Comparison of CT Perfusion Software Packages for Thrombectomy Eligibility.

INTRODUCTION: Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) has played an important role in patient selection for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to investigate the agreement between perfusion parametric maps of 3 software packages - RAPID (RapidAI-IschemaView), Viz CTP(Viz.ai), and e-CTP(Brainomix) - in estimating baseline ischemic core volumes of near completely/completely reperfused patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained MT database to identify patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion strokes (LVOS) involving the internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery M1-segment and interpretable CTP maps treated during September 2018 to November 2019. A subset of patients with near-complete/complete reperfusion (expanded thrombolysis in cerebral infarction [eTICI] 2c-3) was used to compare the pre-procedural prediction of final infarct volumes. RESULTS: In this analysis of 242 patients with LVOS, RAPID and Viz CTP relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) < 30% values had substantial agreement (ρ = 0.767 [95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.71-0.81]) as well as for RAPID and e-CTP (ρ = 0.668 [95% CI = 0.61-0.71]). Excellent agreement was seen for time to maximum of the residue function (Tmax ) > 6 seconds between RAPID and Viz CTP (ρ = 0.811 [95% CI = 0.76-0.84]) and substantial for RAPID and e-CTP (ρ = 0.749 [95% CI = 0.69-0.79]). Final infarct volume (FIV) prediction (n = 136) was substantial in all 3 packages (RAPID ρ = 0.744; Viz CTP ρ = 0.711; and e-CTP ρ = 0.600). CONCLUSION: Perfusion parametric maps of the RAPID, Viz CTP, and e-CTP software have substantial agreement in predicting final infarct volume in near-completely/completely reperfused patients. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:848-855.

Assessment of the safety and efficacy of the Zoom 45 and 55 reperfusion catheters for medium and distal mechanical thrombectomies: A multi-institutional study.

INTRODUCTION: The Zoom aspiration catheters harbor novel dimensions and construction to enhance trackability and deliverability. In addition, a beveled tip may improve thrombus interaction and aspiration force for a set inner diameter. This study evaluates their utility in medium and distal vessel occlusions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Zoom 45 and 55 aspiration catheters in medium and distal vessel thrombectomy. METHODS: Patients treated for distal vessel occlusions via mechanical thrombectomy utilizing either the Zoom 45/55 catheter or a historical control catheter between 2021-2022 at two institutions were included in this study. Medium and distal occlusions were defined as any anterior or posterior cerebral artery branch as well as the M2-4 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Preprocedural, procedural, and postprocedural variables were obtained. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients underwent thrombectomy with Zoom 45 or 55 catheters; four had multiple occluded vessels. Occlusion location included the M2 in 32 cases, M3-4 in 7 cases, A2 in 2 cases and P2 in 1 case. The mean number of passes per occlusion was 1.6 and overall successful reperfusion (TICI 2b or greater) was achieved in 84 % of cases. There were no symptomatic procedure-related complications such as perforation or post-procedural symptomatic ICH. Modified Rankin scores rates of 0-2, 3-5, and 6 at three months post-procedure were 35.7 %, 21.4 %, and 42.9 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Zoom beveled tip aspiration catheters are safe and effective for more challenging medium and distal vessel occlusions.

Emergent use of ticagrelor during endovascular reperfusion in large arterial occlusions.

OBJECTIVE: Given many emerging indications for endovascular interventions in ischemic strokes, a safe and effective adjuvant antiplatelet regimen for acute revascularization has become a subject of interest. Ticagrelor is a direct oral P2Y12 inhibitor that may achieve rapid platelet suppression than standard oral therapies. We report our experience of Ticagrelor use in revascularization of acute large arterial steno-occlusive disease, describing procedural post-procedure thrombotic events, major hemorrhages, and other clinical outcomes. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective case series of large steno-occlusive disease requiring endovascular reperfusion with emergent adjuvant Ticagrelor, defined as 30 min of the procedure from skin puncture to closure of the arteriotomy. Major outcomes investigated were thromboembolism in the target artery, and symptomatic intracranial or extracranial major hemorrhages. Additional analyses were performed with respect to timing of the administration and use of rescue GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors if any. RESULTS: 73 consecutive patients were identified, presenting with severe ischemic stroke (median NIHSS 16) of large artery origin. 67% required stent placement (45% cervical carotid, 22% intracranial artery), 9.5% angioplasty and 23% mechanical thrombectomy only. Two experienced symptomatic in-stent occlusion, and 7 experienced major hemorrhages (9.5%) including 3 fatal symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages (4.1%). Among 19 subjects (26%) who received pretreatment with Ticagrelor, there were fewer GPIIb/IIIa administration, angioplasty and stenting, without yielding benefit in functional outcome or mortality. GPIIb/IIIa was administered as rescue therapy in 45 subjects (62%), which was found associated with increased bleeding compared to patients receiving Ticagrelor only, in whom no bleeding complications were recorded (16% vs. 0%; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: We report our findings on Ticagrelor as an adjuvant antiplatelet therapy in ischemic stroke of large arterial origin requiring emergent revascularization. Effectiveness, safety, need for additional rescue treatment, and comparison to other commonly used oral antiplatelets should be investigated in future prospective studies.

