of reperfusion on outcomes of EVT for M2 occlusions in current practice. METHODS: Patients with acute ischemic stroke due to isolated M2 occlusions who were enrolled in the prospective multicenter Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) Registry in France between January 2015 and March 2020 were included. The primary outcome was a favorable outcome, defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2 at 90 days. Successful reperfusion was defined as an improvement of ≥1 points in the modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction score between the first and the last intracranial angiogram. RESULTS: A total of 458 patients were included (median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score 14; 61.4% received prior intravenous thrombolysis). Compared with the non-reperfused patients, reperfused patients had an increased rate of excellent outcome (OR 2.3, 95% CI 0.98 to 5.36; p=0.053), favorable outcome (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.31 to 5.93; p=0.007), and reduced 90-day mortality (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.79; p<0.01). Admission NIHSS score was the only predictor of successful reperfusion. First-line strategy was not a predictor of successful reperfusion or favorable outcome, but the use of a stent retriever, alone or with an aspiration catheter, was associated with higher rates of procedural complications and 90-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Successful reperfusion of M2 occlusions reduced disability and mortality. However, safety is a concern, especially if the procedure failed.

First-line thrombectomy strategy for anterior large vessel occlusions: results of the prospective ETIS egistry.

BACKGROUND: The best recanalization strategy for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) remains unknown as no randomized controlled trial has simultaneously evaluated first-line stent retriever (SR) versus contact aspiration (CA) versus the combined approach (SR+CA). OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety profiles of SR, CA, and SR+CA in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated by MT. METHODS: We analyzed data of the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) Registry, a prospective, multicenter, observational study of patients with AIS treated by MT. Patients with M1 and intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusions between January 2015 and March 2020 in 15 comprehensive stroke centers were included. We assessed the association of first-line strategy with favorable outcomes at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2), successful recanalization rates (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b/3), and safety outcomes. RESULTS: We included 2643 patients, 406 treated with SR, 1126 with CA, and 1111 with SR+CA. CA or SR+CA achieved more successful recanalization than SR for M1 occlusions (aOR=2.09, (95% CI 1.39 to 3.13) and aOR=1.69 (95% CI 1.12 to 2.53), respectively). For intracranial ICA, SR+CA achieved more recanalization than SR (aOR=2.52 (95% CI 1.32 to 4.81)), no differences were observed between CA and SR+CA. SR+CA was associated with lower odds of favorable outcomes compared with SR (aOR=0.63 (95% CI 0.44 to 0.90)) and CA (aOR=0.71 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.92)), higher odds of mortality at 3 months (aOR=1.56 (95% CI 1.22 to 2.0)) compared with CA, and higher odds of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (aOR=1.59 (95% CI 1.1 to 2.3)) compared with CA. CONCLUSIONS: Despite high recanalization rates, our results question the safety of the combined approach, which was associated with disability and mortality. Randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these techniques.

Influence of prior intravenous thrombolysis on outcome after failed mechanical thrombectomy: ETIS registry analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite constant improvements in recent years, sufficient reperfusion after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is not reached in up to 15% of patients with large vessel occlusion stroke (LVOS). The outcome of patients with unsuccessful reperfusion after MT especially after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) use is not known. We investigated the influence of initial IVT in this particular group of patients with failed intracranial recanalization. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) registry from January 2015 to December 2019. Patients presenting with LVOS of the anterior circulation and final modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score (mTICI) of 0, 1 or 2a were included. Posterior circulation, isolated cervical carotid occlusions and successful reperfusions (mTICI 2b, 2c or 3) were excluded. The primary endpoint was favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2) after 3 months. Secondary endpoints were safety outcomes including mortality, any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), parenchymal hematoma (PH) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) rates. RESULTS: Among 5076 patients with LVOS treated with MT, 524 patients with insufficient recanalization met inclusion criteria, of which 242 received IVT and 282 did not. Functional outcome was improved in the MT+IVT group compared with the MT alone group, although the difference did not reach statistical significance (23.0% vs 12.9%; adjusted OR=1.82; 95% CI 0.98 to 3.38; p=0.058). However, 3 month mRS shift analysis showed a significant benefit of IVT (adjusted OR=1.68; 95% CI 1.56 to 6.54). ICH and sICH rates were similar in both groups, although PH rate was higher in the MT+IVT group (adjusted OR=3.20; 95% CI 1.56 to 6.54). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with LVOS in the anterior circulation and unsuccessful MT, IVT was associated with improved functional outcome even after unsuccessful MT. Despite recent trials questioning the place of IVT in the LVOS reperfusion strategy, these findings emphasize a subgroup of patients still benefiting from IVT.

The ARTISSE intrasaccular device for intracranial aneurysm treatment: short-term, mid-term and long-term clinical and angiographic results.

