Cognitive improvement following endovascular embolization in patients with intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula: The Neuropsychology in dural ArterIal Fistula (NAIF) Study.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive improvement after endovascular embolization of an intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) remains unexplored. We aim to investigate cognitive changes following endovascular embolization of dAVFs. METHODS: Neuropsychology in dural ArterIal Fistula (NAIF) was a prospective multicentric study including patients with an angiographic diagnosis of dAVF who underwent endovascular embolization over the course of 4 years. A complete neuropsychological evaluation comprising five cognitive domains (attention and executive functions, memory, language, praxis, gnosis) was performed at baseline and 3 months follow-up. Mean Z scores for cognitive tests were compared pre- and post-treatment using paired sample t-tests, where higher Z scores indicate better cognition. Effect sizes were computed as Cohen's d. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients (mean age 61.1±15.4 years, 10 (31.3%) females) were included. Patients exhibited improved performance in attention and executive functions: executive functions-attention (+0.282, P=0.009, d=0.29), executive functions-fluencies (+0.283, P=0.029, d=0.4), and executive functions-processing speed (+0.471, P=0.039, d=0.41). There was an increase in memory: verbal learning and verbal delayed recall scores (+0.513, P<0.001, d=0.55, and +0.385, P=0.001, d=0.41, respectively), while verbal recognition parameters (+0.839, P=0.086, d=0.37) and visual memory (delayed recall) (+0.430, P=0.060, d=0.35) displayed trends toward improved performance. Regarding language, there was significant overall improvement (+0.300, P=0.014, d=0.24), but neither praxis nor gnosis changed significantly. These cognitive outcomes were independent of the severity (measured as Cognard classification), and no patient experienced cognitive worsening. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that endovascular embolization confers cognitive benefits on dAVF patients undergoing endovascular embolization and may be beneficial even for patients with a low risk of hemorrhage.

Impact of Balloon Guide Catheters in Elderly Patients Treated with Mechanical Thrombectomy: Insights from the ROSSETTI Registry.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Several nonrandomized studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of balloon guide catheters in treating patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion. However, their impact on the elderly populations has been underreported. We aimed to analyze the effect of balloon guide catheters in a cohort of elderly patients (80 years of age or older) with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients from June 2019 to June 2022 were collected from the ROSSETTI Registry. Demographic and clinical data, angiographic endovascular technique, and clinical outcome were compared between balloon guide catheter and non-balloon guide catheter groups. We studied the association between balloon guide catheters and the rate of complete recanalization after a single first-pass effect modified TICI 2c-3, as well as their association with functional independence at 3 months. RESULTS: A total of 808 patients were included during this period, 465 (57.5%) of whom were treated with balloon guide catheters. Patients treated with balloon guide catheters were older, had more neurologic severity at admission and lower baseline ASPECTS, and were less likely to receive IV fibrinolytics. No differences were observed in terms of the modified first-pass effect between groups (45.8 versus 39.9%, P = .096). In the multivariable regression analysis, balloon guide catheter use was not independently associated with a modified first-pass effect or the final modified TICI 2c-3, or with functional independence at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, balloon guide catheter use during endovascular treatment of anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion in elderly patients did not predict the first-pass effect, near-complete final recanalization, or functional independence at 3 months. Further studies, including randomized clinical trials, are needed to confirm these results.

Early and Delayed Infarct Growth in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Prospective, Serial MRI Study.

