Isolated Congenital Lacrimal Gland Agenesis.

Congenital alacrima is an uncommon condition marked by a lack of tear production that is present from birth. This condition often occurs in conjunction with various syndromes but can also result from isolated lacrimal gland agenesis. Congenital alacrima should be evaluated in the differential diagnosis for pediatric patients presenting with symptoms of dry eyes, especially in cases without xerostomia or other systemic rheumatologic findings. Following a thorough history and examination, noninvasive imaging techniques can be utilized to assess for potential lacrimal gland agenesis and aid in confirming the diagnosis.

Efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in the management of chronic subdural hematoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a prevalent neurosurgical condition, particularly among the elderly. Various treatment options exist, but recurrence rates remain high. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in the management of CSDH. METHODS: The authors conducted a comprehensive literature search adhering to the 2020 PRISMA guidelines, involving three primary databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science) that were searched for articles compiled from inception until October 20, 2023. The primary outcome was recurrence of CSDH, and secondary outcomes included complications and SDH volume following TXA treatment. The mean difference and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 5 studies, involving 643 patients in the TXA group and 736 patients in the non-TXA group, met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed that TXA use led to a significantly lower CSDH recurrence (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.23-0.53; p < 0.01) without increasing complications (OR 1.84, 95% CI 0.43-7.95; p = 0.42). Additionally, TXA users had a significantly lower CSDH volume compared to the non-TXA group at 3-month follow-up (mean difference -4.56, 95% CI -8.76 to -0.36; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that TXA might be a promising agent for reducing the risk of CSDH recurrence without elevating the risk of complications. However, these results should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited number of studies included and the methodological heterogeneity. Further large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Endovascular Coiling of Ruptured Tiny Saccular Intracranial Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of endovascular coiling of ruptured tiny saccular intracranial aneurysms (IAs) (≤3 mm) remain unknown. METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scorpus databases up to November 15, 2023 was performed. Pooled prevalence was calculated for occlusion rates, recanalization, retreatment, long-term favorable outcome, and procedure-related complications and mortality. Pooled odds ratios were calculated to compare these outcomes between coiling and stent-assisted coiling (SAC). RESULTS: Forty-two studies with 2166 ruptured tiny saccular IAs treated with coiling were included. The follow-up complete aneurysm occlusion rate was 83.9% (95% CI: 77.2-88.9%). The rates of recanalization and retreatment were 7.7% (95% CI: 5.7-10.2%) and 5.8% (95% CI: 4.5-7.5%). The range of median Hunt and Hess grades was 1.4-2.9 and the favorable outcome rate was 85.6% (95% CI: 81.1-89.2%). The rates of thromboembolism, intraprocedural rupture, and mortality were 4.6% (95% CI: 3.6-5.8%), 5.4% (95% CI: 4.1-7.0%), and 5.6% (95% CI: 4.4-7.2%), respectively. Comparison of coiling and SAC revealed no significant difference, except for a higher likelihood of follow-up complete aneurysm occlusion in SAC (odds ratio [OR] 0.37, 95% CI: 0.17-0.80) and recanalization in the coiling (OR, 3.21 [95% CI, 1.37-7.51]). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis demonstrates that coiling for ruptured tiny saccular IA is a feasible, effective, and safe approach that is associated with favorable clinical outcomes in both the short and long term for patients with mild to moderate Hunt and Hess grades.

The impact of pre-stroke metformin use on clinical outcomes after acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability globally, with limited treatment options available for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is not only widespread but also a known risk factor for stroke. Our meta-analysis aims to assess the influence of pre-stroke metformin use on the clinical outcomes in AIS patients with T2DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted this study following PRISMA guidelines, searching the following databases: Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to February 29, 2024. All studies providing separate data on AIS patients using metformin were included, and statistical analysis was conducted using R software to pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Out of 1051 studies, 7 met the inclusion criteria for our meta-analysis with a total of 11589 diabetic patients, including 5445 patients taking metformin and 6144 diabetic patients in the non-metformin group. Compared to the non-metformin group, the metformin group had a significantly higher rate of mRS 0-2 score at discharge (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.25:1.95; p=< 0.01) and a lower rate of 90-day mortality (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.42:0.61; p=< 0.01), with no significant difference in sICH (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.47:1.64; p= 0.68) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that pre-stroke metformin use is associated with higher functional independence and lower mortality in AIS patients with T2DM.