BACKGROUND: The concept of intra-aneurysmal flow disruption has emerged as a new paradigm for the treatment of primarily bifurcation aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients treated with the new ARTISSE intrasaccular device (ISD). METHODS: Selected patients with bifurcation aneurysms that matched the indications of the ARTISSE ISD defined by the manufacturer were treated in a single center. Clinical and angiographic follow-up was conducted at 6 and 36 months. Aneurysm occlusion was assessed using the Raymond-Roy classification scale. RESULTS: Nine subjects with nine unruptured bifurcation aneurysms were enrolled. Mean aneurysm size was 7.2±1.2 mm (range 5.5-9.7 mm). An adequate aneurysm occlusion (defined as a complete occlusion or a neck remnant) was achieved in 6/9 patients (66.7%) at 6 months and 4/7 patients (57.1%) at 36 months follow-up. Two of the nine subjects experienced a major stroke (22.2%), including one on postoperative day 1 due to a procedure-related parent vessel occlusion and subsequent ischemic stroke. The other major stroke occurred within the 36-month follow-up period during treatment of a separate aneurysm with coils, leading to perforation with hemorrhagic stroke causing a permanent neurological deficit. CONCLUSION: The ARTISSE ISD was successfully deployed in all nine cases. There were, however, several procedure-related complications and results in terms of angiographic aneurysm occlusion were modest.

Collateral status reperfusion and outcomes after endovascular therapy: insight from the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) Registry.

BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested that collateral status modifies the effect of successful reperfusion on functional outcome after endovascular therapy (EVT). We aimed to assess the association between collateral status and EVT outcomes and to investigate whether collateral status modified the effect of successful reperfusion on EVT outcomes. METHODS: We used data from the ongoing, prospective, multicenter Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) Registry. Collaterals were graded according to the American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology/Society of Interventional Radiology (ASITN/SIR) guidelines. Patients were divided into two groups based on angiographic collateral status: poor (grade 0-2) versus good (grade 3-4) collaterals. RESULTS: Among 2020 patients included in the study, 959 (47%) had good collaterals. Good collaterals were associated with favorable outcome (90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2) (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.88). Probability of good outcome decreased with increased time from onset to reperfusion in both good and poor collateral groups. Successful reperfusion was associated with higher odds of favorable outcome in good collaterals (OR 6.01, 95% CI 3.27 to 11.04) and poor collaterals (OR 5.65, 95% CI 3.32 to 9.63) with no significant interaction. Similarly, successful reperfusion was associated with higher odds of excellent outcome (90-day mRS 0-1) and lower odds of mortality in both groups with no significant interaction. The benefit of successful reperfusion decreased with time from onset in both groups, but the curve was steeper in the poor collateral group. CONCLUSIONS: Collateral status predicted functional outcome after EVT. However, collateral status on the pretreatment angiogram did not decrease the clinical benefit of successful reperfusion.

Rescue carotid puncture for ischemic stroke treated by endovascular therapy: a multicentric analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) can be challenging in older patients with supra-aortic tortuosity. Rescue carotid puncture (RCP) can be an alternative in case of supra-aortic catheterization failure by femoral access, but data regarding RCP are scarce. We sought to investigate the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of RCP for AIS treated by EVT. METHODS: Patients treated by EVT with RCP were included from January 2012 to December 2019 in the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) multicentric registry. Main outcomes included reperfusion rates ( ≥ TICI2B), 3 month functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale) and 3 month mortality. We also performed an additional systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA checklist to summarize previous studies on RCP. RESULTS: 25 patients treated by EVT with RCP were included from the ETIS registry. RCP mainly concerned elderly patients (median age 85 years, range 73-92) with supra-aortic tortuosity (n=16 (64%)). Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) was used for nine patients (36%). Successful reperfusion was achieved in 64%, 87.5% of patients were dependent at 3 months, and 3 month mortality was 45.8%. The systematic review yielded comparable results. In pooled individual data, there was a shift toward better functional outcome in patients with successful reperfusion (median (IQR) 4 (2-6) vs 6 (4-6), p=0.011). CONCLUSION: RCP mainly concerned elderly patients admitted for AIS with anterior LVO with supra-aortic tortuosity. The procedure seemed feasible, notably for patients treated with IVT, and led to significant reperfusion rates at the end of procedure, but with pronounced unfavorable outcomes at 3 months. RCP should be performed under general anesthesia to avoid life-threatening complications and ensure airways safety. Finally, RCP led to low rates of closure complications, emphasizing that this concern should not withhold RCP, if indicated.

Antiplatelet Therapy During Emergent Extracranial Internal Carotid Artery Stenting: Comparison of Three Intravenous Antiplatelet Perioperative Strategies.