BACKGROUND: We studied the evolution over time of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) lesion volume and the factors involved on early and late infarct growth (EIG and LIG) in stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment (EVT) according to the final revascularization grade. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort of patients with anterior large artery occlusion undergoing EVT arriving at 1 comprehensive stroke center. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on arrival (pre-EVT), <2 hours after EVT (post-EVT), and on day 5. DWI lesions and perfusion maps were evaluated. Arterial revascularization was assessed according to the modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grades. We recorded National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at arrival and at day 7. EIG was defined as (DWI volume post-EVT-DWI volume pre-EVT), and LIG was defined as (DWI volume at 5d-DWI volume post-EVT). Factors involved in EIG and LIG were tested via multivariable lineal models. RESULTS: We included 98 patients (mean age 70, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 17, final mTICI≥2b 86%). Median EIG and LIG were 48 and 63.3 mL in patients with final mTICI<2b, and 3.6 and 3.9 cc in patients with final mTICI≥2b. Both EIG and LIG were associated with higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at day 7 (ρ=0.667; P<0.01 and ρ=0.614; P<0.01, respectively). In patients with final mTICI≥2b, each 10% increase in the volume of DWI pre-EVT and each extra pass leaded to growths of 9% (95% CI, 7%-10%) and 14% (95% CI, 2%-28%) in the DWI volume post-EVT, respectively. Furthermore, each 10% increase in the volume of DWI post-EVT, each extra pass, and each 10 mL increase in TMax6s post-EVT were associated with growths of 8% (95% CI, 6%-9%), 9% (95% CI, 0%-19%), and 12% (95% CI, 5%-20%) in the volume of DWI post-EVT, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Infarct grows during and after EVT, especially in nonrecanalizers but also to a lesser extent in recanalizers. In recanalizers, number of passes and DWI volume influence EIG, while number of passes, DWI, and hypoperfused volume after the procedure determine LIG.

Derivo embolization device for intracranial aneurysms: a Spanish multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Flow diverters have emerged in recent years as a safe and effective treatment for intracranial aneurysms, with expanding indications. The Derivo embolization device (DED) is a second-generation flow diverter with a surface finish that may reduce thrombogenicity. We report our multicenter experience evaluating its safety and efficacy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all patients treated with the DED in eight centers in Spain between 2016 and 2020. Demographics, clinical data, procedural complications, morbidity and aneurysm occlusion rates were collected. RESULTS: A total of 209 patients with 250 aneurysms were treated (77.5% women). The majority of aneurysms were located in the internal carotid artery (86.8%) and most (69.2%) were small (<10 mm) with a median maximum diameter of 5.85 mm and median neck size of 4 mm. DED deployment was successful in all cases, despite two malfunctioning devices (1%). Major complications occurred in nine patients (4.3%), while mild neurologic clinical events were registered in 23 (11%); four patients died (1.9%). A total of 194 aneurysms had an angiographic follow-up at 6 months and showed complete aneurysm occlusion in 75% of cases. Twelve-month follow-up was available for 112 of the treated aneurysms, with a total occlusion rate of 83%. CONCLUSION: The DED is a second-generation surface-modified flow diverter that presents an option for treatment of intracranial aneurysms with comparable safety and efficacy to other available flow diverter devices. Nonetheless, risks are not negligible, and must be balanced against the natural history risk of cerebral aneurysms, considering the tendency to widen indications for treatment of smaller and less complex lesions in day-to-day use.

Comparison of First-Pass Effect in Aspiration vs. Stent-Retriever for Acute Intracranial ICA Occlusion.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the best endovascular approach (aspiration or stent-retriever) and the impact of stent retriever size and length on clinical and angiographic outcomes in patients with acute intracranial ICA occlusion. We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospective database of consecutive patients with acute intracranial ICA occlusion undergoing endovascular treatment in four Comprehensive Stroke Center between June-2019 and December-2020. We include 121 patients; Stent-retriever (SR) was used as first technical approach in 107 patients (88.4%) and aspiration was used in 14 patients (11.6%). SR group had higher rate of FPE compared to aspiration group (29 vs. 0%, p = 0.02). In SR subgroup, treatment highlighted higher FPE in the 6 × 50 SR (37.7%), than in the rest of the SR which are 21.2% (4-5 mm size and 20-50 mm length SR) and 19% (6 mm size and 25-40 mm length SR), but it was not found to be statistically significant. There were no other significant differences across the groups regarding primary angiographic or clinical outcomes. In our intracranial ICA occlusion series, stent retrievers were superior to direct aspiration in obtaining FPEs and mFPEs, and longer devices achieved better results with no statistically significant difference. Further studies evaluating the effects of different ICA clot removal approaches are warranted to confirm these results.

