POSTERIOR REVERSIBLE ENCEPHALOPATHY SYNDROME IN ECLAMPTIC PATIENTS: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BLOOD PRESSURE, CRANIAL INVOLVEMENT, AND SEIZURE RECURRENCE.

OBJECTIVES: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome(PRES) is a clinic radiological disorder characterized by headache, epileptic seizure, encephalopathy, visual impairment, and focal neurological deficits. Gestational hypertension, which is a significant risk factor for PRES, may cause significant morbidity and mortality among pregnant women. DESIGN: Twenty-four patients with PRES caused by eclampsia who were admitted to our hospital in the last 5 years were included in this study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Blood pressure at admission, number of regions with vasogenic edema in the brain, and recurrent seizures were noted. Patients were divided into three groups: mild, moderate, and severe. RESULTS: Using Kruskal-Wallis and Pearson Chi-square tests, there was no statistical significance between the groups in terms of cranial involvement(P: 0.471). However, binary logistic regression analysis showed that seizure recurrence increased in correlation with blood pressure (P: 0.04) Limitations: PRES is a rare syndrome associated with several etiologies. In our study, only patients with PRES due to eclampsia were included. Therefore, the number of included patients was limited (24 participants). CONCLUSION: PRES may occur in eclamptic patients with mild, moderate or severe blood pressure values. Evaluation by MRI is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Early and rapid treatment is essential for reducing the morbidity and mortality among pregnant women.

Management of acute ischemic stroke in patients with COVID-19 infection: Insights from an international panel.

OBJECTIVE: To present guidance for clinicians caring for adult patients with acuteischemic stroke with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection. METHODS: The summary was prepared after review of systematic literature reviews,reference to previously published stroke guidelines, personal files, and expert opinionby members from 18 countries. RESULTS: The document includes practice implications for evaluation of stroke patientswith caution for stroke team members to avoid COVID-19 exposure, during clinicalevaluation and conduction of imaging and laboratory procedures with specialconsiderations of intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy in strokepatients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection. RESULTS: Conclusions-The summary is expected to guide clinicians caring for adult patientswith acute ischemic stroke who are suspected of, or confirmed, with COVID-19infection.

Preprocedure Intravenous Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Risk of Distal Embolization with Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV rt-PA) prior to thrombectomy may reduce the risk of intraprocedural distal embolization in acute ischemic stroke patients. METHODS: We analyzed the diffusion-weighted imaging acquired with 1.5- or 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans obtained within 24 hours of thrombectomy in consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients. An independent physician identified distal embolization, defined as discrete foci of restricted diffusion independent of the primary area of infarction on MRI scan. Patients were stratified based on whether they had or did not receive IV rt-PA prior to thrombectomy. RESULTS: Distal embolization was seen in 59 (ipsilateral in 56) of 63 patients (mean age ± SD; 64.6 ± 15.3 years) who underwent thrombectomy (mean number 8.6; range 0-32). There was no difference in mean number of ipsilateral hemispheric distal embolization between the 2 groups (7.9 ± 6.1 versus 7.5 ± 7.6, P = .82). After adjusting for age, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, the time interval between symptom onset and thrombectomy, there was no association between receiving IV rt-PA prior to thrombectomy and number of ipsilateral distal emboli (P = .90). There was no relationship between the number of ipsilateral emboli and rates of favorable outcome after adjusting for other confounders (adjusted odds ratio 1.0; 95% confidence interval .89 - 1.0; P = .40). CONCLUSIONS: Although distal embolization is very common after thrombectomy, IV rt-PA prior to procedure does not reduce the risk of intraprocedural distal embolization.

Safety and effectiveness of anticoagulation in the management of acute stroke and transient ischemic attack due to intracranial and extracranial non-occlusive thrombus.

