Stroke with large vessel occlusion in the posterior circulation: IV thrombolysis plus thrombectomy versus IV thrombolysis alone.

Efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for stroke with posterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) is still under debate. We aimed to compare the outcomes of stroke patients with posterior circulation LVO treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) (< 4.5 h after symptom onset) plus MT < 6 h after symptom onset with those treated with IVT alone (< 4.5 h after symptom onset). Patients enrolled in the Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke (IRETAS) and in the Italian centers included in the SITS-ISTR were analysed. We identified 409 IRETAS patients treated with IVT plus MT and 384 SITS-ISTR patients treated with IVT alone. IVT plus MT was significantly associated with higher rate of sICH (ECASS II) compared with IVT alone (3.1 vs 1.9%; OR 3.984, 95% CI 1.014-15.815), while the two treatments did not differ significantly in 3-month mRS score ≤ 3 (64.3 vs 74.1%; OR 0.829, 95% CI 0.524-1.311). In 389 patients with isolated basilar artery (BA) occlusion, IVT plus MT was significantly associated with higher rate of any ICH compared with IVT alone (9.4 vs 7.4%; OR 4.131, 95% CI 1.215-14.040), while two treatments did not differ significantly in 3-month mRS score ≤ 3 and sICH per ECASS II definition. IVT plus MT was significantly associated with higher rate mRS score ≤ 2 (69.1 vs 52.1%; OR 2.692, 95% CI 1.064-6.811) and lower rate of death (13.8 vs 27.1%; OR 0.299, 95% CI 0.095-0.942) in patients with distal-segment BA occlusion, while two treatments did not differ significantly in 3-month mRS score ≤ 3 and sICH per ECASS II definition. IVT plus MT was significantly associated with lower rate of mRS score ≤ 3 (37.1 vs 53.3%; OR 0.137, 0.009-0.987), mRS score ≤ 1 (22.9 vs 53.3%; OR 0.066, 95% CI 0.006-0.764), mRS score ≤ 2 (34.3 vs 53.3%; OR 0.102, 95% CI 0.011-0.935), and higher rate of death (51.4 vs 40%; OR 16.244, 1.395-89.209) in patients with proximal-segment BA occlusion. Compared with IVT alone, IVT plus MT was significantly associated with higher rate of sICH per ECASS II definition in patients with stroke and posterior circulation LVO, while two treatment groups did not differ significantly in 3-month mRS score ≤ 3. IVT plus MT was associated with lower rate of mRS score ≤ 3 compared with IVT alone in patients with proximal-segment BA occlusion, whereas no significant difference was found between the two treatments in primary endpoints in patients isolated BA occlusion and in the other subgroups based on site occlusion.

IV thrombolysis plus thrombectomy versus IV thrombolysis alone for minor stroke with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion from the IRETAS and Italian SITS-ISTR cohorts.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) <4.5 h after symptom onset plus mechanical thrombectomy (MT) <6 h with those treated with IVT alone <4.5 h for minor stroke (NIHSS ≤5) with large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the anterior circulation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients enrolled in the Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke (IRETAS) and in the Italian centers included in the SITS-ISTR were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the patients with complete data on 24-h ICH type, 236 received IVT plus MT and 382 received IVT alone. IVT plus MT was significantly associated with unfavorable shift on 24-h ICH types (from no ICH to PH-2) (OR, 2.130; 95% CI, 1.173-3.868; p=0.013) and higher rate of PH (OR, 4.363; 95% CI, 1.579-12.055; p=0.005), sICH per ECASS II definition (OR, 5.527; 95% CI, 1.378-22.167; p=0.016), and sICH per NINDS definition (OR, 3.805; 95% CI, 1.310-11.046; p=0.014). Among the patients with complete data on 3-month mRS score, 226 received IVT plus MT and 262 received IVT alone. No significant difference was reported between IVT plus MT and IVT alone on mRS score 0-1 (72.1% versus 69.1%), mRS score 0-2 (79.6% versus 79%), and death (6.2% versus 6.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with IVT alone, IVT plus MT was associated with unfavorable shift on 24-h ICH types and higher rate of 24-h PH and sICH in patients with minor stroke and LVO in the anterior circulation. However, no difference was reported between the groups on 3-month functional outcome measures.

