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ObjectiveTo establish a mouse model of basilar artery dolichoectasia （BAD） and explore the mechanism of modified Tongqiao Huoxuetang （JTQHX） in regulating BAD via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） pathway. MethodSixty C57/BL6 female mice were randomized into sham operation （injected with 10 U·mL-1 inactivate elastase）， model， atorvastatin calcium tablets （2.6 mg·kg·d-1）， and low- and high-dose （crude drug 3.4， 17 g·kg-1·d-1， respectively） JTQHX groups. The mouse model of BAD was established by injection with 10 U·mL-1 elastase. After 14 days of modeling， the sham operation group and model group were administrated with equal volumes of pure water by gavage， and other groups with corresponding drugs for 2 months. The levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6） and calpain （LpA） in the serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Verhoeff 's Van Gieson （EVG） staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of blood vessels. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling （TUNEL） was employed to examine the apoptosis rate of vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs）. Image Pro Plus was used to observe and calculate the curvature index， elongation length， percentage increase in vessel diameter， and curvature angle of the basilar artery vessels in mice. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of PI3K and Akt in the vascular tissue. ResultCompared with the sham operation group， the model group showed lowered IL-6 level （P<0.01）， no significant change in LpA level， increased apoptosis of VSMCs （P<0.01）， and increased curvature index， elongation length， percentage increase in vessel diameter， and curvature angle （P<0.01）. Furthermore， the modeling up-regulated the protein levels of PI3K and Akt in blood vessels （P<0.01） and aggravated the destruction of the inner elastic layer， atrophy of the muscular layer， and hyaline changes in the connective tissue of the medial membrane of the basilar artery wall. Compared with the model group， 2 months of treatment with JTQHX elevated the IL-6 level （P<0.01）， reduced the apoptosis of VSMCs （P<0.01）， decreased the curvature index， elongation length， percentage increase in vessel diameter， and curvature angle （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and down-regulated the protein levels of PI3K and Akt in blood vessels （P<0.01）. In addition， the treatment alleviated the destruction of the inner elastic layer， atrophy of the muscular layer， and hyaline changes in the connective tissue of the medial membrane of the basilar artery wall. ConclusionJTQHX inhibits the elongation， expansion， and curvature of basilar artery vessels and alleviates the pathological changes by reducing the apoptosis of VSMCs and down-regulating the expression of PI3K/Akt pathway.
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Isolated pontine infarction (IPI) is the main type of acute brainstem infarction. Due to the application of high-resolution MRI, the research on the etiology of IPI has gradually increased in recent years. This article reviews the latest research progress on the characteristics of basilar artery plaques and disease progression mechanisms of IPI, aiming to provide reference for the etiology research of IPI.
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Basilar artery trunk aneurysms (BTAs) are relatively rare, with poor natural prognosis, high disability and mortality rates. The treatment options for BTAs includes conservative treatment, craniotomy, and endovascular treatment. Due to the deep anatomical structure, rich perforating vessels, and complex pathological structure of the basilar artery, craniotomy is more difficult. There is currently no consensus on the treatment of BTAs. This article reviews the current treatment status of BTAs, aiming to provide reference for clinical work.
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Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) is a disease characterized by the dilation, elongation, and tortuosity of the vertebrobasilar artery. Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are brain parenchymal injuries mainly caused by punctate microbleeds due to small vessel lesions. Recent studies have shown that VBD can increase the incidence rate of CMBs, but the correlation and pathophysiological mechanism of the two remain unclear. Multiple factors can induce VBD to accompany CMBs. A deep understanding of the causal relationship and related mechanisms between VBD and CMBs is helpful for the clinical prevention and treatment of such cerebrovascular diseases.
