Door to needle time trends after transition to tenecteplase: A Multicenter Texas stroke registry.

BACKGROUND: Tenecteplase (TNK) is considered a promising option for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with the potential to decrease door-to-needle times (DTN). This study investigates DTN metrics and trends after transition to tenecteplase. METHODS: The Lone Star Stroke (LSS) Research Consortium TNK registry incorporated data from three Texas hospitals that transitioned to TNK. Subject data mapped to Get-With-the-Guidelines stroke variables from October 1, 2019 to March 31, 2023 were limited to patients who received either alteplase (ALT) or TNK within the 90 min DTN times. The dataset was stratified into ALT and TNK cohorts with univariate tables for each measured variable and further analyzed using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression models were constructed for both ALT and TNK to investigate trends in DTN times. RESULTS: In the overall cohort, the TNK cohort (n = 151) and ALT cohort (n = 161) exhibited comparable population demographics, differing only in a higher prevalence of White individuals in the TNK cohort. Both cohorts demonstrated similar clinical parameters, including mean NIHSS, blood glucose levels, and systolic blood pressure at admission. In the univariate analysis, no difference was observed in median DTN time within the 90 min time window compared to the ALT cohort [40 min (30-53) vs 45 min (35-55); P = .057]. In multivariable models, DTN times by thrombolytic did not significantly differ when adjusting for NIHSS, age (P = .133), or race and ethnicity (P = .092). Regression models for the overall cohort indicate no significant DTN temporal trends for TNK (P = .84) after transition; nonetheless, when stratified by hospital, a single subgroup demonstrated a significant DTN upward trend (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: In the overall cohort, TNK and ALT exhibited comparable temporal trends and at least stable DTN times. This indicates that the shift to TNK did not have an adverse impact on the DTN stroke metrics. This seamless transition is likely attributed to the similarity of inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as the administration processes for both medications. When stratified by hospital, the three subgroups demonstrated variable DTN time trends which highlight the potential for either fatigue or unpreparedness when switching to TNK. Because our study included a multi-ethnic cohort from multiple large Texas cities, the stable DTN times after transition to TNK is likely applicable to other healthcare systems.

Double microcatheter reduction using partially deployed Atlas stents in treating a large dysplastic MCA bifurcation aneurysm with Y stent assisted coiling.

Treatment of large dysplastic middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms can be challenging.1 2 Catheterization of M2 branches at hyperacute angles often requires an 'around the world' approach/microcatheter reduction, which can be accomplished with rapid pull,3 balloon anchor,4 and stent anchor5 techniques. In this video video 1, Atlas stents (Stryker) are used for double microcatheter reduction along with Y stent assisted coil embolization (Video 1). Steps include (1) catheterization of the more difficult M2 branch with 'around the world' maneuver; (2) reduction/stent deployment; (3) similar catheterization of the second M2 branch; (4) microcatheter reduction/stent deployment; (5) coil embolization (jailed). Important nuances include: (1) low threshold for a staged procedure; (2) awareness of the possibility of stent twisting; (3) jailed coiling. Final views show adequate treatment of the aneurysm dome with stent protection of the dysplastic neck without thromboembolic complications. Given the residual near the base, close angiographic follow-up is important. neurintsurg;16/3/228/V1F1V1Video 1 Technical video demonstrating double stent reduction technique.

Development of the Circle of Willis Score (COWS) to help guide decision making during acute tandem occlusion treatment: Preliminary analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute tandem occlusions (TOs) are challenging to treat. Although acute carotid stenting of the proximal lesion is well tolerated, there are certain situations when the practitioner may be wary of acute stenting (bleeding concerns). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively study patients with tandem occlusions who had re-occlusion of the extracranial ICA and develop a Circle of Willis Score (COWS) to help predict which patients could forego acute stenting. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of TO patients with a persistent proximal occlusion following intervention (either expected or unexpected). Pre intervention CTA and intraoperative DSA were reviewed, and each patient was assigned a score 2 (complete COW), 1a (patent A1-Acomm-A1), 1p (patent Pcomm), or 0 (incomplete COW). Findings from the DSA took precedence over the CTA. Two cohorts were created, the complete COW cohort (COWS 2) versus the incomplete COW cohort (COWS 1a,1p, or 0). Angiographic outcomes were assessed using the mTICI score (2b-3) and clinical outcomes were assessed using discharge mRS (good outcome mRS 0-3). RESULTS: Of 68 TO cases, 12 had persistent proximal occlusions. There were 5/12 (42 %) patients in the complete COW cohort, and 7/12 (58 %) in the incomplete COW cohort (5/12 with scores of 1a/1p and 2/12 with a score of 0). In the complete COW cohort, there were 2 ICA-ICA and 3 ICA-MCA occlusions. In the incomplete COW cohort, there was one ICA-ICA occlusion and 6 ICA-MCA occlusions. LKW-puncture was shorter in the complete COW cohort (208 min vs. 464 min, p = 0.16). Successful reperfusion was higher in the complete COW cohort (100 % vs. 71 %). There was a trend toward better clinical outcomes in the complete COW cohort (80 % vs 29 %, p = 0.079). CONCLUSION: The COWS is a simple score that may help predict a successful clinical outcome without proximal revascularization when concerned about performing an acute carotid stent during TO treatment. Evaluation in larger TO cohort is warranted.

