Temporal Trends and Racial Disparities in Long-Term Survival After Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Few studies have examined trends and disparities in long-term outcome after stroke in a representative US population. We used a population-based stroke study in the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky region to examine trends and racial disparities in poststroke 5-year mortality. METHODS: All patients with acute ischemic strokes (AISs) and intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) among residents ≥20 years old were ascertained using ICD codes and physician-adjudicated using a consistent case definition during 5 periods: July 1993-June 1994 and calendar years 1999, 2005, 2010, and 2015. Race was obtained from the medical record; only those identified as White or Black were included. Premorbid functional status was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale, with a score of 0-1 being considered "good." Mortality was assessed with the National Death Index. Trends and racial disparities for each subtype were analyzed with logistic regression. RESULTS: We identified 8,428 AIS cases (19.3% Black, 56.3% female, median age 72) and 1,501 ICH cases (23.5% Black, 54.8% female, median age 72). Among patients with AIS, 5-year mortality improved after adjustment for age, race, and sex (53% in 1993/94 to 48.3% in 2015, overall effect of study year p = 0.009). The absolute decline in 5-year mortality in patients with AIS was larger than what would be expected in the general population (5.1% vs 2.8%). Black individuals were at a higher risk of death after AIS (odds ratio [OR] 1.23, 95% CI 1.08-1.39) even after adjustment for age and sex, and this effect was consistent across study years. When premorbid functional status and comorbidities were included in the model, the primary effect of Black race was attenuated but race interacted with sex and premorbid functional status. Among male patients with a good baseline functional status, Black race remained associated with 5-year mortality (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.7, p = 0.002). There were no changes in 5-year mortality after ICH over time (64.4% in 1993/94 to 69.2% in 2015, overall effect of study year p = 0.32). DISCUSSION: Long-term survival improved after AIS but not after ICH. Black individuals, particularly Black male patients with good premorbid function, have a higher mortality after AIS, and this disparity did not change over time.

Projections of Endovascular Therapy-Eligible Patients With Stroke for the US Population.

BACKGROUND: As stroke endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) treatment indications expand, understanding population-based EVT eligibility becomes critical for resource planning. We aimed to project current and future population-based EVT eligibility in the United States. METHODS: We conducted a post hoc analysis of the physician-adjudicated GCNKSS (Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study; 2015 epoch), a population-based, cross sectional, observational study of stroke incidence, treatment, and outcomes across a 5-county region. All hospitalized patients ≥18 years of age with acute ischemic stroke were ascertained using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes 430-436 and Tenth Revision codes I60-I67 and G45-G46 and extrapolated to the US adult census 2020. We determined the rate of EVT eligibility within the GCNKSS population using time from last known well to presentation (0-5 versus 5-23 hours), presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and prestroke modified Rankin Scale. Both conservative and liberal estimates of prevalence of large vessel occlusion and large core were then applied based on literature review (unavailable within the 2015 GCNKSS). This eligibility was then extrapolated to the 2020 US population. RESULTS: Of the 1 057 183 adults within GCNKSS in 2015, 2741 had an ischemic stroke and 2176 had data available for analysis. We calculated that 8659 to 17 219 patients (conservative to liberal) meet the current guideline-recommended EVT criteria (nonlarge core, no prestroke disability, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥6) in the United States. Estimates (conservative to liberal) for expanded EVT eligibility subpopulations include (1) 5316 to 10 635 by large core; (2) 10 635 to 21 270 by mild presenting deficits with low National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score; (3) 13 572 to 27 089 by higher prestroke disability; and (4) 7039 to 14 180 by >1 criteria. These expanded eligibility subpopulations amount to 36 562 to 73 174 patients. CONCLUSIONS: An estimated 8659 to 17 219 adult patients in the United States met strict EVT eligibility criteria in 2020. A 4-fold increase in population-based EVT eligibility can be anticipated with incremental adoption of recent or future positive trials. US stroke systems need to be rapidly optimized to handle all EVT-eligible patients with stroke.

