Silk vista baby flow diversion beyond the circle of Willis: A single-center experience with long-term outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of evidence of flow diversion (FD) safety for aneurysms treatment beyond the circle of Willis. Therefore, we provide a single-center real-world experience with the Silk Vista Baby (SVB). METHODS: A single-center database was retrospectively reviewed for aneurysms treated with SVB flow diverters. Demographic information, clinical presentation, radiographic characteristics, procedural complications, and outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: About 57 patients (66.7% female, mean age 54.3 ± 13.2) encompassing 57 aneurysms were included. Overall, 40.4% were ruptured: 68.4% saccular, 17.5% blister, 8.7% fusiform, and 5.3% dissecting. The majority were in the anterior circulation (68.4%), and in 48.2% of cases, the distal vessel diameter was inferior to 2 mm. The symptomatic ischemic rate was 5.2%, with one case due to in-stent thrombosis (1.8%). There were no hemorrhagic complications. Complication rates did not differ between ruptured and unruptured lesions (p = 0.356). There were no cases of delayed aneurysm rupture, and overall mortality was 1.8%. The median follow-up time was 18 ± 12 months. In-stent stenosis rate was 10.5% (6/57), all of which were asymptomatic. At the last follow-up, 70.2% of cases had an adequate occlusion (OKM C and D), and 96.5% had an mRS of 0-2. CONCLUSION: In our series, SVB was shown to be a safe device in the treatment of not only distal anterior circulation aneurysms but also in the management of complex posterior fossa and ruptured blister aneurysms. Multicenter studies are needed to confirm and generalize these results.

Interhospital Transfer for Endovascular Stroke Treatment in Canada: Results From the OPTIMISE Registry.

BACKGROUND: Interhospital transfer for patients with stroke due to large vessel occlusion for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has been associated with treatment delays. METHODS: We analyzed data from Optimizing Patient Treatment in Major Ischemic Stroke With EVT, a quality improvement registry to support EVT implementation in Canada. We assessed for unadjusted differences in baseline characteristics, time metrics, and procedural outcomes between patients with large vessel occlusion transferred for EVT and those directly admitted to an EVT-capable center. RESULTS: Between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021, a total of 6803 patients received EVT at 20 participating centers (median age, 73 years; 50% women; and 50% treated with intravenous thrombolysis). Patients transferred for EVT (n=3376) had lower rates of M2 occlusion (22% versus 27%) and higher rates of basilar occlusion (9% versus 5%) compared with those patients presenting directly at an EVT-capable center (n=3373). Door-to-needle times were shorter in patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis before transfer compared with those presenting directly to an EVT center (32 versus 36 minutes). Patients transferred for EVT had shorter door-to-arterial access times (37 versus 87 minutes) but longer last seen normal-to-arterial access times (322 versus 181 minutes) compared with those presenting directly to an EVT-capable center. No differences in arterial access-to-reperfusion times, successful reperfusion rates (85% versus 86%), or adverse periprocedural events were found between the 2 groups. Patients transferred to EVT centers had a similar likelihood for good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2; 41% versus 43%; risk ratio, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.88-1.01]; adjusted risk ratio, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.91-1.05]) and a higher risk for all-cause mortality at 90 days (29% versus 25%; risk ratio, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.05-1.27]; adjusted risk ratio, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.03-1.28]) compared with patients presenting directly to an EVT center. CONCLUSIONS: Patients transferred for EVT experience significant delays from the time they were last seen normal to the initiation of EVT.

Reduced contrast dose for CT head studies during COVID-19-related contrast shortage: Lesson from a crisis.