Delayed appearance of basilar trunk small atypical aneurysms in nontraumatic, initially angiogram-negative subarachnoid hemorrhage: A report of three patients.

BACKGROUND: Repeat angiography will identify vascular pathology in approximately 10% of cases following angiogram-negative subarachnoid hemorrhage (anSAH), but small atypical aneurysms of the basilar artery are very uncommon. OBJECTIVE: To report a case series of delayed appearance of nontraumatic basilar artery small atypical aneurysms. METHODS: IRB approval was obtained for this retrospective case series and patient consent was waived. RESULTS: Herein we report three cases of spontaneous anSAH, all of whom had a negative digital subtraction angiogram (DSA) on admission and all of whom had appearance of a small atypical aneurysms of the upper basilar trunk/apex on follow-up imaging (two during the initial admission and one in a delayed fashion). All three patients were ultimately treated with flow diversion (although one patient underwent attempted coiling that was abandoned due to inability to catheterize the aneurysm). CONCLUSION: This report highlights the importance of a repeat DSA in cases of anSAH as well as the importance of scrutinizing the basilar trunk for these very small atypical aneurysms that may go unnoticed.

Technical and clinical success after venous sinus stenting for treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension using a novel guide catheter for access: Case series and initial multi-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Venous sinus stenting is a well established alternative to cerebrospinal fluid diversion for the treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) with associated venous sinus stenosis. During this procedure, distal guide catheter placement within the venous sinuses may be desirable to facilitate stent delivery. We report our initial experience using the TracStar LDP™ (Imperative Care, Campbell, USA, 0.088-inch inner diameter) as the guide catheter for intracranial access during venous sinus stenting. METHODS: A multi-institutional retrospective chart review of a prospectively maintained IRB-approved database was performed. Consecutive patients who underwent venous sinus stenting from 1/1/2020-9/6/2021 for IIH were included. Patient characteristics, procedural details, TracStar distal reach, outcomes, and complications were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were included. The mean age was 33.8 years and 93.1% of patients were female. Visual changes prompted evaluation in 86.2% of patients. Stent placement was successful in all patients. The TracStar LDP catheter was advanced to the location of stent placement in 97.9% of cases in which it was attempted. The large 0.088-inch inner diameter lumen enabled compatibility with all desired stent sizes ranging from six to 10 millimeters. Gradient pressure across transverse sinus stenosis dropped from an average of 19.5 mmHg pre-procedure to 1.7 mmHg post-stent placement (p < 0.001). Clinical improvement was achieved in 87.9% (51/58) of patients. There were no catheter-related complications. CONCLUSION: The TracStar LDP is a safe and effective access platform for reaching treatment locations in patients who present with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and who are candidates for venous sinus stent placement.