No Racial Disparity in Outcome Measures After Endovascular Treatment for Stroke in the Elderly.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Despite the lower rates of good outcomes and higher mortality in elderly patients, age does not modify the treatment effect of mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion strokes. We aimed to study whether racial background influences the outcome after mechanical thrombectomy in the elderly population. METHODS: We reviewed a prospectively maintained database of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy from October 2010 through June 2020 to identify all consecutive patients with age ≥80 years and anterior circulation large vessel occlusion strokes. The patients were categorized according to their race as Black and White. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to define the predictors of 90-day modified Rankin Scale and mortality in the overall population and in each race separately. RESULTS: Among 2241 mechanical thrombectomy, a total of 344 patients (median [interquartile range]; age 85 [82-88] years, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 19 [15-23], Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score 9 [7-9], 69.5% females) were eligible for the analysis. White patients (n=251; 73%) had significantly lower median body mass index (25.37 versus 26.89, P=0.04) and less frequent hypertension (78.9% versus 90.3%, P=0.01) but more atrial fibrillation (64.5% versus 44.1%, P=0.001) compared with African Americans (n=93; 27%). Other clinical, imaging, and procedural characteristics were comparable between groups. The rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2, and mortality were comparable among both groups. On multivariable analysis, race was neither a predictor of 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 (White race: odds ratio, 0.899 [95% CI, 0.409-1.974], P=0.79) nor 90-day mortality (White race: odds ratio, 1.368; [95% CI, 0.715-2.618], P=0.34). CONCLUSIONS: In elderly patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke, there was no racial difference in terms of outcome.

Carotid Web Phenotype Is Uncommonly Associated With Classic Fibromuscular Dysplasia: A Retrospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Carotid web (CaW) is an intimal form of fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) involving the carotid bulb which has been increasingly recognized as a potential cause of recurrent ischemic strokes. It is overlooked as a separate entity and often dismissed if no coexistent signs of classic FMD changes are observed. We aim to evaluate the frequency of classic FMD in high-yield vascular territories in patients with symptomatic CaW. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a symptomatic CaW database of 2 comprehensive stroke centers (spanning September 2014-October 2020). The diagnosis of a CaW during a stroke workup was defined as the presence of a shelf-like linear filling defect in the posterior aspect of the carotid bulb on computed tomography angiography in patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack of undetermined cause after a thorough evaluation. Neck computed tomography angiography and renal conventional angiography images were independently evaluated by two readers blinded to the laterality and clinical details to inspect the presence of underlying classic FMD. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients with CaW were identified. Median age was 51 years (interquartile range, 42-57), and 74% were women. All patients had neck computed tomography angiography (allowing for bilateral vertebral and carotid evaluation), whereas 47 patients had additional digital subtraction angiography (which evaluated 47 carotids ipsilateral to the stroke and 10 contralateral carotids). Internal carotid artery classic FMD changes were noted in only 6 out of 66 (9%) in the ipsilateral carotids. No contralateral carotid or vertebral artery classic FMD changes were observed. Renal artery catheter-based angiography was obtained in 16 patients/32 arteries and only 1 patient/2 renal arteries demonstrated classic FMD changes. CONCLUSIONS: CaW phenotype is uncommonly associated with classic FMD changes. Coexistent classic FMD does not constitute a useful marker to corroborate or exclude CaW diagnosis.

