Workflow and Outcome of Thrombectomy in Late Time Window: A Pooled Multicenter Analysis.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the impact of workflow times on the outcomes of patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in the late time window. METHODS: Individual patients' data who underwent EVT in the late time window (onset to imaging >6 hours) were pooled from seven registries and randomized clinical trials. Multiple time intervals were analyzed. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to estimate the likelihood of functional independence at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale 0-2). Mixed-effects negative binomial regression was used to evaluate the relationship between patient characteristics and workflow time intervals. RESULTS: 608 patients were included. The median age was 70 years (IQR: 58-71), 307 (50.5%) were female, and 310 (53.2%) had wake-up strokes. Successful reperfusion was achieved in 493 (81.2%) patients, and 262 (44.9%) achieved 90-day mRS 0-2. The estimated odds of functional independence decreased by 13% for every 30 minute delay from emergency department (ED) arrival to imaging time and by 7% from ED arrival to the end of EVT in the entire cohort. Also, the estimated odds of functional independence decreased by 33% for every 30 minute delay in the interval from arterial puncture to end of EVT, 16% in the interval from arrival in ED to end of EVT and 6% in the interval from stroke onset to end of EVT among patients who had a wake-up stroke. CONCLUSION: Faster workflow from ED arrival to end of EVT is associated with improved functional independence among stroke patients treated in the late window.

Sex-Related Differences in Outcomes After Endovascular Treatment of Patients With Late-Window Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Sex-related differences exist in many aspects of acute stroke and were mainly investigated in the early time window with conflicting results. However, data regarding sex disparities in late presenters are scarce. Therefore, we sought to investigate differences in outcomes between women and men treated with endovascular treatment in the late time window. METHODS: Analyses were based on the SOLSTICE Consortium (Selection of Late-Window Stroke for Thrombectomy by Imaging Collateral Extent), which was an individual-patient level analysis of seven trials and registries. Baseline characteristics, 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2), mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were compared between women and men. Effect of sex on the association of age and successful reperfusion (final Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b-3) with outcomes was assessed using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, time from onset to puncture, occlusion location, intravenous thrombolysis, and successful reperfusion, with interaction terms. RESULTS: Among 608 patients treated with endovascular treatment, 50.5% were women. Women were older than men (median age of 72 versus 68 years, P=0.02) and had a lower prevalence of tandem occlusions (14.0% versus 22.9%, P=0.005). Workflow times were similar between sexes. Adjusted outcomes did not differ between women and men. Functional independence at 90 days was achieved by 127 out of 292 women (43.5%) and 135 out of 291 men (46.4%). Mortality at 90 days (54 [18.5%] versus 48 [16.5%]) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (37 [13.3%] versus 33 [11.6%]) were similar between women and men. There was no sex-by-age interaction on functional outcomes. However, men had higher likelihood of mortality (Pinteraction=0.003) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (Pinteraction=0.017) with advancing age. Sex did not influence the relation between successful reperfusion and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In this multicenter analysis of late patients treated with endovascular treatment, sex was not associated with functional outcome. However, sex influenced the association between age and safety outcomes, with men experiencing worse outcomes with advancing age.

SLEAP SMART (Sleep Apnea Screening Using Mobile Ambulatory Recorders After TIA/Stroke): A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Poststroke/transient ischemic attack obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent, linked with numerous unfavorable health consequences, but remains underdiagnosed. Reasons include patient inconvenience and costs associated with use of in-laboratory polysomnography (iPSG), the current standard tool. Fortunately, home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) can accurately diagnose OSA and is potentially more convenient and cost-effective compared with iPSG. Our objective was to assess whether screening for OSA in patients with stroke/transient ischemic attack using HSAT, compared with standard of care using iPSG, increased diagnosis and treatment of OSA, improved clinical outcomes and patient experiences with sleep testing, and was a cost-effective approach. METHODS: We consecutively recruited 250 patients who had sustained a stroke/transient ischemic attack within the past 6 months. Patients were randomized (1:1) to use of (1) HSAT versus (2) iPSG. Patients completed assessments and questionnaires at baseline and 6-month follow-up appointments. Patients diagnosed with OSA were offered continuous positive airway pressure. The primary outcome was compared between study arms via an intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS: At 6 months, 94 patients completed HSAT and 71 patients completed iPSG. A significantly greater proportion of patients in the HSAT arm were diagnosed with OSA (48.8% versus 35.2%, P=0.04) compared with the iPSG arm. Furthermore, patients assigned to HSAT, compared with iPSG, were more likely to be prescribed continuous positive airway pressure (40.0% versus 27.2%), report significantly reduced sleepiness, and a greater ability to perform daily activities. Moreover, a significantly greater proportion of patients reported a positive experience with sleep testing in the HSAT arm compared with the iPSG arm (89.4% versus 31.1%). Finally, a cost-effectiveness analysis revealed that HSAT was economically attractive for the detection of OSA compared with iPSG. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with stroke/transient ischemic attack, use of HSAT compared with iPSG increases the rate of OSA diagnosis and treatment, reduces daytime sleepiness, improves functional outcomes and experiences with sleep testing, and could be an economically attractive approach. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02454023.