Endovascular outcomes for anterior choroidal artery aneurysms: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anterior choroidal artery (AchoA) aneurysms are relatively rare compared to other types of aneurysms. However, the occurrence of transient or permanent occlusion of the choroidal artery during endovascular or surgical treatment is an uncommon but potentially serious complication. In this study, we aim to investigate the safety and efficacy profile of endovascular treatment (EVT) for AchoA aneurysms. METHODS: The primary outcome of interest was angiographic and clinical outcomes. Secondary outcome variables transient and permanent ischemic complications, symptomatic choroidal artery occlusion and retreatment rates. A random-effects model was used to calculate prevalence rates and their corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CI), and subgroup analyses were performed to assess the complication rates for Type 1(arterial type, directly arising from ICA) and Type 2(neck type, arising from AchoA branch)) AchoA aneurysms, ruptured vs non-ruptured and for flow diverter (FD) treatment versus coiling. RESULTS: Our study included 10 studies with 416 patients with 430 AchoA aneurysms. The overall good clinical outcome rate (mRS score 0-2) is 94.5 % with a retreatment rate of 2.0 %. A subgroup analysis showed no statistical difference between coiling(75.3 %) and flow diverter(80.9 %) treatment in terms of complete occlusion(p-value:0.62). Overall permanent complication rate is 1.4 % (p-value:0.54) and transient ischemic complications rate is 4.2 %(p-value:0.61). Symptomatic choroidal artery occlusion rate is 0.8 %(p-value:0.51)Type 2 AchoA aneurysms had a significantly higher complication rate of 9.8 % (p-value<0.05) compared to Type 1 aneurysms. Unruptured aneurysms have significantly better clinical outcomes than ruptured aneurysms(OR: 0.11; [0.02;0.5], p-value:<0.05) CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of AchoA aneurysms demonstrated positive clinical results, with low rates of retreatment and complications. Coiling and flow diverters proved similar outcomes in achieving aneurysm occlusion. Ruptured aneurysms have lower good clinical outcomes comparing to unruptured aneurysms. Type 2 AchoA aneurysms had a higher risk of complications compared to Type 1.

Endovascular embolization of cerebrospinal fluid-venous fistula: a comprehensive systematic review on its efficacy and safety for the management of spontaneous intracranial hypotension.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-venous fistula can cause spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) and poses a significant diagnostic and management challenge. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical and radiological outcomes of endovascular embolization as a novel treatment approach for CSF-venous fistula in patients with SIH. This systematic review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 statement. The primary outcome was the efficacy of the embolization procedure in occlusion of the CSF-venous fistula, and secondary outcomes included procedural complications and improvement of clinical symptoms and radiological findings. A total of nine studies consisting of 77 patients met the inclusion criteria. Orthostatic and/or Valsalva headache was the most common symptom. The mean age of the patients was 57 ± 8.9 years, and females accounted for 59.7% (46/77) of the cases. Sixty-five (84.4%) patients reported complete resolution or significant improvement in symptoms. The Bern score, Headache Impact Test-6, and the Patient Global Impression of Change scales demonstrated significant improvements in radiological findings and patients' quality of life. Following the procedure, 22 patients (28.6%) experienced rebound intracranial hypertension and 27 patients (35.1%) had transient local pain at the site of the embolization. Our study showed that endovascular embolization is a safe and effective treatment for CSF-venous fistula in patients with SIH, providing complete resolution or significant improvement of clinical symptoms and radiological findings, and positive impacts on patients' quality of life.