The majority of ruptured aneurysms are small with low rupture risk scores.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the rupture risk of unruptured intracranial aneurysms has important clinical implications given the morbidity and mortality associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The ISUIA, UCAS, and PHASES studies provide rupture risk calculations. OBJECTIVE: We apply the risk calculations to a series ruptured intracranial aneurysms to assess the rupture risk for each aneurysm (had they been discovered in the unruptured state). METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 246 patients with SAH from a ruptured saccular aneurysm. The ISUIA, UCAS, and PHASES calculators were applied to each patient/aneurysm to demonstrate a theoretical annual risk of rupture dichotomized by aneurysm location. RESULTS: The average diameter of the aneurysms was 5.5 ± 3.1 mm. Three quarters (75%) of the aneurysms measured <7 mm and 48.8% were <5 mm. The anterior communicating artery (Acomm) was the most common location of rupture (24.7%). Posterior communicating artery aneurysms (Pcomm) were the third most common at 16.2%. The average ISUIA 1-year rupture risk was 0.46 ± 0.008%. The average UCAS 1-year rupture risk was 0.93% ± 0.01. The annualPHASESrupture risk was0.32 ± 0.004%. The highest risk locations were the vertebral artery (up to 10.3% per year) and superior cerebellar artery (up to 2.7% per year). On average, Acomm aneurysms had 1 year risk no higher than 1.1% and Pcomm aneurysms no higher than 1.2% per year. CONCLUSION: We observed that in a small retrospective series of ruptured aneurysms, the majority were <7 mm and that the theoretical rupture risk of these aneurysms, had they been discovered in the unruptured state, is low (<1% per year). Our study has a number of limitations and these results should be validated in a larger multicenter study.

Risk Factors Associated With Mortality and Neurologic Disability After Intracerebral Hemorrhage in a Racially and Ethnically Diverse Cohort.

Introduction: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most severe subtype of stroke. Its mortality rate is high, and most survivors experience significant disability. Objective: To assess primary patient risk factors associated with mortality and neurologic disability 3 months after ICH in a large, racially and ethnically balanced cohort. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study included participants from the Ethnic/Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ERICH) study, which prospectively recruited 1000 non-Hispanic White, 1000 non-Hispanic Black, and 1000 Hispanic patients with spontaneous ICH to study the epidemiological characteristics and genomics associated with ICH. Participants included those with uniform data collection and phenotype definitions, centralized neuroimaging review, and telephone follow-up at 3 months. Analyses were completed in November 2021. Exposures: Patient demographic and clinical characteristics as well as hospital event and imaging variables were examined, with characteristics meeting P < .20 considered candidates for a multivariate model. Elements included in the ICH score were specifically analyzed. Main Outcomes and Measures: Individual characteristics were screened for association with 3-month outcome of neurologic disability or mortality, as assessed by a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 4 or greater vs 3 or less under a logistic regression model. A total of 25 characteristics were tested in the final model, which minimized the Akaike information criterion. Analyses were repeated removing individuals who had withdrawal of care. Results: A total of 2568 patients (mean [SD] age, 62.4 [14.7] years; 1069 [41.6%] women and 1499 [58.4%] men) had a 3-month outcome determination available, including death. The final logistic model had a significantly higher area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (C = 0.88) compared with ICH score alone (C = 0.76; P < .001). Among characteristics associated with neurologic disability and mortality were larger log ICH volume (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 2.36-3.19; P < .001), older age (OR per 1-year increase, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.05; P < .001), pre-ICH mRS score (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.41-1.87; P < .001), lobar location (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.16-0.30; P < .001), and presence of infection (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.42-2.41; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this cohort study validate ICH score elements and suggest additional baseline and interim patient characteristics were associated with variation in 3-month outcome.

