Frequency and predictors of decompressive craniectomy in ischemic stroke patients treated by mechanical thrombectomy in the ETIS registry.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is usually performed in a comprehensive stroke center with on-site neurosurgical expertise. The question of whether MT can be performed in a primary stroke center without a neurosurgical facility is debated. In this context, there is a need to determine the frequency, delay and predictors of neurosurgical procedures in patients treated by MT. This study aims to determine these factors. METHODS: In total, 432 patients under 60years old, diagnosed with an acute ischemic stroke with a large vessel occlusion and treated by MT between January 2018 and December 2019 in six French stroke centers, were selected from the French clinical registry ETIS. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify predictive factors for decompressive craniectomy. RESULTS: Among the 432 included patients, 43 (9.9%) patients with an anterior circulation infarct underwent decompressive craniectomy. Higher admission NIHSS (OR: 1.08 [95% CI: 1.02-1.16]), lower ASPECT (OR per 1 point of decrease 1.53 [1.31-1.79] P<0.001) and preadmission antiplatelet use (OR: 3.03 [1.31-7.01]) were independent risk factors for decompressive craniectomy. The risk of decompressive craniectomy increases to more than 30% with an ASPECT score<4, an NIHSS>16, and current antiplatelet use. CONCLUSION: In this multicenter registry, 9% of acute ischemic stroke patients (<60years old) treated with MT, required decompressive craniectomy. Higher NIHSS score, lower ASPECT score, and preadmission antiplatelet use increase the risk of subsequent requirement for decompressive craniectomy.

Outcome of stroke patients eligible to mechanical thrombectomy managed by spoke center, primary stroke center or comprehensive stroke center in the East of France.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with suspected stroke are referred to the nearest hospital and are managed either in a spoke center (SC), a primary stroke center (PSC), or a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) in order to benefit from early intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). In case of large vessel occlusion (LVO), mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is only performed in the CSC, whereas the effectiveness of MT is highly time-dependent. There is a debate about the best management model of patients with suspected LVO. Therefore, we aimed to compare functional and safety outcomes of LVO patients eligible for MT managed through our regional telestroke system. METHOD: We performed a retrospective analysis of our observational prospective clinical registry in all consecutive subjects with LVO within six hours of onset who were admitted to the SC, PSC, or CSC in the east of France between October 2017 and November 2022. The primary endpoint was the functional independence defined as modified Rankin scale (mRS) score 0 to 2 at 90 days. Secondary endpoints were functional outcome, early neurological improvement, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 90-day mortality. RESULTS: Among the 794 included patients with LVO who underwent MT, 122 (15.4%) were managed by a SC, 403 (50.8%) were first admitted to a PSC, and 269 (33.9%) were first admitted to the CSC. The overall median NIHSS and ASPECTS score were 16 and 8, respectively. Multivariate analysis did not find any significant difference for the primary endpoint between patients managed by PSC versus CSC (OR 1.06 [95% CI 0.64;1.76], P=0.82) and between patient managed by SC versus CSC (OR 0.69 [0.34;1.40], P=0.30). No difference between the three groups was found except for the parenchymal hematoma rate between PSC and CSC (15.7 versus 7.4%, OR 2.25 [1.07;4.74], P=0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with a first admission to a CSC, the clinical outcomes of stroke patients with LVO eligible for MT first admitted to a SC or a PSC are similar.

TICI-RANKIN mismatch: Poor clinical outcome despite complete endovascular reperfusion in the ETIS Registry.

INTRODUCTION: Endovascular treatment (EVT) is a well-established technic for acute ischemic stroke, but despite a high recanalization rate of near 80%, at 3 months roughly 50% of patients have a poor functional outcome with a modified Rankin score (mRS) ≥3. The aim of this study was to determine predictive factors of poor functional outcomes in patients with complete recanalization after EVT, defined as modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) 3. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis based on the prospective multicenter ETIS registry (endovascular treatment in ischemic stroke) in France included 795 patients from January 2015 and November 2019 with acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation occlusion and prestroke mRS 0-1, treated with EVT and who achieved complete recanalization. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify predictive factors of poor functional outcome. RESULTS: 365 patients (46%) showed a poor functional outcome (mRS>2). In backward-stepwise logistic regression analysis, poor functional outcome was independently associated with older age (OR per 10-year increase, 1.51; 95%CI, 1.30 to 1.75), higher admission NIHSS (OR per 1 point increase, 1.28; 95%CI, 1.21 to 1.34), absence of prior intravenous thrombolysis (OR, 0.59; 95%CI, 0.39 to 0.90), and an unfavorable 24-hour NIHSS change (24h-baseline) (OR, 0.82; 95%CI, 0.79 to 0.87). We calculated that patients whose 24h NIHSS decreased by less than 5 points are more at risk of a poor outcome, with a sensitivity and a specificity of 65.0%. CONCLUSION: Despite complete reperfusion after EVT, half of patients had a poor clinical outcome. These patients, who were mainly older with a high initial NIHSS and an unfavorable post-EVT 24h NIHSS change, could represent a target population for early neurorepair and neurorestorative strategies.