Endovascular Embolization Techniques for Cerebrospinal Fluid-Venous Fistula in the Treatment of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension.

Cerebrospinal fluid-venous fistula (CVF) is an important cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), a condition characterized by low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume and orthostatic headaches. The pathogenesis of CVF is thought to be direct connection of the spinal dura to one or more veins in the epidural space, allowing unregulated flow of CSF into the venous system. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of the endovascular management of CVF in patients with SIH. We also focus on the various techniques and devices used in endovascular treatment, as well as the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and alternative treatment options of CVF.

Safety and efficacy profile of off-label use of the Pipeline Embolization Device: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The off-label utilization of the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) is a common practice in numerous medical centers globally. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the overall outcomes of this off-label usage of PEDs. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, and Scopus were searched up to February 2023 using the Nested Knowledge platform to identify studies assessing the off-label use of PEDs. Any use of PED outside of the FDA-approved indication granted in 2018 is considered off-label use. Overall angiographic occlusion rates, ischemic and hemorrhagic complications, mortality, retreatment rates, and favorable clinic outcomes were included. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the overall outcome rates of anterior cerebral artery(ACA) vs. middle cerebral artery(MCA) and anterior vs posterior circulation subgroups. RESULTS: We included 26 studies involving a total of 1,408 patients. The overall rate of complete occlusion was 80.3 % (95 % CI= 76.0-84.1). Subgroup analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the rate of complete occlusion between anterior circulation (78.9 %) and posterior circulation (69.2 %) (p value=0.02). The rate of good clinical outcomes was 92.8 % (95 % CI= 88.8-95.4). The mortality rate was 1.4 % (95 % CI= 0.5-2.7). The overall rate of ischemic complications was 9.5 % (95 % CI= 7.7-11.6), with a comparable difference between anterior circulation (7.7 %) and posterior circulation (12.8 %) (p value=0.07). There was no statistically significant difference in MCA vs ACA subgroups in all parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Off-label use of PEDs can be a safe and effective treatment option for intracranial aneurysms. However, there is a need for more prospective, high-quality, non-industry-funded registry studies and randomized trials to test the efficacy and safety of off-label usage of PEDs and to expand its indications.

Comparative Outcomes of Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with ASPECTS 2-3 vs. 4-5.

BACKGROUND: The influence of Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) on outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with low ASPECTS remains unknown. In this study, we compared the outcomes of AIS patients treated with MT for large vessel occlusion (LVO) categorized by ASPECTS value. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis involving 305 patients with AIS caused by LVO, defined as the occlusion of the internal carotid artery and/or the M1 segments of the middle cerebral artery, stratified into two groups: ASPECTS 2-3 and 4-5. The primary outcome was favorable outcome defined as a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-3. Secondary outcomes were 90-day mRS 0-2, 90-day mortality, any intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and symptomatic ICH (sICH). We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to evaluate the impact of ASPECTS 2-3 vs. 4-5 on outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients (19.3%) had ASPECTS 2-3 and 246 (80.7%) had ASPECTS 4-5. Favorable outcomes showed no significant difference between the two groups (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]= 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52-2.41, p=0.80). There were also no significant differences in 90-day mRS 0-2 (aOR= 1.65, 95% CI: 0.66-3.99, p=0.30), 90-day mortality (aOR= 1.14, 95% CI: 0.58-2.20, p=0.70), any ICH (aOR= 0.54, 95% CI: 0.28-1.00, p=0.06), and sICH (aOR= 0.70, 95% CI: 0.27-1.63, p = 0.40) between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: AIS patients with LVO undergoing MT with ASPECTS 2-3 had similar outcomes compared to ASPECTS 4-5.

Outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy in stroke patients with extreme large infarction core.