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Objective:To develop a nomogram model for early prediction of the risk of futile recanalization after endovascular therapy (EVT) in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (ABAO).Methods:Patients with ABAO who underwent EVT and achieved successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [mTICI] grade ≥2b) at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2017 to September 2022 were retrospectively included. According to modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days after onset, they were categorized into effective recanalization group (0-3) and futile recanalization group (4-6). Univariate analysis and mutivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify independent risk factors for futile recanalization. A nomogram prediction model was then developed based on the independent risk factors. The model’s discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility were evaluated using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and clinical decision curves, respectively. Results:A total of 83 patients were included. Their age was 64.2±11.8 years, and 58 were male (69.9%). The median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 20 (interquartile range, 12-26). Forty patients (48.2%) experienced futile recanalization. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the Basilar Artery on Computed Tomography Angiography (BATMAN) score at admission, failure to achieve first-pass effect during EVT, NIHSS score at 24 h after EVT, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) within 24 h after EVT were the independent risk factors for futile recanalization (all P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve for the nomogram model developed from these four risk factors was 0.898 (95% confidence interval 0.831-0.964), with a predictive sensitivity of 75.0% and specificity of 90.7%. The calibration curve of this model was close to the ideal curve. The decision curve analysis showed that the model also had significant clinical net benefits. Conclusions:The nomogram model developed from BATMAN score at admission, first-pass effect, NIHSS score at 24 h after EVT, and NLR within 24 h after EVT has good predictive ability and clinical practicality, and can early predict futile recanalization in patients with ABAO at 1 day after EVT.
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Objective:To investigate the prevalence and predictors of delayed function independence (DFI) in patients with acute vertebrobasilar artery occlusion (VBAO) achieved successful recanalization after endovascular therapy.Methods:Patients with acute VBAO received endovascular treatment in the Departments of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology and General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command, PLA from December 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. The demographic, clinical, laboratory and imaging data were collected. Early functional independence (EFI) was defined as the modified Rankin Scale score 0-2 at discharge, and DFI was defined as the modified Rankin Scale score 0-2 at 90 d after discharge for non-EFI patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of DFI. Results:A total of 122 patients with acute VBAO were included. Their age was 61.8±11.9 years old and 91 (74.6%) were male. The median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 7, the median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 26.5, and the median posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS) score was 9. Twenty-four patients (20.0%) had EFI; of the 98 patients with non-EFI, 18 (18.4%) had DFI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male (odds ratio [ OR] 0.038, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 0.002-0.658; P=0.025), cardiogenic embolism ( OR 0.116, 95% CI 0.023-0.579; P=0.009), baseline NIHSS score ( OR 1.136, 95% CI 1.040-1.242; P=0.005) and lung infection ( OR 6.089, 95% CI 1.451-25.562; P=0.014) were the independent predictors of DFI. Conclusions:Nearly 1/5 of the non-EFI patients have DFI. Male, cardiogenic embolism, lower baseline NIHSS score and without pulmonary infection are the independent predictors of DFI.
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Objective:To investigate the predictive value of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at 24 h after endovascular treatment on the outcomes in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (ABAO).Methods:Consecutive patients with ABAO received endovascular treatment at the Department of Neurology, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were retrospectively included. According to the modified Rankin Scale scores at 90 days after onset, the patients were divided into a good outcome group (0-3) and a poor outcome group (4-6), as well as a survival group and a death group. The demographic and clinical data between the groups were compared respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was use to identify independent influencing factors for clinical outcomes and mortality. The predictive value of postprocedural 24 h NIHSS score on the outcomes was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results:A total of 35 patients with ABAO were included. Their age was 62 years (interquartile range, 56-66 years), and 28 patients were males (80%); 19 (54.3%) had a good outcome, 16 (45.7%) had a poor outcome, and 7 (20.0%) died. Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in hypertension, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, collateral circulation grading, vascular recanalization, and postprocedural 24 h NIHSS scores between the good outcome group and the poor outcome group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the postprocedural 24 h NIHSS score was independently correlated with the poor outcome (odds ratio 1.131, 95% confidence interval 1.017-1.258; P=0.023). Multivariate analysis did not find the independent influencing factors for death. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of the postprocedural 24 h NIHSS score for predicting poor outcome was 0.814 (95% confidence interval 0.668-0.960; P=0.011). The optimal cutoff value was 19 points, and the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 85.7% and 71.4% respectively. Conclusions:In patients with ABAO receiving endovascular treatment, the postprocedural 24 h NIHSS score has good predictive value for poor outcomes at 90 d after procedure.