General anesthesia or conscious sedation for endovascular therapy of basilar artery occlusions: ETIS registry results.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute basilar artery occlusions (BAO) are associated with poor outcome despite modern endovascular treatment (EVT). The best anesthetic management during EVT is not known and may affect the procedure and clinical outcome. We compared the efficacy and safety of general anesthesia (GA) and conscious sedation/local anesthesia (CS/LA) in a large cohort of stroke patients with BAO treated with EVT in current clinical practice. METHODS: Data from the ongoing prospective multicenter Endovascular Treatment In Ischemic Stroke Registry of consecutive acute BAO patients who had EVT indication from January 1st, 2015, to December 31st, 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. Two groups were compared: patients treated with CS/LA versus GA (both types of anesthesia being performed in the angiosuite). Good outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-3 at 90 days. RESULTS: Among the 524 included patients, 266 had GA and 246 had CS/LA (67 LA). Fifty-three patients finally did not undergo EVT: 15 patients (5.9%) in the GA group and 38 patients (16.1%) in the CS/LA group (P < 0.001). After matching, two groups of 129 patients each were retained for primary analysis. The two groups were well balanced in terms of baseline characteristics. After adjustment, CS/LA compared to GA was not associated with good outcome (OR=0.90 [95%CI 0.46-1.77] P=0.769) or mortality (OR=0.75 [0.37-1.49] P=0.420) or modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score 2b-3 (OR=0.43 [0.16-1.16] P=0.098). On mixed ordinal logistic regression, the modality of anesthesia was not associated with any significant change in the overall distribution of the 90-day mRS (adjusted OR=1.08 [0.62-1.88] P=0.767). CONCLUSIONS: Safety, outcome and quality of EVT under either CS/LA or GA for stroke due to acute BAO appear similar. Further randomized trials are warranted.

Safety and Efficacy of Cangrelor in Acute Stroke Treated with Mechanical Thrombectomy: Endovascular Treatment of Ischemic Stroke Registry and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Rescue therapies are increasingly used in the setting of endovascular therapy for large-vessel occlusion strokes. Among these, cangrelor, a new P2Y12 inhibitor, offers promising pharmacologic properties to join the reperfusion strategies in acute stroke. We assessed the safety and efficacy profiles of cangrelor combined with endovascular therapy in patients with large-vessel-occlusion stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective patient data analysis in the ongoing prospective multicenter observational Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke Registry in France from July 2018 to December 2020 and conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using several data bases. Indications for cangrelor administration were rescue strategy in case of refractory intracranial occlusion with or without intracranial rescue stent placement, and cervical carotid artery stent placement in case of cervical occlusion (tandem occlusion or isolated cervical carotid occlusion). RESULTS: In the clinical registry, 44 patients were included (median initial NIHSS score, 12; prior intravenous thrombolysis, 29.5%). Intracranial stent placement was performed in 54.5% (n = 24/44), and cervical stent placement, in 27.3% (n = 12/44). Adjunctive aspirin and heparin were administered in 75% (n = 33/44) and 40.9% (n = 18/44), respectively. Rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, parenchymal hematoma, and 90-day mortality were 9.5% (n = 4/42), 9.5% (n = 4/42), and 24.4% (n = 10/41). Favorable outcome (90-day mRS, 0-2) was reached in 51.2% (n = 21/41), and successful reperfusion, in 90.9% (n = 40/44). The literature search identified 6 studies involving a total of 171 subjects. In the meta-analysis, including our series data, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 8.6% of patients (95% CI, 5.0%-14.3%) and favorable outcome was reached in 47.6% of patients (95% CI, 27.4%-68.7%). The 90-day mortality rate was 22.6% (95% CI, 13.6%-35.2%). Day 1 artery patency was observed in 89.7% (95% CI, 81.4%-94.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Cangrelor offers promising safety and efficacy profiles, especially considering the complex endovascular reperfusion procedures in which it is usually applied. Further large prospective data are required to confirm these findings.