Combined Approach to Stroke Thrombectomy Using a Novel Short Flexible Aspiration Catheter with a Stent Retriever : Preliminary Clinical Experience.

BACKGROUND: Large-bore aspiration catheters enabling greater flow rates and suction force for mechanical thrombectomy might improve outcomes in patients with stroke secondary to large-vessel occlusion. Complete or near-complete reperfusion after a single thrombectomy pass (first-pass effect) is associated with improved clinical outcomes. We assessed the efficacy and safety of novel MIVI Q™ aspiration catheters in combination with stent-retriever devices. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed demographics, procedure characteristics, and clinical data from consecutive patients with acute anterior large-vessel occlusion treated with a combined approach using MIVI Q™ aspiration catheters and stent retrievers. Reperfusion was defined according to the modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score. Clinical outcomes were measured by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores. RESULTS: We included 52 patients (median age, 75 y IQR: 64-83); 31 (59.6%) women; 14 (26.9%) with terminal internal carotid artery occlusions, 26 (50%) middle cerebral artery (MCA) segment M1 occlusions, and 12 (23.1%) MCA segment M2 occlusions; median NIHSS score at admission was 19 (IQR: 13-22). After the first pass, 25 (48%) patients had mTICI ≥ 2c. At the end of the procedure, 47 (90.4%) had mTICI ≥ 2b and 35 (67.3%) had mTICI ≥ 2c. No serious device-related adverse events were observed. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage developed in 1 patient. Mean NIHSS score was 13 at 24 h and 5 at discharge. At 90 days, 24 (46.2%) patients were functionally independent (mRS 0-2). CONCLUSION: This preliminary study found good efficacy and safety for MIVI Q™ aspiration catheters used in combination with stent-retriever devices.

Stent-retriever alone versus combined use of stent-retriever and contact aspiration technique for middle cerebral artery M2 occlusions: a propensity score analysis.

BACKGROUND: The optimal endovascular treatment (EVT) technique for middle cerebral artery (MCA) M2 segment occlusions remains unknown. We aim to analyze whether reperfusion rate, procedure times, procedure-related complications, and clinical outcome differed between patients with isolated M2 occlusions who underwent stent-retriever (SR) alone versus combined SR and contact aspiration (CA) as a front-line EVT. METHODS: Patients who underwent EVT for isolated MCA-M2 occlusion were recruited from the prospectively ongoing ROSSETTI registry. Patients were divided regarding the EVT approach into SR alone versus SR+CA and propensity score matching was used to achieve baseline balance. Demographic, procedural, safety, and clinical outcomes were compared between groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of first-pass effect (FPE) and 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0-2. RESULTS: 214 patients underwent EVT for M2 occlusion, 125 treated with SR alone and 89 with SR+CA. Propensity score matchnig analysis selected 134 matched patients. The rates of FPE (42% vs 40%, p=1.000) and 90-day mRS 0-2 (60% vs 51%, p=0.281) were comparable between groups. Patients treated with SR alone had lower need of rescue therapy (p=0.006), faster times to reperfusion (p<0.001), and lower procedure-related complications (p=0.031). Higher initial Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score was an independent predictor of FPE. Age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and procedure duration were significant predictors of good clinical outcome at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: As front-line modality in M2 occlusions, the SR alone approach results in similar rates of reperfusion and good clinical outcomes to combined SR+CA and might be advantageous due to faster reperfusion times and fewer adverse events.

Dural Venous Sinus Variations in Idiopathic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A New Indicator of the Venous Origin with Diagnostic Usefulness?