OBJECTIVE: Intravenous contrast injection protocol for certain CT studies at our institution was revised in June 2022 in response to the global shortage of iohexol. This included CT head studies performed for neuro-navigation (contrast dose from 90 mL to 70 mL). The quality of these studies was assessed. METHODS: Consecutive CT scans before (n = 32) and after (n = 32) contrast dose reduction were reviewed. Demographic data was obtained from the chart. Subjective observations made by two radiologists in consensus included overall study quality (Likert scale of 1 to 5) and lesion location, margins and internal characteristics that were compared with MRI findings (reference standard) using Fisher's exact test. Superior sagittal sinus attenuation, used as an objective measurement of enhancement, and lesion size were compared using Student's t-test. The institutional database was searched for any study requiring repetition or deemed non-diagnostic. RESULTS/DISCUSSION: The average age (61.1 ± 12.7 years and 61.6 ± 14.9 years) and body surface area (BSA) (1.9 ± 0.3 m2 and 1.9 ± 0.02 m2) was not significantly different (p > 0.05) between groups. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in objective or subjective enhancement between the two groups. There was no significant difference between CT and MRI for lesion size, location, number, margins and internal enhancement characteristics in the two groups. No study required repetition or was reported as non-diagnostic. There was no adverse comment about study quality in operative notes. CONCLUSION: Reduced contrast dose neuro-navigation CT head studies are not different in quality compared to the conventional studies.

Low-Field (64mT) Portable MRI for Rapid Point-of-Care Diagnosis of DIS in Patients Presenting with Optic Neuritis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Low-field 64mT portable brain MRI (pMRI) has recently shown diagnostic promise for MS. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of pMRI in assessing dissemination in space (DIS) in patients presenting with optic neuritis and determine whether deploying pMRI in the MS clinic can shorten the time from symptom onset to MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Newly diagnosed optic neuritis patients referred to a tertiary academic MS center from July 2022 to January 2024 underwent both point-of-care pMRI and subsequent conventional 3T MRI (cMRI). Images were evaluated for periventricular (PV), juxtacortical (JC) and infratentorial (IT) lesions. DIS was determined on brain MRI per 2017 McDonald criteria. Test characteristics were computed using cMRI as the reference. Interrater and intermodality agreement between pMRI and cMRI were evaluated using Cohen's kappa. Time from symptom onset to pMRI and cMRI during the study period was compared to the preceding 1.5 years before pMRI implementation using Kruskal-Wallis with post-hoc Dunn's tests. RESULTS: Twenty patients (median age: 32.5 [IQR, 28-40]; 80% females) were included, of whom 9 (45%) and 5 (25%) had DIS on cMRI and pMRI, respectively. Median time interval between pMRI and cMRI was 7 days (IQR, 3.5-12.5). Interrater agreement was very good for PV (95%, κ=0.89), and good for JC and IT lesions (90%, κ=0.69 for both). Intermodality agreement was good for PV (90%, κ=0.80) and JC (85%, κ=0.63), and moderate for IT lesions (75%, κ=0.42) and DIS (80%, κ=0.58). pMRI had a sensitivity of 56% and specificity of 100% for DIS.The median time from symptom onset to pMRI was significantly shorter (8.5 days [IQR 7-12]) compared to the interval to cMRI before pMRI deployment (21 days [IQR 8-49], n=50) and after pMRI deployment (15 days [IQR 12-29], n=30) (both p<0.01). Time from symptom onset to cMRI in those periods was not significantly different (p=0.29). CONCLUSIONS: In optic neuritis patients, pMRI exhibited moderate concordance, moderate sensitivity and high specificity for DIS compared to cMRI. Its integration into the MS clinic reduced the time from symptom onset to MRI. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the role of pMRI in expediting early MS diagnosis and as an imaging tool in resource-limited settings. ABBREVIATIONS: pMRI = portable MRI; cMRI = conventional MRI; pwMS = patients with MS; PV = periventricular; JC= juxtacortical; IT = infratentorial; DIS = dissemination in space.