Direct to Angiosuite Versus Conventional Imaging in Suspected Large Vessel Occlusion: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence to suggest that the direct transfer to angiography suite (DTAS) approach for patients with suspected large vessel occlusion stroke potentially requiring mechanical thrombectomy shortens treatment times and improves outcomes compared with the direct transfer to conventional imaging (DTCI) model. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to compare both approaches to build more concrete evidence to support this innovative treatment concept. METHODS: All potentially relevant studies published in 4 electronic databases/search engines (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus) from inception to November 2021 were reviewed. Eligible studies were included if they enrolled ≥10 patients in both groups, were published in English, and reported baseline and procedural characteristics and outcomes. Relevant data were then extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: Among 4514 searched studies, 7 qualified for the analysis with 1971 patients (DTAS=675, DTCI=1296). Times from door to puncture (mean difference, -30.76 minutes [95% CI, -43.70 to -17.82]; P<0.001) as well as door-to-reperfusion (mean difference=-33.24 minutes [95% CI, -51.82 to -14.66]; P<0.001) were significantly shorter and the rates of functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2: risk ratio [RR], 1.25 [95% CI, 1.02-1.53]; P=0.03) at 90 days were higher in the DTAS versus the DTCI approach. There was no difference across the DTAS and DTCI groups in terms of the rates of successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2B-3: RR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.95-1.12]; P=0.42), near-complete/full reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2C-3: RR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.74-1.08]; P=0.23), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (RR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.56-1.17]; P=0.26), or fair outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-3: RR, 1.14 [95% CI, 0.88-1.47]; P=0.32) or mortality (RR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.67-1.44]; P=0.93) at 90 days. Subgroup analysis showed no significant difference in 90-day functional independence across approaches in transfer patients (RR, 1.20 [95% CI, 0.96-1.51]; P=0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis showed that the DTAS approach seems to be associated with improved time metrics and functional outcomes with comparable safety to the DTCI approach. Ongoing multicenter randomized clinical trials will hopefully provide more definite data about this promising approach.

Stenting and Angioplasty in Neurothrombectomy: Matched Analysis of Rescue Intracranial Stenting Versus Failed Thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: Successful reperfusion is one of the strongest predictors of functional outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Despite continuous advancements in MT technology and techniques, reperfusion failure still occurs in ≈15% to 30% of patients with large vessel occlusion strokes undergoing MT. We aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of rescue intracranial stenting for large vessel occlusion stroke after failed MT. METHODS: The SAINT (Stenting and Angioplasty in Neurothrombectomy) Study is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 14 comprehensive stroke centers through January 2015 to December 2020. Patients were included if they had anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke due to intracranial internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery-M1/M2 segments and failed MT. The cohort was divided into 2 groups: rescue intracranial stenting and failed recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia score 0-1). Propensity score matching was used to balance the 2 groups. The primary outcome was the shift in the degree of disability as measured by the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included functional independence (90-day modified Rankin Scale score 0-2). Safety measures included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 90-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 499 patients were included in the analysis. Compared with the failed reperfusion group, rescue intracranial stenting had a favorable shift in the overall modified Rankin Scale score distribution (acOR, 2.31 [95% CI, 1.61-3.32]; P<0.001), higher rates of functional independence (35.1% versus 7%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 6.33 [95% CI, 3.14-12.76]; P<0.001), and lower mortality (28% versus 46.5%; aOR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.31-0.96]; P=0.04) at 90 days. Rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage were comparable across both groups (7.1% versus 10.2%; aOR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.42-2.34]; P=0.98). The matched cohort analysis demonstrated similar results. Specifically, rescue intracranial stenting (n=107) had a favorable shift in the overall modified Rankin Scale score distribution (acOR, 3.74 [95% CI, 2.16-6.57]; P<0.001), higher rates of functional independence (34.6% versus 6.5%; aOR, 10.91 [95% CI, 4.11-28.92]; P<0.001), and lower mortality (29.9% versus 43%; aOR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.25-0.94]; P=0.03) at 90 days with similar rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (7.5% versus 11.2%; aOR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.31-2.42]; P=0.79) compared with patients who failed to reperfuse (n=107). There was no heterogeneity of treatment effect across the prespecified subgroups for improvement in functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Acute intracranial stenting appears to be a safe and effective rescue strategy in patients with large vessel occlusion stroke who failed MT. Randomized multicenter trials are warranted.

Automated Large Artery Occlusion Detection in Stroke: A Single-Center Validation Study of an Artificial Intelligence Algorithm.