INTRODUCTION: The awareness of nonocclusive thrombus has increased with the increasing frequency of imaging methods used for acute ischemic stroke; however, the best treatment for nonocclusive thrombi is still unknown. In this study, we examined how anticoagulants affect supra-aortic artery nonocclusive thrombus and clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 52 patients with transient ischemic attack or stroke who were diagnosed with nonocclusive thrombi on computed tomography angiography at admission. Patients were treated with anticoagulant treatment and grouped according to treatment modality (either unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin) and treatment duration. Primary safety outcome was major bleeding defined as immediate and clnically significant hemorrhage. Anticoagulant treatment was continued until the thrombus was resolved as determined by consecutive weekly computed tomography angiography controls. After thrombus resolution, treatment was directed according to the underlying etiology. Antiaggregation treatment was the preferred treatment after thrombus resolution for patients with no observed etiology. RESULTS: The affected internal carotid arteries were most frequently located in the cervical segment (48 %). Complete resolution was achieved within 2 weeks in 50 patients (96 %). The involved vasculature included the following: the extracranial carotid artery segments (n = 26, 50 %), intracranial ICA segments (n = 10, 19 %), basilar artery segments (n = 8, 15 %) and MCA segments (n = 7, 13 %). The most common underlying pathologies were atherosclerosis (n = 17), atrial fibrillation (n = 17), undetermined embolic stroke (n = 8), dissection (n = 7), and malignancy (n = 2). No symptomatic intra- or extracranial bleeding complications due to anticoagulant use were observed in any patient during the study period. A good functional outcome (modified Rankin scale score 0-2) was achieved in 49 patients (94 %) at 3 months. There was no significant difference between treatment type and duration in terms of reinfarction (p = 0.97 and p = 0.78, respectively). CONCLUSION: Anticoagulant treatment is safe and effective in symptomatic patients with intracranial or extracranial artery nonocclusive thrombus, regardless of the anticoagulant type, thrombus location and size.

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.

Bilateral ophthalmic-ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistula presenting with intracranial hemorrhage: a rare entity.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are rare lesions. The most common locations of DAVFs are cavernous, sigmoid and transverse sinuses. Anterior cranial fossa is one of the less frequent placement for DAVFs and the risk of hemorrhage in this region is increased. Reported hemorrhage risks have been ranged from 62 to 91 %, and an aggressive clinical course is more likely than a benign clinical course. A 47-year-old man was admitted to our emergency room with headache and the computed tomography revealed frontal hemorrhage. Neurological examination was normal. We applied cerebral angiography in our interventional neurology department and an anterior cranial fossa DAVFs, supplied by bilateral ophthalmic-ethmoidal arteries, was determined. DAVFs are a rare cause of intracranial hemorrhages and in the literature anterior cranial fossa DAVFs have been reported scarcely, so that we aimed to present this rare entity.

The Effect of the ABCB1(MDR-1) C3435T Polymorphism in Turkish Patients with Aspirin Resistance in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Recurrence of thrombotic events during aspirin therapy is known as aspirin resistance (AR). This study aimed to investigate the rate of AR, the factors influencing AR in patients with acute ischemic stroke under regular aspirin use, and the relationship between AR and ABCB1 (MDR-1) C3435T (rs1045642) polymorphism. Throughout this multicenter prospective study, 174 patients with acute ischemic stroke who had been prescribed aspirin for at least one month due to the risk of vascular disease, along with 106 healthy volunteers, were included as part of the study group. The results of our study indicate that AR was detected in 21.3% of the patient group. According to the results of an analysis of the polymorphism of the ABCB1 C3435T in patients with AR compared to those with aspirin sensitivity, patients with AR possessed more heterozygous (CT) and homozygous genotypes (TT) than those with aspirin sensitivity (p = 0.001). Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis of factors affecting AR in acute ischemic stroke patients, hypertension (OR: 5.679; 95% CI: 1.144-28.19; p = 0.034), heterozygous (CT) genotype (OR: 2.557; 95% CI: 1.126-5.807; p = 0.025), increased platelet values (OR: 1.005; 95% CI: 1.001-1.009; p = 0.029), and CRP/albumin values (OR: 1.547; 95% CI: 1.005-2.382; p = 0.047) were found to be associated with a greater risk of AR. The presence of heterozygous (CT) genotype in the ABCB1 C3435T gene region in the Turkish population is associated with an increased risk of AR. When planning aspirin therapy, it is crucial to consider the ABCB1 (MDR-1) C3435T polymorphism.