Effect of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke on Cognitive Outcomes: A Secondary Analysis of the ESCAPE Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The effect of endovascular therapy (EVT) for large vessel occlusion stroke on cognitive outcomes is not well understood. We evaluated the effect of EVT on cognitive function in the Endovascular Treatment for Small Core and Anterior Circulation Proximal Occlusion With Emphasis on Minimizing CT to Recanalization Times (ESCAPE) trial. METHODS: Patient data from the ESCAPE randomized trial were analyzed. Cognitive assessments completed at 90 days after stroke were the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Sunnybrook Neglect Assessment Procedure (SNAP), the Boston Naming Test (BNT), Trail-making test A (Trails A), and Trail-making test B (Trails B). We used logistic regression to evaluate the association between EVT and favorable cognitive outcome on the 5 separate tests, adjusting for demographic and clinical factors. We used generalized estimating equations and ordinal regression to determine the odds of favorable outcome with EVT on global cognition incorporating the 5 tests. We added final infarct volume (FIV) to the models to assess the relationship of FIV with cognitive outcome. RESULTS: The ESCAPE trial included 315 patients, 165 randomized to EVT and 150 randomized to control. There was higher odds of favorable outcome with EVT for MoCA (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.32, 95% CI 1.30-4.16), SNAP (aOR 3.85, 95% CI 2.00-7.45), BNT (aOR 2.33, 95% CI 1.30-4.17), trails A (aOR 3.50, 95% CI 1.93-6.36), and trails B (aOR 2.56, 95% CI 1.46-4.48). There was higher odds of favorable outcome with EVT on global binary (aOR 2.57, 95% CI 1.67-3.94) and ordinal analyses (aOR 2.83, 95% CI 1.68-4.76) of cognitive function. After adding FIV to the models, both FIV and EVT were significantly associated with cognitive outcome. There was a significant correlation between global cognitive performance and mRS at day 90 (r = -0.78, p < 0.001), with the largest reductions in favorable cognitive outcome from mRS score 4 to 5 and from mRS 2 to 3. DISCUSSION: In this secondary analysis of the ESCAPE trial, EVT was associated with favorable outcome on 5 separate cognitive tests and in global analyses of cognitive benefit. These results provide novel evidence for the effect of EVT on cognition and support the global benefit of treatment with EVT. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class II evidence that in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) or M1 segment MCA occlusion, including tandem extracranial ICA occlusions, EVT compared with best medical therapy increased odds of favorable cognitive outcome.

Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Smooth-Muscle Tumor of the Brain.

Epstein-Barr virus, a herpesvirus, has been associated with a variety of cancers, including Burkitt, Hodgkin, and non-Hodgkin lymphomas; posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders; gastric carcinoma; and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. Previous studies have established a connection between Epstein-Barr virus and the development of smooth-muscle tumors. Smooth-muscle tumors of the brain are very rare and are often misdiagnosed as meningiomas on imaging. To our knowledge, advanced imaging findings such as MR perfusion of smooth-muscle tumors of the brain have never been reported. We describe the radiologic and pathologic features of the Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth-muscle tumors of the brain in a person with newly diagnosed advanced HIV.

Topographical distribution and prevalence of basal duct-like recess sign in a cohort of Papillary Craniopharyngioma-novel findings and implications.

PURPOSE: Basal duct-like recess (DR) sign serves as a specific marker of papillary craniopharyngiomas (PCPs) of the strictly third-ventricular (3 V) topography. Origins of this sign are poorly understood with limited validation in external cohorts. METHODS: In this retrospective study, MRIs of pathologically proven PCPs were reviewed and evaluated for tumor topography, DR sign prevalence, and morphological subtypes. RESULTS: Twenty-three cases with 24 MRIs satisfied our inclusion criteria. Median age was 44.5 years with a predominant male distribution (M/F ratio 4.7:1). Overall, strictly 3 V was the commonest tumor topography (8/24, 33.3%), and tumors were most commonly solid-cystic (10/24, 41.7%). The prevalence of DR sign was 21.7% (5/23 cases), all with strictly 3 V topography and with a predominantly solid consistency. The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive value of the DR sign for strict 3 V topography was 62.5%, 100%, 100% and 84.2% respectively. New pertinent findings associated with the DR sign were observed in our cohort. This included development of the cleft-like variant of DR sign after a 9-year follow-up initially absent at baseline imaging. Additionally, cystic dilatation of the basal tumor cleft at the pituitary stalk-tumor junction and presence of a vascular structure overlapping the DR sign were noted. Relevant mechanisms, hypotheses, and implications were explored. CONCLUSION: We confirm the DR sign as a highly specific marker of the strictly 3 V topography in PCPs. While embryological and molecular factors remain pertinent in understanding origins of the DR sign, non-embryological mechanisms may play a role in development of the cleft-like variant.

