Do stroke services still show sex differences? A multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The issue of sex differences in stroke has gained concern in the past few years. However, multicenter studies are still required in this field. This study explores sex variation in a large number of patients and compares stroke characteristics among women in different age groups and across different countries. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to compare sexes regarding risk factors, stroke severity, quality of services, and stroke outcome. Moreover, conventional risk factors in women according to age groups and among different countries were studied. RESULTS: Eighteen thousand six hundred fifty-nine patients from 9 countries spanning 4 continents were studied. The number of women was significantly lower than men, with older age, more prevalence of AF, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Ischemic stroke was more severe in women, with worse outcomes among women (p: < 0.0001), although the time to treatment was shorter. Bridging that was more frequent in women (p:0.002). Analyzing only women: ischemic stroke was more frequent among the older, while hemorrhage and TIA prevailed in the younger and stroke of undetermined etiology. Comparison between countries showed differences in age, risk factors, type of stroke, and management. CONCLUSION: We observed sex differences in risk factors, stroke severity, and outcome in our population. However, access to revascularization was in favor of women.

Coexistence of external carotid artery embolus and internal carotid artery occlusion in acute ischemic stroke: An indicator of cardioembolic etiology?

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate whether the presence of an external carotid artery embolism accompanying internal carotid artery occlusion may contribute to identifying the etiology of internal carotid artery occlusion in the early period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The presence of external carotid artery embolism was evaluated in 117 patients who were adjudicated for internal carotid artery occlusion based on digital subtraction angiography images. RESULTS: Embolus in the external carotid artery was detected in 8 (6.8%) of the 117 patients with internal carotid artery occlusion (7 (87.5%) patients were found to have tandem and 1 (12.5%) patient had carotid T occlusion). In all of these patients, the thrombus was of embolic origin. Evaluation of the etiology revealed cardioembolic etiology in 4 patients and dissection in 1 patient, and the cause could not be determined in the remaining 3 patients. Patients with external carotid artery embolism accompanying an internal carotid artery occlusion had significantly higher The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores at admission and significantly lower recanalization success compared to those without external carotid artery embolism (p = 0.009, p = 0.01). In the comparison of prognosis, poorer prognosis was observed in those with external carotid artery embolism, although without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: This study observed that the etiology was mostly embolic in patients with external carotid artery embolism accompanying an internal carotid artery occlusion, most of whom were found to have tandem embolic occlusion, and cardiac origin appeared to be the prominent etiology of stroke.

Diagnostic Value of Hounsfield Unit and Hematocrit Levels in Cerebral Vein Thrombosis in the Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: Unenhanced computed tomography (CT) is a frequently used imaging method in patients who are evaluated in the emergency department with suspected cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of the Hounsfield unit (HU) value determined by CT and its ratio to the patient's hematocrit (Htc) value in the diagnosis of cerebral vein thrombosis. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 41 patients with acute cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and 41 age- and sex-matched control participants. Two experienced observers independently evaluated the CT scan and measured the attenuation of the dural sinuses. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in age, gender, hemoglobin, and Htc values between the two groups. The mean HU value was 75 ± 7 HU in the CVT group and 52 ± 6 HU in the control group (p < 0.001). The mean HU/Htc ratio was 1.9 ± 0.3 in the CVT group and 1.3 ± 0.1 in the control group (p < 0.001). The optimal threshold value for HU was determined as 66, and sensitivity at this value was 93%, and specificity was 98%. The optimal threshold value for HU/Htc was determined as 1.64, and the sensitivity at this value was 90% and the specificity was 100%. CONCLUSION: Hyperattenuation in the dural sinuses and the HU/Htc ratio in unenhanced brain CT scans have high diagnostic value in detecting CVT.