Endovascular Thrombectomy With or Without Intravenous Thrombolysis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: We performed this meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to compare the outcomes in patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy who receive prior intravenous thrombolysis with those who do not receive such treatment. Recently, one randomized trial reported outcomes to address this issue, so timely update of meta-analysis is needed to determine the value of administering intravenous thrombolysis before endovascular thrombectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four randomized clinical trials are included in our meta-analysis. We calculated pooled odds ratios and 95% CIs using random-effects models. The primary efficacy endpoint was a favorable outcome defined by a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 (no symptoms), 1 (no significant disability), or 2 (slight disability) at 90 days post-randomization. Secondary endpoints analyzed were any intracerebral hemorrhage, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, and mortality. RESULTS: Of the 1633 patients randomized, the proportion of patients who achieved a favorable outcome was similar between endovascular thrombectomy alone and combined approach with intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy (1631 patients analyzed; odds ratio 1.02; CI 0.84-1.25; p = 0.83). Risk of any intracerebral hemorrhage was significantly lower among those randomized to endovascular thrombectomy alone (1633 patients analyzed; odds ratio 0.75; CI 0.57-0.99; p = 0.04). Rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (p = 0.36) and mortality (p = 0.62) were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with endovascular thrombectomy preceded by intravenous thrombolysis, endovascular thrombectomy resulted in similar rates of favorable outcome with a lower rate of intracerebral hemorrhage. A large phase 3 trial is required to conclusively demonstrate equivalency of both approaches to guide future practice.

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.

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.

The Role of Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs) in Atrial Fibrillation: Treatment Management Based on Patient and Drug Characteristics.

Data from Turkey revealed that atrial fibrillation patient percentage under adequate anti- coagulation in Turkey is less than that in other countries due to multiple parameters such as treatment adherence problems, failure to follow guideline recommendations, negative perspective on the use of new drugs, drug costs, and payment conditions. The aim of this article is to provide physicians with a compiled resource that focuses on the differences between non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants and heterogeneity of atrial fibrilla- tion patients by reviewing the global and national data from a multidisciplinary perspective and provide guidance on the choice of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation patients. A gastroenterologist, 2 neurologists, and 11 cardiologists from university and training and research hospitals in Turkey who are experienced in atrial fibrillation and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant treatments gathered in 3 separate meetings to identify the review topics and evaluate the outcomes of the systematic literature search. Based on the pharmacological characteristics, clinical studies, and real-world data compari- sons, it has been revealed that non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants are not similar. Thromboembolism and bleeding risks, renal and hepatic functions, coexisting conditions, and concomitant drug usage have been shown to affect the levels of benefits gained from non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant in atrial fibrillation patients. Although Turkish patients with atrial fibrillation have been observed to be younger, they are more likely to have coexisting cardiovascular conditions compared to the atrial fibrillation patients in other countries. Selection of an appropriate non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant in line with the available evidence and recent guidelines will provide substantial benefits to atrial fibrillation patients.

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.

Favorable first-pass recanalization rates with NeVa™ thrombectomy device in acute stroke patients: Initial clinical experience.