Endovascular therapy versus microsurgical clipping of unruptured wide-neck aneurysms: a prospective multicenter study with propensity score analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Numerous techniques have been developed to treat wide-neck aneurysms (WNAs), each with different safety and efficacy profiles. Few studies have compared endovascular therapy (EVT) with microsurgery (MS). The authors' objective was to perform a prospective multicenter study of a WNA registry using rigorous outcome assessments and to compare EVT and MS using propensity score analysis (PSA). METHODS: Unruptured, saccular, not previously treated WNAs were included. WNA was defined as an aneurysm with a neck width ≥ 4 mm or a dome-to-neck ratio (DTNR) < 2. The primary outcome was modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 1 year after treatment (good outcome was defined as mRS score 0-2), as assessed by blinded research nurses and compared with PSA. Angiographic outcome was assessed using the Raymond scale with core laboratory review (adequate occlusion was defined as Raymond scale score 1-2). RESULTS: The analysis included 224 unruptured aneurysms in the EVT cohort (n = 140) and MS cohort (n = 84). There were no differences in baseline demographic characteristics, such as proportion of patients with good baseline mRS score (94.3% of the EVT cohort vs 94.0% of the MS cohort, p = 0.941). WNA inclusion criteria were similar between cohorts, with the most common being both neck width ≥ 4 mm and DTNR < 2 (50.7% of the EVT cohort vs 50.0% of the MS cohort, p = 0.228). More paraclinoid (32.1% vs 9.5%) and basilar tip (7.1% vs 3.6%) aneurysms were treated with EVT, whereas more middle cerebral artery (13.6% vs 42.9%) and pericallosal (1.4% vs 4.8%) aneurysms were treated with MS (p < 0.001). EVT aneurysms were slightly larger (p = 0.040), and MS aneurysms had a slightly lower mean DTNR (1.4 for the EVT cohort vs 1.3 for the MS cohort, p = 0.010). Within the EVT cohort, 9.3% of patients underwent stand-alone coiling, 17.1% balloon-assisted coiling, 34.3% stent-assisted coiling, 37.1% flow diversion, and 2.1% PulseRider-assisted coiling. Neurological morbidity secondary to a procedural complication was more common in the MS cohort (10.3% vs 1.4%, p = 0.003). One-year mRS scores were assessed for 218 patients (97.3%), and no significantly increased risk of poor clinical outcome was found for the MS cohort (OR 2.17, 95% CI 0.84-5.60, p = 0.110). In an unadjusted direct comparison, more patients in the EVT cohort achieved a good clinical outcome at 1 year (93.4% vs 84.1%, p = 0.048). Final adequate angiographic outcome was superior in the MS cohort (97.6% of the MS cohort vs 86.5% of the EVT cohort, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Although the treatments for unruptured WNA had similar clinical outcomes according to PSA, there were fewer complications and superior clinical outcome in the EVT cohort and superior angiographic outcomes in the MS cohort according to the unadjusted analysis. These results may be considered when selecting treatment modalities for patients with unruptured WNAs.

Endovascular Therapy Versus Microsurgical Clipping of Ruptured Wide Neck Aneurysms (EVERRUN Registry): a multicenter, prospective propensity score analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the superiority of endovascular therapy (EVT) compared to microsurgery (MS) for ruptured aneurysms suitable for treatment or when therapy is broadly offered to all presenting aneurysms; however, wide neck aneurysms (WNAs) are a challenging subset that require more advanced techniques and warrant further investigation. Herein, the authors sought to investigate a prospective, multicenter WNA registry using rigorous outcome assessments and compare EVT and MS using propensity score analysis (PSA). METHODS: Untreated, ruptured, saccular WNAs were included in the analysis. A WNA was defined as having a neck ≥ 4 mm or a dome/neck ratio (DNR) < 2. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 1 year posttreatment, as assessed by blinded research nurses (good outcome: mRS scores 0-2) and compared using PSA. RESULTS: The analysis included 87 ruptured aneurysms: 55 in the EVT cohort and 32 in the MS cohort. Demographics were similar in the two cohorts, including Hunt and Hess grade (p = 0.144) and modified Fisher grade (p = 0.475). WNA type inclusion criteria were similar in the two cohorts, with the most common type having a DNR < 2 (EVT 60.0% vs MS 62.5%). More anterior communicating artery aneurysms (27.3% vs 18.8%) and posterior circulation aneurysms (18.2% vs 0.0%) were treated with EVT, whereas more middle cerebral artery aneurysms were treated with MS (34.4% vs 18.2%, p = 0.025). Within the EVT cohort, 43.6% underwent stand-alone coiling, 50.9% balloon-assisted coiling, 3.6% stent-assisted coiling, and 1.8% flow diversion. The 1-year mRS score was assessed in 81 patients (93.1%), and the primary outcome demonstrated no increased risk for a poor outcome with MS compared to EVT (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.13-1.45, p = 0.177). The durability of MS was higher, as evidenced by retreatment rates of 12.7% and 0% for EVT and MS, respectively (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: EVT and MS had similar clinical outcomes at 1 year following ruptured WNA treatment. Because of their challenging anatomy, WNAs may represent a population in which EVT's previously demonstrated superiority for ruptured aneurysm treatment is less relevant. Further investigation into the treatment of ruptured WNAs is warranted.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction Among Patients With Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source and the Effect of Rivaroxaban vs Aspirin: A Subgroup Analysis of the NAVIGATE ESUS Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: It is uncertain whether anticoagulation is superior to aspirin at reducing recurrent stroke in patients with recent embolic strokes of undetermined source (ESUS) and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Objective: To determine whether anticoagulation is superior to aspirin in reducing recurrent stroke in patients with ESUS and LV dysfunction. Design, Setting, and Participants: Post hoc exploratory analysis of data from the New Approach Rivaroxaban Inhibition of Factor Xa in a Global Trial vs Aspirin to Prevent Embolism in ESUS (NAVIGATE ESUS) trial, a randomized, phase 3 clinical trial with enrollment from December 2014 to September 2017. The study setting included 459 stroke recruitment centers in 31 countries. Patients 50 years or older who had neuroimaging-confirmed ESUS between 7 days and 6 months before screening were eligible. Of the 7213 NAVIGATE ESUS participants, 7107 (98.5%) had a documented assessment of LV function at study entry and were included in the present analysis. Data were analyzed in January 2021. Interventions: Participants were randomized to receive either 15 mg of rivaroxaban or 100 mg of aspirin once daily. Main Outcomes and Measures: The study examined whether rivaroxaban was superior to aspirin at reducing the risk of (1) the trial primary outcome of recurrent stroke or systemic embolism and (2) the trial secondary outcome of recurrent stroke, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction, or cardiovascular mortality during a median follow-up of 10.4 months. LV dysfunction was identified locally through echocardiography and defined as moderate to severe global impairment in LV contractility and/or a regional wall motion abnormality. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess for treatment interaction and to estimate the hazard ratios for those randomized to rivaroxaban vs aspirin by LV dysfunction status. Results: LV dysfunction was present in 502 participants (7.1%). Of participants with LV dysfunction, the mean (SD) age was 67 (10) years, and 130 (26%) were women. Among participants with LV dysfunction, annualized primary event rates were 2.4% (95% CI, 1.1-5.4) in those assigned to rivaroxaban vs 6.5% (95% CI, 4.0-11.0) in those assigned aspirin. Among the 6605 participants without LV dysfunction, rates were similar between those assigned to rivaroxaban (5.3%; 95% CI, 4.5-6.2) vs aspirin (4.5%; 95% CI, 3.8-5.3). Participants with LV dysfunction assigned to rivaroxaban vs aspirin had a lower risk of the primary outcome (hazard ratio, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.14-0.93), unlike those without LV dysfunction (hazard ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.93-1.46) (P for treatment interaction = .03). Results were similar for the secondary outcome. Conclusions and Relevance: In this post hoc exploratory analysis, rivaroxaban was superior to aspirin in reducing the risk of recurrent stroke or systemic embolism among NAVIGATE ESUS participants with LV dysfunction. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02313909.