Nonoperating Room Anesthesia for Interventional Neuroangiographic Procedures: Outcomes of 105 Patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Accurate anesthesia management is of great importance for the success of interventional neuroangiographic procedures (INPs). General anesthesia with endotracheal intubation is the most commonly preferred anesthetic method for these procedures. However, whether laryngeal mask airway (LMA) anesthesia is a suitable and safe option for such cases is unclear. The aims of this study were to report the outcomes of anesthetic management in patients who underwent INP, and to compare endotracheal intubation with LMA anesthesia in terms of anesthesia-related outcomes. METHODS: Data of patients who underwent INP under general anesthesia at interventional neuroangiography unit were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients with a mean age of 52.9 years were included in the study. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia with using endotracheal tube (n = 79, 75.2%) or laryngeal mask (n = 26, 24.8%). Anesthesia-related complications, including respiratory (laryngospasm,bronchospasm, and desaturation) and circulatory (disrhythmia, hypotension, hypertension), were observed in 20 (19.1%) patients. The 2 airway instruments were similar in age, gender, diagnosis, American Society of Anesthesiologist score, mallampati score, duration of procedure, and duration of anesthesia (P > .05). Anesthesia-related complications were more common in LMA group compared with patients who were intubated using endotracheal tube (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Anesthesia management in INPs carries many challenges for anesthesiologists, due to the need of exact immobility during the procedure and potential procedure-related risks such as vasculary perforation and bleeding. General anesthesia using endotracheal intubation seems to be more secure, in comparison to LMA anesthesia.

Current Recommendations for the Management of Stroke Patients in the Middle East in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic; Statement from the MENA SINO.

COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in the way we manage acute medical illnesses. This pandemic had a negative impact on stroke care worldwide. The World Stroke Organization (WSO) has raised concerns due to the lack of available care and compromised acute stroke services globally. The numbers of thrombolysis and thrombectomy therapies are declining. As well as, the rates and door-to treatment times for thrombolysis and thrombectomy therapies are increasing. The stroke units are being reallocated to serve COVID-19 patients, and stroke teams are being redeployed to COVID-19 centers. Covid 19 confirmed cases and deaths are rising day by day. This pandemic clearly threatened and threatening all stroke care achievements regionally. Managing stroke patients during this pandemic is even more challenging at our region. The Middle East and North Africa Stroke and Interventional Neurotherapies Organization (MENA-SINO) is the main stroke organization regionally. MENA-SINO urges the need to developing new strategies and recommendations for stroke care during this pandemic. This will require multiple channels of interventions and create a protective code stroke with fast triaging path. Developing and expanding the tele-stroke programs are urgently required. There is an urgent need for enhancing collaboration and cooperation between stroke expertise regionally and internationally. Integrating such measures will inevitably lead to an improvement and upgrading of the services to a satisfactory level.

Call to Action: SARS-CoV-2 and CerebrovAscular DisordErs (CASCADE).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2), now named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), may change the risk of stroke through an enhanced systemic inflammatory response, hypercoagulable state, and endothelial damage in the cerebrovascular system. Moreover, due to the current pandemic, some countries have prioritized health resources towards COVID-19 management, making it more challenging to appropriately care for other potentially disabling and fatal diseases such as stroke. The aim of this study is to identify and describe changes in stroke epidemiological trends before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is an international, multicenter, hospital-based study on stroke incidence and outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will describe patterns in stroke management, stroke hospitalization rate, and stroke severity, subtype (ischemic/hemorrhagic), and outcomes (including in-hospital mortality) in 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic, comparing them with the corresponding data from 2018 and 2019, and subsequently 2021. We will also use an interrupted time series (ITS) analysis to assess the change in stroke hospitalization rates before, during, and after COVID-19, in each participating center. CONCLUSION: The proposed study will potentially enable us to better understand the changes in stroke care protocols, differential hospitalization rate, and severity of stroke, as it pertains to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, this will help guide clinical-based policies surrounding COVID-19 and other similar global pandemics to ensure that management of cerebrovascular comorbidity is appropriately prioritized during the global crisis. It will also guide public health guidelines for at-risk populations to reduce risks of complications from such comorbidities.

Early hyperbaric oxygen therapy for cerebral air embolism during atrial fibrillation ablation.