Limited utility of adding 3T cervical spinal cord MRI to monitor disease activity in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Performing routine brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely accepted as the standard of care for disease monitoring in multiple sclerosis (MS), but the utility of performing routine spinal cord (SC) MRI for this purpose is still debatable. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to measure the frequency of new isolated cervical spinal cord lesions (CSLs) in people with MS (pwMS) undergoing routine brain and cervical SC-MRI for disease monitoring and determine the factors associated with the development of new CSLs and their prognostic value. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 1576 pwMS who underwent follow-up 3T brain and cervical SC-MRI over a 9-month period. MRI was reviewed for the presence of new brain lesions (BLs) and CSLs. Clinical records were reviewed for interval relapses between sequential scans and subsequent clinical relapse and disability worsening after the follow-up MRI. RESULTS: In 1285 pwMS (median interval: 13-14 months) who were clinically stable with respect to relapses, 73 (5.7%) had new CSLs, of which 49 (3.8%) had concomitant new BLs and 24 (1.9%) had new isolated CSLs only. New asymptomatic CSLs were associated with ⩾ 3 prior relapses (p = 0.04), no disease-modifying therapy (DMT) use (p = 0.048), and ⩾ 3 new BLs (p < 0.001); ⩾ 3 new BLs (OR: 7.11, 95% CI: 4.3-11.7, p < 0.001) remained independently associated with new CSLs on multivariable analysis. Having new asymptomatic CSLs was not independently associated with subsequent relapse or disability worsening after the follow-up MRI (median follow-up time of 26 months). CONCLUSION: Routine brain and cervical SC-MRI detected new isolated CSLs in only < 2% of clinically stable pwMS. Developing new asymptomatic CSLs was associated with concomitant new BLs and did not confer an independent increased risk of relapse or disability worsening. Performing SC-MRI may not be warranted for routine monitoring in most pwMS, and performing only brain MRI may be sufficient to capture the vast majority of clinically silent disease activity.

Patterns of T2-FLAIR discordance across a cohort of adult-type diffuse gliomas and deviations from the classic T2-FLAIR mismatch sign.

PURPOSE: T2-FLAIR mismatch serves as a highly specific but insensitive marker for IDH-mutant (IDHm) astrocytoma with potential limitations in real-world application. We aimed to assess the utility of a broader definition of T2-FLAIR discordance across a cohort of adult-type diffuse lower-grade gliomas (LrGG) to see if specific patterns emerge and additionally examine factors determining deviation from the classic T2-FLAIR mismatch sign. METHODS: Preoperative MRIs of non-enhancing adult-type diffuse LrGGs were reviewed. Relevant demographic, molecular, and MRI data were compared across tumor subgroups. RESULTS: Eighty cases satisfied the inclusion criteria. Highest discordance prevalence and > 50% T2-FLAIR discordance volume were noted with IDHm astrocytomas (P < 0.001), while < 25% discordance volume was associated with oligodendrogliomas (P = 0.03) and IDH-wildtype (IDHw) LrGG (P = 0.004). "T2-FLAIR matched pattern" was associated with IDHw LrGG (P < 0.001) and small or minimal areas of discordance with oligodendrogliomas (P = 0.03). Sensitivity and specificity of classic mismatch sign for IDHm astrocytoma were 25.7% and 100%, respectively (P = 0.06). Retained ATRX expression and/or non-canonical IDH mutation (n = 10) emerged as a significant factor associated with absence of classic T2-FLAIR mismatch sign in IDHm astrocytomas (100%, P = 0.02) and instead had minimal discordance or matched pattern (40%, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: T2-FLAIR discordance patterns in adult-type diffuse LrGGs exist on a diverging but distinct spectrum of classic mismatch to T2-FLAIR matched patterns. Specific molecular markers may play a role in deviations from classic mismatch sign.

Plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein levels correlate with paramagnetic rim lesions in people with radiologically isolated syndrome.

BACKGROUND: There are no specific, evidence-based recommendations for the management of individuals with radiologically isolated syndrome. Imaging and blood biomarkers may have prognostic utility. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether plasma neurofilament light protein (NfL) or glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels in people with radiologically isolated syndrome correlate with imaging measures that have been shown to be associated with negative clinical outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of people with radiologically isolated syndrome. Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and cervical spinal cord, and plasma was collected. Plasma NfL and GFAP levels were measured with a single-molecule array, and correlations with MRI measures were assessed, including the number of: T1-black holes, white-matter lesions demonstrating the central vein sign, paramagnetic rim lesions, cervical spinal cord lesions and infratentorial lesions. RESULTS: Plasma GFAP levels, but not NfL levels, showed correlations with the number of T1-black holes, white matter lesions demonstrating the central vein sign and paramagnetic rim lesions (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We found correlations between plasma GFAP levels and imaging measures associated with poor clinical outcomes and chronic inflammation in individuals with radiologically isolated syndrome. Plasma GFAP may have prognostic utility in clinical trials and clinical practice.

Delayed Gadolinium Leakage in Ocular Structures on Brain MR Imaging: Prevalence and Associated Factors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Gadolinium leakage in ocular structures (GLOS) is characterized by hyperintense signal in the chambers of the eye on FLAIR and has been reported in association with blood-ocular barrier breakdown in patients with ischemic strokes. The underlying mechanism of GLOS remains poorly understood; however, some studies suggest it may be part of a physiologic excretion pathway of gadolinium. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of GLOS in an unselected patient population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 439 patients who underwent brain MR imaging within 7 days of receiving a gadolinium-based contrast agent injection for a prior MR imaging study. Clinical, imaging, and laboratory data were collected. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: GLOS was observed in 26 of 439 patients (6%). The occurrence of GLOS varied with time, with 3 (12%), 14 (54%), 8 (31%), and 1 (4%) patient showing GLOS within 24, 25-72, 73-120, and >120 hours after gadolinium-based contrast agent injection, respectively. Patients with GLOS were older (median age: 72 versus 55 years, P = .001) and had higher median serum creatinine levels (73 versus 64 µmol/L, P = .005) and a lower median estimated glomerular filtration rate (84 versus 101 mL/min/1.73 m2, P < .001). A shorter median time interval between gadolinium-based contrast agent injection and the index brain MR imaging was observed in the group positive for GLOS (62 versus 91 hours, P = .003). Multivariable regression analysis identified the estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR = 0.970; 95% CI, 0.049-0.992; P = .008) and time interval since gadolinium-based contrast agent injection (OR = 0.987; 95% CI, 0.977-0.997; P = .012) as independent factors associated with GLOS. CONCLUSIONS: GLOS was observed in only a small percentage of patients receiving gadolinium-based contrast agent within 7 days before brain MR imaging. This phenomenon was noted in patients with normal findings on brain MR imaging and those with various CNS pathologies, and it was associated with lower estimated glomerular filtration rates and shorter time intervals after gadolinium-based contrast agent injection. While GLOS may be a physiologic gadolinium-based contrast agent excretion pathway, the presence of ocular disease was not formally evaluated in the included population. Awareness of GLOS is nonetheless useful for appropriate radiologic interpretation.

Potential application of ultra-low field portable MRI in the ICU to improve CT and MRI access in Canadian hospitals: a multi-center retrospective analysis.