Ethnic and Racial Variation in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Risk Factors and Risk Factor Burden.

Importance: Black and Hispanic individuals have an increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) compared with their White counterparts, but no large studies of ICH have been conducted in these disproportionately affected populations. Objective: To examine the prevalence, odds, and population attributable risk (PAR) percentage for established and novel risk factors for ICH, stratified by ICH location and racial/ethnic group. Design, Setting, and Participants: The Ethnic/Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Study was a case-control study of ICH among 3000 Black, Hispanic, and White individuals who experienced spontaneous ICH (1000 cases in each group). Recruitment was conducted between September 2009 and July 2016 at 19 US sites comprising 42 hospitals. Control participants were identified through random digit dialing and were matched to case participants by age (±5 years), sex, race/ethnicity, and geographic area. Data analyses were conducted from January 2019 to May 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures: Case and control participants underwent a standardized interview, physical measurement for body mass index, and genotyping for the ɛ2 and ɛ4 alleles of APOE, the gene encoding apolipoprotein E. Prevalence, multivariable adjusted odds ratio (OR), and PAR percentage were calculated for each risk factor in the entire ICH population and stratified by racial/ethnic group and by lobar or nonlobar location. Results: There were 1000 Black patients (median [interquartile range (IQR)] age, 57 [50-65] years, 425 [42.5%] women), 1000 Hispanic patients (median [IQR] age, 58 [49-69] years; 373 [37.3%] women), and 1000 White patients (median [IQR] age, 71 [59-80] years; 437 [43.7%] women). The mean (SD) age of patients with ICH was significantly lower among Black and Hispanic patients compared with White patients (eg, lobar ICH: Black, 62.2 [15.2] years; Hispanic, 62.5 [15.7] years; White, 71.0 [13.3] years). More than half of all ICH in Black and Hispanic patients was associated with treated or untreated hypertension (PAR for treated hypertension, Black patients: 53.6%; 95% CI, 46.4%-59.8%; Hispanic patients: 46.5%; 95% CI, 40.6%-51.8%; untreated hypertension, Black patients: 45.5%; 95% CI, 39.%-51.1%; Hispanic patients: 42.7%; 95% CI, 37.6%-47.3%). Lack of health insurance also had a disproportionate association with the PAR percentage for ICH in Black and Hispanic patients (Black patients: 21.7%; 95% CI, 17.5%-25.7%; Hispanic patients: 30.2%; 95% CI, 26.1%-34.1%; White patients: 5.8%; 95% CI, 3.3%-8.2%). A high sleep apnea risk score was associated with both lobar (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.36-2.06) and nonlobar (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.37-1.91) ICH, and high cholesterol was inversely associated only with nonlobar ICH (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.52-0.70); both had no interactions with race and ethnicity. In contrast to the association between the ɛ2 and ɛ4 alleles of APOE and ICH in White individuals (eg, presence of APOE ɛ2 allele: OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.34-2.52), APOE alleles were not associated with lobar ICH among Black or Hispanic individuals. Conclusions and Relevance: This study found sleep apnea as a novel risk factor for ICH. The results suggest a strong contribution from inadequately treated hypertension and lack of health insurance to the disproportionate burden and earlier onset of ICH in Black and Hispanic populations. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors and the social determinants of health to reduce health disparities.