OBJECTIVE: Venous hypertension associated with a primitive basal vein of Rosenthal (BVR) has been noted as the most likely cause of idiopathic subarachnoid hemorrhage (iSAH). Other types of venous drainage variations have been scarcely studied but may further explain the cases not associated with a BVR anomaly. Our aim was to investigate if dural venous sinus (DVS) anomalies are related with iSAH. METHODS: A total of 76 patients diagnosed with iSAH were identified from a prospectively maintained database and their angiographic findings compared with 76 patients diagnosed with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. RESULTS: On top of the BVR variations, our data showed a higher prevalence of transverse sinus hypoplasia (47.4% vs. 28.9%; P = 0.019), superior petrosal sinus hypoplasia (32.9% vs. 13.2%; P = 0.003), and clival plexus hyperplasia (65.8% vs. 43.4%; P = 0.005) in patients with iSAH. Analyzing by total number of angiograms, the iSAH group showed also a higher prevalence of inferior petrosal sinus hyperplasia (36.2% vs. 25%; P = 0.003). Of the patients with iSAH without a primitive BVR, 84% harbored ≥1 perimesencephalic DVS variation and the overall number of venous drainage variations was significantly higher in patients with iSAH. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the well-documented BVR anomalies, there seems to be a significant relationship of other DVS variations in patients with iSAH. Transverse sinus hypoplasia, superior petrosal sinus hypoplasia, inferior petrosal sinus hyperplasia, and clival plexus hyperplasia were significantly more frequent in patients with iSAH. The presence of ≥3 of those variations would increase the suspicion of a nonaneurysmatic subarachnoid hemorrhage and could help avoid a second angiogram.

Balloon guide catheter improvements in thrombectomy outcomes persist despite advances in intracranial aspiration technology.

BACKGROUND: First-pass effect (FPE) has been established as a key metric for technical success and strongly correlates with better clinical outcomes. Most data supporting improved outcomes with the use of a balloon guide catheter (BGC) predate the advent of last-generation large-bore intracranial aspiration catheters. We aim to evaluate the impact of BGC in FPE and clinical outcomes in a large cohort of patients treated with contemporary technology. METHODS: Patients were recruited from the prospectively ongoing ROSSETTI registry. This registry includes all consecutive patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion (LVO) from 10 comprehensive stroke centers in Spain. Demographic, clinical, angiographic, and clinical outcome data were compared between BGC and non-BGC groups. FPE was defined as the achievement of mTICI2c-3 after a single device pass. RESULTS: 426 patients were included out of which 271 (63.62%) used BCG. BGC-treated patients had higher FPE rate (45.8% vs 27.7%; P<0.001), higher final mTICI ≥2 c recanalization rate (76.8% vs 50.3%, respectively; P<0.001), shorter procedural time [median (IQR), 30 (19-58) vs 43 (33-71) min; P<0.001], higher NIHSS difference from admission to 24 hours [median (IQR), 8 (2-12) vs 3 (0-10); P=0.001], and lower mortality rate (17.6% vs 29.8%, P=0.026) compared with non-BGC patients. BGC use was an independent predictor of FPE (OR 2.197, 95% CI 1.436 to 3.361; P<0.001), and excellent clinical outcome at 3 months (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.68; P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the benefit of BGC use on angiographic and clinical outcomes in anterior circulation LVO ischemic stroke remain significant even when considering recent improvements in intracranial aspiration technology.

Effect of combined acetylsalicylic acid and statins treatment on intracranial aneurysm rupture.