Background: To highlight the value of Portable MRI in ICU and to recommend use case scenarios for portable MRI in ICU patients that may increase capacity for fixed CT and MRI units. Urgent neuroimaging is commonly required in ICU. Typically, ICU patients are transported to Radiology for assessment in fixed CT and MRI units. Portable MRI use in Canadian ICU settings offers the potential advantages of reduced transport risk, earlier diagnosis, improved triaging, as well as the ability to perform frequent re-imaging at the bedside. This frees up time on fixed CT and MRI units, leading to enhanced capacity to perform CT and MRI on other patients. Portable MRI use case scenarios in Canadian institutions have not been established and potential beneficial effect on wait times has not been analyzed. Methods: A retrospective semi-quantitative descriptive analysis was performed using all ICU neuroimaging requisitions (CT and MRI) over a 12-month period between January and December 2021, at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Queen's University (Kingston, Ontario) and St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health, University of Toronto (Toronto, Ontario). Indications for portable MRI in ICU patients were established. The number of ICU patients who could potentially undergo portable MRI was determined. Fixed CT and MRI scan times saved were calculated. Results: In ICU patients, portable MRI could potentially replace fixed CT in 21% and fixed MRI in 26.5% of cases. This equates to annual capacity increase of 1,676 additional patients being able to undergo fixed CT scans and 324 additional patients being able to undergo fixed MRI. Conclusion: Implementation of portable MRI in the ICU for select neurological indications can have a significant positive impact on CT and MRI wait times in Canadian hospitals.

A shift from open to endovascular repair in the treatment of ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms: a single institution experience.

PURPOSE: Middle cerebral aneurysms were underrepresented in the two largest trials (BRAT and ISAT) for the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Recent institutional series addressing the choice between endovascular or open repair for this subset of aneurysms are few and have not yielded a definitive conclusion. We compare clinical outcomes of patients presenting with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage from ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms undergoing either open or endovascular repair. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 138 consecutive patients with ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms admitted into our institution from January 2008 to March 2019 to compare endovascular and open surgical outcomes. RESULTS: Of the ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms, 57 underwent endovascular repair while 81 were treated with open surgery. Over the study period, there was a notable shift in practice toward more frequent endovascular treatment of ruptured MCA aneurysms (31% in 2008 vs. 91% in 2018). At discharge (49.1% vs 29.6%; p = .002) and at 6 months (84.3% vs 58.6%; p = 0.003), patients who underwent endovascular repair had a higher proportion of patients with good clinical outcomes (mRS 0-2) compared to those undergoing open surgery. Long-term follow-up data (endovascular 54.9 ± 37.9 months vs clipping 18.6 ± 13.4 months) showed no difference in rebleeding (1.8% vs 3.7%, p = 0.642) and retreatment (5.3% vs 3.7%, p = 0.691) in both groups. CONCLUSION: Our series suggests equipoise in the treatment of ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms and demonstrates endovascular repair as a potentially feasible treatment strategy. Future randomized trials could clarify the roles of these treatment modalities.

The proximal balloon occlusion together with direct thrombus aspiration (protect plus) technique: Experience at a tertiary comprehensive stroke center.

BACKGROUND: Timely restoration of cerebral blood flow using reperfusion therapy is the most effective maneuver for salvaging penumbra. We re-evaluated the previously described PROTECT (PRoximal balloon Occlusion TogEther with direCt Thrombus aspiration during stent retriever thrombectomy) Plus technique at a tertiary comprehensive stroke center. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy with stentrievers between May 2011 and April 2020. Patients were divided between those who underwent PROTECT Plus and those who did not (proximal balloon occlusion with stent retriever only). We compared the groups in terms of reperfusion, groin to reperfusion time, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge. RESULTS: Within the study period, 167 (71.4%) PROTECT Plus and 67 (28.6%) non-PROTECT patients which met our inclusion criteria. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of patients with successful reperfusion (mTICI >2b) between the techniques (85.0% vs 82.1%; p = 0.58). The PROTECT Plus group had lower rates of mRS ≤2 at discharge (40.1% vs 57.6%; p = 0.016). The rate of sICH was comparable (p = 0.35) between the PROTECT Plus group (7.2%) and the non-PROTECT group (3.0%). CONCLUSION: The PROTECT Plus technique using a BGC, a distal reperfusion catheter and stent retriever is feasible for recanalization of large vessel occlusions. Successful recanalization, first-pass recanalization and complication rates are similar between PROTECT Plus and non-PROTECT stent retriever techniques. This study adds to an existing body of literature detailing techniques that use both a stent retriever and a distal reperfusion catheter to maximize recanalization for patients with large vessel occlusions.