INTRODUCTION: Expediting notification of lesions in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is critical. Limited availability of experts to assess such lesions and delays in large vessel occlusion (LVO) recognition can negatively affect outcomes. Artificial intelligence (AI) may aid LVO recognition and treatment. This study aims to evaluate the performance of an AI-based algorithm for LVO detection in AIS. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a database of AIS patients admitted in a single center between 2014 and 2019. Vascular neurologists graded computed tomography angiographies (CTAs) for presence and site of LVO. Studies were analyzed by the Viz-LVO Algorithm® version 1.4 - neural network programmed to detect occlusions from the internal carotid artery terminus (ICA-T) to the Sylvian fissure. Comparisons between human versus AI-based readings were done by test characteristic analysis and Cohen's kappa. Primary analysis included ICA-T and/or middle cerebral artery (MCA)-M1 LVOs versus non-LVOs/more distal occlusions. Secondary analysis included MCA-M2 occlusions. RESULTS: 610 CTAs were analyzed. The AI algorithm rejected 2.5% of the CTAs due to poor quality, which were excluded from the analysis. Viz-LVO identified ICA-T and MCA-M1 LVOs with a sensitivity of 87.6%, specificity of 88.5%, and accuracy of 87.9% (AUC 0.88, 95% CI: 0.85-0.92, p < 0.001). Cohen's kappa was 0.74. In the secondary analysis, the algorithm yielded a sensitivity of 80.3%, specificity of 88.5%, and accuracy of 82.7%. The mean run time of the algorithm was 2.78 ± 0.5 min. CONCLUSION: Automated AI reading allows for fast and accurate identification of LVO strokes with timely notification to emergency teams, enabling quick decision-making for reperfusion therapies or transfer to specialized centers if needed.

Histological composition of retrieved emboli in acute ischemic stroke is independent of pre-thrombectomy alteplase use.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Given recent evidence suggesting the clot composition may be associated with revascularization outcomes and stroke etiology, clot composition research has been a topic of growing interest. It is currently unclear what effect, if any, pre-thrombectomy thrombolysis has on clot composition. Understanding this association is important as it is a potential confounding variable in clot composition research. We retrospectively evaluated the composition of retrieved clots from ischemic stroke patients who did and did not receive pre-treatment tPA to study the effect of tPA on clot composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients enrolled in the Stroke Thromboembolism Registry of Imaging and Pathology (STRIP) were included in this study. All patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy and retrieved clots were sent to a central core lab for processing. Histological analysis was performed using Martius Scarlett Blue (MSB) staining and area of the clot was also measured on the gross photos. Student's t test was used for continuous variables and chi-squared test for categorical variables. RESULTS: A total of 1430 patients were included in this study. Mean age was 68.4±13.5 years. Overall rate of TICI 2c/3 was 67%. A total of 517 patients received tPA (36%) and 913 patients did not (64%). Mean RBC density for the tPA group was 42.97±22.62% compared to 42.80±23.18% for the non-tPA group (P=0.89). Mean WBC density for the tPA group was 3.74±2.60% compared to 3.42±2.21% for the non-tPA group (P=0.012). Mean fibrin density for the tPA group was 26.52±15.81% compared to 26.53±15.34% for the non-tPA group (P=0.98). Mean platelet density for the tPA group was 26.22±18.60% compared to 26.55±19.47% for the non-tPA group (P=0.75). tPA group also had significantly smaller clot area compared to non-tPA group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study 1430 retrieved emboli and ischemic stroke patients shows no interaction between tPA administration and clot composition. These findings suggest that tPA does not result in any histological changes in clot composition.

Lack of Reperfusion Rather Than Number of Passes Defines Futility in Stroke Thrombectomy: A Matched Case-Control Study.

Background and Purpose: There is a robust relationship between the duration of ischemia and functional outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy. Higher number of mechanical thrombectomy passes strongly correlate with lower chances of favorable outcomes. Indeed, previous studies have suggested that after multiple passes the procedure may be futile. However, using uncontrolled thresholds to define thrombectomy futility might be misleading. We aim to compare the outcome of successful reperfusion after 4 to 5 passes and ≥6 passes with those of failed reperfusion. Methods: A prospectively acquired mechanical thrombectomy database from January 2012 to October 2019 was reviewed. Patients were included if they had intracranial internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery-M1/M2 occlusions and either achieved successful reperfusion after ≥4 passes or failed reperfusion. Reperfused patients (mTICI2b-3) were divided into 2 subgroups; (1) 4 to 5 passes and (2) ≥6 passes. Each subgroup was compared with a matched group of mechanical thrombectomy failure (mTICI0-2a). The primary outcome was the shift in the degree of disability at 90-day as measured by the modified Rankin Scale. Results: A total of 273 patients were included. As compared with matched failed reperfusion patients (n=62), those reperfused after 4 to 5 passes (n=62) had a favorable shift in the overall modified Rankin Scale score distribution (adjusted odds ratio, 3.992 [95% CI, 1.807­8.512], P=0.001] and higher rates of functional independence (31% versus 8.9%, P=0.004, adjusted odds ratio; 9.860 [95% CI, 2.323­41.845], P=0.002) at 90 days. Similarly, when compared with a matched group of failed reperfusion (n=42), patients reperfused after ≥6 passes (n=42) demonstrated a favorable shift in the overall modified Rankin Scale score distribution (adjusted odds ratio, 2.640 [95% CI, 1.073­6.686], P=0.037) and had higher rates of functional independence (36.8% vs 11.1%, P=0.004, adjusted odds ratio, 5.392 [95% CI, 1.185­24.530], P=0.029) at 90 day. Rates of parenchymal hematoma type-2 and 90-day mortality were comparable in the reperfused and nonreperfused groups. Conclusions: Achieving reperfusion despite multiple passes leads to improved outcomes compared with failed procedures. Arbitrary uncontrolled thresholds for a maximum number of passes to predict futile recanalization may lead to inappropriate early termination of procedures.