Cerebral air embolism is a potentially life-threatening complication of left-sided ablation procedures. We present a 51-year-old woman with cerebral air embolism during atrial fibrillation cryoballoon ablation. Taking a deep breath while removing the dilatator was the most likely mechanism in our case. The patient was successfully treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy at early stage and was discharged without any neurological sequelae.

Three years' interventional neurology experience in Turkey with the Thrombite thrombectomy device in large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation: safety, efficacy, and clinical outcome.

Introduction: While the Thrombite device differs from the Solitare stent with its Helical open-side structure feature, it shows great similarity with its other features. We assessed the Thrombite device's effectiveness and safety in this study. Materials and methods: The study was a retrospective analysis of patients who were included in the Turkish Interventional Neurology database and who had mechanical thrombectomy with the Thrombite device as the first choice between January 2020 and January 2023. The type of study is descriptive research. Result: Using the Thrombite thrombectomy device, 525 patients received treatment. The median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 13, the median initial Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography (ASPECT) score was 8, and the mean patient age was 68.6+11.7 years. Between the groin puncture and the successful recanalization, the median time was 34 minutes (interquartile range [IQR]: 15-45). 48.2% (modified treatment in cerebral infarction; mTICI) 2b/3% and 33.9% (mTICI 2c/3) were the first-pass recanalization rates. In the end, 87.7% of patients had effective recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b/3). In the "first-pass" subgroup, the favorable functional result (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) was 51.8%, while it was 41.6% for the entire patient population. The rate of embolization into new territory/different territory were 2.1/0.1%. 23 patients (4.5%) had symptomatic hemorrhage. Conclusion: The Thrombite device showed a good safety profile and high overall successful recanalization rates in our experience.

Acute stroke management in Turkey: Current situation and future projection.

In Turkey, the incidence of acute stroke is increasing, obviously with the contribution of the aging population. With the publication of "Directive on Health Services to be Provided to Patients with Acute Stroke" on July 18, 2019 and its entry into force in March 2021, an important period of catching up and updating has begun in the management of acute stroke patients in our country. During this period, 57 comprehensive stroke centers and 51 primary stroke centers were certified. These units have covered approximately 85% of the country's population. In addition, around 50 interventional neurologists were trained and became the directors of many of these centers. In the following 2 years, the "inme.org.tr campaign" was launched. This campaign, aimed at increasing the public's knowledge and awareness about stroke, continued unabated during the pandemic period. Now is the time to continue the efforts to ensure homogeneous quality metrics and to develop and continuously improve the established system.

Can C-reactive protein/albumin ratio be a prognostic factor in acute stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy?

INTRODUCTION: C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin are markers synthesized by the liver and may reflect inflammatory responses. CRP/Albumin ratio (CAR) serves better to reflect the inflammatory state and therefore the prognosis. Worse prognosis is reported in previous studies when CAR rate on admission is high in patients with stroke, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, malignancy or patients followed in intensive care units. We aimed to investigate the relation of CAR with prognosis in mechanical thrombectomy performed acute stroke patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stroke patients admitted to five different stroke centers between January 2021 and August 2022 undergoing mechanical thrombectomy were included and retrospectively analyzed. The CAR ratio was calculated as the ratio of CRP to albumin level in the venous blood samples. Primary outcome was the relation between CAR and functional outcome at 90 days determined by modified Rankin Scale (mRS). RESULTS: This study included 558 patients with a mean age of 66,5 ± 12.5 years (age range:18-89 years) best cutoff value of the CAR was 3.36, with 74.2 % sensitivity and 60.7 % specificity (Area under the curve: 0.774; 95 %CI: 0.693-0.794). There was no significant correlation between CAR rate and age, CAR rate and NIHSS on admission, and also between CAR rate and symptom recanalization (p > 0.05). CAR ratio in the mRS 3-6 group was statistically significantly higher (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analyses, CAR showed an association with 90-day mortality (odds ratio, 1.049; 95 % CI, 1.032-1.066) CONCLUSION: In acute ischemic stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy, CAR may be one of the factors affecting poor clinical outcome and/or mortality in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. Upcoming similar studies in this patient group may better clarify the prognostic role of CAR.