Aetiology of extracranial carotid free-floating thrombus in a prospective multicentre cohort.

BACKGROUND: Carotid free-floating thrombi (FFT) in patients with acute transient ischaemic attack (TIA)/stroke have a high risk of early recurrent stroke. Management depends on aetiology, which can include local plaque rupture, dissection, coagulopathy, malignancy and cardioembolism. Our objectives were to classify the underlying aetiology of FFT and to estimate the proportion of patients with underlying stenosis requiring revascularisation. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients presenting to three comprehensive stroke centres with acute TIA/stroke and ipsilateral internal carotid artery FFT. The aetiology of FFT was classified as: carotid atherosclerotic disease, carotid dissection, cardioembolism, both carotid atherosclerosis and cardioembolism, or embolic stroke of uncertain source (ESUS). Patients with carotid atherosclerosis were further subclassified as having ≥50% or <50% stenosis. RESULTS: We enrolled 83 patients with confirmed FFT. Aetiological assessments revealed 66/83 (79.5%) had carotid atherosclerotic plaque, 4/83 (4.8%) had a carotid dissection, 10/83 (12%) had both atrial fibrillation and carotid atherosclerotic plaque and 3/83 (3.6%) were classified as ESUS. Of the 76 patients with atherosclerotic plaque (including those with atrial fibrillation), 40 (52.6%) had ≥50% ipsilateral stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of symptomatic carotid artery FFT are likely caused by local plaque rupture, more than half of which are associated with moderate to severe carotid stenosis requiring revascularisation. However, a significant number of FFTs are caused by non-atherosclerotic mechanisms warranting additional investigations.

Quantitative spinal cord MRI and sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.

Background: Sexual dysfunction (SD) is frequently reported in multiple sclerosis (MS) and is likely related to MS-related damage to the spinal cord (SC). Objective: To assess associations between SD and quantitative MRI measures in people with MS (pwMS). Methods: This pilot study included 17 pwMS with SD who completed questionnaires assessing SD, mood, and fatigue. All participants underwent brain, cervical, and thoracic SC-MRI at 3T. Quantitative brain and SC-MRI measures, including brain/SC atrophy, SC lesion count, diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) indices (fractional anisotropy [FA], mean, perpendicular, parallel diffusivity [MD, λ⊥, λ||]) and magnetization-transfer ratio (MTR) were obtained. Associations between quantitative MRI measures and SD were assessed while controlling for the extent of mood and fatigue symptomatology. Results: Subjects were a mean age of 46.9 years and 29% female. All subjects had self-reported SD (MSISQ-19 = 40.7, SQoL: 55.9) and 65% had a concurrent psychiatric diagnosis. When correlations between SD severity were assessed with individual brain and SC-MRI measures while controlling for psychiatric symptomatology, no associations were found. The only variables showing independent associations with SD were anxiety (p = 0.03), depression (p = 0.05), and fatigue (p = 0.04). Conclusion: We found no correlations between quantitative MRI measures in the brain and SC and severity of SD in pwMS, but psychiatric symptomatology and fatigue severity demonstrated relationships with SD. The multifactorial nature of SD in pwMS mandates a multidisciplinary approach.

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease and retro-odontoid pseudotumor rupture managed via posterior occipital cervical instrumented fusion: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Craniocervical junction and subaxial cervical spinal manifestations of calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease are rarely encountered. The authors presented a severe case of retro-odontoid pseudotumor rupture causing rapid quadriparesis and an acute comatose state with subsequent radiographic and clinical improvement after posterior occipital cervical fusion. OBSERVATIONS: The authors surveyed the literature and outlined multiple described operative management strategies for compressive cervical and craniocervical junction calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease manifestations ranging from neck pain to paresthesia, weakness, myelopathy, quadriparesis, and cranial neuropathies. In this report, radiographic features of cervical and craniocervical junction calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease were explored. Several previously described surgical strategies were compiled, including patient characteristics and outcomes. LESSONS: With this case report, the authors presented for the first time an isolated posterior occipital cervical fusion for treatment of a compressive retro-odontoid pseudotumor with rupture into the brainstem. They demonstrated rapid clinical and radiographic resolution after stabilization of cranial cervical junction only 12 weeks postsurgery.

