"Idiopathic" intracranial hypertension: An update from neurointerventional research for clinicians.

BACKGROUND: The recognition of venous sinus stenosis as a contributing factor in the majority of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension coupled with increasing cerebral venography and venous sinus stenting experience have dramatically improved our understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms driving this disease. There is now a dense, growing body of research in the neurointerventional literature detailing anatomical and physiological mechanisms of disease which has not been widely disseminated among clinicians. METHODS: A literature search was conducted, covering the most recent neurointerventional literature on idiopathic intracranial hypertension, the pathophysiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, and management strategies (including venous sinus stenting), and subsequently summarized to provide a comprehensive review of the most recently published studies on idiopathic intracranial hypertension pathophysiology and management. CONCLUSION: Recent studies in the neurointerventional literature have greatly improved our understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms causing idiopathic intracranial hypertension and its associated conditions. The ability to make individualized, patient-specific treatment approaches has been made possible by advances in our understanding of how venous sinus stenosis and cerebral venous hypertension fundamentally contribute to idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Blood Pressure Trajectory Groups and Outcome After Endovascular Thrombectomy: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Elevated blood pressure after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation and poor functional outcomes. However, the optimal hemodynamic management after EVT remains unknown, and the blood pressure course in the acute phase of ischemic stroke has not been well characterized. This study aimed to identify patient subgroups with distinct blood pressure trajectories after EVT and study their association with radiographic and functional outcomes. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion ischemic stroke who underwent EVT. Repeated time-stamped blood pressure data were recorded for the first 72 hours after thrombectomy. Latent variable mixture modeling was used to separate subjects into five groups with distinct postprocedural systolic blood pressure (SBP) trajectories. The primary outcome was functional status, measured on the modified Rankin Scale 90 days after stroke. Secondary outcomes included hemorrhagic transformation, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and death. RESULTS: Two thousand two hundred sixty-eight patients (mean age [±SD] 69±15, mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 15±7) were included in the analysis. Five distinct SBP trajectories were observed: low (18%), moderate (37%), moderate-to-high (20%), high-to-moderate (18%), and high (6%). SBP trajectory group was independently associated with functional outcome at 90 days (P<0.0001) after adjusting for potential confounders. Patients with high and high-to-moderate SBP trajectories had significantly greater odds of an unfavorable outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 3.5 [95% CI, 1.8-6.7], P=0.0003 and adjusted odds ratio, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.5-3.2], P<0.0001, respectively). Subjects in the high-to-moderate group had an increased risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio, 1.82 [95% CI, 1-3.2]; P=0.04). No significant association was found between trajectory group and hemorrhagic transformation. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with acute ischemic stroke demonstrate distinct SBP trajectories during the first 72 hours after EVT that have differing associations with functional outcome. These findings may help identify potential candidates for future blood pressure modulation trials.

Effect of Hispanic Status in Mechanical Thrombectomy Outcomes After Ischemic Stroke: Insights From STAR.

Background and Purpose: Epidemiological studies have shown racial and ethnic minorities to have higher stroke risk and worse outcomes than non-Hispanic Whites. In this cohort study, we analyzed the STAR (Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry) database, a multi-institutional database of patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for acute large vessel occlusion stroke to determine the relationship between mechanical thrombectomy outcomes and race. Methods: Patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy between January 2017 and May 2020 were analyzed. Data included baseline characteristics, vascular risk factors, complications, and long-term outcomes. Functional outcomes were assessed with respect to Hispanic status delineated as non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB), or Hispanic patients. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify variables associated with unfavorable outcome or modified Rankin Scale ≥3 at 90 days. Results: Records of 2115 patients from the registry were analyzed. Median age of Hispanic patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy was 60 years (72­84), compared with 63 years (54­74) for NHB, and 71 years (60­80) for NHW patients (P<0.001). Hispanic patients had a higher incidence of diabetes (41%; P<0.001) and hypertension (82%; P<0.001) compared with NHW and NHB patients. Median procedure time was shorter in Hispanics (36 minutes) compared to NHB (39 minutes) and NHW (44 minutes) patients (P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, Hispanic patients were less likely to have favorable outcome (odds ratio, 0.502 [95% CI, 0.263­0.959]), controlling for other significant predictors (age, admission National Institutes Health Stroke Scale, onset to groin time, number of attempts, procedure time). Conclusions: Hispanic patients are less likely to have favorable outcome at 90 days following mechanical thrombectomy compared to NHW or NHB patients. Further prospective studies are required to validate our findings.