Progression rates of medulla oblongata infarcts in clinical follow-up: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical progression rates in patients with medulla oblongata infarction (MOI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of patients diagnosed with MOI were analysed retrospectively. Dermographic characteristics of the patients; Age, gender, history and stroke etiology were evaluated. Radiological imagings were reviewed retrospectively. Intensive care unit (ICU) requirement, number of intubation days, failed extubation and death rates, good clinical outcome at discharge and 3 months [modified Rankin Scale (mRS 0-2)] and poor clinical outcome (mRS 3-6) rates were evaluated. In addition, the clinical results of patients with medial medullary infarction (MMI) and lateral medullary infarction (LMI) were compared. RESULTS: 33 patients were included in the study, 22 (66.7 %) were male. The mean age of the patients was 72.0 (43.0-85.0). The characteristics of the patients (dermographic features, comorbidities, clinical symptoms, infarct localization, etc.) were evaluated. The results of MMI and LMI patients were compared. The intubation rate was 4 (44.4 %) in the MME group, while it was 8 (33.3 %) in the LME group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of failed extubation, tracheostomy, hospitalization and mortality rates. However, while discharge mRS was statistically significant between the two groups, the mRS at 3 months was not statistically significant. Twelve (36.4 %) of all patients were intubated due to severe clinical progression. In the clinical follow-up, 6 (50.0 %) of the intubated patients died, 3rd month mRS of 6 (50.0 %) patients who survived was 5. In all patients 3-month good clinical outcome rate was % 48,5. CONCLUSION: It should not be forgotten that life-threatening clinical progressions may develop at a considerable rate during the early treatment process of patients diagnosed with MOI.

Understanding the Burden of Atrial Fibrillation and Importance of Screening: A Global Perspective and Recommendations for Turkey.

Considering the aging population, the increase in predisposing factors, and the improvement in healthcare with increased survival rates, atrial fibrillation has been the most common cardiac arrhythmia in adults with a rise in the estimated lifetime risk over recent years. While aging is a powerful risk factor for atrial fibrillation, the leading prevalent comorbidities are hypertension, heart failure, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. Atrial fibrillation is associated with substantial morbidity, impaired quality of life, and increased mortality and healthcare costs. As a significant proportion of the total atrial fibrillation population is asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, early identification and initiation of appropriate treatment for atrial fibrillation may prevent potentially detrimental outcomes such as stroke and heart failure and decrease all-cause mortality. Although screening via evolving health technologies has recently been emerging, verification of the electrocardiogram track recording over at least 30 seconds by a physician with expertise is still required for a definite diagnosis. Based on the global and national data and the current healthcare environment in Turkey, this targeted review with cardiology, neurology, and family physicians' perspectives highlights the importance of early detection by implementing the advancing screening modalities as well as the need for raised awareness of both patients and healthcare professionals and establishment of a multidisciplinary clinical approach for a better outcome in atrial fibrillation management.

Lessons learned in stroke care during COVID-19 pandemic and preparing for future pandemics in the MENA+ region: A consensus statement from the MENA+-SINO.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted stroke care services at multiple levels. There was a decline in acute stroke admissions. Fewer interventions have been performed. Increased "door-to-needle times and "door-to-groin puncture" during this pandemic. These factors combined have led to declining in the favoured outcomes of stroke patients' globally. Yet this pandemic permits an opportunity for higher preparedness for future pandemics. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: This paper aims to shed light on the main lessons learned in the field of stroke care during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Here we are presenting proposals and initiatives for better preparedness in future similar emergencies. These proposals are based primarily on literature review of COVID-19 publications, as well as the first-hand experience gained during the first wave at the regional level. In addition to the consensus and collective ride of stroke experts in the Middle East North Africa Stroke and Interventional Neurotherapies Organization (MENA+-SINO) and interaction and collaboration with international stroke specialists from the Stroke World Organization (WSO), European Stroke Organization (ESO) and stroke and COVID-19 papers authors. CONCLUSION: Stroke care is very complex, particularly in the initial hours after onset of symptoms. A successful outcome requires very close collaboration between clinical personnel from multiple specialties. Preparedness for future pandemics requires the improvement of care plans that allow for rapid assessment of stroke patients and ensuring that regular 'mock exercises' familiarize quintessential services that care for the stroke patients.