Association of Stent-Retriever Characteristics in Establishing Successful Reperfusion During Mechanical Thrombectomy : Results from the ESCAPE-NA1 Trial.

BACKGROUND: Successful reperfusion determines the treatment effect of endovascular thrombectomy. We evaluated stent-retriever characteristics and their relation to reperfusion in the ESCAPE-NA1 trial. METHODS: Independent re-scoring of reperfusion grade for each attempt was conducted. The following characteristics were evaluated: stent-retriever length and diameter, thrombus position within stent-retriever, bypass effect, deployment in the superior or inferior MCA trunk, use of balloon guide catheter and distal access catheter. Primary outcome was successful reperfusion defined as expanded thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (eTICI) 2b-3 per attempt. The secondary outcome was successful reperfusion eTICI 2b-3 after the first attempt. Separate regression models for each stent-retriever characteristic and an exploratory multivariable modeling to test the impact of all characteristics on successful reperfusion were built. RESULTS: Of 1105 patients in the trial, 809 with the stent-retriever use (1241 attempts) were included in the primary analysis. The stent-retriever was used as the first-line approach in 751 attempts. A successful attempt was associated with thrombus position within the proximal or middle third of the stent (OR 2.06; 95% CI: 1.24-3.40 and OR 1.92; 95% CI: 1.16-3.15 compared to the distal third respectively) and with bypass effect (OR 1.7; 95% CI: 1.07-2.72). Thrombus position within the proximal or middle third (OR 2.80; 95% CI: 1.47-5.35 and OR 2.05; 95% CI: 1.09-3.84, respectively) was associated with first-pass eTICI 2b-3 reperfusion. In the exploratory analysis accounting for all characteristics, bypass effect was the only independent predictor of eTICI 2b-3 reperfusion (OR 1.95; 95% CI: 1.10-3.46). CONCLUSION: The presence of bypass effect and thrombus positioning within the proximal and middle third of the stent-retriever were strongly associated with successful reperfusion.

Inflammatory Biomarkers and Intracranial Hemorrhage after Endovascular Thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial hemorrhage after endovascular thrombectomy is associated with poorer prognosis compared with those who do not develop the complication. Our study aims to determine predictors of post-EVT hemorrhage - more specifically, inflammatory biomarkers present in baseline serology. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients treated with EVT for acute large vessel ischemic stroke. The primary outcome of the study is the presence of ICH on the post-EVT scan. We used four definitions: the SITS-MOST criteria, the NINDS criteria, asymptomatic hemorrhage, and overall hemorrhage. We identified nonredundant predictors of outcome using backward elimination based on Akaike Information Criteria. We then assessed prediction accuracy using area under the receiver operating curve. Then we implemented variable importance ranking from logistic regression models using the drop in Naegelkerke R2 with the exclusion of each predictor. RESULTS: Our study demonstrates a 6.3% SITS (16/252) and 10.0% NINDS (25/252) sICH rate, as well as a 19.4% asymptomatic (49/252) and 29.4% (74/252) overall hemorrhage rate. Serologic markers that demonstrated association with post-EVT hemorrhage were: low lymphocyte count (SITS), high neutrophil count (NINDS, overall hemorrhage), low platelet to lymphocyte ratio (NINDS), and low total WBC (NINDS, asymptomatic hemorrhage). CONCLUSION: Higher neutrophil counts, low WBC counts, low lymphocyte counts, and low platelet to lymphoycyte ratio were baseline serology biomarkers that were associated with post-EVT hemorrhage. Our findings, particularly the association of diabetes mellitus and high neutrophil, support experimental data on the role of thromboinflammation in hemorrhagic transformation of large vessel occlusions.