BACKGROUND: Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) and large infarction core may still benefit from mechanical thrombectomy (MT). In this study, we evaluate outcomes of MT in LVO patients presenting with extremely large infarction core Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS 0-2). METHODS: Data from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) was interrogated. We identified thrombectomy patients presenting with an occlusion in the intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) or M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery and extremely large infarction core (ASPECTS 0-2). A favorable outcome was defined by achieving a modified Rankin scale of 0-3 at 90 days post-MT. Successful recanalization was defined by achieving a modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) score ≥2B. RESULTS: We identified 58 patients who presented with ASPECTS 0-2 and underwent MT . Median age was 70.0 (59.0-78.0) years, 45.1% were females, and 202 (36.3%) patients received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. There was no difference regarding the location of the occlusion (p=0.57). Aspiration thrombectomy was performed in 268 (54.6%) patients and stent retriever was used in 70 (14.3%) patients. In patients presenting with ASPECTS 0-2 the mortality rate was 4.5%, 27.9% had mRS 0-3 at day 90, 66.67% ≥70 years of age had mRS of 5-6 at day 90. On multivariable analysis, age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale on admission, and successful recanalization (mTICI ≥2B) were independently associated with favorable outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This multicentered, retrospective cohort study suggests that MT may be beneficial in a select group of patients with ASPECTS 0-2.

Endovascular Treatment of Small Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms: Safety and Efficacy in a Contemporary Cohort.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Endovascular treatment (EVT) of small anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms accompanies a high risk of intraprocedural rupture (IR) because of anatomic location and aneurysm orientation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of EVT for small ACoA aneurysms in a contemporary cohort. METHODS: ACoA aneurysms treated at the Medical University of South Carolina between April 2012 and March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Periprocedural baseline characteristics, aneurysm size, and clinical and radiological outcomes were collected. Aneurysms were dichotomized into <4 and ≥4 mm in maximum size. The IR rate, favorable occlusion rate (Raymond-Roy I and II), and the favorable outcome defined as modified Rankin Scale 0-2 were compared. RESULTS: A total of 174 patients were identified, of whom 111 (63.8%) were female, and the median age was 57.7 (interquartile range 50.6-69.6) years. 98 (56.3%) aneurysms were ruptured, and 53 (30.5%) were <4 mm. IR was not observed in unruptured ACoA aneurysms, and there was no significant difference in the IR rates between <4 mm and ≥4 mm ruptured aneurysms (6.5% vs 4.5%, P = .65). Favorable occlusion rate and favorable outcome were observed in 94.7% and 78.2% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: EVT of small ACoA aneurysms is safe and effective.

Outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy in M1 occlusion patients with or without hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The comparison of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) outcomes between patients with the hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) and non-HMCAS is important to evaluate the impact of this radiological finding on treatment efficacy. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between HMCAS and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing thrombectomy, comparing the outcomes over non-HMCAS. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Ovid Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library to identify studies on MT outcomes for M1 occlusions of HMCAS over non-HMCAS. Inclusion criteria encompassed modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, mortality, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and successful recanalization. Using R software version 4.1.2, we calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The meta-analysis was performed for 5 studies with 724 patients. There was no association found between presence of HMCAS and achieving mRS 0-2 (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.29-1.47; p = .544). Mortality analysis also showed no significant association with presence of HMCAS (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.37-1.65; p = .520). No significant difference in sICH risk (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 0.24-9.66; p = .646) was found between groups. Recanalization analysis showed a non-significant positive association (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.67-2.28; p = .501). Heterogeneity was observed in all analyses. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that there is no statistically significant difference in mRS scores, mortality, sICH, and recanalization success rates between the HMCAS and non-HMCAS groups.