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Objective To observe the value of Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization for treating wide-necked basilar artery tip aneurysm(BTA).Methods A total of 21 patients with single wide-necked BTA who underwent Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization were enrolled,including 14 cases of ruptured BTA complicated with subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH).Clinical and imaging data after treatment were observed,and serious adverse event(SAE)was recorded.Prognosis was evaluated with modified Rankin scale(mRS),while the status of arterial occlusion was assessed with Raymond grade.The value of Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization for treating wide-necked BTA was analyzed.Results Totally 29 Neuroform Atlas stents were successfully implanted in 21 cases.Four patients with ruptured BTA complicated with SAH developed SAE during hospitalization,among them,1 patient died of ruptured BTA and bleeding again,1 died of cerebral hernia,while shunt dependent hydrocephalus and ischemic event occurred each in 1 case.The rest 19 cases were followed up for 6(6,12)months,and the last follow-up mRS score of 12 cases were 0,of 3 cases were 1,of 2 cases were 2 and of the other 2 cases were 3.Fifteen patients underwent reexamination of digital subtraction angiography during follow-up,and 11 BTA were classified as grade Ⅰ,3 as grade Ⅱ and 1 as grade Ⅲ.No stent stenosis nor occlusion was observed.Conclusion Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization was safe and effective for treating wide-necked BTA.
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@#Objective To investigate the value of endovascular therapy for cognitive dysfunction in patients with moderate or severe vertebrobasilar artery stenosis. Methods A total of 78 patients with cognitive dysfunction due to basilar artery stenosis who were treated in the Outpatient and Inpatient Department of Neurology,People's Hospital of Rizhao,China from March 2019 to November 2022 were prospectively enrolled and divided into endovascular stenting(EVS) group and non-EVS group according to whether they underwent endovascular therapy. Before and after treatment,attention and processing speed-trail making test(TMT)-A,executive function-TMT-B,and mini-mental state examination(MMSE) were conducted. These neuropsychological tests were carried out again after 6 months of follow-up. Computed tomography perfusion examination was performed twice before and after treatment to evaluate the patients' cerebral blood perfusion. The clinical data of the two groups were compared to summarize the therapeutic effect on cognitive dysfunction. Results A total of 78 patients,aged(45.03±13.00)years,with a male-to-female ratio of 1.79∶1,were included in the study. There were no significant differences between the EVS group and the non-EVS group in age,sex,years of education,hypertension,diabetes,stroke history,smoking history,and drinking history(P>0.05). Within one week after treatment,MMSE improvement was significantly different between the EVS group and the non-EVS group(P<0.001). There were no significant differences in the changes in TMT-A and TMT-B between the two groups(P>0.05). After 6 months of follow-up,the improvements in MMSE,TMT-A,and TMT-B in the EVS group were better than those in the non-EVS group(P<0.05). In the EVS group,cerebral blood perfusion was significantly improved,the time to peak was significantly shortened,and the cerebral blood flow was increased. No similar changes were observed in the non-EVS group. Conclusion Endovascular stenting for vertebrobasilar artery stenosis has a certain clinical value in improving cognitive function,and the effect becomes more obvious with the extension of time.
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Introduction: Foville syndrome (inferior medial pontine syndrome) is a clinical entity that makes part of a subclassification of a broader category of posterior circulation stroke. It is characterized by a blockage of the basilar artery caused by lesions in the pontine tegmentum. This syndrome has a very low incidence worldwide, but its clinical relevance is considerable. Case report: A 41-year-old patient without any medical history was admitted to the emergency department due to signs of focal neurologic deficits. Imaging findings were compatible with an ischemic lesion in the brainstem, and cerebral angiography showed involvement of the basilar artery territory. The patient was diagnosed and followed up in the intensive care unit (ICU) until his recovery. Conclusion: Foville syndrome is a rare disease with high morbidity and mortality. Early recognition and a multidisciplinary approach are decisive to improve the patient's prognosis.