Repeated Mechanical Endovascular Thrombectomy for Recurrent Large Vessel Occlusion: A Multicenter Experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is now the standard of care for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. However, little is known about the frequency and outcomes of repeat MT (rMT) for patients with recurrent LVO. METHODS: This is a retrospective multicenter cohort of patients who underwent rMT at 6 tertiary institutions in the United States between March 2016 and March 2020. Procedural, imaging, and outcome data were evaluated. Outcome at discharge was evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale. RESULTS: Of 3059 patients treated with MT during the study period, 56 (1.8%) underwent at least 1 rMT. Fifty-four (96%) patients were analyzed; median age was 64 years. The median time interval between index MT and rMT was 2 days; 35 of 54 patients (65%) experienced recurrent LVO during the index hospitalization. The mechanism of stroke was cardioembolism in 30 patients (56%), intracranial atherosclerosis in 4 patients (7%), extracranial atherosclerosis in 2 patients (4%), and other causes in 18 patients (33%). A final TICI recanalization score of 2b or 3 was achieved in all 54 patients during index MT (100%) and in 51 of 54 patients (94%) during rMT. Thirty-two of 54 patients (59%) experienced recurrent LVO of a previously treated artery, mostly the pretreated left MCA (23 patients, 73%). Fifty of the 54 patients (93%) had a documented discharge modified Rankin Scale after rMT: 15 (30%) had minimal or no disability (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2), 25 (50%) had moderate to severe disability (modified Rankin Scale score 3-5), and 10 (20%) died. CONCLUSIONS: Almost 2% of patients treated with MT experience recurrent LVO, usually of a previously treated artery during the same hospitalization. Repeat MT seems to be safe and effective for attaining vessel recanalization, and good outcome can be expected in 30% of patients.

Baseline Characteristics of Patients with Symptomatic Carotid Webs: A Matched Case Control Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The baseline characteristics of patients with symptomatic carotid web (CaW) are unclear. We investigate demographic and cerebrovascular risk factors in patients with this overlooked stroke etiology. METHODS: We identified consecutive patients diagnosed with symptomatic CaW at a comprehensive stroke center from July 2014-December 2018. These patients were matched at a 1:4 ratio (based on age and NIHSS scores) to create a control group of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with non-CaW etiologies from the local GetWithTheGuidelines stroke database. RESULTS: Thirty patients with symptomatic CaW were compared to 120 AIS patients with non-CaW etiologies. Symptomatic CaW patients were more likely to be female (73.3 vs. 44.2%; p = 0.004) and black (86.7 vs. 64.2%; p = 0.02). Symptomatic CaWs patients had a fewer absolute number of modifiable cerebrovascular risk factors (1.7±1.1 vs. 2.5±1.2; p = 0.002), lower rates of hypertension (43.4 vs. 63.3%; p = 0.04), and a more favorable lipid profile with lower average LDL (89.5±30.3 vs. 111.2±43.7 mg/dL; p = 0.01) and higher average HDL (47.9±11.3 vs. 42.2±13.8 mg/dL; p = 0.01) as compared to strokes with non-CaW etiology. Symptomatic CaW patients were more likely to have a large vessel occlusion (80.0 vs. 51.7%; p = 0.005), despite similar e-ASPECTS between the groups (8.1±2.1 vs. 8.3±2.2; p = 0.30). On multivariable analysis, symptomatic CaW was an independent predictor of independence at discharge (OR 3.72; 95%CI 1.27-10.94). CONCLUSION: A gender and racial predilection of symptomatic CaWs may exist as females and blacks were were found to be more likely affected. Symptomatic CaW patients have a more benign cerebrovascular risk factor profile corroborating the proposed mechanism of local stasis and thromboembolism. Despite presenting more commonly with LVO, symptomatic CaW was associated with good functional outcome, warranting further studies.