Blood Pressure Goals and Clinical Outcomes after Successful Endovascular Therapy: A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: Elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) after successful revascularization (SR) via endovascular therapy (EVT) is a known predictor of poor outcome. However, the optimal SBP goal following EVT is still unknown. Our objective was to compare functional and safety outcomes between different SBP goals after EVT with SR. METHODS: This international multicenter study included 8 comprehensive stroke centers and patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion who were treated with EVT and achieved SR. SR was defined as modified thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia 2b to 3. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on SBP goal in the first 24 hours after EVT. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) propensity analysis was used to assess the effect of different SBP goals on clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 1,019 patients were included. On IPTW analysis, the SBP goal of <140mmHg was associated with a higher likelihood of good functional outcome and lower odds of hemicraniectomy compared to SBP goal of <180mmHg. Similarly, SBP goal of <160mmHg was associated with lower odds of mortality compared to SBP goal of <180mmHg. In subgroup analysis including only patients with pre-EVT SBP of ≥140mmHg, an SBP of <140mmHg was associated with a higher likelihood of good functional outcome, lower odds of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and lower odds of requirement for hemicraniectomy compared to SBP goal of <180mmHg. INTERPRETATION: SBP goals of <140 and < 160mmHg following SR with EVT appear to be associated with better clinical outcomes than SBP of <180mmHg. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:830-839.

Management of Acute Central Retinal Artery Occlusion, a "Retinal Stroke": An Institutional Series and Literature Review.

OBJECTIVES: Acute central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is an ophthalmologic emergency that often results in permanent vision loss. Over 25% are associated with acute cerebral ischemia. In the absence of existing Level I treatment options, this study aims to examine institutional practice patterns and review the literature to develop a formalized approach to the treatment of CRAO in the era of ischemic stroke protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective review of institutional practices in the workup and treatment of patients diagnosed with acute non-arteritic (NA) CRAO at a single center from January 2017 to August 2020. RESULTS: Of 91 patients managed for acute NA-CRAO, 62.6% were male and average age was 66.4 years. Only 20.9% of patients presented within 4 h of symptom onset. 12.1% of patients had evidence of acute stroke on MRI, and 27.5% had ipsilateral internal carotid artery stenosis >50%. Half (52.7%) did not receive any acute treatment for CRAO, excluding antiplatelet/anticoagulation. 48.5% of patients undergoing acute medical treatment had improved visual acuity compared to 29.4% without treatment (p=0.14). CONCLUSIONS: There is a lack of clear protocol for the management of NA-CRAO. While not reaching statistical significance, our experience mirrors the literature with patients undergoing medical treatment demonstrating improved visual acuity over those without treatment. Given the presence of acute ischemic stroke, carotid disease, and/or stroke risk factors in over 25% of patients with CRAO, multidisciplinary involvement and modern stroke algorithms should be considered for this disease.