BACKGROUND: The NeVa™ thrombectomy device (Vesalio LLC, Nashville, USA) has been reported to succeed in large vessel occlusion thrombectomy in animal, in-vitro, and clinical studies. Designed with Drop Zone technology, a closed distal tip, and strong expansive radial force, the device demonstrated particular efficiency in resistant "white" thrombi in preclinical research. Our goal is to determine the safety and performance of this novel stent retriever on first-pass rates and overall recanalization. METHODS: The Interventional Neurology Database is a prospectively maintained database of anterior and posterior circulation stroke thrombectomy cases. We retrospectively analyzed cases where the NeVa™ thrombectomy device was used as the first-line treatment strategy. Data collection occurred between January 2019 and January 2020. First-pass recanalization, final recanalization, 90-day functional outcome, complication, and bleeding rates are reported. RESULTS: One hundred eighteen patients were treated with the NeVa™ thrombectomy device. The mean patient age was 69 ± 14 years, the median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 14, and the median initial Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography score was 8. The median time from groin puncture to successful recanalization was 29 min (interquartile range (IQR): 20-40). First-pass recanalization rates were 56.8% (modified treatment in cerebral infarction (mTICI) 2b/3) and 44.9% (mTICI 2c/3). Final successful recanalization rate was 95.8% (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b/3). Favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) was 53% in the "first-pass" subgroup and 42.4% in the total patient population. The median number of passes to achieve the final recanalization score was 1 (IQR 1-2). The rate of embolization into new territory was 1.7%. Four patients (3.3%) had symptomatic hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the NeVa™ device demonstrated high first-pass and overall recanalization rates along with a good safety profile.

Direct Common Carotid Artery Puncture: Rescue Mechanical Thrombectomy Strategy in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

PURPOSE: In a minority of cases, the transfemoral approach cannot be performed due to unfavorable anatomical barriers. In such cases, direct common carotid artery puncture (DCCAP) is an important alternative for rescue mechanical thrombectomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DCCAP in patients with an unaccessible femoral route for mechanical thrombectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study using data in the Turkish Interventional Neurology Database recorded between January 2015 and April 2019. Twenty-five acute stroke patients treated with DCCAP were analyzed in this study. Among 25 cases with carotid puncture, 4 cases were excluded due to an aborted thrombectomy attempt resulting from unsuccessful sheath placement. RESULTS: Patients had a mean age of 69±12 years. The average National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 16±4. Successful revascularization (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction 2b-3) rate was 86% (18/21), and 90-day good functional outcome rate (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) was 38% (8/21). CONCLUSION: DCCAP is a rescue alternative for patients with unfavorable access via the transfemoral route. Timely switching to DCCAP is crucial in these cases.

Assessment of Cerebral Vasodilatory Capacity as Part of Catheter-Based Cerebral Angiography.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cerebral vasodilatory capacity assessment for risk stratification in patients with extracranial arterial stenosis or occlusion may be useful. We describe a new method that assesses cerebral vasodilatory capacity as part of catheter-based cerebral angiography. METHODS: We prospectively assessed regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV) in the arterial distribution of interest using a controlled contrast injection in the common carotid or the subclavian arteries. rCBV maps were created using a predefined algorithm based on contrast distribution in the venous phase (voxel size: .466 mm3 ). rCBV maps were acquired again after selective administration of intra-arterial nicardipine (2.0 mg) distal to the stenosis. Two independent observers graded the change in rCBV in 10 predefined anatomical regions within the tributaries of the artery of interest (0 = reduction, 1 = no change, 2 = increase) and total rCBV change scores were summated. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with internal carotid artery stenosis (n = 18; 0-90% in severity) or extracranial vertebral artery stenosis (n = 7; 0-100% in severity) were assessed. There was an increase in rCBV in a tributary of the artery of interest in 18 of 25 after intra-arterial nicardipine (mean score: 11.98; range 0-19.5). There was no change or decrease in rCBV in 7 of 25 patients. The mean rCBV change score was similar in patients with an assessment of internal carotid artery or vertebral artery distributions (12.2 ± 5.3; 11.4 ± 2.5; P = .68). CONCLUSION: Selective vasodilatory response to intra-arterial nicardipine in the affected arterial distribution during catheter-based cerebral angiography may provide new data for risk stratification.