Acute Neurological Deterioration in Large Vessel Occlusions and Mild Symptoms Managed Medically.

Background and Purpose- It is unclear which factors predict acute neurological deterioration in patients with large vessel occlusion and mild symptoms. We aim to evaluate the frequency, timing, and potential predictors of acute neurological deterioration ≥4 National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) points in medically managed patients with large vessel occlusion and mild presentation. Methods- Single-center retrospective study of patients with consecutive minor stroke (defined as NIHSS score of ≤5 on presentation) and large vessel occlusion from January 2014 to December 2017. Primary outcome was acute neurological deterioration ≥4 NIHSS points during the hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included ΔNIHSS (defined as discharge minus admission NIHSS score). Results- Among 1133 patients with acute minor strokes, 122 (10.6%) had visible occlusions on computed tomography angiography/magnetic resonance angiography. Twenty-four (19.7%) patients had ≥4 points deterioration on NIHSS at a median of 3.6 (1-16) hours from arrival. No clinical or radiological predictors of acute neurological deterioration ≥4 NIHSS points were observed on multivariable analysis. Rescue endovascular thrombectomy was performed more often in the ones with acute neurological deterioration ≥4 NIHSS points compared with patients with no deterioration (54% versus 0%; P<0.001). Acute neurological deterioration ≥4 NIHSS points was associated with ΔNIHSS ≥4 points (33% versus 4.9%; P<0.01) and a trend toward lower independence rates at discharge (50% versus 70%; P=0.06) compared with the group with no deterioration. In patients with any degree of neurological worsening, patients who underwent rescue thrombectomy were more likely to be independent at discharge (73% versus 38%; P=0.02) and to have a favorable ΔNIHSS (-2 [-3 to 0] versus 0 [-1 to 6]; P=0.05) compared with the ones not offered rescue thrombectomy. Conclusions- Acute neurological deterioration ≥4 NIHSS points was observed in a fifth of patients with large vessel occlusion and mild symptoms, occurred very early in the hospital course, impacted functional outcomes, and could not be predicted by any of the studied clinical and radiological variables. Rescue thrombectomy was associated with improved clinical outcomes at discharge in patients with neurological deterioration.

Carotid Webs in Pediatric Acute Ischemic Stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Carotid web is a radiographic entity located in the posterior aspect of the origin of the internal carotid arteries, considered to be a pathologic equivalent to intimal fibromuscular dysplasia, and has been implicated in acute ischemic strokes. The mechanism underlying its development is unknown and it remains unclear if this lesion is congenital or acquired. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of carotid webs in a pediatric population with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). METHODS: A retrospective review of neck CTA, MRA, or DSA images in a pediatric population with acute ischemic stroke was performed to determine the occurrence of carotid webs. Two fellowship-trained neurointerventionists performed independent vascular imaging review. RESULTS: We identified forty-seven cases of childhood acute ischemic stroke (55% male; median age, 9 years). Congenital heart disease, sickle cell disease, infection, and recent head/neck trauma were the most common risk factors. Eight of the ischemic stroke cases were located in multiple vascular territories. Neck arterial imaging was undertaken in twenty-four patients. No carotid webs were detected in the studied pediatric stroke population. (The correlation coefficient for the determination of webs was Kappa = 1.00; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study failed to find evidence that carotid webs are congenital. More studies are needed for a better understanding of carotid web origin, natural evolution, and the potential implications for treatment.

Long-term outcomes of deep pediatric arteriovenous malformations.

OBJECTIVE: Multimodality treatment has been shown to be the optimal management strategy for pediatric arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Deep AVMs represent a subset of AVMs for which optimal management may be achieved with a combination of radiosurgery and highly selective embolization, in the absence of compelling features requiring operative intervention. The objective of this study was to identify predictors of good functional outcomes in pediatric patients with deep AVMs. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of the outcomes of 79 patients with deep AVMs from January 1988 through December 2021 was performed. Deep AVMs were defined as those with the majority of the nidus centered in the basal ganglia, thalamus, or brainstem. Collected data included patient demographics and presenting symptoms, presenting modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, radiographic findings and outcomes, management strategy, complications, and clinical outcomes as indicated by follow-up mRS score. A good outcome was defined as a follow-up mRS score ≤ 2, while a poor outcome was defined as a follow-up mRS score ≥ 3. Statistical analysis was performed to identify factors associated with functional outcomes. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up duration of 85.6 months, there was a 72.2% angiographic obliteration rate, with 75.9% of patients having a good clinical outcome (mRS score ≤ 2). Presenting symptoms and radiographic characteristics were not significantly associated with long-term functional outcomes. There was a significantly higher rate of posttreatment hemorrhage in patients with a poor versus good outcome (11.8% vs 0%, p = 0.010). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, poor long-term functional outcome was only associated with poor presenting mRS score (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory angiographic obliteration rates and good long-term functional outcomes can be achieved for deep AVMs, with stereotactic radiosurgery as the cornerstone of multimodality treatment.