IAT-TiMeS: Intra-Arterial Thrombectomy Transfer Metric Study in Texas.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to report intra-arterial thrombectomy transfer metrics for ischemic stroke patients that were transferred to hub hospitals for possible intra-arterial thrombectomy in multiple geographic regions throughout the state of Texas and to identify potential barriers and delays in the intra-arterial thrombectomy transfer process. METHOD: We prospectively collected data from 8 participating Texas comprehensive stroke/thrombectomy capable centers from 7 major regions in the State of Texas. We collected baseline clinical and imaging data related to the pre-transfer evaluation, transfer metrics, and post-transfer clinical and imaging data. RESULTS: A total of 103 acute ischemic stroke patients suspected/confirmed to have large vessel occlusions between December 2016 to May 2019 that were transferred to hubs as possible intra-arterial thrombectomy candidates were enrolled. A total of 56 (54%) patients were sent from the spoke to the hub via ground ambulance with 47 (46%) patients traveling via air ambulance. The median spoke arrival to hub arrival time was 174 min, median spoke arrival to departure from spoke was 131 min, and median travel time was 39 min. The spoke arrival time to transfer initiation was 68 min. CT-perfusion obtained at the spoke and earlier initiation of transfer were statistically associated with shorter transfer times. CONCLUSION: Transfer of intra-arterial thrombectomy patients in Texas may take over 4 h from spoke arrival to hub arrival. This time may be shortened by earlier transfer initiation and acceptance.

The Ricochet-Scepter Technique: A Balloon-Assisted Technique to Achieve Outflow Access During Pipeline-Assisted Coil Embolization of a Near-Giant Internal Carotid Artery Ophthalmic Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Flow diversion with or without coil embolization has become the first-line treatment for large or giant paraclinoid internal carotid artery intracranial aneurysms. Oftentimes, these sizable aneurysms impose anatomical challenges to endovascular treatment through limiting both distal outflow access and maintenance of distal vessel purchase during catheter reduction, which are required for successful stent placement. Various strategies to obtain and maintain distal access within the parent vessel have been described previously; however, new techniques may need to be employed when more standard maneuvers fail. CASE DESCRIPTION: This paper depicts a case of successful flow diversion of a near-giant internal carotid artery ophthalmic aneurysm in a middle-aged female patient using a balloon-assisted technique, designated the Ricochet-Scepter technique, to achieve distal outflow access followed by secondary system reduction via a stent retriever after standard maneuvers had failed. CONCLUSIONS: Giant, wide-neck aneurysms present treatment challenges that may require using adjunctive devices and advanced endovascular techniques. When routine strategies for gaining distal outflow access fail, the Ricochet-Scepter technique is a viable option for achieving distal access.

Paramedic utilization of Vision, Aphasia, Neglect (VAN) stroke severity scale in the prehospital setting predicts emergent large vessel occlusion stroke.