Aspiration thrombectomy versus stent retriever thrombectomy as first-line approach for large vessel occlusion (COMPASS): a multicentre, randomised, open label, blinded outcome, non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Stent retriever thrombectomy of large-vessel occlusion results in better outcomes than medical therapy alone. Alternative thrombectomy strategies, particularly a direct aspiration as first pass technique, while promising, have not been rigorously assessed for clinical efficacy in randomised trials. We designed COMPASS to assess whether patients treated with aspiration as first pass have non-inferior functional outcomes to those treated with a stent retriever as first line. METHODS: We did a multicentre, randomised, open label, blinded outcome, core lab adjudicated non-inferiority trial at 15 sites (ten hospitals and four specialty clinics in the USA and one hospital in Canada). Eligible participants were patients presenting with acute ischaemic stroke from anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion within 6 h of onset and an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score of greater than 6. We randomly assigned participants (1:1) via a central web-based system without stratification to either direct aspiration first pass or stent retriever first line thrombectomy. Those assessing primary outcomes via clinical examinations were masked to group assignment as they were not involved in the procedures. Physicians were allowed to use adjunctive technology as was consistent with their standard of care. The null hypothesis for this study was that patients treated with aspiration as first pass achieve inferior outcomes compared with those treated with a stent retriever first line approach. The primary outcome was non-inferiority of clinical functional outcome at 90 days as measured by the percentage of patients achieving a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2, analysed by intent to treat; non-inferiority was established with a margin of 0·15. All randomly assigned patients were included in the safety analyses. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number: NCT02466893. FINDINGS: Between June 1, 2015, and July 5, 2017, we assigned 270 patients to treatment: 134 to aspiration first pass and 136 to stent retriever first line. A modified Rankin score of 0-2 at 90 days was achieved by 69 patients (52%; 95% CI 43·8-60·3) in the aspiration group and 67 patients (50%; 41·6-57·4) in the stent retriever group, showing that aspiration as first pass was non-inferior to stent retriever first line (pnon-inferiority=0·0014). Intracranial haemorrhage occurred in 48 (36%) of 134 in the aspiration first pass group, and 46 (34%) of 135 in the stent retriever first line group. All-cause mortality at 3 months occurred in 30 patients (22%) in both groups. INTERPRETATION: A direct aspiration as first pass thrombectomy conferred non-inferior functional outcome at 90 days compared with stent retriever first line thrombectomy. This study supports the use of direct aspiration as an alternative to stent retriever as first-line therapy for stroke thrombectomy. FUNDING: Penumbra.

Blood Pressure and Outcome After Mechanical Thrombectomy With Successful Revascularization.

Background and Purpose- Successful reperfusion can be achieved in more than two-thirds of patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Therefore, it is important to understand the effect of blood pressure (BP) on clinical outcomes after successful reperfusion. In this study, we investigated the relationship between BP on admission and during the first 24 hours after successful reperfusion with clinical outcomes. Methods- This was a multicenter study from 10 comprehensive stroke centers. To ensure homogeneity of the studied cohort, we included only patients with anterior circulation who achieved successful recanalization at the end of procedure. Clinical outcomes included 90-day modified Rankin Scale, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), mortality, and hemicraniectomy. Results- A total of 1245 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 69±14 years, and 51% of patients were female. Forty-nine percent of patients had good functional outcome at 90-days, and 4.7% suffered sICH. Admission systolic BP (SBP), mean SBP, maximum SBP, SBP SD, and SBP range were associated with higher risk of sICH. In addition, patients in the higher mean SBP groups had higher rates of sICH. Similar results were found for hemicraniectomy. With respect to functional outcome, mean SBP, maximum SBP, and SBP range were inversely associated with the good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2). However, the difference in SBP parameters between the poor and good outcome groups was modest. Conclusions- Higher BP within the first 24 hours after successful mechanical thrombectomy was associated with a higher likelihood of sICH, mortality, and requiring hemicraniectomy.

A review of Big Data analytics and potential for implementation in the delivery of global neurosurgery.

Global access to neurosurgical care is still a work in progress, with many patients in low-income countries not able to access potentially lifesaving neurosurgical procedures. "Big Data" is an increasingly popular data collection and analytical technique predicated on collecting large amounts of data across multiple data sources and types for future analysis. The potential applications of Big Data to global outreach neurosurgery are myriad: from assessing the overall burden of neurosurgical disease to planning cost-effective improvements in access to neurosurgical care, and collecting data on conditions which are rare in developed countries. Although some global neurosurgical outreach programs have intelligently implemented Big Data principles in their global neurosurgery initiatives already, there is still significant progress that remains to be made. Big Data has the potential to drive the efficient improvement of access to neurosurgical care across low- and medium-income countries.

The debate over eponyms.

Traditionally, important clinical or anatomic discoveries were labeled with the discoverer's name, to serve as both a means to recognize and reward the discoverer's contribution to the field but also because scientific names were often harder to remember and more difficult to communicate. Eponyms have been pervasive throughout anatomy and medicine over the last few centuries. Recently, some experts have argued that eponyms harbor significant limitations and have become antiquated. For instance, some eponyms fail to convey the characteristic findings associated with the disease or structure for which they are associated and eponyms are often times variable based on country and journal and in the grammatical form that is used. In fact, some individuals are going so far as to call for the removal of eponyms from published medical literature and medical textbooks going forward. In this article, we explore the arguments for and against the continued use of eponyms within medical education and practice, so that readers may understand both sides of the debate.