Mechanical thrombectomy in patients with heart failure: the Italian registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is the second most important cardiac risk factor for stroke after atrial fibrillation (AF). Few data are available on mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with HF. METHODS: The source of data is the multicentre Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke (IRETAS). All AIS patients ≥ 18 years receiving MT were categorised in two groups: HF and no-HF. Baseline clinical and neuroradiological findings on admission were analysed. RESULTS: Of 8924 patients, 642 (7.2%) had HF. Compared to the no-HF group, HF patients had higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Rate of complete recanalisation (TICI 2b-3) was 76.9% in HF vs 78.1% in no-HF group (p = 0.481). Rate of symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage at 24-h non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) was 7.6% in HF vs 8.3% in no-HF patients (p = 0.520). At 3 months, 36.4% of HF patients and 48.2% of no-HF patients (p < 0.001) had mRS 0-2, and mortality was, respectively, 30.7% and 18.5% (p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression, HF was independently associated with mortality at 3 months (OR 1.53, 1.24-1.88 95% CI, p < 0.001). In multivariate ordinal regression, HF patients had a probability of transitioning to a higher mRS level of 1.23 (1.05-1.44 95% CI, p = 0.012). The propensity score analysis of two groups matched for age, sex, and NIHSS at admission yielded the same results. CONCLUSION: MT is safe and effective in HF patients with AIS. Patients with HF and AIS suffered from higher 3-month mortality and unfavourable outcome regardless of acute treatments.

Refractory Chylothorax Secondary to Sizeable Azygos Vein Hemangioma: Tailored Multimodal Treatment of a Challenging Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Mediastinal hemangiomas are rare, and their etiology remains unclear. Most patients affected have no pathognomonic clinical symptoms, and the diagnosis is often incidental. Due to the paucity of the available literature regarding the management of this disease, the choice and timing of treatment remains controversial. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we report the case of a hemangioma of the azygos vein arch in a 66-year-old woman who presented with dyspnea, chest discomfort, dysphagia, and weight loss. A simultaneous right chylothorax refractory to conservative management was found. A CT-guided biopsy of the mass was performed, and it confirmed the vascular nature of the lesion. Therefore, the patient underwent an angiography followed by endo-vascular embolization. Three days later, thoracoscopic surgical resection of the mass and the repair of the chyle leakage were performed safely. The patient was discharged uneventfully on postoperative day seven, with complete resolution of all the presenting symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of symptomatic mediastinal hemangiomas could be mandatory, but a thorough multidisciplinary approach to these rare malformations is essential. Despite the risk of intraoperative bleeding, selective endovascular embolization followed by thoracoscopic surgery allowed for a complete and safe resection with a good outcome.

Single-stage endovascular treatment in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage with multiple intracranial aneurysms: Systematic review of the literature and multicentric retrospective experience.

OBJECTIVES: The presence of multiple intracranial aneurysms in patients with acute subarachnoid haemorrhage is a condition with no evidence of optimal treatment strategy, especially in case of uncertain haemorrhage patterns on cumputed tomography. The aim of this study was to analyse the safety and efficacy profile of single-stage endovascular treatment of multiple intracranial aneurysms with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage in the literature and in a retrospective case series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of the present literature was conducted to identify studies related to single-stage endovascular treatment for ≥2 aneurysms; in addition, a retrospective multicentric review was performed. Data on clinical presentation, aneurysm size and location, occlusion rates, intracranial complications and clinical outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Thirteen articles were identified (all little case series) reporting 189 patients harbouring 389 aneurysms. And 85.6% presented with a Hunt-Hess scale 1-3, and 14.4% 4-5. Intracranial complications rate was 11.5%. Baseline and follow-up (20.5 months) occlusion rates were adequate (Raymond-Roy occlusion scale I-II) in 93% and 96.2%, respectively. 81% of patients had favourable clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤2; Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) 5-4) and 19% poor (mRS 3-6; GOS 3-1). The retrospective database identified 53 patients with 115 aneurysms. Clinical presentation was Hunt-Hess (HH) 1-3/WNFS 1-2 75% and HH 4-5/WNFS 3-5 25%. Intracranial complication rate was 24.5%. Occlusion rate RROC I-II was 78.7% at baseline and 15 months and 90.2% at follow up. Clinical outcome at 3 months was mRS ≤2 68.6% and mRS 3-6 31.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Single-staged endovascular treatment can be feasible, although a higher risk of intraprocedural complications, with clinical presentation being the major factor to influence the outcome.