Sustained efficacy of angioplasty for cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Risk features and device comparison.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral vasospasm is a leading source of delayed morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Angioplasty may improve vasospasm, while optimal target and device selection remains controversial. This study aimed to identify features and devices associated with sustained efficacy. METHODS: We identified consecutive patients who underwent angioplasty for aSAH vasospasm. The primary outcome was a composite of adequate angioplasty (residual narrowing < 50 %) without complications. Secondary outcomes included rates of refractory/recurrent vasospasm and sustained improvement at follow-up. Associated features were identified through multivariable analysis. Outcomes were compared between balloon and Comaneci/stentriever in a propensity-score-matched cohort. RESULTS: A total of 149 vasospastic segments underwent angioplasty: 61.7 % in the proximal anterior circulation (ICA, M1, A1), 20.1 % in distal segments (A2 and M2) and 18.1 % in the posterior circulation. Adequate angioplasty was achieved without complication in 83.2 % of vessels, with a sustainable effect in 84.3 % at follow-up. Refractory/recurrent vasospasm was observed in 17.4 %, yielding a 10.1 % retreatment rate. Notably, only 35.3 % of vessels undergoing inadequate angioplasty demonstrated improvement at follow-up. Angioplasty targeting distal MCA (adjusted OR, 0.10) or BA-V4 (aOR, 0.10), and inadequate angioplasty (aOR, 0.03) were unfavorable predictors for sustained improvement. Efficacy outcomes were similar between balloon and Comaneci/stentriever in a matched subgroup analysis. CONCLUSION: Angioplasty, when achieving residual narrowing < 50 %, demonstrated sustained improvement for vasospasm. Novel devices may exhibit comparable efficacy to balloon angioplasty for selected segments.

Admission hyperglycemia effect on symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in tenecteplase versus alteplase before large vessel occlusion stroke thrombectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with alteplase (TPA) in hyperglycemic stroke patients is associated with an increased risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and poor functional outcomes. We aimed to explore the association between admission hyperglycemia and sICH in large vessel occlusion stroke (LVOS) patients treated with TNK versus TPA before endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). METHODS: We reviewed consecutive LVOS patients treated with TPA or TNK before EVT from 01/2020 to 06/2023. EVT was performed across five comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs) in Pennsylvania. Of 569 patients, 462 met inclusion criteria: LVOS, pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2, and last-known-well to IVT (LKW-to-IVT) ≤ 4.5 h. The rates of sICH and parenchymal hematomas (PHs) between TPA and TNK cohorts were assessed. RESULTS: Of 462 patients, 254 (55%) received TNK, and 208 (45%) received TPA. Admission hyperglycemia (≥ 140 mg/dl) was present in 153 (33.1%) patients. Hyperglycemic patients were more frequently diabetic (p < 0.001). Admission hyperglycemia was associated with a significantly increased rate of sICH (5.9% versus 1.6%, p = 0.019) and PH (20.3% versus 11.3%, p = 0.010). Hyperglycemic patients had a significantly higher degree of overall disability as compared to normoglycemic patients (90d-mRS shift aOR 0.611, p = 0.007). Comparable rates of sICH and PH were observed in the hyperglycemic and normoglycemic cohorts among both TNK and TPA groups. CONCLUSION: In LVOS patients receiving IVT before EVT, admission hyperglycemia significantly increased the risk of sICH and PH and was associated with worse outcomes at 90 days. No differences in sICH or PH were observed between TNK and TPA groups.

Improved Outcomes Among Octogenarians with Ruptured Aneurysms: Endovascular Treatment as Right-of-First-Refusal in the Second Post-trial Decade.