Stroke imaging prior to thrombectomy in the late window: results from a pooled multicentre analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Collateral assessment using CT angiography is a promising modality for selecting patients for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in the late window (6-24 hours). The outcome of these patients compared with those selected using perfusion imaging is not clear. METHODS: We pooled data from seven trials and registries of EVT-treated patients in the late-time window. Patients were classified according to the baseline imaging into collateral imaging alone (collateral cohort) and perfusion plus collateral imaging (perfusion cohort). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients achieving independent 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 'mRS' 0-2). We used the propensity score-weighting method to balance important predictors between the cohorts. RESULTS: In 608 patients, the median onset/last-known-well to emergency arrival time was 8.8 hours and 53.2% had wake-up strokes. Both cohorts had collateral imaging and 379 (62.3%) had perfusion imaging. Independent functional outcome was achieved in 43.1% overall: 168/379 patients (45.5%) in the perfusion cohort versus 94/214 (43.9%) in the collateral cohort (p=0.71). A logistic regression model adjusting for inverse-probability-weighting showed no difference in 90-day mRS score of 0-2 among the perfusion versus collateral cohorts (adjusted OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.59, p=0.83) or in a favourable shift in 90-day mRS (common adjusted OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.47, p=0.97). CONCLUSION: This pooled analysis of late window EVT showed comparable functional outcomes in patients selected for EVT using collateral imaging alone compared with patients selected using perfusion and collateral imaging. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020222003.

Single-pass endovascular thrombectomy for massive carotid-cerebral occlusion.

Acute concomitant occlusions of the extracranial internal carotid artery and intracranial vessels frequently require multiple passes with stent-retrievers for mechanical thrombectomy. Due to the large clot burden associated with these occlusions, their response to intravenous thrombolysis is poor. We herein report a successful case of evacuating a massive clot (>14 cm) in a single-pass using a stent-retrieval device.

Atrial fibrillation in patients with cryptogenic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is a leading preventable cause of recurrent stroke for which early detection and treatment are critical. However, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is often asymptomatic and likely to go undetected and untreated in the routine care of patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). METHODS: We randomly assigned 572 patients 55 years of age or older, without known atrial fibrillation, who had had a cryptogenic ischemic stroke or TIA within the previous 6 months (cause undetermined after standard tests, including 24-hour electrocardiography [ECG]), to undergo additional noninvasive ambulatory ECG monitoring with either a 30-day event-triggered recorder (intervention group) or a conventional 24-hour monitor (control group). The primary outcome was newly detected atrial fibrillation lasting 30 seconds or longer within 90 days after randomization. Secondary outcomes included episodes of atrial fibrillation lasting 2.5 minutes or longer and anticoagulation status at 90 days. RESULTS: Atrial fibrillation lasting 30 seconds or longer was detected in 45 of 280 patients (16.1%) in the intervention group, as compared with 9 of 277 (3.2%) in the control group (absolute difference, 12.9 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8.0 to 17.6; P<0.001; number needed to screen, 8). Atrial fibrillation lasting 2.5 minutes or longer was present in 28 of 284 patients (9.9%) in the intervention group, as compared with 7 of 277 (2.5%) in the control group (absolute difference, 7.4 percentage points; 95% CI, 3.4 to 11.3; P<0.001). By 90 days, oral anticoagulant therapy had been prescribed for more patients in the intervention group than in the control group (52 of 280 patients [18.6%] vs. 31 of 279 [11.1%]; absolute difference, 7.5 percentage points; 95% CI, 1.6 to 13.3; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with a recent cryptogenic stroke or TIA who were 55 years of age or older, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was common. Noninvasive ambulatory ECG monitoring for a target of 30 days significantly improved the detection of atrial fibrillation by a factor of more than five and nearly doubled the rate of anticoagulant treatment, as compared with the standard practice of short-duration ECG monitoring. (Funded by the Canadian Stroke Network and others; EMBRACE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00846924.).