Report on an Italian survey of 72 stuck hemodialysis catheters.

BACKGROUND: Reports of stuck hemodialysis catheters have been on the rise in recent years. Aim of this work is to report how this complication has been managed and the relative outcomes in a multicente Italian survey. METHODS: Since 2012, the Italian Society of Nephrology (SIN) Project Group of Vascular Access has collected data among nephrologists on this complication. Data regarding 72 cases of stuck tunnelled central venous catheter (tCVC) in 72 patients were retrieved thanks to this survey. RESULTS: In 11 patients (15%) the stuck catheter was directly buried or left in place. Sixty-one cases were managed through advanced removal techniques. Among these, 47 (77%) stuck tunnelled central venous catheters were successfully removed, while 14 (23%) failed to be withdrawn. Considering removed tCVCs, the use of endoluminal balloon dilatation alone or in combination with other tools showed a percentage of success of 88%. The removal procedure involved numerous specialists. Some complications occurred, such as breakage of the line or bleeding, and two cases of haemopericardium during an advanced procedure. CONCLUSION: The survey shows how the stuck catheter complication was managed in different ways, with conflicting results. When utilized, endoluminal balloon dilatation proved to be the most effective and most often utilized technique, while some cases had suboptimal management or failure. This underlines how delicate the procedure is, and the need for both precise knowledge of this complication and timely organization of removal attempts.

Woven EndoBridge Device for Unruptured Wide-Neck Bifurcation Aneurysm: A Multicenter 5-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This multicenter study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device for treating unruptured wide-neck intracranial bifurcation aneurysms (WIBAs) with short-, mid-, and long-term follow-ups (FUPs). METHODS: Consecutive patients with unruptured WIBAs treated with WEB between December 2014 and January 2018 were included. Patient, aneurysm, and device characteristics were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Morbidity and mortality rates were determined by collecting intraprocedural, periprocedural, and delayed complications. Aneurysm occlusion was assessed at 1, 3, and 5 years using a 3-grade scale: complete occlusion, neck remnant, and residual aneurysm. Complete occlusion and neck remnant were considered as adequate occlusion. Patients who received re-treatment were also evaluated. RESULTS: The study included 104 consecutive patients (55.8% female, mean age 58.6 ± 11.8 years). Aneurysm maximum size, neck, and dome-to-neck mean were, respectively, 6.9 ± 2.1 mm, 4.5 ± 1.2 mm, and 1.4 ± 0.3 mm. One-year FUP was collected for 95 patients, and 3- and 5-year FUPs were collected for 83 patients. Adequate occlusion was observed at 1-year FUP in 90.5% (86/95), 91.6% (76/83) was observed at 3-year FUP, and 92.8% (77/83) at 5-year FUP. None of the aneurysms bled after treatment. During FUP, 6/83 patients (7.2%) were re-treated for residual aneurysm. Morbidity and mortality rates closely related to aneurysm occlusion were 0% (0/104). CONCLUSION: The WEB device was safe and effective for treating unruptured WIBAs, both in short-term and long-term FUPs.

World Federation for Interventional Stroke Treatment (WIST) Multispecialty Training Guidelines for Endovascular Stroke Intervention.