Racial Disparities in Blood Pressure at Time of Acute Ischemic Stroke Presentation: A Population Study.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a stroke risk factor with known disparities in prevalence and management between Black and White patients. We sought to identify if racial differences in presenting blood pressure (BP) during acute ischemic stroke exist. METHODS AND RESULTS: Adults with acute ischemic stroke presenting to an emergency department within 24 hours of last known normal during study epochs 2005, 2010, and 2015 within the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study were included. Demographics, histories, arrival BP, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and time from last known normal were collected. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine differences in mean BP between Black and White patients, adjusting for age, sex, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, stroke, body mass index, and study epoch. Of 4048 patients, 853 Black and 3195 White patients were included. In adjusted analysis, Black patients had higher presenting systolic BP (161 mm Hg [95% CI, 159-164] versus 158 mm Hg [95% CI, 157-159], P<0.01), diastolic BP (86 mm Hg [95% CI, 85-88] versus 83 mm Hg [95% CI, 82-84], P<0.01), and mean arterial pressure (111 mm Hg [95% CI, 110-113] versus 108 mm Hg [95% CI, 107-109], P<0.01) compared with White patients. In adjusted subanalysis of patients <4.5 hours from last known normal, diastolic BP (88 mm Hg [95% CI, 86-90] versus 83 mm Hg [95% CI, 82-84], P<0.01) and mean arterial pressure (112 mm Hg [95% CI, 110-114] versus 108 mm Hg [95% CI, 107-109], P<0.01) were also higher in Black patients. CONCLUSIONS: This population-based study suggests differences in presenting BP between Black and White patients during acute ischemic stroke. Further study is needed to determine whether these differences influence clinical decision-making, outcome, or clinical trial eligibility.

Impact of Poverty on Stroke Recurrence: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Poverty is associated with greater stroke incidence. The relationship between poverty and stroke recurrence is less clear. METHODS: In this population-based study, incident strokes within the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region were ascertained during the 2015 study period and followed up for recurrence until December 31, 2018. The primary exposure was neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES), defined by the percentage of households below the federal poverty line in each census tract in 4 categories (≤5%, >5%-10%, >10%-25%, >25%). Poisson regression models provided recurrence rate estimates per 100,000 residents using population data from the 2015 5-year American Community Survey, adjusting for age, sex, and race. In a secondary analysis, Cox models allowed for the inclusion of vascular risk factors in the assessment of recurrence risk by nSES among those with incident stroke. RESULTS: Of 2,125 patients with incident stroke, 245 had a recurrent stroke during the study period. Poorer nSES was associated with increased stroke recurrence, with rates of 12.5, 17.5, 25.4, and 29.9 per 100,000 in census tracts with ≤5%, >5%-10%, >10%-25%, and >25% below the poverty line, respectively (p < 0.01). The relative risk (95% CI) for recurrent stroke among Black vs White individuals was 2.54 (1.91-3.37) before adjusting for nSES, and 2.00 (1.47-2.74) after adjusting for nSES, a 35.1% decrease. In the secondary analysis, poorer nSES (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.10-2.76 for lowest vs highest category) and Black race (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.01-1.70) were both independently associated with recurrence risk, though neither retained significance after full adjustment. Age, diabetes, and left ventricular hypertrophy were associated with increased recurrence risk in fully adjusted models. DISCUSSION: Residents of poorer neighborhoods had a dose-dependent increase in stroke recurrence risk, and neighborhood poverty accounted for approximately one-third of the excess risk among Black individuals. These results highlight the importance of poverty, race, and the intersection of the 2 as potent drivers of stroke recurrence.

Health Factors Associated With Development and Severity of Poststroke Dysphagia: An Epidemiological Investigation.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia after stroke is common and can impact morbidity and death. The purpose of this population-based study was to determine specific epidemiological and health risk factors that impact development of dysphagia after acute stroke. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke cases from 2010 and 2015 were identified via chart review from the GCNKSS (Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study), a representative sample of ≈1.3 million adults from southwestern Ohio and northern Kentucky. Dysphagia status was determined on the basis of clinical assessments and necessity for alternative access to nutrition via nasogastric or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement. Comparisons between patients with and without dysphagia were made to determine differences in baseline characteristics and premorbid conditions. Multivariable logistic regression determined factors associated with increased risk of dysphagia. Dysphagia status was ascertained from 4139 cases (1709 with dysphagia). Logistic regression showed that increased age, Black race, higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission, having a hemorrhagic stroke (versus infarct), and right hemispheric stroke increased the risk of developing dysphagia after stroke. Factors associated with reduced risk included history of high cholesterol, lower prestroke modified Rankin Scale score, and white matter disease. CONCLUSIONS: This study replicated previous findings of variables associated with dysphagia (older age, worse stroke, right-sided hemorrhagic lesions), whereas other variables identified were without clear biological rationale (eg, Black race, history of high cholesterol, and presence of white matter disease) and should be investigated in future studies to determine biological relevance and potential influence in stroke recovery.