Computed Tomography Perfusion Abnormalities in Bilateral Thalamic Infarction Due to Artery of Percheron Occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to report a novel case of hyperacute computed tomography (CT) perfusion imaging abnormalities in artery of Percheron infarction. METHODS: We described a case of a 74-year-old man who presented acutely to the emergency room with witnessed sudden onset altered level of consciousness. RESULTS: Although initial hyperacute CT brain imaging was reported as normal, subsequent magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral paramedian thalamic infarction. A retrospective review of CT perfusion imaging revealed perfusion mismatch in the bilateral thalami, which was not recognized in the hyperacute setting. CONCLUSION: Artery of Percheron occlusion is a well-described cause of bilateral paramedian thalamic infarction, but to date, we have not identified any reports of perfusion imaging abnormalities in the hyperacute setting. This case emphasizes the important role of perfusion imaging when clinical presentation is not typical for ischemic stroke, but is suspected, given an acute onset; its recognition may have led to the consideration of thrombolysis acutely in this case (stroke chameleon).

Unattended Hospital and Home Sleep Apnea Testing Following Cerebrovascular Events.

BACKGROUND: Home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) is an alternative to polysomnography for the detection of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We assessed the feasibility of HSAT as an unattended screening tool for patients with a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). AIMS: The primary outcome was the feasibility of unattended HSAT, as defined by analyzability of the data. Secondary outcomes included determining (1) predictors of obtaining nonanalyzable sleep data and (2) time to OSA detection and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) initiation. METHODS: In this single-center prospective observational study, inpatients or outpatients who had sustained a stroke or TIA were screened for OSA using the ApneaLink Plus ambulatory sleep monitor in their home or hospital room. RESULTS: There were 102 patients who completed unattended sleep monitoring. Mean age was 68.7 ± 13.7 years, 55.9% were male, 57.8% were outpatients, and 77.5% had a stroke (22.5% with TIA). Eighty-two (80.4%) patients obtained four or more hours of analyzable sleep data. Functional dependence (defined as a modified Rankin Scale of >2) and elevated body mass index were independently associated with obtaining nonanalyzable data. OSA was detected in 63.4% (52 of 82) of patients and, of those, 34 of 52 (65.4%) initiated CPAP therapy. The mean time from study recruitment to HSAT was 1.7 days (median: 1, interquartile range [IQR]: 2) and CPAP was initiated on average within 62.7 days of recruitment (median: 53, IQR: 30). CONCLUSIONS: Unattended HSAT can be feasibly implemented after stroke or TIA. This method facilitates rapid diagnosis and management of OSA in both the outpatient and inpatient settings.

MELAS syndrome: an acute stroke-like episode complicated by renal tubular acidosis.

MELAS, a mitochondrially inherited multisystem disorder, can present with acute stroke-like episodes. The literature thus far supports the use of L-arginine therapy in acute MELAS flares to alleviate and shorten the duration of symptoms. This is the case of a patient who presented with ataxia and worsening confusion on a background of genetically confirmed MELAS syndrome. In this instance, intravenous L-arginine therapy, along with corticosteroids, was administered in keeping with best practice. However, in a metabolically vulnerable patient, L-arginine therapy resulted in a further deterioration in his clinical status and the development of a non-anion gap metabolic acidosis.

Early repatriation post-thrombectomy: a model of care which maximises the capacity of a stroke network to treat patients with large vessel ischaemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Healthcare systems are challenged to provide access to thrombectomy in acute stroke patients. Either the "drip and ship" or "mothership" models result in increased numbers of patients in the endovascular stroke centre (ESC). We describe our approach for a "drip, ship, retrieve and leave" model repatriating patients immediately or within 24 hours of thrombectomy. METHODS: We included consecutive patients who underwent thrombectomy from January 2016 to June 2018. Patients from local region primary stroke centres (PSC) are immediately repatriated and those from remote region PSCs are admitted for 24 hours before repatriation. Key parameters recorded included clinical, radiological and timeline data as well as 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Patients who stayed beyond the intended time period in the ESC were analysed. RESULTS: From January 2016 to June 2018, 435 patients were transferred, with 352 patients in the local region group and 83 in the remote region group. The median NIHSS was 16 with a median ASPECTS of 9. Good functional outcome was seen in 47% of patients with a mortality rate of 19%. The local region group that were repatriated at the intended time period had a 90-day mRS 0-2 of 47% compared with 20% of those admitted to the ESC (P=0.006). Mortality rates were 20% and 27% respectively (P=0.377). The remote region group, repatriated at 24 hours' post-emergency endovascular thrombectomy had 90-day mRS 0-2 of 65% compared with 41% in the group admitted (P=0.042). Mortality rates were 4% and 22% respectively (P=0.007). CONCLUSION: This model enables the treatment of large numbers of patients with large vessel occlusion acute ischaemic stroke with thrombectomy within a national stroke service and system of care which would not otherwise be facilitated.