BACKGROUND: Treatment outcomes of octogenarians with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are often considered poor. With ongoing advancements and experience in endovascular technology, we sought to evaluate the outcomes of octogenarians treated for aSAH in the second post-International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT)/Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial (BRAT) decade. METHOD: A single-center database of aSAH was reviewed to identify patients aged 80 years or above undergoing aneurysm treatment. Mortality and favorable neurologic outcome (defined as modified Rankin Scale score <3) were assessed among the series and compared across several subgroups. RESULTS: Octogenarian patients constituted 6% of the aSAH cohort (38 of 619) over the reviewed period. Twenty-one percent were high grade (Hunt-Hess grade 4-5). Endovascular treatment was the first-line modality in 90% of patients. During a median follow-up of 17 months, the overall mortality was 39%. Higher mortality was associated with poor Hunt-Hess grade (100% for grade 5, 47% for III-IV, 13% for 1-2, P = 0.004) and non-independent baseline function status (100% mortality for non-independent vs. 28% for independent group, P = 0.002). At last follow-up, 53% of patients achieved a favorable neurologic outcome. The stratified rate was 80% in Hunt-Hess grade I-II and over 60% in patients with premorbid independent function status or less than 5 frailty components (P ≤ 0.02 vs. poorer counterparts). CONCLUSIONS: Neurologic outcomes of octogenarian patients with aSAH are improving in the second post-trial decade, particularly given the preponderance of endovascular treatment. Baseline functional status and comorbidities of octogenarians should be considered in addition to the Hunt-Hess grade in prognostication.

Flow Diverters with Surface Modification in Patients with Intracranial Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Flow diverters with surface modification (FDSM) are increasingly being used in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms (ANs). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety across different devices and antiplatelet therapies using a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic review was performed to identify original studies of ≥10 patients with intracranial ANs treated with FDSM from database inception through August 2023. Primary effectiveness outcome was the rate of complete AN occlusion at follow-up ≥6 months. Safety outcomes included ischemic stroke, hemorrhage, and in-stent thrombosis, and were stratified by FDSM devices and antiplatelet therapies. Certainty of evidence was evaluated following the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies were included, yielding 2161 patients with 2373 ANs. A total of 70.5% of the ANs were located on the internal carotid artery (ICA). Total 10.3% were acutely ruptured. The complete AN occlusion rate was 72.3% at follow-up ≥6 months. Sensitivity analysis in the ICA AN cohort yielded comparable occlusion rates between Pipeline Flex Embolization Device-Shield (80.4%) and Phenox-hydrophilic polymer-coated (77.5%, P = 0.54), but a lower 66.2% rate for Flow Redirection Endoluminal Device-X (P = 0.02). The rate of in-stent thrombosis and stenosis tended to be higher in Phenox-hydrophilic polymer-coated (3.4%) and Flow Redirection Endoluminal Device-X (4.3%) versus Pipeline Flex Embolization Device-Shield (0.8%, P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: FDSM were safe with satisfactory effectiveness for intracranial ANs. More specific investigations are warranted to explore their performance in ANs beyond the ICA and optimal antiplatelet therapy.

Impact of Embolisate Penetration, Type, and Technique on Results After Standalone Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) has emerged as a promising modality for chronic/subacute subdural hematoma treatment; however, consensus regarding embolization technique and embolisate has not been achieved. We thus sought to compare the efficacy of distinct MMAE techniques and embolisate. METHODS: An institutional registry was reviewed to identify patients undergoing standalone MMAE for symptomatic chronic/subacute subdural hematoma. Surgical rescue rate and time preceding 50% hematoma resolution were evaluated across 3 technical groups: aggressive penetration (AP), nonaggressive penetration with proximal coil embolization (NP-PC), and nonaggressive penetration alone (NP). Effect sizes were adjusted for demographic, neurological and radiological features through multivariable logistic and Cox regression. RESULTS: Among 117 procedures, 33.3% achieved AP, 36.8% had NP-PC, and 29.9% had NP. The rate of surgical rescue was 2.6% after AP, 9.3% for NP-PC, and 11.4% for NP. In patients not undergoing rescue surgery, 82.4% achieved hematoma resolution ≥50% at a median imaging follow-up of 56 days; AP or NP-PC were each statistically significantly associated with enhanced hematoma resolution as compared with NP (P = .02). Similarly, sensitivity analysis within medium-size hematoma and antiplatelet/anticoagulation-at-admission subgroups revealed a superiority of resolution after AP or NP-PC. A unique, comparative secondary analysis of liquid embolisate (Onyx vs n-butyl cyanoacrylate) revealed no impact on rate of surgical rescue or hematoma resolution. CONCLUSION: AP was associated with the lowest rate of surgical rescue, while both AP and NP-PC were associated with improved rates of hematoma resolution.