INTRODUCTION: Today, endovascular treatment (EVT) is the therapy of choice for strokes due to acute large vessel occlusion, irrespective of prior thrombolysis. This necessitates fast, coordinated multi-specialty collaboration. Currently, in most countries, the number of physicians and centres with expertise in EVT is limited. Thus, only a small proportion of eligible patients receive this potentially life-saving therapy, often after significant delays. Hence, there is an unmet need to train a sufficient number of physicians and centres in acute stroke intervention in order to allow widespread and timely access to EVT. AIM: To provide multi-specialty training guidelines for competency, accreditation and certification of centres and physicians in EVT for acute large vessel occlusion strokes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The World Federation for Interventional Stroke Treatment (WIST) consists of experts in the field of endovascular stroke treatment. This interdisciplinary working group developed competency - rather than time-based - guidelines for operator training, taking into consideration trainees' previous skillsets and experience. Existing training concepts from mostly single specialty organizations were analysed and incorporated. RESULTS: The WIST establishes an individualized approach to acquiring clinical knowledge and procedural skills to meet the competency requirements for certification of interventionalists of various disciplines and stroke centres in EVT. WIST guidelines encourage acquisition of skills using innovative training methods such as structured supervised high-fidelity simulation and procedural performance on human perfused cadaveric models. CONCLUSIONS: WIST multispecialty guidelines outline competency and quality standards for physicians and centres to perform safe and effective EVT. The role of quality control and quality assurance is highlighted. SUMMARY: The World Federation for Interventional Stroke Treatment (WIST) establishes an individualized approach to acquiring clinical knowledge and procedural skills to meet the competency requirements for certification of interventionalists of various disciplines and stroke centres in endovascular treatment (EVT). WIST guidelines encourage acquisition of skills using innovative training methods such as structured supervised high-fidelity simulation and procedural performance on human perfused cadaveric models. WIST multispecialty guidelines outline competency and quality standards for physicians and centers to perform safe and effective EVT. The role of quality control and quality assurance is highlighted. SIMULTANEOUS PUBLICATION: The WIST 2023 Guidelines are published simultaneously in Europe (Adv Interv Cardiol 2023).

World Federation for Interventional Stroke Treatment (WIST) multispecialty training guidelines for endovascular stroke intervention.

Introduction: Today, endovascular treatment (EVT) is the therapy of choice for strokes due to acute large vessel occlusion, irrespective of prior thrombolysis. This necessitates fast, coordinated multi-specialty collaboration. Currently, in most countries, the number of physicians and centres with expertise in EVT is limited. Thus, only a small proportion of eligible patients receive this potentially life-saving therapy, often after significant delays. Hence, there is an unmet need to train a sufficient number of physicians and centres in acute stroke intervention in order to allow widespread and timely access to EVT. Aim: To provide multi-specialty training guidelines for competency, accreditation and certification of centres and physicians in EVT for acute large vessel occlusion strokes. Material and methods: The World Federation for Interventional Stroke Treatment (WIST) consists of experts in the field of endovascular stroke treatment. This interdisciplinary working group developed competency - rather than time-based - guidelines for operator training, taking into consideration trainees' previous skillsets and experience. Existing training concepts from mostly single specialty organizations were analysed and incorporated. Results: The WIST establishes an individualized approach to acquiring clinical knowledge and procedural skills to meet the competency requirements for certification of interventionalists of various disciplines and stroke centres in EVT. WIST guidelines encourage acquisition of skills using innovative training methods such as structured supervised high-fidelity simulation and procedural performance on human perfused cadaveric models. Conclusions: WIST multispecialty guidelines outline competency and quality standards for physicians and centres to perform safe and effective EVT. The role of quality control and quality assurance is highlighted.

Predictors for hemorrhagic transformation and cerebral edema in stroke patients with first-pass complete recanalization.