Intensive care unit admission is not necessary after venous sinus stenting.

BACKGROUND: Venous sinus stenting (VSS) has emerged as a safe and effective treatment option for idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Many physicians routinely admit patients to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring, but little data exists on whether this is necessary. METHODS: Electronic medical records of consecutive patients who underwent VSS by the senior author from 2016 to 2022 at a single center were reviewed. RESULTS: 214 patients were included. The mean (SD) age was 35.5 (11.6) and 196 (91.6%) patients were female. A total of 166 (77.6%) patients underwent transverse sinus stenting alone; 9 (4.2%) underwent superior sagittal sinus (SSS) stenting alone, 37 (17.3) concomitant transverse and SSS stenting, and 2 (0.9%) underwent stenting at alternate sites. All patients were planned admission to the regular ward (27.6%) or day hospital (72.4%). Twenty (9.3%) patients were discharged to home the same day as the procedure and 182 (85%) patients were discharged the following day. Major periprocedural complications were identified in 2 (0.93%) patients and minor complications were identified in 16 (7.4%). Only one patient with a subdural hematoma identified in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) had care escalated to the ICU. No severe complications were identified after the PACU stay. During the next 48 hours after discharge, 4 (1.9%) patients returned to any emergency room to be evaluated without requiring readmission. CONCLUSION: Routine ICU admission following uncomplicated VSS is unnecessary. Overnight admission to a low-acuity ward, or even same-day discharge in select patients, appears to be a safe and cost-effective strategy.

Redefining treatment expectations: exploring mid- and long-term outcomes of venous sinus stenting in idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Venous sinus stenting (VSS) is recognized as a safe and effective intervention for medically-refractory idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). However, its long-term efficacy remains uncertain. METHODS: This retrospective review analyzed a single-center database of adult patients with severe, medically-refractory IIH, who underwent VSS and had minimum 3-month follow-up (FU). Patients were divided into three groups based on post-stenting symptom trajectories: group 1 (sustained improvement without relapse), group 2 (temporary improvement with relapse), and group 3 (no improvement). RESULTS: Of 178 patients undergoing VSS, the majority were female (94%), with a median opening pressure (OP) of 31 cm H2O and trans-stenosis gradient of 14 mm Hg. Of these, 153 (86%) received transverse sinus (TS) stenting, and 19 (11%) underwent concurrent TS and superior sagittal sinus stenting. At a mean FU of 166 days, 53 patients (30%) showed long-term improvement without relapse (group 1). Symptomatic recurrence was noted in 101 patients (57%; group 2) within a mean FU of 390 days. Despite recurrent headache and tinnitus, the average OP reduction was 9.6 cm H2O on repeat lumbar puncture, with 75% showing papilledema improvement or resolution post-VSS. Only 17% required further surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The most common clinical outcome post-VSS in IIH patients is initial symptomatic improvement followed by symptom recurrence in about 60% at a mean of 274 days, despite a consistent intracranial pressure reduction. These findings can guide physicians in setting realistic expectations with patients regarding VSS outcomes.

A comprehensive review on the development of sporadic cerebral arteriovenous malformations: from Padget to next-generation sequencing.

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a leading cause of intracerebral hemorrhage in both children and young adults. With the continued advancement of science and technology, the understanding of the pathophysiology behind the development of these lesions has evolved. From early theory published by Harvey Cushing and Percival Bailey in 1928, Tumors Arising from the Blood-vessels of the Brain: Angiomatous Malformations and Hemangioblastoma, which regarded AVMs as tumors arising from blood vessels, to the meticulous artistry of Dorcas Padget's embryological cataloguing of the cerebral vasculature in 1948, to the proliferative capillaropathy theory of Yasargil in 1987, to Ramey's 2014 hierarchical model of vascular development, there have been multiple hypotheses of congenital, developmental, and genetic two-hit theories in the pathogenesis of AVMs. Most recent evidence implicates somatic KRAS mutations in the cerebral endothelium, producing an important understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease, which is critical to the development of targeted therapeutics. The authors present the historical progression of their understanding of AVM pathogenesis. They focus on the foundation laid by early pioneers, discussing embryological anatomy and vasculogenesis, the prominent theories of AVM development that have emerged over time, and culminate in an overview of the most current understanding of the pathogenesis of these complex vascular lesions and the clinical implications of our scientific progress.