Assessment of safety and feasibility of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation for treatment of acute stroke.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) using a hand-held stimulator placed on the neck is an FDA-approved treatment for primary headache disorders. The safety of nVNS is unknown in stroke patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and feasibility of nVNS for the acute treatment of stroke. METHODS: TR-VENUS (clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT03733431) was a randomized, sham-controlled, open-label, multicenter trial conducted in patients with acute ischemic stroke (IS) or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Patients were randomly assigned to standard-dose nVNS, high-dose nVNS, or sham stimulation. The primary endpoint was a composite safety outcome defined as bradycardia or reduction in mean arterial blood pressure during treatment or progression of neurological or death within 24 h of treatment. The feasibility endpoints were the proportion of eligible subjects receiving nVNS within 6 h of symptom onset and the proportion completing all pre-specified treatment doses. Efficacy assessments included infarct growth from baseline to 24 h after treatment. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients (61 IS, 8 ICH) completed the study. The composite safety outcome was achieved in 32.0% in sham and 47.7% in nVNS group (p = 0.203). Treatment was initiated in all but two randomized patients. All dosed subjects received 100% of prespecified stimulations. A non-significant reduction in infarct growth was observed in the high-dose nVNS group (184.2% in sham vs. 63.3% in high-dose nVNS; p = 0.109). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that nVNS may be safe and feasible in the setting of acute stroke. These findings support further development of nVNS as a potential treatment for acute ischemic stroke.

Predictors of Symptomatic Hemorrhage After Endovascular Treatment for Anterior Circulation Occlusions: Turkish Endovascular Stroke Registry.

We evaluated the predictive factors of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH) in endovascular treatment of stroke. We included 975 ischemic stroke patients with anterior circulation occlusion. Patients that had hemorrhage and an increase of ≥4 points in their National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) after the treatment were considered as SICH. The mean age of patients was 65.2±13.1 years and 469 (48.1%) were women. The median NIHSS was 16 (13-18) and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT 9 (8-10). In 420 patients (43.1%), modified Rankin Scale was favorable (0-2) and mortality was observed in 234 (24%) patients at the end of the third month. Patients with high diastolic blood pressure (P<.05) had significantly higher SICH. SICH was significantly higher in those with high NIHSS scores (P<.001), high blood glucose (P<.001), and leukocyte count at admission (P<.05). Diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR 1.90; P<.001), NIHSS (OR 1.07; P<.05), adjuvant intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy (IA-rtPA) (OR, 1.60; P<.05), and puncture-recanalization time (OR 1.01; P<.05) were independent factors of SICH. Higher baseline NIHSS score, longer procedure time, multiple thrombectomy maneuvers, administration of IA-rtPA, and the history of DM are independent predictors of SICH in anterior circulation occlusion.

Stroke services in the Middle East and adjacent region: A survey of 34 hospital-based stroke services.

Background: Acute stroke care is complex and requires multidisciplinary networking. There are insufficient data on stroke care in the Middle East and adjacent regions in Asia and Africa. Objective: Evaluate the state of readiness of stroke programs in the Middle East North Africa and surrounding regions (MENA+) to treat acute stroke. Method: Online questionnaire survey on the evaluation of stroke care across hospitals of MENA+ region between April 2021 and January 2022. Results: The survey was completed by 34/50 (68%) hospitals. The median population serviced by participating hospitals was 2 million. The median admission of patients with stroke/year was 600 (250-1,100). The median length of stay at the stroke units was 5 days. 34/34 (100%) of these hospitals have 24/7 CT head available. 17/34 (50%) have emergency guidelines for prehospital acute stroke care. Mechanical thrombectomy with/without IVT was available in 24/34 (70.6%). 51% was the median (IQR; 15-75%) of patients treated with IVT within 60 min from arrival. Thirty-five minutes were the median time to reverse warfarin-associated ICH. Conclusion: This is the first large study on the availability of resources for the management of acute stroke in the MENA+ region. We noted the disparity in stroke care between high-income and low-income countries. Concerted efforts are required to improve stroke care in low-income countries. Accreditation of stroke programs in the region will be helpful.