BACKGROUND: Predictors of radiological complications attributable to reperfusion injury remain unknown when baseline setting is optimal for endovascular treatment and procedural setting is the best in stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). AIMS: To identify clinical and radiological/procedural predictors for hemorrhagic transformation (HT) and cerebral edema (CED) at 24 hr in patients obtaining complete recanalization in one pass of thrombectomy for ischemic stroke ⩽ 6 h from symptom onset with intra-cranial anterior circulation LVO and ASPECTS ⩾ 6. METHODS: We conducted a cohort study on prospectively collected data from 1400 patients enrolled in the Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke. RESULTS: HT was reported in 248 (18%) patients and early CED was reported in 260 (19.2%) patients. In the logistic regression model including predictors from a first model with clinical variables and from a second model with radiological/procedural variables, diabetes mellitus (odds ratio (OR) = 1.832, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.201-2.795), higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (OR = 1.076, 95% CI = 1.044-1.110), lower Alberta Stroke Program Early CT (ASPECTS) (OR = 0.815, 95% CI = 0.694-0.957), and longer onset-to-groin time (OR = 1.005, 95% CI = 1.002-1.007) were predictors of HT, whereas general anesthesia was inversely associated with HT (OR = 0.540, 95% CI = 0.355-0.820). Higher NIHSS (OR = 1.049, 95% CI = 1.021-1.077), lower ASPECTS (OR = 0.700, 95% CI = 0.613-0.801), intravenous thrombolysis (OR = 1.464, 95% CI = 1.061-2.020), longer onset-to-groin time (OR = 1.002, 95% CI = 1.001-1.005), and longer procedure time (OR = 1.009, 95% CI = 1.004-1.015) were predictors of early CED. After repeating a fourth logistic regression model including also good collaterals, the same variables remained predictors for HT and/or early CED, except diabetes mellitus and thrombolysis, while good collaterals were inversely associated with early CED (OR = 0.385, 95% CI = 0.248-0.599). CONCLUSIONS: Higher NIHSS, lower ASPECTS, and longer onset-to-groin time were predictors for both HT and early CED. General anesthesia and good collaterals were inversely associated with HT and early CED, respectively. Longer procedure time was predictor of early CED.

Sex differences in outcome after thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke. A propensity score-matched study.

Background and purpose: We sought to investigate whether there are gender differences in clinical outcome after stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) after mechanical thrombectomy (EVT) in a large population of real-world patients. Methods: From the Italian Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy, we extracted clinical and outcome data of patients treated for stroke due to large vessel occlusion. We compared clinical and safety outcomes in men and women who underwent EVT alone or in combination with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in the total population and in a Propensity Score matched set. Results: Among 3422 patients included in the study, 1801 (52.6%) were women. Despite older age at onset (mean 72.4 vs 68.7; p < 0.001), and higher rate of atrial fibrillation (41.7% vs 28.6%; p < 0.001), women had higher probability of 3-month functional independence (adjusted odds ratio-adjOR 1.19; 95% CI 1.02-1.38), of complete recanalization (adjOR 1.25; 95% CI 1.09-1.44) and lower probability of death (adjOR 0.75; 95% CI 0.62-0.90). After propensity-score matching, a well-balanced cohort comprising 1150 men and 1150 women was analyzed, confirming the same results regarding functional outcome (3-month functional independence: OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.04-1.51), and complete recanalization (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.09-1.53). Conclusions: Subject to the limitations of a non-randomized comparison, women with stroke due to LVO treated with mechanical thrombectomy had a better chance to achieve complete recanalization, and 3-month functional independence than men. The results could be driven by women who underwent combined treatment.

Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms Treated with Woven Endobridge Intrasaccular Flow Disruptor: A Multicenter Experience.

BACKGROUND: The woven endobridge intrasaccular flow disruptor (WEB) device for ruptured broad-based intracranial aneurysm (rBBA) remains underrepresented in existing studies. In this case series, the safety and efficacy results of the use of WEB in rBBA were evaluated from a multi-center experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 2014 and October 2017, data of all patients with rBBA (≥4 mm and/or dome/neck ratio ≥1 and ≤1.6) treated with WEB were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed from 3 Italian neurointerventional centers. The interventional procedures and the clinical and angiographic outcomes are reported for the periprocedural phase with midterm follow-up. RESULTS: 33 patients were included in this series (10 patients with Hunt-Hess scores 4-5; 23 patients with Hunt-Hess scores 1-3). Technical success was obtained for all 33 patients (100%). The mean fluoroscopy time was 24 minutes (range, 8-40 minutes). Adjunctive devices were used in 6% of patients (2 stents). At the 1-month follow-up visit, the overall mortality was 33%. The overall rate of WEB-related complications was 27% (5 device protrusion, 2 sac perforation, 2 thromboembolism), with a WEB-related mortality of 12% and permanent neurologic deficit of 3%. Of the surviving patients, 1 was lost to follow-up. At 14 months, the mean follow-up (range, 2-35 months), no early or delayed reruptured aneurysms were observed; complete occlusion was obtained in 7/21 patients (33%), neck remnant in 8/21 (38%), and residual aneurysm filling in 6/21 (29%) patients, with a modified Rankin Scale of 0sto 2 observed in 17/21 patients (80%). CONCLUSIONS: The WEB device for rBBA is a fast and effective treatment, with a low rate of aneurysm rebleeding; however, procedure-related complications seem not negligible. Further evaluation comparing this device with other treatment options should be performed.