Introducción. El síndrome de Foville (síndrome pontino medial inferior) es una entidad clínica que hace parte de una subclasificación de la categoría más amplia de eventos cerebrovasculares de la circulación posterior, se presenta como resultado de la oclusión de la arteria basilar debido a lesiones en el tegmento pontino. Este síndrome tiene una muy baja incidencia a nivel mundial, pero es de gran relevancia clínica. Presentación del caso. Hombre de 41 años sin antecedentes patológicos, que ingresó al servicio de urgencias por signos de focalización neurológica. Sus hallazgos imagenológicos fueron compatibles con una lesión isquémica en el tronco encefálico y la angiografía cerebral evidenció un compromiso en el territorio de la arteria basilar. El paciente fue diagnosticado y se le dio seguimiento en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) hasta su rehabilitación. Conclusión. El síndrome de Foville es una enfermedad infrecuente y de alta mortalidad. El reconocimiento temprano de esta afección y un abordaje multidisciplinario son determinantes para mejorar el pronóstico del paciente.
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Abstract Introduction Cochlear ischemia is hypothesized as one of the major etiologies of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Therefore, anticoagulant therapies are designed to be beneficial in certain patients with this condition. Objective This study aimed to determine which patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss would benefit from heparin treatment as adjuvant therapy. Methods In total, 134 patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging for unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss at a tertiary referral hospital between January 2014 and December 2018 were included in this retrospective study. All patients received Intratympanic steroid injections or heparin therapy plus oral corticosteroids. Radiological parameters of the vertebrobasilar system and clinical data from pre- and post-treatment assessments were analyzed. Results Most patients (71.6%) had a tortuous basilar artery The 65 patients with severe-to-profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss showed a significant relationship between idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss laterality and basilar artery displacement to the opposite side (p= 0.036), while the 69 patients with mild-to-moderate idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss did not (p= 0.950). Additionally, the degree of basilar artery tortuosity was significantly associated with the degree of hearing impairment in the severe-to-profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss group (p= 0.015). When idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss occurred on the opposite side to basilar artery displacement, the improvement of hearing was significantly greater in patients treated with heparin than in those treated with intratympanic steroids (p= 0.041). Conclusion In a subset of patients with severe-to-profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, basilar artery tortuosity had a significant directional relationship with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss laterality. In these selected patients, a significant effect of heparin therapy on improving hearing was observed.
Resumo Introdução A isquemia coclear é considerada uma das principais etiologias da perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita idiopática. Portanto, espera-se que as terapias anticoagulantes sejam benéficas em certos pacientes com esse diagnóstico. Objetivo Determinar quais pacientes com perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita idiopática se beneficiariam do tratamento com heparina como terapia adjuvante. Método Foram incluídos neste estudo retrospectivo 134 pacientes submetidos à ressonância magnética por perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita idiopática unilateral em um hospital de referência terciário entre janeiro de 2014 e dezembro de 2018. Todos os pacientes receberam injeções intratimpânicas de corticosteroides ou terapia com heparina juntamente com corticosteroides orais. Os parâmetros radiológicos do sistema vertebro-basilar e os dados clínicos das avaliações pré e pós-tratamento foram analisados. Resultados A maioria dos pacientes (71,6%) apresentava uma artéria basilar tortuosa. Os 65 pacientes com perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita idiopática grave a profunda mostraram uma relação significativa entre a lateralidade da perda auditiva e o deslocamento da artéria basilar para o lado oposto (p = 0,036), enquanto os 69 pacientes com perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita idiopática leve a moderada não apresentaram esse deslocamento (p = 0,950). Além disso, o grau de tortuosidade da artéria basilar foi significativamente associado ao grau de deficiência auditiva no grupo com perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita idiopática grave a profunda (p = 0,015). Quando a perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita idiopática ocorreu no lado oposto ao deslocamento da artéria basilar, a melhoria da audição foi significativamente maior nos pacientes tratados com heparina do que naqueles tratados com injeções intratimpânicas de corticosteroide (p = 0,041). Conclusão Em um subgrupo de pacientes com perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita idiopática grave a profunda, a tortuosidade da artéria basilar mostrou uma relação direcional significativa com a lateralidade da perda auditiva. Nesses pacientes selecionados, foi observado um efeito significante da terapia com heparina na melhoria da audição.