BACKGROUND: Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and statins have been identified as potentially reducing the risk of intracranial aneurysms (IA) rupture. We aim to determine the effect of this drugs on the risk of rupture of IA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study from a prospective database of patients with IA treated in our institution between January 2013 and December 2018. Demographics, previous oral treatments, presence of multiple aneurysms, size of aneurysm, lobulation, location and morphology of the aneurysms were recorded. Patients were dichotomized as ruptured and unruptured IA. RESULTS: A total of 408 IA were treated, of which 283 (68.6%) were in women. The median age was 53, 194 (47.5%) were ruptured IA. 38 patients (9.3%) were receiving ASA and 84 (20.6%) were receiving statins at the moment of the IA diagnosis. In the multivariable regression analysis, ASA plus statin use and multiple aneurysms were independently associated with unruptured IA (OR 5.01, 95% CI, 1.37-18.33, P = 0.015 and OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.68-4.27, P<0.001, respectively). Whereas, lobulated wall aneurysm and PComA/AComA location were inversely and independently associated with unruptured IA condition (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.21-0.55, P<0.001 and OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.23-0.60, P<0.001, respectively). However, ASA and statins in monotherapy were not independently associated with unruptured IA condition. CONCLUSIONS: In our study population ASA plus statins treatment is independently associated with unruptured IA. Larger and prospective studies are required to explore this potential protective effect against IA rupture.

Cerebral Aneurysm Occlusion at 12-Month Follow-Up After Flow-Diverter Treatment: Statistical Modeling for V&V With Real-World Data.

Background: Flow-Diverter (FD) porosity has been pointed as a critical factor in the occlusion of cerebral aneurysms after treatment. Objective: Verification and Validation of computational models in terms of predictive capacity, relating FD porosity and occlusion after cerebral aneurysms treatment. Methods: Sixty-four aneurysms, with pre-treatment and follow-up images, were considered. Patient demographics and aneurysm morphological information were collected. The computational simulation provided by ANKYRAS provided FD porosity, expansion, and mesh angle. FD occlusion was assessed and recorded from follow-up images. Multiple regression Logit and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models were used to model the data with both categorical and continuous models. Results: Occlusion of the aneurysm after 12 months was affected by aneurysm morphology but not by FD mesh morphology. A Time-To-Occlusion (TTO) of 6.92 months on average was observed with an SE of 0.24 months in the aneurysm population surveyed. TTO was estimated with statistical significance from the resulting model for the data examined and was capable of explaining 92% of the data variation. Conclusions: Porosity was found to have the most correction power when assessing TTO, proving its importance in the process of aneurysm occlusion. Still, further Verification and Validation (V&V) of treatment simulation in more extensive, multi-center, and randomized databases is required.

Iatrogenic Intracranial Aneurysm After External Ventricular Drain Placement: Traumatic or Mycotic Origin? Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial iatrogenic aneurysms (IIAs) developing after external ventricular drain (EVD) placement or removal have been only rarely reported. Most of these reports assumed a traumatic etiology; however, some have demonstrated an inflammatory origin. We have presented the case of an IIA that developed after an EVD had been inserted to treat acute hydrocephalus secondary to a ruptured arteriovenous malformation. We also performed a literature review and discussed how these IIAs might have an inflammatory rather than a traumatic etiology and how they might lie behind some of the cases of idiopathic hemorrhage observed after EVD manipulation. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 48-year-old woman had presented with acute hydrocephalus secondary to bleeding from a vermian arteriovenous malformation. The EVD inserted for hydrocephalus management required several revisions because of malfunction. Four weeks later, a diagnostic arteriogram had incidentally revealed the existence of a 5-mm aneurysm in an anterior branch of the right callosomarginal artery, coincidental to the EVD trajectory. The patient underwent emergent endovascular treatment of the aneurysm, with complete occlusion and no complications deriving from the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: IIAs associated with EVD placement or removal have been described as a rare complication of the procedure. Despite the scarce number of cases reported and the lack of histological examinations, common features such as a distal location, an incidental diagnosis, and a benign clinical course might suggest a mycotic or inflammatory origin rather than a traumatic etiology. Considering the high volume of EVDs placed annually, this complication might be more frequent than reported. Further studies investigating the association of risk factors for inflammatory aneurysms and hemorrhage incidence after EVD could provide information on this intriguing topic.