A Multicenter Preliminary Study of Cangrelor following Thrombectomy Failure for Refractory Proximal Intracranial Occlusions.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Rescue endovascular and pharmacologic approaches are increasingly being adopted after recanalization failure of acute large-vessel occlusion strokes with mechanical thrombectomy, with encouraging results. The safety and efficacy of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in ischemic stroke have been investigated, though cangrelor, a recent intravenous P2Y12-receptor inhibitor with a rapid onset/offset of action and a short half-life, may be a valuable option. We compared the safety and efficacy of cangrelor with those of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors for refractory occlusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the ongoing prospective, multicenter, observational Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke Registry in France between May 2012 and February 2020. Refractory intracranial occlusions of the anterior and posterior circulation were included and defined as recanalization failure of large-vessel occlusion stroke, perioperative target artery reocclusion, or high risk of early reocclusion related to an arterial wall lesion. The primary end point was a favorable outcome, defined as a 90-day mRS of 0-2. Secondary end points were reperfusion, intracranial hemorrhage, and procedural complications. RESULTS: Among 69 patients, 15 were treated with cangrelor, and 54, with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. The favorable outcome (adjusted OR = 2.22; 95% CI, 0.42-11.75; P = .348) and mortality (adjusted OR = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.06-3.16; P = .411) rates were similar in both groups. There was no difference in the rates of any intracranial hemorrhage (adjusted OR = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.08-2.09; P = .280), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (6.7% versus 0.0%, P = .058), or procedural complications (6.7% versus 20.4%, P = .215). Reperfusion rates were higher in the cangrelor group, though the difference did not reach statistical significance (93.3% versus 75.0% for modified TICI 2b-3; adjusted OR =10.88; 95% CI, 0.96-123.84; P = .054). CONCLUSIONS: Cangrelor seems to be as safe as glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors for managing refractory intracranial occlusion and leads to satisfactory brain reperfusion. Cangrelor is a promising agent in this setting, and additional studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Interobserver Agreement in Scoring Angiographic Results of Basilar Artery Occlusion Stroke Therapy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The modified TICI Infarction grading system is a metric currently used to evaluate angiographic results of thrombectomy for large-vessel occlusion in ischemic stroke. Originally designed for evaluating MCA territories, it is currently used for other vessel occlusions, including the posterior circulation. We postulate that the modified TICI use for the posterior circulation is not accurate due to the different vascular territories supplied by vertebrobasilar vasculature, making grading more complex. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected angiographic results from 30 patients who presented with acute posterior circulation occlusions between 2015 and 2018 and underwent thrombectomy in our institution. Eight observers were asked to evaluate the TICI scores before and after thrombectomy. The multirater statistics were computed using Fleiss κ analysis. Further data were collected regarding the potential brain territories at risk and the existence of atherosclerotic disease in the basilar artery. RESULTS: The overall agreement κ reached 0.277 (SD, 0.013), which suggests a "fair" agreement among the raters. On average, 45% of observers achieved a high accuracy in predicting brain areas at risk of ischemia. As for the existence of basilar atherosclerotic disease, a high agreement (defined as at least 5 of 6 observers) was seen in 20 of the 30 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite TICI being ubiquitous in stroke diagnostics, the high variability of posterior circulation TICI scores calls into question its use in these strokes. Other methods should be developed to assess recanalization in the posterior circulation.

Prognosis and risk factors associated with asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after endovascular treatment of large vessel occlusion stroke: a prospective multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (aICH) is a common occurrence after endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The aims of this study were to address its impact on 3-month functional outcome and to identify risk factors for aICH after EVT. METHODS: Patients with AIS attributable to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion who underwent EVT were enrolled in a multicenter prospective registry. Based on imaging performed 22-36 h post-EVT, we included patients with no intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) or aICH. Poor outcome defined as a 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 4-6 and overall 3-month mRS score distribution were compared according to presence/absence of aICH, and aICH subtype using logistic regression. We assessed the risk factors of aICH using a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: Of the 1526 patients included in the study, 653 (42.7%) had aICH. Patients with aICH had a higher rate of poor outcome: odds ratio (OR) 1.88 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44-2.44). Shift analysis of mRS score found a fully adjusted OR of 1.79 (95% CI 1.47-2.18). Hemorrhagic infarction (OR 1.63 [95% CI 1.22-2.18]) and parenchymal hematoma (OR 2.99 [95% CI 1.77-5.02]) were associated with higher risk of poor outcome. Male sex, diabetes, coronary artery disease, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score, number of passes and onset to groin puncture time were independently associated with aICH. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with aICH, irrespective of the radiological pattern, have a worse functional outcome at 3 months compared with those without ICH after EVT for AIS. The number of EVT passes and the time from onset to groin puncture are factors that could be modified to reduce deleterious ICH.

Neurological improvement predicts clinical outcome after acute basilar artery stroke thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care for patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Early neurological improvement (ENI), defined as a reduction of ≥ 8 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) compared with baseline score, or an NIHSS score of 0 or 1 at 24 h after MT, is a strong predictor of 3-month favorable outcome in such patients. The impact of ENI after MT in stroke patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) on 3-month outcome is not clear. We aimed to study the effects of ENI in patients with BAO. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of a multicenter prospective cohort of all consecutive stroke patients with BAO who underwent MT. We compared clinical outcomes between BAO patient groups according to ENI status. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine the impact of ENI on favorable 90-day outcome (modified Rankin scale score 0-3) and to report factors contributing to ENI. RESULTS: A total of 237 patients were included. ENI was observed in 70 patients (30%). Outcomes were significantly better in ENI-positive patients, with 84% achieving favorable outcome (mRS score 0-3) at 3 months versus 30% for ENI-negative patients (P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, ENI was an independent predictive factor associated with higher rates of favorable outcome {odds ratio (OR) 18.12 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.95-83.10]; P = 0.0001}. Higher number of passes [OR 0.62 (95% CI 0.43-0.89); P = 0.010] and need for stenting [OR 0.27 (95% CI 0.07-0.95); P = 0.041] were negatively associated with ENI. CONCLUSION: Early neurological improvement on day 1 following MT for BAO is a strong independent predictor of a favorable 3-month clinical outcome.