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The mortality and disability of patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (ABAO) are extremely high without endovascular therapy. However, there is a lack of clear criteria for screening people who benefit from endovascular therapy for patients with ABAO. A large number of studies have shown that the collateral circulation status is crucial to judge the clinical outcome of patients with ABAO after endovascular therapy. The posterior circulation collateral scoring systems have been proposed according to different imaging methods. This article reviews the posterior circulation collateral scores and thier predictive value in ABAO patients treated with endovascular therapy.
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Objective:To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of Apollo stent in the treatment of symptomatic basilar artery stenosis.Methods:Patients with symptomatic basilar artery stenosis admitted to the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University from January 2017 to May 2020 were selected and treated with Apollo stent implantation. The changes of clinical symptoms and the success rate of operation were evaluated. Postoperative complications included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, hyperperfusion, and new ischemic stroke, and follow-up results were evaluated 3 to 6 months later.Results:A total of 96 patients were included in this study, and all of them were confirmed by angiography to have severe basilar artery stenosis corresponding to the symptoms. Among them, 88 patients received stent implantation, with a success rate of 100%. Among the 88 patients, 86 received Apollo stent implantation, and 2 patients received self-Peng stent implantation. Among 86 patients with Apollo stent implantation, the lesions were located in the proximal segment in 73 cases (84.88%), in the middle segment in 10 cases (11.63%), and in the distal segment in 3 cases (3.49%). The degree of stenosis was (93.72±3.86)%, the length of stenosis was (8.50±2.65)mm, the residual stenosis rate was (1.76±4.87)%, and Mori type A lesions in 80 cases, type B lesions in 3 cases, and type C lesions in 3 cases. Among 86 patients with Apollo stent implantation, the incidence of perioperative neurological complications was 6.98%(6/86), including 1 case in the proximal part of the basilar artery (vascular rupture), 3 cases in the middle part of the basilar artery (perforating artery occlusion in 1 case, acute thrombosis artery occlusion in 2 cases), and 2 cases in the distal part (both acute vascular occlusion). Alteplase was injected into the microcatheter during the operation, and contact thrombolysis was performed. Immediately digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed that the blood vessels were opened, and 1 case with neurological deficit was left. No hyperperfusion occurred in all patients. All patients were followed up for three months after operation. Among them, 58 patients had a good prognosis in the proximal segment of the basilar artery, 18 patients had a good prognosis in the middle segment, 4 patients had a good prognosis in the distal segment, and 6 patients had a bad prognosis (1 patient died). Postoperative stent restenosis occurred in 5 cases (5.81%), recurrent stroke in 3 cases (3.49%), and disabling stroke in 1 case (1.16%).Conclusions:Apollo stent is safe and effective in the treatment of symptomatic basilar artery stenosis, with good short-term prognosis, and long-term prognosis needs to be further studied.
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Objective:To investigate the pathogenesis, selection of endovascular treatment (EVT) strategies, and efficacies of acute vertebrobasilar artery occlusion (AVBAO) of different lesion sites.Methods:One hundred and five patients with AVBAO, admitted to and accepted EVT in our hospital from February 2017 to September 2019, were chosen in our study. The data of disease onset, imaging findings, EVT status, perioperative complications, and prognoses of these patients were collected. According to DSA results, the involved lesions were divided into 4 sites: the upper segment of basilar artery (BA), the middle segment of BA, the lower segment of BA, and the intracranial segment of vertebral artery (V4 segment), and patients with tandem lesions would be recorded as distal lesions. The risk factors, EVT strategies, and prognoses 90 d after follow-up (modified Rankin scale [mRS] scores≤3: good prognosis) were compared in patients with 4 different lesion sites.Results:There were significant differences in etiological classifications and percentage of patients combined with atrial fibrillation among patients with 4 different lesion sites ( P<0.05). There was significant difference in proportion of patients accepted emergency stent implantation among patients with 4 different lesion sites ( P<0.05): those with lesions at the V4 segment had the highest proportion of patients accepted emergency stent implantation (79.55%), followed by those with lesions at the lower segment of BA (50.00%). There was significant difference in EVT time (the time from arterial puncture to successful recanalization of occluded vessels) among patients with 4 different lesion sites ( P<0.05): the EVT time in patients with lesions at the middle segment of BA was the shortest (87.5 [58.5, 130.8] min), and the EVT time in patients with lesions at the lower segment of BA was the longest (115.0 [81.0, 163.0] min). There was no statistical difference among patients with different lesion sites in good prognosis rate 90 d after follow-up ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The pathogenesis of patients with different AVBAO lesion sites is different, so different EVT strategies should be adopted.