Amateur Endurance Athletes: At Higher Risk of Suffering Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas? Report of 3 Cases.

BACKGROUND: The present study aims to draw attention to the fact that endurance sport could be a risk factor for dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) development. DAVFs have been correlated with acquired dural venous sinus anomalies owing to trauma, infection, neoplasia, or other classic risk thrombogenic factors. Here we report 3 cases of intracranial DAVF in young healthy patients who had no known thrombogenic risk factors other than amateur intensive sports practice. CASE DESCRIPTION: Three young healthy individuals not fitting into the classical clinical picture of a DAVF patient presented to our institution. One was a 40-year-old man with an acute subdural hematoma secondary to an ethmoidal DAVF. Another 41-year-old man presented with a cerebellar hematoma due to a tentorial DAVF. A third 41-year-old man presented with numbness of his right arm in relationship to a superior sagittal sinus DAVF. None of them had a relevant medical history. All the usual thrombogenic risk factors for DAVF development were ruled out. Interestingly, the 3 patients had outstanding training and practice routines for endurance sports. CONCLUSIONS: Dehydration, microfractures, muscular contractures, low heart rate, long distance travel, and high altitudes are all well documented thrombogenic risk factors affecting endurance sports amateur athletes and might represent a plausible mechanism for the development of DAVF. Despite its limitations, to our knowledge, this is the first work suggesting a possible link between such sport practice and DAVF development. Further prospective research from larger dedicated vascular centers might shed further light on this hypothetic but intriguing link.

Procedural approaches and angiographic signs predicting first-pass recanalization in patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: First-pass recanalization via mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has been associated with improved clinical outcome in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. The optimal approach to achieve first-pass effect (FPE) remains unclear. No study has evaluated angiographic features associated with the achievement of FPE. We aimed to determine the procedural approaches and angiographic signs that may predict FPE. METHODS: We performed a prospective, multi-centre, observational study of FPE in patients with anterior circulation stroke treated with MT between February and June 2017. MTs were performed using different devices, deployment manoeuvres (standard versus 'Push and Fluff' technique), proximal balloon guide catheter (PBGC), distal aspiration catheter (DAC) or both. The angiographic clot protrusion sign (ACPS) was recorded. Completed FPE (cFPE) was defined as a modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score of 2c-3. Associations were sought between cFPE and procedural approaches and angiographic signs. RESULTS: A total of 193 patients were included. cFPE was achieved in 74 (38.3%) patients. The use of the push and fluff technique (odds ratio (OR) 3.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28-9.29, p = 0.010), PBGC (OR 3.81, 95% CI: 1.41-10.22, p = 0.008) and ACPS (OR 4.71, 95% CI: 1.78-12.44, p = 0.002) were independently associated with cFPE. Concurrence of these three variables led to cFPE in 82 vs 35% of the remaining cases (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The concurrence of the PBGC, the push and fluff technique, and the ACPS was associated with the highest rates of cFPE. Appropriate selection of the thrombectomy device and deployment technique may lead to better procedural outcomes. ACPS could be used to assess clot integration strategies in future trials.

Treatment of Barrow type 'B' carotid cavernous fistulas with flow diverter stent (Pipeline).

Background Carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs) Barrow type 'B' are dural shunts between the meningeal branches of the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. The symptoms include vision deterioration, ophthalmoplegia with diplopia, exophthalmos, conjunctival injection, chemosis, ocular bruit, seizures, or neurological deficit. Endovascular treatment remains the gold standard for treatment through the transvenous or transarterial routes. The transvenous approaches have been proved to be the first option. Endovascular access through the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) or inferior petrosal sinus have been widely used. The problem arises when there is no vascular access. For these cases, different approaches have been described, such as: direct access to the SOV; combining direct access to the SOV along with blind probing of the proximal occluded SOV; and a direct puncture of the cavernous sinus. But these techniques are very aggressive and can cause serious complications. As a result of the above, we describe a new alternative technique, which is effective and less invasive for the treatment of these special cases. Case reports We report two cases of Barrow type 'B' CCFs that did not have vascular access (neither arterial nor venous) to embolise fistulas with coils or glue, and which were successfully resolved with a flow diverter (Pipeline) stent in the internal carotid artery. To our knowledge, this treatment has not previously been described for this pathology. Conclusions The placement of a flow diverter stent in the internal carotid artery is an effective alternative technique in those cases of Barrow type 'B' CCFs that have no vascular access (neither venous nor arterial).