Comparative analysis of syringes versus pump devices in benchtop aspiration thrombectomy models: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although direct contact aspiration has emerged as one of the leading techniques for mechanical thrombectomy (MT), there is still ongoing debate about the aspiration/suction pump devices that can optimize recanalization rates. To address this gap, we conducted a meta-analysis comparing the aspiration efficacy of 60 ml syringe and pump devices in benchtop MT models. METHODS: Systematic literature review was conducted using Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Outcomes of interest included flow rate and vacuum pressure delivered by a 60 ml syringe and several aspiration pumps. We used a random effects model to calculate the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and a statistically significant difference was considered as a two-sided p-value of less than 0.05. RESULTS: We included six benchtop studies comparing 60 ml syringes and vacuum pumps. Our meta-analysis showed that there were no significant differences in vacuum pressure (MD:0.71inHg, 95% CI: [-0.81;2.23], p = 0.359) and flow rate (MD:0.27 mL/s, 95% CI: [-3,07; 3.61], p = 0.873) between 60 ml syringes and vacuum pumps groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated comparable performance in terms of vacuum pressure and flow rates between a 60 ml syringe and a heterogeneous combination of commercially available aspiration pumps.

Distal versus conventional transradial access for diagnostic cerebral angiography and neurointerventional procedures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Distal transradial artery access (dTRA) has received increasing consideration for performing diagnostic cerebral angiography and neurointerventional procedures. In this meta-analysis, we aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of dTRA compared to conventional transradial access (cTRA) for cerebral angiography and neurointerventions. METHOD: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on studies investigating outcomes of dTRA and cTRA in neurointerventions. The primary outcome was technical success rates. Secondary outcomes included access site complication rates, crossover rates to alternative vessels, fluoroscopy time, and contrast volume. The random effects model was used to calculate the mean difference (MD) and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (Cl). RESULTS: Eight retrospective observational studies with a total of 1477 patients who underwent 1175 diagnostic cerebral angiography and 516 neurointerventional procedures using 546 dTRA and 1164 cTRA approaches were included in our meta-analysis. The technical success rate was similar between dTRA and cTRA groups (95.8% vs 91.4%; OR:1.65; 95% Cl: 0.52 to 5.22; P = 0.40). Similarly, no difference was seen in dTRA and cTRA regarding access site complications (2% vs 1.4%; OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 0.47 to 3.61; P = 0.61) and access site crossover (2.1% vs 5.3%; OR: 0.55; 95% Cl: 0.28 to 1.05; P = 0.07). After resolving heterogeneity among included studies, dTRA was associated with a shorter fluoroscopy time (MD: -0.91 min; 95% CI: -1.74 to -0.09; P = 0.03) and lower contrast volume (MD: -8.32 mL; 95% CI = -14.7 to -1.94; P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the dTRA approach is a safe and effective alternative to the cTRA approach in patients undergoing cerebral angiography and neurointerventions.

Comparison of balloon guide catheter versus non-balloon guide catheter for mechanical thrombectomy in patients with distal medium vessel occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have established the safety and efficacy of balloon guide catheters (BGCs) for large vessel occlusions. However, the utility of BGCs remains largely unexplored for distal medium vessel occlusions (DMVOs). In this study, we aim to compare the outcomes of BGC vs. Non-BGC in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for DMVO. METHOD: This retrospective study from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) encompassed adult patients with acute anterior cerebral artery, posterior cerebral artery, and middle cerebral artery-M2-3-4 occlusions. Procedure times, safety, recanalization, and neurological outcomes were compared between the two groups, with subgroup analysis based on first-line thrombectomy techniques. RESULTS: A total of 1508 patients were included, with 231 patients (15.3%) in the BGC group and 1277 patients (84.7%) in the non-BGC group. The BGC group had a lower modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score ≥2C (43.2% vs 52.7%, P=0.01), longer time from puncture to intracranial access (15 vs 8 min, P<0.01), and from puncture to final recanalization (97 vs 34 min, P<0.01). In the Solumbra subgroup, the first pass effect (FPE) rate was lower in the BGC group (17.4% vs 30.7%, P=0.03). Regarding clinical outcomes, the BGC group had a lower rate of distal embolization (8.8% vs 14.9%, P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Our study found that use of BGC in patients with DMVO was associated with lower mTICI scores, decreased FPE rates, reduced distal embolization, and longer procedure times.