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Objective:To compare the clinical efficacies of endovascular treatments in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (ABAO) caused by large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) and cardioembolism (CE).Methods:From March 2018 to February 2021, 104 patients with ABAO accepted endovascular treatments in Department of Neurology and Department of Interventional Radiology, Xuyi County People's Hospital of Huaian City were enrolled; these patients were classified into either a LAA group or a CE group according to Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification (TOAST). The differences in general data, procedure information, and clinical efficacies were compared between the 2 groups. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the influencing factors for poor prognosis.Results:In these 104 patients, 51 patients (49.0%) were into the LAA group and 53 patients (51.0%) into the CE group. Ninety-six patients (92.3%) acquired successful revascularization, and 35 patients (33.7%) had good prognosis (modified Rankin scale scores of 0-2) 90 d after surgery. LAA group had significantly lower percentage of patients with atrial fibrillation, significantly lower baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores, statistically higher percentages of patients with lower and middle basilar artery occlusion and patients accepted rescued stenting, and statistically longer procedure time ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of successful recanalization percentage, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage incidence, and prognosis 90 d after surgery ( P>0.05). Age ( OR=0.935, 95%CI: 0.891-0.981, P=0.006) and semiquantitative scores of basilar artery based on computed tomography angiography ( OR=1.520, 95%CI: 1.180-1.959, P=0.001) were independent influencing factors for poor prognosis. TOAST etiology (LAA/CE) was not an independent influencing factors for poor prognosis ( OR=1.175, 95%CI: 0.461-2.933, P=0.736). Conclusion:There are differences in risk factors, vascular occlusion sites, endovascular treatment, and procedure time between patients with ABAO caused by LAA and CE; however, no obvious difference in clinical outcomes is noted, and there was no obvious correlation between stroke etiology and prognoses.
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Objective:To investigate the influencing factors for prognoses of patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) receiving bridging therapy (intravenous thrombolysis [IVT] combined with endovascular treatment [EVT]).Methods:The clinical and imaging data of 404 patients with acute BAO accepted bridging therapy were collected from Endovascular Treatment for acute Basilar Artery Occlusion (ATTENTION) database. The prognoses of these patients were evaluated by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 90 d after treatment. The differences of clinical and imaging data between patients with good prognosis and poor prognosis were compared, and the independent influencing factors for prognoses were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression.Results:Among 404 patients with acute BAO, 156 (39%) had good prognosis and 248 (61%) had poor prognosis. Compared with the good prognosis group, the poor prognosis group had significantly higher proportions of patients older than 65 years, patients with NIHSS scores>20 on admission, and patients with thrombectomy frequency>1, significantly lower proportion of patients with successful vascular recanalization, and significantly different distribution of occlusive sites ( P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that NIHSS scores on admission>20 ( OR=0.510, 95%CI: 0.331-0.786, P=0.002), and occlusion site at the distal basilar artery ( OR=2.241, 95%CI: 1.357-3.702, P=0.002), thrombectomy frequency>1 ( OR=0.523, 95%CI: 0.339-0.807, P=0.003) and successful vascular recanalization ( OR=2.022, 95%CI: 1.032-3.961, P=0.040) were independent influencing factors for good prognosis of these patients. Conclusion:Acute BAO patients with NIHSS scores>20 on admission, thrombectomy frequency>1, non-distal BAO occlusion, and unsuccessful recanalization have poor prognosis after bridging therapy.