The Promise, Mystery, and Perils of Stenting for Symptomatic Internal Jugular Vein Stenosis: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cerebral venous outflow disorders (CVDs) secondary to internal jugular vein (IJV) stenosis are becoming an increasingly recognized cause of significant cognitive and functional impairment in patients. There are little published data on IJV stenting for this condition. This study aims to report on procedural success. METHODS: A single-center retrospective analysis was performed on patients with CVD that underwent IJV stenting procedures. RESULTS: From 2019 to 2023, 29 patients with CVD underwent a total of 33 IJV stenting procedures. Most patients (20; 69%) had an underlying connective tissue disorder diagnosis. The mean age of the included patients was 36.3 years (SD 12.4), 24 were female (82.8%), and all were Caucasian except for 2 patients (27; 93.0%). Twenty-eight procedures (85%) involved isolated IJV stenting under conscious sedation, whereas 5 procedures (15%) involved IJV stenting and concomitant transverse sinus stenting under general anesthesia. Thirteen (39%) patients underwent IJV stenting after open IJV decompression and styloidectomy. Three patients had stents placed for stenosis below the C1 tubercle, one of which was for carotid compression. Periprocedural complications occurred in 11 (33%), including intracardiac stent migration in 1 patient, temporary shoulder pain/weakness in 5 (15%), and persistent and severe shoulder pain/weakness in 2 patients (6%). Approximately 75% of patients demonstrated improvement after stenting although only 12 patients (36%) had durable improvement over a mean follow-up of 4.5 months (range 6 weeks-3.5 years). CONCLUSION: Our experience, along with early published studies, suggests that there is significant promise to IJV revascularization techniques in these patients; however, stenting carries a high complication rate, and symptom recurrence is common. Most neurointerventionalists should not be performing IJV stenting unless they have experience with these patients and understand technical nuances (stent sizing, anatomy, patient selection), which can maximize benefit and minimize risk.

Superior cortical venous anatomy for endovascular device implantation: a systematic review.

Endovascular electrode arrays provide a minimally invasive approach to access intracranial structures for neural recording and stimulation. These arrays are currently used as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and are deployed within the superior sagittal sinus (SSS), although cortical vein implantation could improve the quality and quantity of recorded signals. However, the anatomy of the superior cortical veins is heterogenous and poorly characterised. MEDLINE and Embase databases were systematically searched from inception to December 15, 2023 for studies describing the anatomy of the superior cortical veins. A total of 28 studies were included: 19 cross-sectional imaging studies, six cadaveric studies, one intraoperative anatomical study and one review. There was substantial variability in cortical vein diameter, length, confluence angle, and location relative to the underlying cortex. The mean number of SSS branches ranged from 11 to 45. The vein of Trolard was most often reported as the largest superior cortical vein, with a mean diameter ranging from 2.1 mm to 3.3 mm. The mean vein of Trolard was identified posterior to the central sulcus. One study found a significant age-related variability in cortical vein diameter and another identified myoendothelial sphincters at the base of the cortical veins. Cortical vein anatomical data are limited and inconsistent. The vein of Trolard is the largest tributary vein of the SSS; however, its relation to the underlying cortex is variable. Variability in cortical vein anatomy may necessitate individualized pre-procedural planning of training and neural decoding in endovascular BCI. Future focus on the relation to the underlying cortex, sulcal vessels, and vessel wall anatomy is required.

Dynamic internal jugular vein venography: a descriptive study in 89 patients with suspected cerebral venous outflow disorders.