Management of acute ischemic stroke in patients with COVID-19 infection: Report of an international panel.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: On 11 March 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 infection a pandemic. The risk of ischemic stroke may be higher in patients with COVID-19 infection similar to those with other respiratory tract infections. We present a comprehensive set of practice implications in a single document for clinicians caring for adult patients with acute ischemic stroke with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection. METHODS: The practice implications were prepared after review of data to reach the consensus among stroke experts from 18 countries. The writers used systematic literature reviews, reference to previously published stroke guidelines, personal files, and expert opinion to summarize existing evidence, indicate gaps in current knowledge, and when appropriate, formulate practice implications. All members of the writing group had opportunities to comment in writing on the practice implications and approved the final version of this document. RESULTS: This document with consensus is divided into 18 sections. A total of 41 conclusions and practice implications have been developed. The document includes practice implications for evaluation of stroke patients with caution for stroke team members to avoid COVID-19 exposure, during clinical evaluation and performance of imaging and laboratory procedures with special considerations of intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy in stroke patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSIONS: These practice implications with consensus based on the currently available evidence aim to guide clinicians caring for adult patients with acute ischemic stroke who are suspected of, or confirmed, with COVID-19 infection. Under certain circumstances, however, only limited evidence is available to support these practice implications, suggesting an urgent need for establishing procedures for the management of stroke patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection.

Moderate to Severe Anemia Is Associated with Poor Functional Outcome in Acute Stroke Patients Treated with Mechanical Thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: Anemia will negatively affect cerebral collaterals and penumbra. Eventually, it may cause worse clinical outcomes and even increase mortality rates in stroke patients. Anemia has recently been suggested to be an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of the presence of anemia on clinical outcomes in ischemic stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving the prospectively and consecutively collected data of 90 adult patients between January 2015 and August 2016. Hemoglobin (Hb) cutoff levels were accepted as 12 g/dL for women and 13 g/dL for men. Patients having anemia were further divided into three subgroups as severe anemia (Hb <8 g/dL for both genders), moderate anemia (Hb <10 g/dL for both genders), and mild anemia (Hb <13 g/dL for men and Hb <12 g/dL for women). RESULTS: Forty of the subjects (44.4%) had anemia. Moderate anemia was detected in 14 out of 90 patients (15.5%) and severe anemia was found in only four of them (4.4%). Poor functional outcome (mRS 3-6) was similar in both anemic and non-anemic patients (37.5% vs. 38%, respectively, p = 0.08), but poor functional outcome was found to be statistically significant with severe anemic group (Hb <8 mg/dL) (p = 0.003). In multiple logistic regression analysis, moderate and severe anemia has been found to increase the mortality (p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated a poor functional outcome only in moderate to severe anemic patients. Clinicians should keep in mind the negative effect of moderate to severe anemia in the clinical course of acute stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy.

Carotid angioplasty-assisted mechanical thrombectomy without urgent stenting may be a better option in acute tandem occlusions.

Background The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of balloon angioplasty-assisted mechanical thrombectomy without urgent stenting in the carotid artery as another approach for endovascular treatment of tandem occlusions. Methods Fifteen consecutive cases of tandem occlusions treated with the endovascular approach between January 2014 and May 2016 were reviewed. The study cohort included patients with an etiology of large vessel atherosclerosis. Extracranial carotid stenting was performed in another session if post-thrombectomy mRS modified Rankin Score (mRS) was 0-2. Good clinical outcome was determined by follow-up at 7-10, 30 and 90 days according to the mRS. Results Most patients (80%) were male. Eight (53.4%) patients received intravenous thrombolysis before angiography. Proximal revascularization was successful in 100% of cases with balloon angioplasty internal carotid artery (ICA) origin. Successful recanalization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) 2b-3) (mTICI 2 b-3) occurred in 12 cases (80%) and good clinical outcomes were achieved in 10 patients (66.7%). Cervical ICA stent placement was performed in 10 patients with good clinical outcomes. No symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred after delayed ICA stenting Conclusions This is the first reported case series to evaluate this approach for endovascular treatment of tandem occlusions. Carotid angioplasty-assisted mechanical thrombectomy without urgent stenting seems to be a safer approach.