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Introducción. La arteria basilar se forma de las arterias vertebrales, cursa sobre el puente y se bifurca originando las arterias cerebrales posteriores. Irriga parte del tronco encefálico, cerebelo, tálamo y los lóbulos occipitales y temporales cerebrales. Su obstrucción es rara (1% de los accidentes isquémicos), puede ocurrir en cualquier parte de su trayecto, con cuadro clínico diverso. En jóvenes se añaden otros factores de riesgo distintos a los cardiovasculares, se incluye el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar el caso de un adulto joven, su evolución posterior a la intervención endovascular y la asociación, pasada por alto, al consumo de cannabinoides. Caso clínico. Individuo de 23 años con 14 horas de parálisis facial periférica derecha, diplopía, disartria, hemiparesia e hiperreflexia izquierda, disfagia, náuseas y emesis. Tomografía Axial Computarizada de cráneo simple sin alteraciones. Posteriormente, al realizarse resonancia magnética nuclear, se evidencia isquemia pontomesencefálica y focos isquémicos agudos lacunares en lóbulos cerebelosos. Se consideró comprometido el territorio de la arteria basilar, por lo que se realizó angiotomografía que evidenció una obstrucción crítica de dicho vaso a nivel del tercio distal. Se realizó trombectomía con stent-retriever con recanalización total de la arteria basilar con flujo en toda su extensión. Al egreso fue clasificado como TOAST idiopático. Conclusiones. Las escalas etiológicas para stroke creadas para adultos mayores sobreestiman la etiología idiopática en pacientes jóvenes, lo cual puede ocasionar que el consumo de cannabis sea pasado por alto como causante pese a la asociación reportada por la literatura.
Introduction. The basilar artery is formed from the vertebral arteries, runs over the pons and bifurcates, originating the posterior cerebral arteries. It irrigates part of the brainstem, cerebellum, thalamus, and the occipital and temporal lobes of the brain. Its obstruction is rare (1% of ischemic accidents), it can occur in any part of its path, with a diverse clinical condition. In young people, other risk factors other than cardiovascular ones are added; psychoactive substance use is included. The objective of this article is to present the case of a young adult, his evolution after endovascular intervention and the association, overlooked, to the consumption of cannabinoids. Clinical case. 23-year-old man with 14 hours of right peripheral facial paralysis, diplopia, dysarthria, left hyperreflexia and hemiparesis, dysphagia, nausea and emesis. Simple skull Computerized Axial Tomography without alterations. Subsequently, when a nuclear magnetic resonance was performed, pontomesencephalic ischemia and acute lacunar ischemic foci in the cerebellar lobes were evidenced. The basilar artery territory was considered compromised, so a CT angiography was performed, which revealed a critical obstruction of said artery at the level of the distal third. A stent-retriever thrombectomy was performed with total recanalization of the basilar artery with flow in its entirety. Upon discharge, he was classified as "idiopathic" according to the TOAST classification. Conclusions. The etiological scales for stroke created for older adults overestimate idiopathic etiology in young patients, which may cause cannabis use to be overlooked as a cause despite the association reported in the literature.
Introdução. A artéria basilar é formada pelas artérias vertebrais, passa pela ponte e se bifurca, originando as artérias cerebrais posteriores. Irriga parte do tronco cerebral, cerebelo, tálamo e os lobos occipital e temporal do cérebro. Sua obstrução é rara (1% dos acidentes isquêmicos), podendo ocorrer em qualquer parte de seu trajeto, com quadro clínico diverso. Nos jovens, são adicionados outros fatores de risco além dos cardiovasculares, incluindo o consumo de substâncias psicoativas. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar o caso de um adulto jovem, sua evolução após a intervenção endovascular e a associação, despercebida, ao consumo de canabinoides. Caso clínico. Indivíduo de 23 anos com 14 horas de paralisia facial periférica direita, diplopia, disartria, hemiparesia e hiperreflexia esquerda, disfagia, náuseas e vômitos. Tomografia axial computadorizada de crânio simples sem alterações. Posteriormente, quando foi realizada a ressonância magnética nuclear, foram evidenciados isquemia pontomesencefálica e focos agudos de isquemia lacunar nos lobos cerebelares. O território da artéria basilar foi considerado comprometido, por isso foi realizada uma angiotomografia, que revelou uma obstrução crítica do referido vaso no terço distal. Foi realizada trombectomia stent-retriever com recanalização total da artéria basilar com fluxo em sua totalidade. No momento da alta, foi classificado como TOAST idiopática. Conclusões.As escalas etiológicas para AVC criadas para idosos superestimam a etiologia idiopática em pacientes jovens, o que pode fazer com que o uso de cannabis seja negligenciado como causa, apesar da associação relatada na literatura.