Middle meningeal artery embolization without surgical evacuation for chronic subdural hematoma: a single-center experience of 209 cases.

Background: Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization is a minimally invasive treatment option for new and recurrent chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH). Objective: To examine the safety and efficacy profile of MMA embolization without surgical evacuation for cSDH patients. Methods: A single-center retrospective study of patients with cSDHs treated by MMA embolization was undertaken. Patient demographics, hematoma characteristics, procedural details, and clinical and radiological outcomes were collected. The primary outcome was the need for retreatment, and the secondary outcomes were at least a 50% reduction in the maximum width of cSDH on the last CT imaging, complications, and an improvement in the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score. All results were presented as descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 209 MMA embolizations were successfully performed on 144 patients. Polyvinyl alcohol particles were the primary embolization agent in all procedures. Of the total of 206 cSDH, the median maximum width at pre-intervention and last follow-up were 12 and 3 mm, respectively, and the median reduction percentage was 77.5%, with a >50% improvement observed in 72.8% at the last follow-up imaging. A total of 13.8% of patients needed retreatment for recurrent, refractory, or symptomatic hematomas after embolization. The mRS score improved in 71 (49.3%) patients. Of 144 patients, 4 (2.8%) experienced complications related to the procedure, and 12 (8.4%) died during follow-up due to causes unrelated to the MMA embolization procedures. Conclusion: This study supports the fact that MMA embolization without surgical evacuation is a safe and effective minimally invasive option for the treatment of cSDHs.

Middle meningeal artery embolization combined with surgical evacuation for chronic subdural hematoma: A single-center experience of 75 cases.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a challenging and common neurosurgical condition. Our goal is to demonstrate that middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization combined with surgical evacuation can be a promising adjuvant option for treatment of cSDHs and prevent recurrence in symptomatic patients who require surgical treatment. METHOD: We retrospectively collected data from patients who underwent MMA embolization using polyvinyl alcohol particles and surgical evacuation with burr hole or craniotomy in a single center for the treatment of new and recurrent cSDHs. The primary outcome was recurrence of cSDH requiring surgical rescue during follow up, and secondary outcomes were defined as >50% decrease in the maximum width of cSDHs on the longest follow-up computed tomography (CT) scan, complications following procedure, and improvement in modified Rankin scale (mRS) score. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients successfully underwent 72 MMA embolization procedures (96% of the total 75 cases in the cohort) combined with surgical evacuation. Seventy cases (93.3%) achieved at least 50% reduction in the size of the cSDHs on the last CT imaging. A surgical evacuation was required in five cases (6.7%) due to cSDH recurrence during the follow-up period. There were three complications (6.0%) related to embolization procedure. Forty patients (78.4%) showed improvement in mRS score. There was one mortality (2%) regardless of the embolization and evacuation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of adjunct MMA embolization in significantly reducing size and recurrence of cSDHs.

Phenox HPC and Phenox flow modulation devices for the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Surface-modified flow diverters are increasingly used in clinical settings. However, their safety profiles and additional benefits over non-coated devices still need to be explored. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate and compare the clinical outcomes of the uncoated Phenox and coated Phenox HPC flow diverters. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Collected data were pooled and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Outcomes of interest included aneurysm occlusion (>6 months) and complication rates. Additionally, the safety outcomes of prophylactic single (SAPT) and dual antiplatelet treatment (DAPT) approaches were compared for patients treated with coated Phenox HPC flow diverters. RESULTS: We included 17 studies with 1238 patients. The overall complete occlusion rates were 80% (95% CI 74.01% to 86.56%) for Phenox HPC and 71.3% (95% CI 59.71% to 85.20%) for non-coated Phenox flow diverters (p=0.24). Ischemic complication rates were 7.3% (95% CI 4.6% to 11.39%) with the Phenox HPC and 5.3% (95% CI 4.07% to 6.91%) with the Phenox (p=0.24). For patients treated with Phenox HPC, the SAPT (5.5%; 95% CI 2.83% to 10.85%) and DAPT (7.1%; 95% CI 1.23% to 41.45%) approaches resulted in comparable ischemic complication rates (p=0.79). The DAPT group (4.8%; 95% CI 1.46% to 16.24%) had higher hemorrhagic complication rates than the SAPT group (1.7%; 95% CI 0.52% to 6.09%), but the difference was not statistically significant for patients treated with Phenox HPC (p=0.25). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that Phenox HPC is equally as safe and effective as non-coated Phenox devices. Additionally, our results suggest that prasugrel monotherapy might effectively prevent ischemic complications in patients treated with Phenox HPC flow diverters.