BACKGROUND: Internal jugular vein (IJV) stenosis has recently been recognized as a plausible source of symptom etiology in patients with cerebral venous outflow disorders (CVD). Diagnosis and determining surgical candidacy remains difficult due to a poor understanding of IJV physiology and positional symptom exacerbation often reported by these patients. METHODS: A retrospective single-center chart review was conducted on adult patients who underwent diagnostic cerebral venography with rotational IJ venography from 2022 to 2024. Patients were divided into three groups for further analysis based on symptoms and diagnostic criteria: presumed jugular stenosis, near-healthy venous outflow, and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients were included in the study. Most commonly, ipsilateral rotation resulted in ipsilateral IJV stenosis and gradient development at C4-6 and contralateral stenosis and gradient appearance in the contralateral IJV at C1, with stenosis and gradient development in bilateral IJVs at C1-3 bilaterally during chin flexion. In all patients, 93.3% developed at least moderate dynamic stenosis of at least one IJV, more than two-thirds (69.7%) developed either severe or occlusive stenosis during rightward and leftward rotation, and 81.8% developed severe or occlusive stenosis with head flexion. Dynamic gradients of at least 4 mmHg were seen in 68.5% of patients, with gradients of at least 8 mmHg in 31.5% and at least 10 mmHg in 12.4%. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to document dynamic changes in IJV caliber and gradients in different head positions, offering insights into the complex nature of venous outflow and its impact on CVD.

Total brain volume is associated with severity of transverse sinus stenosis in idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a complex neurological condition characterized by symptoms of increased intracranial pressure of unclear etiology. While transverse sinus stenosis (TSS) is often present in patients with IIH, how and why it occurs remains unclear. METHODS: IIH patients and a set of age-matched normal controls were identified from our single-center tertiary care institution from 2016 to 2024. Brain MRIs before treatment were computationally segmented and parcellated using FreeSurfer software. Extent of TSS on MR venograms was graded using the Farb scoring system. Relationship between normalized brain volume, normalized brain-to-CSF volume, and TSS was investigated. Multiple linear regression was conducted to investigate the association between continuous variables, accounting for the covariates body mass index, sex, and age. RESULTS: In total, 84 IIH patients (mean age, 29.8 years; 87% female) and 15 normal controls (mean age, 28.1 years) were included. Overall, increasing/worsening TSS was found to be significantly associated with normalized total brain volume (p=0.018, R=0.179) and brain-to-CSF ratio volume (p=0.026, R=0.184). Additionally, there was a significant difference between controls and IIH patients with mild and severe stenosis regarding normalized total brain volume (ANCOVA, p=0.023) and brain-to-CSF ratio volume (ANCOVA, p=0.034). Likewise, IIH patients with severe TSS had a significantly higher brain-to-CSF volume compared with controls (p=0.038) and compared with IIH patients with mild TSS (p=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that total brain volume is associated with extent of TSS, which may reflect extramural venous compression due to enlarged brain and/or venous hypertension with associated cerebral congestion/swelling.

A core-lab adjudicated analysis of single-stent assisted coiling of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Core-lab adjudicated data regarding the efficacy of the single-stent assisted aneurysm coiling technique 'L-stenting' are lacking. We present a multicenter, core-lab adjudicated study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of single-stent assisted coiling in the treatment of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms (WNBAs). METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent L-stenting for WNBAs at three academic institutions between 2015 and 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Clinical safety and efficacy outcomes were gathered from the patient chart, and angiographic imaging was evaluated by core lab analysis. Safety and efficacy outcomes were summarized and predictors of safety and efficacy were calculated. RESULTS: Of 128 patients treated, 124 had angiographic outcome data at last follow-up. Of those, 110 had adequate (core-lab adjudicated modified Raymond Roy (mRR) score of 1 or 2) occlusion (88.7%). During follow-up, 19 patients (14.8%) required retreatment. There were 17 complications experienced in 12 patients: intraoperative (n=8, 6.25%), perioperative (n=5, 3.9%), or delayed (n=6; n=4 attributed to device/procedure, 3.1%). Significant predictors of complete occlusion were smaller aneurysm size and use of the jailing technique (P=0.0276). Significant predictors of retreatment were larger size, neck size, and larger dome to neck ratio (P=0.0008). CONCLUSION: This study provides multicenter, core-lab adjudicated angiographic data regarding the efficacy of single-stent assisted coiling for WNBAs. This study acts as a validated comparator for future studies investigating novel devices or techniques for treating this challenging subgroup of aneurysms.