Elevated Red Blood Cell Distribution Width May Be a Novel Independent Predictor of Poor Functional Outcome in Patients Treated with Mechanical Thrombectomy.

PURPOSE: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) evaluates the variation (size heterogeneity) in red blood cells. Elevated RDW has been identified as a predictor of poor functional outcomes for acute ischemic stroke. The association between elevated RDW level and poor functional outcome in stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy has not been reported before. This study aims to investigate this relationship. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective study involving the prospectively and consecutively collected data of 205 adult stroke patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (middle cerebral artery M1, anterior cerebral artery A1, tandem ICA-MCA, carotid T) between July 2017 and December 2019. RDW cut off levels were accepted as >16%. The effect of elevated RDW on poor functional outcome (modified Rankin scale 3-6) was investigated using bivariate and multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: Elevated RDW was significantly associated with poor functional outcome in bivariate and multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] for RDW >16%, 2.078; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.083-3.966; P=0.027 and OR for RDW >16%, 2.873; 95% CI, 1.342-6.151; P=0.007; respectively). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that elevated RDW may be an independent predictor of poor functional outcomes in ischemic stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy.

Role of modified TAN score in predicting prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of modified TAN collateral score in predicting functional independence in ischemic stroke patients, who underwent endovascular therapy. INTRODUCTION: Identifying the group of patients, who will benefit most from arterial recanalization in patients with acute ischemic stroke, is the basis of success. Collateral circulation is a physiological condition that protects the brain against ischemia and inhibits the growth of a damaged area. The presence of collaterals is a well-known determinant for functional independence. Numerous collateral scoring systems are used for this purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic role of modified TAN collateral score (MTCS) in predicting functional independence in patients, who received endovascular therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective data of 101 patients, who received endovascular therapy from the stroke team of Eskisehir Osmangazi University (ESOGÜ) between 2016 and 2017, were examined retrospectively for this purpose. Collateral assessments were performed in Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) according to the modified TAN scoring system (< 50% refers to poor collateral status, ≥ 50% refers to good collateral status). Good clinical outcome was assessed as mRS 0-2 in the 3rd month. The TICI scoring system was used in the evaluation of recanalization. Patients treated within the first 6 h of symptom onset, patients with NCCT and contrast CTA, patients with internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery occlusion were included in the study. Posterior system stroke was not included in the study. CONCLUSION: Of the 101 patients, 50 (49%) had poor MTCS. Presentation and 24th hour NIHSS values of the patients with poor MTCS were higher (p:0.003). The third month mRS values were low in patients with good MTCS on admission, while these values were high in patients, who presented with poor MTCS. Mortality rates were significantly higher in the patient group with poor collateral circulation score (32-5.9%) (p:0.001). No significant differences were found in the presentation ASPECT values and (TICI 2b/3) recanalization rates of the patients. The rate of futile recanalization was significantly higher in the group with poor collateral circulation (52-8%) (p:0.0001). Presentation glucose, NIHSS, mTAN, symptom-puncture time, and good ASPECT score were found to be predictive markers for good outcome by univariate analysis. The major risk factors were determined by performing multiple logistic regression analysis. Presentation glucose, NIHSS, and mTAN (OR:1.013, 1.29, 0.198, respectively) were found to be strong and independent predictors for good clinical outcome. According to Multiple Binary Logistic Regression analysis Backward-ward model, Baseline NIHSS, poor collaterals and baseline glucose are found as predictors for poor outcome. DISCUSSION: This study shows that good collateral score is associated with good clinical response, small final infarct volume, third month low mRS, low admission, and 24-hour NIHSS rates. The likelihood of having long term prognosis is 7 fold higher in patients with poor collaterals. The use of the MTCS system is recommended and supported due to its easy and rapid applicability.