Direct carotid puncture for endovascular thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical thrombectomy is the standard of care for acute ischemic strokes with proximal intracranial occlusion. Arterial access is commonly achieved with femoral artery puncture, although this is not always possible. In this case series, we describe 11 cases of anterior circulation stroke where direct carotid puncture was used to obtain vascular access. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A review of a prospectively maintained thrombectomy database over a 2-year period (August 2016 - August 2018) was undertaken to identify cases where direct carotid access was performed. CT and angiographic imaging were reviewed. Indications for carotid access, techniques used, technical success of procedure, recanalization rates, procedure-related complications, and patient outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Eleven patients out of 498 overall thrombectomy procedures (2.2% thrombectomies) underwent direct carotid access. Median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 20. Seventy three percent of patients received intravenous thrombolysis. The direct carotid approach was performed following the failed femoral approach due to unfavorable aortic arch anatomy, vessel tortuosity, and severe atherosclerotic disease. Direct carotid puncture was successful in 10 patients, and unsuccessful in one. Successful recanalization (TICI 2b-3) was achieved in eight patients. One patient had spontaneously recanalized on angiography. There was failed recanalization in one patient with tandem ICA and M1 occlusion. Carotid access complications included one patient with both neck hematoma and asymptomatic ICA dissection, and one of delayed central retinal artery occlusion. CONCLUSION: This case series highlights direct carotid puncture as a successful alternative when the femoral approach is not possible, allowing thrombectomy in patients who would otherwise be unsuitable.

Case conferences for infective endocarditis: A quality improvement initiative.

BACKGROUND: A multidisciplinary approach has been recommended for the management of patients with infective endocarditis. We evaluated the impact of multidisciplinary case conferences on morbidity, mortality, and quality of care for these patients. METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental study of consecutive patients admitted for infective endocarditis before (2013/10/1-2015/10/12, n = 97) and after (2015/10/13-2017/11/30, n = 80) implementation of case conferences to discuss medical and surgical management. These occurred as face-to-face discussions or electronically (for non-complex patients), and included physicians from cardiac surgery, cardiology, critical care, infectious diseases and neurology. We assessed process-of-care and clinical outcomes, with the primary outcome being complications up to 90 days after hospital discharge. RESULTS: A case conference was held for 80/80 (100%) of patients in the post-intervention group. After the intervention, more patients received inpatient cardiology assessment (81.3% [post-intervention] vs. 63.9% [pre-intervention], p = 0.01), and more patients with definite infective endocarditis underwent cardiac surgery treatment (44.6% vs. 21.7%, p = 0.007). All pre-intervention and post-intervention patients received guideline-concordant antimicrobial therapy. There was no difference in rates of complications (40.0% vs. 51.5%, p = 0.13) or mortality up to 90 days after hospital discharge (26.3% vs. 17.5%, p = 0.20). In multivariable analyses, the intervention was not associated with differences in mortality (odds ratio 1.87, 95% confidence interval 0.88-3.99) or a composite measure of complications and mortality (odds ratio 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.46-1.58). CONCLUSION: We successfully implemented a standardized multidisciplinary case conference protocol for patients with infective endocarditis. This intervention had no detectable effect on complications or mortality.

The practice and predictors of early mobilization of patients post-acute admission to a specialized stroke center.

BACKGROUND: Early mobilization (EM) post-stroke is recommended; however, the ideal timing and nature of EM, and factors that may influence EM practice are unclear. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to describe the type and extent of mobilization 0-48 h post-stroke admission to acute hospital care. A secondary objective was to evaluate whether pre-stroke functional level, stroke severity, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) administration, and level of consciousness (LOC) predicted any passive, any active, and out-of-bed mobilization (i.e. sitting at edge-of-bed, standing, or ambulation) 0-24 h post-admission. METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional, retrospective review of health records of patients admitted to a specialized acute stroke center in 2016 was conducted. RESULTS: Data from 296 eligible health records were abstracted. Median age was 73 years, and 87% of patients had sustained an ischemic stroke. Active, passive, and out-of-bed mobilization occurred in 91.6%, 57.1%, and 24.3% of patients by 12 h post-admission, respectively, and 99.3%, 78.4%, and 77.4% of patients by 48 h post-admission, respectively. Administration of tPA, stroke severity, and impaired LOC, were each associated with any passive mobilization, and no tPA administration, stroke severity, and normal LOC were each associated with out-of-bed mobilization 0-24 h post-admission (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Almost all patients receive active mobilization by 12 h post-admission whereas out-of-bed mobilization is infrequent. In the first 24 h post-admission, clinicians may prioritize passive over out-of-bed mobilization when patients have received tPA, present with severe stroke, and have impaired LOC. This conservative approach is unsurprising given the lack of clear practice recommendations for these situations.