Drug-coated balloon angioplasty in failing haemodialysis arteriovenous shunts: 12-month outcomes in 200 patients from the Aperto Italian registry.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the safety and technical and clinical outcomes of angioplasty with a drug-coated balloon for the management of venous stenosis in arteriovenous grafts and arteriovenous fistulas in patients undergoing haemodialysis. METHODS: Data were obtained from an ongoing prospective, non-randomised registry conducted at three Italian centres. Patients were treated with a drug-coated balloon according to standard procedures in each participating centre. Evaluation was by colour Doppler imaging every 3 months. The primary end-point was primary assisted patency. The secondary end-point was the rate of assisted patency of the vascular access. RESULTS: A total of 311 angioplasty procedures in 200 patients, (60.4% male), were analysed. The procedural success rate was 100%. A total of 192 treatments of restenosis were necessary in 81 patients during average 21 ± 8 months follow-up. Kaplan-Meier estimates indicated that 88.0%, 64.2% and 40.6% of treated lesions were free from restenosis at 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively. Including multiple angioplasty, circuit patency rates were 99.2%, 92.5% and 84.8% at 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively. Primary patency rates were highest in shunts treated de novo with drug-coated balloons. Risk of restenosis was associated with circuit age (p = 0.017), history of treatment with conventional angioplasty (p < 0.001) and the kind of balloon used during pre-dilation (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that favourable long-term patency rates can be achieved with the drug-coated balloon in a varied population of patients with failing haemodialysis arteriovenous shunts treated under conditions of actual care.

Pure arterial malformations.

OBJECTIVE Over the last half century, there have been isolated case reports of purely arterial malformations. In this study, the authors report a consecutive series of patients with pure arterial malformations, emphasizing the clinical and radiological features of these lesions. METHODS Pure arterial malformations were defined as dilated, overlapping, and tortuous arteries with a coil-like appearance and/or a mass of arterial loops without any associated venous component. Demographic characteristics of the patients, cardiovascular risk factors, presentation, radiological characteristics, and follow-up data were collected. Primary outcomes were new neurological symptoms including disability, stroke, and hemorrhage. RESULTS Twelve patients meeting the criteria were identified. Ten patients were female (83.3%) and 2 were male (16.6%). Their mean age at diagnosis was 26.2 ± 11.6 years. The most common imaging indication was headache (7 patients [58.3%]). In 3 cases the pure arterial malformation involved the anterior cerebral arteries (25.0%); in 4 cases the posterior communicating artery/posterior cerebral artery (33.3%); in 2 cases the middle cerebral artery (16.6%); and in 1 case each, the superior cerebellar artery, basilar artery/anterior inferior cerebellar artery, and posterior inferior cerebellar artery. The mean maximum diameter of the malformations was 7.2 ± 5.0 mm (range 3-16 mm). Four lesions had focal aneurysms associated with the pure arterial malformation, and 5 were partially calcified. In no cases was there associated intracranial hemorrhage or infarction. One patient underwent treatment for the pure arterial malformation. All 12 patients had follow-up (mean 29 months, median 19 months), and there were no cases of disability, stroke, or hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS Pure arterial malformations are rare lesions that are often detected incidentally and probably have a benign natural history. These lesions can affect any of the intracranial arteries and are likely best managed conservatively.