BACKGROUND: Numerous stroke severity scales have been published, but few have been studied with emergency medical services (EMS) in the prehospital setting. We studied the Vision, Aphasia, Neglect (VAN) stroke assessment scale in the prehospital setting for its simplicity to both teach and perform. This prospective prehospital cohort study was designed to validate the use and efficacy of VAN within our stroke systems of care, which includes multiple comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs) and EMS agencies. METHODS: The performances of VAN and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥6 for the presence of both emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) alone and ELVO or any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) combined were reported with positive predictive value, sensitivity, negative predictive value, specificity, and overall accuracy. For subjects with intraparenchymal hemorrhage, volume was calculated based on the ABC/2 formula and the presence of intraventricular hemorrhage was recorded. RESULTS: Both VAN and NIHSS ≥6 were significantly associated with ELVO alone and with ELVO or any ICH combined using χ2 analysis. Overall, hospital NIHSS ≥6 performed better than prehospital VAN based on statistical measures. Of the 34 cases of intraparenchymal hemorrhage, mean±SD hemorrhage volumes were 2.5±4.0 mL for the five VAN-negative cases and 17.5±14.2 mL for the 29 VAN-positive cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our VAN study adds to the published evidence that prehospital EMS scales can be effectively taught and implemented in stroke systems with multiple EMS agencies and CSCs. In addition to ELVO, prehospital scales such as VAN may also serve as an effective ICH bypass tool.

Transient Ischemic Attack: The Trend and Readmissions in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary event of neurological dysfunction. Patients with TIA may be discharged from the Emergency Department or following an observational admission since their symptoms have resolved. Some portion of these patients, however, return to the hospital due to various reasons. The aim of our study is to find the trend of TIA readmissions in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) database, we analyzed TIA discharges and TIA readmissions between 2009-2014 using the statistical z-test. RESULTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: We recorded a total of 985,851 hospitalizations of patients discharged with TIA with a significant decrease from 2009 to 2014 (p<0.001). Patients had a mean age of 70.4 years and were mainly women (58.43%, P<0.01). HCUP reported 34,503 discharges due to TIA readmissions within 7 days (3.73%) and 91,261 discharges due to readmissions within 30 days (9.83%); both values showed a significant decrease during the study period. Summation of the TIA readmissions found that acute cerebrovascular disease was the leading cause of readmission, followed by another TIA in both seven and thirty days. CONCLUSION: Between 2009-2014 the rate of TIA and TIA readmissions has significantly decreased in the United States, especially in the female gender. Acute cerebrovascular disease and another TIA have been the leading cause of hospital readmissions. With a better understanding of the risk factors associated with hospital readmissions, it is possible to reduce the impending burden of these patients on the healthcare system.

Microsurgery for Unruptured Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations in the National Inpatient Sample is More Common Post-ARUBA.

BACKGROUND: The ARUBA trial (A Randomized Trial of Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations) was the first randomized control trial to investigate unruptured cerebral arteriovenous malformation (cAVM) treatments and concluded that medical management was superior to interventional therapy for the treatment of unruptured cAVMs. This conclusion generated considerable controversy and was followed by rebuttals and meta-analyses of the ARUBA methodology and results. We sought to determine whether the ARUBA results altered treatment trends of cAVMs within the United States. METHODS: Using the National Inpatient Sample, the largest all-payer inpatient care database within the United States, we isolated patients who were admitted on an elective basis for cAVM treatment and determined the treatment modality undergone by these patients. The cohort was dichotomized separately at 2 ARUBA time points: the European Stroke Conference presentation in May 2013, and The Lancet publication in February 2014. RESULTS: We found that the overall treatment rate of unruptured cAVMs decreased after both time points. However, the rate of surgical excision alone, relative to other modalities, was significantly increased, and endovascular intervention demonstrated a nonsignificant decrease. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the ARUBA trial has influenced unruptured cAVM treatment patterns within the United States. Although the overall treatment rate has decreased, unruptured cAVMs, when treated post-ARUBA, are most commonly approached with surgical excision alone.

Opportunities and challenges in secondary stroke prevention: a mixed methods study.