Endovascular vs surgical treatment of sigmoid sinus diverticulum causing pulsatile tinnitus: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Sigmoid sinus diverticulum (SSD) has been increasingly reported as a cause of pulsatile tinnitus (PT). While both endovascular and surgical treatments have been used, there is a lack of consensus on the treatment modality to treat SSD. We conducted a systematic review of the available literature to compare the clinical outcomes and safety of endovascular versus surgical approaches for treating SSD. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses to identify studies encompassing the management of SSD. Studies reporting the clinical outcomes and safety of endovascular or surgical treatments for SSD between January 2000 and January 2023 were included. Results were characterized using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Endovascular treatment (EVT) was reported by 17 articles, yielding 26 patients with 27 diverticula. Surgical treatment was reported by 20 articles, yielding 105 patients with 107 diverticula. EVT led to complete or near-complete resolution in all patients with SSD and PT. Complications occurred in 3.7% (1/27) with a return to baseline after 2 months. There were no permanent complications from EVT. Surgical treatment resulted in complete resolution in 77.6% (83/107) of cases, incomplete resolution in 11.2% (12/107), and no resolution in 11.2% (12/107). Significant complications occurred in 9.3% (10/107) of the surgical-treated patients. CONCLUSION: EVT in patients with PT and venous diverticulum appears more effective and safer than surgical treatment, but large studies are lacking. Studies directly comparing endovascular and surgical treatment are needed.

Repeat thrombectomy after large vessel re-occlusion: a propensity score matched analysis of technical and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) remains the standard of care for acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. However, the safety and efficacy of repeat thrombectomy (rEVT) in recurrent LVO remains unclear. This study uses a large real-world patient cohort to study technical and clinical outcomes after rEVT. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study including patients who underwent thrombectomy between January 2013 and December 2022. Data were included from 21 comprehensive stroke centers globally through the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR). Patients undergoing single EVT or rEVT within 30 days of LVO stroke were included in the study. Propensity score matching was used to compare patients undergoing single EVT versus rEVT. RESULTS: Out of a total of 7387 patients who underwent thrombectomy for LVO stroke, 90 (1.2%) patients underwent rEVT for the same vascular territory within 30 days. The median (IQR) time to re-occlusion was 2 (1-7) days. Compared with a matched cohort of patients undergoing a single EVT procedure, patients undergoing rEVT had a comparable rate of good functional outcome and mortality rate, but a higher rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). There was a significant reduction in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of patients who underwent rEVT at discharge compared with baseline (-4.8±11.4; P=0.006). The rate of successful recanalization was similar in the single thrombectomy and rEVT groups (78% vs 80%, P=0.171) and between index and rEVT performed on the same patient (79% vs 80%; P=0.593). CONCLUSION: Short-interval rEVT is associated with an improvement in the NIHSS score following large vessel re-occlusion. Compared with single thrombectomy, there was a higher rate of sICH with rEVT, but without a significant impact on rates of functional independence or mortality.

A national survey of venous sinus stenting practices for idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Little is currently known about physician opinions and preferences on venous sinus stenting (VSS) for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), practice patterns, or clinical volumes. METHODS: A 19 question online survey was designed and distributed to physician members of the Society of Neurointerventional Surgery (SNIS). RESULTS: A total of 107 individual survey responses were obtained (14% of SNIS members). The majority of respondents (85%) indicated that they had performed at least one VSS procedure independently during their careers. Mean (SD) and median (range) career case volumes were 20.9 (33.8) and 10.0 (0.0-200.0), respectively. On a 1-10 scale, most respondents reported a high level of interest in treating IIH patients with VSS (median 8), a high level of comfort/expertise in treating IIH patients with VSS (median 9), and that VSS was effective in the long term reduction of symptoms and papilledema in IIH patients (median 8). Fifty-nine per cent of respondents reported increasing VSS volumes compared with previous years. A major complication during a VSS procedure, including two deaths, was reported by 11% of respondents. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study designed to understand the opinions and practices of neurointerventionists regarding VSS for IIH. Overall physician opinion on VSS was quite positive, supported by increasing procedural volumes reported by most over the past few years. However, only a small percentage of respondents had substantial experience with VSS and major complications were not rare.