A novel approach to inoperable or recurrent rectal cancer by chemoembolization: A new arrow in our quiver?

PURPOSE: Assess the feasibility, safety and efficacy of TACE with irinotecan loaded micro particles (debiri) for the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer patients. RESULTS: We assessed the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS). The tool is designed to assess nine common symptoms in cancer patients: pain, tiredness, nausea, depression, anxiety, drowsiness, appetite, wellbeing and shortness of breath. The ESAS score was 7 in 10/12 (83%) patients before treatment and 6 in 2/12 (16.5%) patients. After treatment in 6/12 (50%) patients the score dropped to 3; 3/12 (33%) reported 4, 1/12 (8%) reported 2. All patients experienced local control disease with a degree of citoreduction; in 4 cases (33%) we observed outstanding responses with a dramatic reduction in the tumors size which led us to surgical radical resections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We run a prospective mono-institutional study where we recruited, 12 non- consecutive patients with histology confirmation of rectal cancer, inoperable and not treatable due to severe comorbidities, or pelvic recurrence/progression after curative treatment, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or surgery. Their performance status (PS) ECOG was 2-3 . Twelve patients (10 male and 2 female) with a median age 71 (range 56-89) were recruited in the study. CONCLUSIONS: The study has met the primary endpoint and showed encouraging activity. Debiri could be a possible option for locally advanced/inoperable or recurred rectal cancer patients. Further trials are warranted to validate this methodic in early stages.

Inferior mesenteric artery chemoembolization and chemotherapy for advanced rectal cancer: report of a clinical case.

Patients with advanced and incurable colorectal cancer have a very poor prognosis. Curative-intent resection was performed in 70%-90% of cases in reported series of colorectal cancer, sometimes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The remaining 10%-30% of patients are treated with palliative intent, where treatment is aimed at relieving disease-related symptoms and improving quality of life. The provision of palliative care for these patients is complicated and outcomes are often disappointing. Although there are many available options including a variety of surgical and nonsurgical interventions, the best management remains controversial. Transarterial chemoembolization with irinotecan-loaded drug-eluting beads (DEBIRI) is an effective, minimally invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists that allows intra-arterial drug delivery to stop vascular feeding and exert local cytotoxic effects. We here report on a patient treated with DEBIRI followed by systemic chemotherapy with the FOLFOX regimen for locally advanced, inoperable colorectal cancer.

CT angiography in the assessment of carotid atherosclerotic disease: results of more than two years' experience.

PURPOSE: To assess the role of CT Angiography (CTA) in patients with carotid atherosclerotic disease as compared to echo-colour Doppler (CDUS) ultrasound of the supra-aortic trunks (SAT) and surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-two patients with suspected carotid atherosclerotic disease were submitted to CDUS and CTA of the supra-aortic trunks. Agreement between CDUS and CTA was first evaluated with regard to the following parameters: degree of stenosis according to NASCET criteria, plaque morphology, presence of ulcerations, tandem lesions and vessel abnormalities. Secondly, data provided by the two methodologies were compared with the surgical specimens (35 patients); in 12 cases, the stenosis was measured on the cast of the carotid plaque made of for biologic use silicone. RESULTS: The correlation between CDUS and CTA in evaluating the degree of stenosis was 75.6%; poor agreement was found for mild (61.1%) and severe (69.1%) stenoses; agreement in the evaluation of vessel abnormalities, plaque morphology and ulcerations was 81.7%, 89.0% and 96.3%, respectively. CTA demonstrated 11 tandem lesions not detected CDUS. Compared to surgery, CTA correctly classified the degree of stenosis according to NASCET criteria in 31/35 cases (88.6%) - as opposed to 29/35 by CDUS (82.9%) - and never overestimated the stenosis. CTA proved superior to CDUS in detecting plaque ulcerations (75% vs 25% sensitivity) and vessel abnormalities (100% vs 44.4% sensitivity). CONCLUSIONS: CTA is recommended as a second-level examination in patients with carotid atherosclerotic steno-obstructive disease who are surgical candidates.