Subject(s)
Cerebrovascular Disorders , Basilar Artery , Cannabis , Reperfusion , Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis , Young AdultABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the collateral circulation compensation model in patients with favorable prognosis of basilar artery occlusion/severe stenosis treated with drugs or endovascular therapy.Methods:Clinical data of patients with basilar artery occlusion/severe stenosis and good clinical outcome were retrospectively collected in the Department of Neurology, Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from January 2019 to January 2020. They were divided into intensive drug therapy group and combined endovascular therapy group. The number and ways of collateral compensation pathway described by digital substraction angiography (DSA) were analyzed, and the characteristics of the collateral compensation model were summarized. SPSS22.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and the constituent ratio (%) was used for statistical description of the enumeration data.Results:A total of 32 eligible patients were included, including 27 males and 5 females, with an average age 45-76 (59±10) years. The compensation model included posterior communicating artery-posterior cerebral artery (13 cases, 40.6%), posterior communicating artery-posterior cerebral artery-basilar artery (10 cases, 31.2%), cerebellar artery-anastomotic branches of superior cerebellar artery (8 cases, 25.0%), anterior choroid artery-anastomotic branches of posterior choroid artery (2 cases, 6.2%), collateral circulation not established (11 cases, 34.4%).In drug treatment group, collateral compensation was found in the majority (14/15), with mainly posterior communicating artery (10/14).Most patients in combined treatment group did not develop collateral compensation (10/17), anastomotic branches of PICA-SCA were the main routes (6/7).Conclusion:In patients with basilar artery occlusion/severe stenosis, favorable clinical outcome can be achieved in both groups of patients treated with intensive drug therapy or endovascular therapy.
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Objective:To investigate the effect of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in evaluating the mouse model of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) induced by injection of elastase into cerebellomedullary cistern.Methods:Twenty-four male C57/BL6 mice were selected. The mice in the elastase group ( n=12) were injected in the cerebellomedullary cistern with 2.5 μl of phosphate buffer containing 25 mU elastase, and the mice in the saline control group ( n=12) were injected with the same volume of normal saline. MRA examination of the brains of living mice was performed 2 weeks after modeling. Successful modeling was defined as the basilar artery bending angle ≤170°, or the basilar artery bending length accounts for ≥10%, or the basilar artery deviated from the midline by more than 1 grade, or the percentage increase in artery diameter was ≥25%. Results:In the elastase group and the saline control group, 2 mice and 1 mouse did not wake up normally or died, respectively. The 11 surviving mice in the saline control group had no obvious vertebral artery and basilar artery abnormalities. The success rate of modeling in the 10 surviving mice in the elastase group was 80%, and the difference in the success rate between the two groups was statistically significant ( P<0.05). There were significant differences in mean basilar artery diameter (0.30 mm vs. 0.22 mm; P<0.05), mean basilar artery bending angle (115° vs. 170°; P<0.05), and proportion of mean basilar artery bending length (31% vs. 5%; P<0.05) of the surviving mice between the elastase group and the saline control group. Conclusion:MRA can better evaluate the mouse VBD model induced by elastase injection in the cerebellomedullary cistern.
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Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases. We recently showed that TMEM16A is involved in hypertension-induced cerebrovascular remodeling. However, it is unclear whether this effect is related to the regulation of VSMC migration. Here, we investigated whether and how TMEM16A contributes to migration in basilar artery smooth muscle cells (BASMCs). We observed that AngII increased the migration of cultured BASMCs, which was markedly inhibited by overexpression of TMEM16A. TMEM16A overexpression inhibited AngII-induced RhoA/ROCK2 activation, and myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) and myosin light chain (MLC20) phosphorylation. But AngII-induced myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) activation was not affected by TMEM16A. Furthermore, a suppressed activation of integrin