Outcomes After Direct Thrombectomy or Combined Intravenous and Endovascular Treatment Are Not Different.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Whether intravenous thrombolysis adds a further benefit when given before endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is unknown. Furthermore, intravenous thrombolysis delays time to groin puncture, mainly among drip and ship patients. METHODS: Using region-wide registry data, we selected cases that received direct EVT or combined intravenous thrombolysis+EVT for anterior circulation strokes between January 2011 and October 2015. Treatment effect was estimated by stratification on a propensity score. The average odds ratios for the association of treatment with good outcome and death at 3 months and symptomatic bleedings at 24 hours were calculated with the Mantel-Haenszel test statistic. RESULTS: We included 599 direct EVT patients and 567 patients with combined treatment. Stratification through propensity score achieved balance of baseline characteristics across treatment groups. There was no association between treatment modality and good outcome (odds ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.74-1.27), death (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.74-1.54), or symptomatic bleedings (odds ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-1.27). CONCLUSIONS: This observational study suggests that outcomes after direct EVT or combined intravenous thrombolysis+EVT are not different. If confirmed by a randomized controlled trial, it may have a significant impact on organization of stroke systems of care.

High-resolution blood-pool-contrast-enhanced MR angiography in glioblastoma: tumor-associated neovascularization as a biomarker for patient survival. A preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of the study was to determine whether tumor-associated neovascularization on high-resolution gadofosveset-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a useful biomarker for predicting survival in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastomas. METHODS: Before treatment, 35 patients (25 men; mean age, 64 ± 14 years) with glioblastoma underwent MRI including first-pass dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion and post-contrast T1WI sequences with gadobutrol (0.1 mmol/kg) and, 48 h later, high-resolution MRA with gadofosveset (0.03 mmol/kg). Volumes of interest for contrast-enhancing lesion (CEL), non-CEL, and contralateral normal-appearing white matter were obtained, and DSC perfusion and DWI parameters were evaluated. Prognostic factors were assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Eighteen (51.42 %) glioblastomas were hypervascular on high-resolution MRA. Hypervascular glioblastomas were associated with higher CEL volume and lower Karnofsky score. Median survival rates for patients with hypovascular and hypervascular glioblastomas treated with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were 15 and 9.75 months, respectively (P < 0.001). Tumor-associated neovascularization was the best predictor of survival at 5.25 months (AUC = 0.794, 81.2 % sensitivity, 77.8 % specificity, 76.5 % positive predictive value, 82.4 % negative predictive value) and yielded the highest hazard ratio (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor-associated neovascularization detected on high-resolution blood-pool-contrast-enhanced MRA of newly diagnosed glioblastoma seems to be a useful biomarker that correlates with worse survival.