Purpose: To describe control of risk factors after stroke from the perspectives of the stroke survivor, the family, and healthcare professionals.Materials and methods: A mixed methods design was used, undertaken in two phases: i) qualitative study using focus group methodology to explore secondary stroke prevention and ii) survey of stroke survivors about use of technology and self-management of blood pressure (BP).Results: From the eight focus groups (n = 33), three themes were identified: i) stroke is a wake-up call to do the right things; ii) challenges to doing the right things; and iii) role of technology in helping you to do the right things. Among survey respondents (n = 82), most participants reported mobile phone ownership (93%), mostly smartphones (66%), and >80% identified a greater role for technology in supporting management of risk factors. Participants who reported monitoring BP at home were significantly more likely to know their target BP than those not monitoring at home (83 vs. 42%; p < 0.001) and more adherent with medications (78 vs. 52%; p = 0.016).Conclusions: These findings highlight the ongoing challenges with achieving risk factor control after stroke and the potential to utilise health information technology to engage stroke survivors in self-management of their risk factors.Implications for rehabilitationClinicians should be knowledgeable of the challenges that stroke survivors face in managing their risk factors after stroke and the role that they can play in providing tailored education.BP continues to be poorly controlled after stroke and there is opportunity for improvement.Stroke survivors and their families are receptive to using health information technology to support their risk factor control.Rehabilitation clinicians have an opportunity to incorporate different aspects of health information technology into their practice to support self-management of risk factors.

Hypertension and intracerebral hemorrhage recurrence among white, black, and Hispanic individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify whether recurrence risk for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is higher among black and Hispanic individuals and whether this disparity is attributable to differences in blood pressure (BP) measurements and their variability. METHODS: We analyzed data from survivors of primary ICH enrolled in 2 separate studies: (1) the longitudinal study conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital (n = 759), and (2) the ERICH (Ethnic/Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage) study (n = 1,532). Participants underwent structured interview at enrollment (including self-report of race/ethnicity) and were followed longitudinally via phone calls and review of medical records. We captured systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP measurements, and quantified variability as SBP and diastolic BP variation coefficients. We used multivariable (Cox regression) survival analysis to identify risk factors for ICH recurrence. RESULTS: We followed 2,291 ICH survivors (1,121 white, 529 black, 605 Hispanic, and 36 of other race/ethnicity). Both black and Hispanic patients displayed higher SBP during follow-up (p < 0.05). Black participants also displayed greater SBP variability during follow-up (p = 0.032). In univariable analyses, black and Hispanic patients were at higher ICH recurrence risk (p < 0.05). After adjusting for BP measurements and their variability, both Hispanic (hazard ratio = 1.51, 95% confidence interval 1.14-2.00, p = 0.004) and black (hazard ratio = 1.98, 95% confidence interval 1.36-2.86, p < 0.001) patients remained at higher risk of ICH recurrence. CONCLUSION: Black and Hispanic patients are at higher risk of ICH recurrence; hypertension severity (average BP and its variability) does not fully account for this finding. Additional studies will be required to further elucidate determinants for this health disparity.

Effect of Hyperosmolar Therapy on Outcome Following Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Ethnic/Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ERICH) Study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to identify the effect of hyperosmolar therapy (mannitol and hypertonic saline) on outcomes after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in the Ethnic/Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ERICH) study. METHODS: Comparison of ICH cases treated with hyperosmolar therapy versus untreated cases was performed using a propensity score based on age, initial Glasgow Coma Scale, location of ICH (lobar, deep, brainstem, and cerebellar), log-transformed initial ICH volume, presence of intraventricular hemorrhage, and surgical interventions. ERICH subjects with a pre-ICH modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 3 or lower were included. Treated cases were matched 1:1 to untreated cases by the closest propensity score (difference ≤.15), gender, and race and ethnicity (non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, or Hispanic). The McNemar and the Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare 3-month mRS outcomes between the 2 groups. Good outcome was defined as a 3-month mRS score of 3 or lower. RESULTS: As of December 31, 2013, the ERICH study enrolled 2279 cases, of which 304 hyperosmolar-treated cases were matched to 304 untreated cases. Treated cases had worse outcome at 3 months compared with untreated cases (McNemar, P = .0326), and the mean 3-month mRS score was lower in the untreated group (Wilcoxon, P = .0174). Post hoc analysis revealed more brain edema, herniation, and death at discharge for treated cases. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperosmolar therapy was not associated with better 3-month mRS outcomes for ICH cases in the ERICH study. This finding likely resulted from greater hyperosmolar therapy use in patients with edema and herniation rather than those agents leading to worse outcomes. Further studies should be performed to determine if hyperosmolar agents are effective in preventing poor outcomes.