Outcome Evaluation of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated with Endovascular Thrombectomy: A Single-Institution Experience in the Era of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular thrombectomy is an effective procedure to treat selected ischemic strokes, as shown in recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The generalizability of these trial data to real-world settings, however, is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine our single-center experience with endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic strokes and perform a comparative outcome analysis to the most recent RCTs. METHODS: We performed a 5-year retrospective analysis, from April 2011 to March 2016, on 66 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke who received endovascular thrombectomy at our institution. The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale were used to assess preoperative status. Our primary outcomes were the modified Rankin Score (mRS) at 90 days and recanalization grade measured by the 6-point thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) grading system. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients received endovascular treatment during the study period. Among the patients examined, 35 (53%) had a favorable outcome (mRS 0-2 at 90 days), 23 (35%) a poor outcome (mRS 3-5), and 8 (12%) died. Successful recanalization (TICI score 3-5) was achieved in 68% of cases. In univariate analysis, patients with good outcome at 90 days had significantly greater ASPECTS, lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and higher TICI scores. In a multiple logistic regression model, higher ASPECTS and TICI scores were significantly and independently associated with favorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Excellent outcomes, as demonstrated by the recent RCTs, can be achieved in clinical practice and reproduced in dedicated tertiary centers.

Impact of Smartphone Applications on Timing of Endovascular Therapy for Ischemic Stroke: A Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND: The metrics of imaging-to-puncture and imaging-to-reperfusion were recently found to be associated with the clinical outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke. However, measures for improving workflow within hospitals to achieve better timing results are largely unexplored for endovascular therapy. The aim of this study was to examine our experience with a novel smartphone application developed in house to improve our timing metrics for endovascular treatment. METHODS: We developed an encrypted smartphone application connecting all stroke team members to expedite conversations and to provide synchronized real-time updates on the time window from stroke onset to imaging and to puncture. The effects of the application on the timing of endovascular therapy were evaluated with a secondary analysis of our single-center cohort. Our primary outcome was imaging-to-puncture time. We assessed the outcomes with nonparametric tests of statistical significance. RESULTS: Forty-five patients met our criteria for analysis among 66 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke who received endovascular therapy at our institution. After the implementation of the smartphone application, imaging-to-puncture time was significantly reduced (preapplication median time, 127 minutes; postapplication time, 69 minutes; P < 0.001). Puncture-to-reperfusion time was not affected by the application use (42 minutes vs. 36 minutes). CONCLUSION: The use of smartphone applications may reduce treatment times for endovascular therapy in acute ischemic stroke. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Accuracy of administrative data for identification of patients with infective endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates that have plateaued over recent decades. Research to improve outcomes for these patients is limited by the rarity of this condition. Therefore, we sought to validate administrative database codes for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective validation study of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10-CM) codes for infective endocarditis against clinical Duke criteria (definite and probable) at a large acute care hospital between October 1, 2013 and June 30, 2015. To identify potential cases missed by ICD-10-CM codes, we also screened the hospital's valvular heart surgery database and the microbiology laboratory database (the latter for patients with bacteremia due to organisms commonly causing endocarditis). RESULTS: Using definite Duke criteria or probable criteria with clinical suspicion as the reference standard, the ICD-10-CM codes had a sensitivity (SN) of 0.90 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.81-0.95), specificity (SP) of 1 (95% CI, 1-1), positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.68-0.85) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 1 (95% CI, 1-1). Restricting the case definition to definite Duke criteria resulted in an increase in SN to 0.95 (95% CI, 0.86-0.99) and a decrease in PPV to 0.6 (95% CI, 0.49-0.69), with no change in specificity. CONCLUSION: ICD-10-CM codes can accurately identify patients with infective endocarditis, and so administrative databases offer a potential means to study this infection over large jurisdictions, and thereby improve the prediction, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this rare but serious infection.