Mechanical thrombectomy with 'ADAPT' technique by transcervical access in acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: The mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for endovascular clot retrieval has dramatically improved successful revascularization and clinical outcome in selected acute stroke patients. MT is typically performed via a transfemoral approach, but catheterization of the occluded vessel can be problematic in cases of extensive vessel tortuosity. We describe a case of MT with the 'ADAPT' technique by direct carotid access due to an inability to catheterize the ICA by a transfemoral approach for acute cerebral ischemia in the setting of left MCA occlusion. Excellent angiographic and good clinical results were obtained without any complications. CASE REPORT: An 80-year-old woman was admitted with a stroke by occlusion of the left MCA, with an NIHSS: 11, and an ASPECT: 7 in the CT. Under sedation a transfemoral angiography was performed, but after multiple attempts, it was impossible to make a stable catheterization of the left CCA. A transcervical approach was pursued. With ultrasound guidance the CCA was catheterized. Using the 'ADAPT' technique, we performed a successful MT. Post-procedure angiography (at 14 minutes) demonstrated recanalization of the entire left MCA (TICI: 3), without complications. The carotid access point was closed with a percutaneous closure. Control TC at 24 h showed a slight hypodensity in the left lenticular nucleus, and loss of gray-white matter differentiation in the adjacent cortex. Neurologically, the patient presented with progressive improvement. At discharge, she had an NIHSS: 0, mRS: 0 and Barthel: 100. CONCLUSIONS: MT by direct carotid access is an effective alternative technique in those cases where it is not accessible by a transfemoral approach.

Decreased corticospinal tract fractional anisotropy predicts long-term motor outcome after stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Nearly 50% of patients have residual motor deficits after stroke, and long-term motor outcome is difficult to predict. We assessed the predictive value of axonal damage to the corticospinal tract indexed by diffusion tensor imaging fractional anisotropy for long-term motor outcome. METHODS: Consecutive patients with middle cerebral artery stroke underwent multimodal MRI, including diffusion tensor imaging ≤12 hours, 3 days, and 30 days after onset. Clinical severity, infarct volume, location of corticospinal tract damage on diffusion tensor tractography, and ratios of fractional anisotropy (rFA) between affected and unaffected sides of the corticospinal tract at the pons were evaluated. Severity of motor deficit at 2 years was categorized using the Motricity Index as no deficit (Motricity Index, 100), slight-moderate deficit (Motricity Index, 99-50), or severe deficit (Motricity Index, <50). RESULTS: We evaluated 70 patients (28 women; 72±12 years). rFA values at day 30 correlated with the degree of motor deficit at 2 years (P<0.001). rFA at day 30 was the only independent predictor of long-term motor outcome (odds ratio, 1.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-2.03; P<0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the cutoffs rFA<0.982 for predicting slight-moderate deficit and rFA<0.689 for severe deficit were 94.4%, 84.6%, 73.9%, and 97.1%, respectively, and 100%, 83.3%, 81.3%, and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: rFA at day 30 is an independent predictor of long-term motor outcome after stroke.

Albumin-binding MR blood pool contrast agent improves diagnostic performance in human brain tumour: comparison of two contrast agents for glioblastoma.

OBJECTIVE: We qualitatively and quantitatively compared MRI enhancement obtained with gadofosveset, an albumin-binding blood-pool contrast agent, and with gadobutrol, an extracellular contrast agent, in patients with glioblastoma. METHODS: Thirty-five patients (25 men; 64 ± 14 years) with histologically proven glioblastoma underwent MRI including pre- and post-contrast T1-weighted SE images acquired 5 min after gadobutrol (0.1 mmol/kg) and, 48 h later, images acquired with identical parameters 5 min and 3, 6, and 24 h after gadofosveset (0.03 mmol/kg). Lesion extent, delineation, internal morphology, multifocality, and global diagnostic preference were evaluated quantitatively for the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and contrast enhancement (CE). RESULTS: Mean values of SNR, CNR, and tumour CE were highest 6 h after gadofosveset. Multifocality was seen in 17 (48.6 %) patients; additional lesions had stronger enhancement 6 h after gadofosveset in 12 patients (70.6 %). In 21 (60 %) patients, radiologists' global preference was highest in images acquired 6 h after gadofosveset (kappa = 0.764). In 22 patients (62.8 %), all qualitative endpoints were better at 5 min after gadobutrol than in images acquired 5 min after gadofosveset injection. CONCLUSIONS: Gadobutrol gives significant tumour enhancement in early postcontrast imaging. However, images acquired 6 h after gadofosveset injection have significantly better diagnostic information endpoints and contrast enhancement.