INTRODUCTION: Guidelines for antiplatelet therapy administration, during emergent stenting for extra-cranial internal carotid artery (EC-ICA) occlusion in the setting of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are lacking. Different antiplatelet regimen are used in association to endovascular therapy (EVT) for the treatment of EC-ICA lesions. We aimed to compare the clinical and radiological effects of three intravenous antiplatelet agents used during emergent EC-ICA stenting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical data were collected from January 2015 to December 2019 in a monocentric prospective registry of AIS patients treated by EVT. All patients who underwent emergent EC-ICA stenting were sorted regarding the intravenous antiplatelet agent used during the procedure. RESULTS: Among 218 patients treated by EVT for an EC-ICA occlusion of the anterior circulation during the study period, 70 underwent an emergent stenting of the EC-ICA. 60 were included in the present study, 9 received intravenous (IV) Cangrelor, 8 IV abciximab and 43 Aspirin. The rate of favorable neurological outcome, defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤ 2 at three months were better in the Cangrelor and Aspirin groups (66,7% and 58,1%, respectively) than in the Abciximab group (37,5%), as well as, the rate of any intracranial ICH (22,2% and 37,2% vs 62,5%). The rate of acute stent reocclusion was similar between groups. CONCLUSION: When used as a rescue treatment during emergent stenting of EC-ICA, Cangrelor and Aspirin present a better safety profile than Abciximab, with less intracranial hemorrhages and a higher rate of good clinical outcome. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Comprehensive integrated NGS-based surveillance and contact-network modeling unravels transmission dynamics of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in a high-risk population within a tertiary care hospital.

Vancomycin-resistant E. faecium (VRE) are an important cause of nosocomial infections, which are rapidly transmitted in hospitals. To identify possible transmission routes, we applied combined genomics and contact-network modeling to retrospectively evaluate routine VRE screening data generated by the infection control program of a hemato-oncology unit. Over 1 year, a total of 111 VRE isolates from 111 patients were collected by anal swabs in a tertiary care hospital in Southern Germany. All isolated VRE were whole-genome sequenced, followed by different in-depth bioinformatics analyses including genotyping and determination of phylogenetic relations, aiming to evaluate a standardized workflow. Patient movement data were used to overlay sequencing data to infer transmission events and strain dynamics over time. A predominant clone harboring vanB and exhibiting genotype ST117/CT469 (n = 67) was identified. Our comprehensive combined analyses suggested intra-hospital spread, especially of clone ST117/CT469, despite of extensive screening, single room placement, and contact isolation. A new interactive tool to visualize these complex data was designed. Furthermore, a patient-contact network-modeling approach was developed, which indicates both the periodic import of the clone into the hospital and its spread within the hospital due to patient movements. The analyzed spread of VRE was most likely due to placement of patients in the same room prior to positivity of screening. We successfully demonstrated the added value for this combined strategy to extract well-founded knowledge from interdisciplinary data sources. The combination of patient-contact modeling and high-resolution typing unraveled the transmission dynamics within the hospital department and, additionally, a constant VRE influx over time.

Direct aspiration stroke thrombectomy: a comprehensive review.

Mechanical thrombectomy is now the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusions, and can be performed with several devices and techniques. One of these techniques, direct aspiration (DA), consists of navigating a large-bore catheter up to the face of the clot and initiating forceful suction. This comprehensive review has three objectives: (1) to describe the direct aspiration technique; (2) to present the available evidence regarding predictive factors of DA success and performance compared with other techniques; and (3) to discuss the forthcoming improvements in distal aspiration.

A 10% blood pressure drop from baseline during mechanical thrombectomy for stroke is strongly associated with worse neurological outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke can be performed under local anesthesia, with or without conscious sedation (CS), or under general anesthesia (GA). The hemodynamic consequence of anesthetic drugs may explain why GA may be associated with worse outcomes. We evaluated the association between hypotension duration during MT and the 90 day functional outcome under both anesthetic regimens. METHODS: Patients were included in this retrospective study if they had an ischemic stroke treated by MT under GA or CS. The main exposure variable was the time below 90% of the reference value of arterial pressure measured before MT. The primary outcome was poor functional outcome defined as a 90 day modified Rankin Score ≥3. RESULTS: 371 patients were included in the study. GA was performed in 42%. A linear association between the duration of arterial hypotension and outcome was observed. The odds ratio for poor functional outcome of 10 min under 90% of the baseline mean arterial pressure was 1.13 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.21) without adjustment and 1.11 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.21) after adjustment for confounding factors. The functional outcome was poorer for patients treated under GA compared with CS, but the association with the depth of hypotension remained similar under both conditions. CONCLUSION: In this study, we observed a linear association between the duration of hypotension during MT and the functional outcome at 90 days. An aggressive and personalized strategy for the treatment of hypotension should be considered. Further trials should be conducted to address this question.