First-pass effect in posterior acute ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular thrombectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: First-pass effect (FPE) has been shown to be a predictor of favorable clinical outcomes following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in the anterior circulation. Literature regarding FPE for posterior circulation AIS is sparse; we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore FPE in posterior circulation stroke undergoing EVT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the English literature in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. FPE was defined as thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 2c-3 and modified FPE (mFPE) was defined as TICI 2b-3 in one pass. Definitions of non-FPE and non-mFPE varied among studies. The primary outcome of interest was modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2. Secondary outcomes of interest were mRS 0-3, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality. We calculated odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed with Q statistic and I2 test. RESULTS: Seven studies with 417 patients in the mFPE group, 942 in the non-mFPE group, 545 in the FPE group, and 1023 in the non-FPE group were included. Overall, FPE was associated with greater rates of 90-day mRS 0-2 (OR= 2.78, 95% CI= 2.11-3.65; P-value< 0.001) and mRS 0-3 (OR= 2.67, 95% CI= 1.98-3.60; P-value< 0.001); however, there was significant heterogeneity among studies for both mRS 0-2 (I2= 69%; P-value< 0.001) and mRS 0-3 (I2= 69%; P-value< 0.001). FPE and non-FPE were associated with similar rates of sICH (OR= 0.65, 95% CI= 0.40-1.07; P-value= 0.09), and no heterogeneity was observed (I2= 0%; P-value= 0.95). FPE was associated with lower rates of mortality (OR= 0.44, 95% CI= 0.33-0.58; P-value< 0.001), although heterogeneity was observed (I2= 58%; P-value= 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: FPE is associated with favorable clinical outcomes in patients undergoing EVT for posterior circulation AIS. Future studies should work to further quantify the impact of FPE on outcomes in the posterior circulation.

2b Or 2c-3? A meta-analysis of first pass thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b vs multiple pass thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2c-3 following mechanical thrombectomy for stroke.

BACKGROUND: Procedural success following mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke is assessed using the thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scale. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether outcomes differed between first pass thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b and multiple pass thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2c-3. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. We included original studies in which outcomes were stratified based on first pass thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b and multiple pass thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2c-3. The primary outcome of interest was the rate of modified Rankin Scale 0-2. Secondary outcomes of interest were rates of modified Rankin Scale 0-1, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and mortality. We calculated odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Four studies with 1554 patients were included in the quantitative analysis. Rate of modified Rankin Scale 0-2 (odds ratio = 0.91, 95% confidence interval = 0.70-1.18; P-value = 0.49), modified Rankin Scale 0-1 (odds ratio = 1.21, 95% confidence interval = 0.86-1.71; P-value = 0.27), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (odds ratio = 1.36, 95% confidence interval = 0.47-3.98; P-value = 0.57), and mortality (odds ratio = 0.91, 95% confidence interval = 0.67-1.25; P-value = 0.56) did not differ between first pass thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b and multiple pass thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2c-3. There was no heterogeneity among included studies for modified Rankin Scale 0-2, modified Rankin Scale 0-1, or mortality; however, there was moderate heterogeneity among studies for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (I2 = 53%, P-value = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and safety outcomes did not differ between first pass thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b and multiple pass thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2c-3. Future prospective studies and clinical trials should determine whether first pass thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b is a viable endpoint to thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2c-3.