Predictors of Parenchymal Hematoma After Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Multicenter Study

Background and Purpose: Parenchymal hematoma (PH) is a rare but dreadful complication of acute ischemic stroke with unclear underlying mechanisms. We aimed to study the incidence and predictors of PH after mechanical thrombectomy. Methods: Data from a prospective observational multicenter registry was screened to identify acute ischemic stroke patients with an anterior circulation large vessel occlusion who underwent mechanical thrombectomy. Clinical, imaging, and procedural characteristics were used for the analysis, including brain imaging systematically performed at 24 hours. PH occurrence was assessed according to ECASS (European Collaborative Acute Stroke Study) criteria. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors of PH. Results: A total of 1316 patients were included in the study. PH occurred in 153 out of 1316 patients (11.6%) and was associated with a lower rate of favorable outcome and increased mortality. On multivariable analysis, age (per 1 year increase, odds ratio [OR], 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00­1.03; P=0.05), current smoking (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.32­3.09; P<0.01), admission Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (per a decrease of 1 point, OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.18­2.44; P<0.01), general anesthesia (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.36­2.90; P<0.001), angiographic poor collaterals (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.36­3.33; P<0.001) and embolization in new territory (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.70­5.10; P<0.001) were identified as independent predictors of PH. Conclusions: PH occurred at a rate of 11.6% after mechanical thrombectomy, with high morbidity and mortality. Our study identified clinical, radiological, and procedural predictors of PH occurrence that can serve as the focus of future periprocedural management studies with the aim of reducing its occurrence.

Visual assessment of diffusion weighted imaging infarct volume lacks accuracy and reliability.

PURPOSE: The DAWN trial (Diffusion weighted imaging or CT perfusion Assessment with clinical mismatch in the triage of Wake-up and late presenting strokes undergoing Neurointervention with Trevo) has demonstrated the benefits of thrombectomy in patients with unknown or late onset strokes, using automated software (RAPID) for measurement of infarct volume. Because RAPID is not available in all centers, we aimed to assess the accuracy and repeatability of visual infarct volume estimation by clinicians and the consequences for thrombectomy decisions based on the DAWN criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 18 physicians, who routinely depend on MRI for acute stroke imaging, assessed 32 MR scans selected from a prospective databaseover two independent sessions. Raters were asked to visually estimate the diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) infarct volume for each case. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the estimated volumes were compared with the available RAPID measurements for various volume cut-off points. Thrombectomy decisions based on DAWN criteria with RAPID measurements and raters' visual estimates were compared. Inter-rater and intra-rater agreement was measured using kappa statistics. RESULTS: The mean accuracy of raters was <90% for all volume cut-points. Inter-rater agreement was below substantial for each DWI infarct volume cut-off points. Intra-rater agreement was substantial for 55-83% of raters, depending on the selected cut-off points. Applying DAWN criteria with visual estimates instead of RAPID measurements led to 19% erroneous thrombectomy decisions, and showed a lack of reproducibility. CONCLUSION: The visual assessment of DWI infarct volume lacks accuracy and repeatability, and could lead to a significant number of erroneous decisions when applying the DAWN criteria.

Anterior cerebral artery embolism during thrombectomy increases disability and mortality.

OBJECTIVE: During thrombectomy, thromboembolic migration in previously unaffected territory may occur and is not systematically notified. We report our data on the incidence, predictors, and clinical outcome of anterior cerebral artery emboli (ACAE). METHODS: From a prospectively collected thrombectomy database of consecutive patients with anterior circulation stroke between January 2012 and December 2016, 690 angiographic images were analyzed to assess ACAE. The primary outcome was a favorable outcome, defined as a 3 month modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 or equal to the pre-stroke score. RESULTS: ACAE occurred in 65 patients (9.4%; 95% CI 7.2% to 11.6%). Internal carotid artery occlusion (tandem or terminal), Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score <7, increasing number of passes, and use of stent retriever alone (compared with distal aspiration alone or combined with stent retriever) were found to be independent predictors of ACAE. Compared with patients without ACAE, patients with ACAE had lower rates, with an adjusted OR (95% CI) of 0.48 (0.25 to 0.92; P=0.027) for favorable outcome and 0.49 (0.25 to 0.96; P=0.038) for early neurologic improvement. ACAE was significantly associated with a higher mortality (adjusted OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.03 to 3.61; P=0.039) and intracranial hemorrhagic complications (adjusted OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.33 to 4.47; P=0.004). Despite a successful reperfusion modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b-3 at the end of the procedure, a favorable outcome was reached in 30% of patients with ACAE compared with 52.4% in the other patients (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.19 to 0.78; P=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Procedural ACAE was not an uncommon condition, and was associated with increased mortality and disability rates, regardless of the success of reperfusion.