Trends Over Time in Stroke Incidence by Race in the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Understanding the current status of and temporal trends of stroke epidemiology by age, race, and stroke subtype is critical to evaluate past prevention efforts and to plan future interventions to eliminate existing inequities. We investigated trends in stroke incidence and case fatality over a 22-year time period. METHODS: In this population-based stroke surveillance study, all cases of stroke in acute care hospitals within a 5-county population of southern Ohio/northern Kentucky in adults aged ≥20 years were ascertained during a full year every 5 years from 1993 to 2015. Temporal trends in stroke epidemiology were evaluated by age, race (Black or White), and subtype (ischemic stroke [IS], intracranial hemorrhage [ICH], or subarachnoid hemorrhage [SAH]). Stroke incidence rates per 100,000 individuals from 1993 to 2015 were calculated using US Census data and age-standardized, race-standardized, and sex-standardized as appropriate. Thirty-day case fatality rates were also reported. RESULTS: Incidence rates for stroke of any type and IS decreased in the combined population and among White individuals (any type, per 100,000, 215 [95% CI 204-226] in 1993/4 to 170 [95% CI 161-179] in 2015, p = 0.015). Among Black individuals, incidence rates for stroke of any type decreased over the study period (per 100,000, 349 [95% CI 311-386] in 1993/4 to 311 [95% CI 282-340] in 2015, p = 0.015). Incidence of ICH was stable over time in the combined population and in race-specific subgroups, and SAH decreased in the combined groups and in White adults. Incidence rates among Black adults were higher than those of White adults in all time periods, and Black:White risk ratios were highest in adults in young and middle age groups. Case fatality rates were similar by race and by time period with the exception of SAH in which 30-day case fatality rates decreased in the combined population and White adults over time. DISCUSSION: Stroke incidence is decreasing over time in both Black and White adults, an encouraging trend in the burden of cerebrovascular disease in the US population. Unfortunately, however, Black:White disparities have not decreased over a 22-year period, especially among younger and middle-aged adults, suggesting the need for more effective interventions to eliminate inequities by race.

The use of PK Papyrus covered coronary stent for carotid reconstruction: an initial institutional experience.

BACKGROUND: The use of covered stent grafts for the treatment of carotid rupture is increasingly being used given their ability to preserve the parent artery while simultaneously occluding the fistula or rupture point. METHODS: This case series describes the technical feasibility of using, and the performance of, the PK Papyrus covered coronary stent (Biotronik, Inc., Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA) in six patients with carotid rupture, including carotid cavernous fistulas, between July 2021 and October 2023 in a single-center institution in the USA. RESULTS: The median decade of life was 5 (IQR 3) with a 1:1 male-to-female ratio. The majority were black patients (n=5/6, 83.3%). The most common disease pathology was carotid cavernous fistula (n=4/6, 66.7%), followed by traumatic carotid rupture (n=2/6, 33.3%). All the stent embolization procedures were successfully treated with the PK Papyrus covered coronary stent. None of the patients had any recurrence or re-treatment. The number of stents required ranged from 1 to 3. A balloon guide catheter was used in 66.7% of cases (n=4/6). In-hospital mortality was 0.0% (n=0/6). No in-stent thrombosis was observed, but there was one case of cangrelor-associated hemorrhagic stroke conversion. Transfemoral access was used in all cases with one access site complication. Median follow-up time was 1.8 months (IQR 3.5). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the largest case series in the USA demonstrating the feasibility and safety of using the PK Papyrus covered coronary stent for the treatment of carotid rupture, including carotid cavernous fistulas.

Endovascular Thrombectomy With or Without Thrombolysis for Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: To this date, whether to administer intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) prior to endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for stroke patients still stirs some debate. We aimed to systematically update the evidence from randomized trials comparing EVT alone vs EVT with bridging IVT. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing EVT with or without IVT in patients presenting with stroke secondary to a large vessel occlusion. We conducted meta-analyses using random-effects models to compare functional independence, mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), between EVT and EVT with IVT. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and certainty of evidence for each outcome using the GRADE approach. Results: Of 11,111 citations, we included 6 studies with a total of 2336 participants. We found low-certainty evidence of possibly a small decrease in the proportion of patients with functional independence (risk difference [RD] -2.0%, 95% CI -5.9% to 2.0%), low-certainty evidence that there is possibly a small increase in mortality (RD 1.0%, 95% CI -2.2% to 4.7%), and moderate-certainty evidence that there is probably a decrease in sICH (RD -1.0%, 95% CI -1.6% to .7%) for patients with EVT alone compared to EVT plus IVT, respectively. Conclusion: Low-certainty evidence shows that there is possibly a small decrease in functional independence, low-certainty evidence shows that there is possibly a small increase in mortality, and moderate-certainty evidence that there is probably a decrease in sICH for patients with EVT alone compared to EVT plus IVT.

The Zoom RDL radial access system for neurointervention: An early single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: The transradial approach (TRA) for neurointerventional procedures is increasingly being used given its technical feasibility and safety. However, catheter trackability and device deliverability are reported barriers to TRA adoption. METHODS: This is the first report describing the technical feasibility and performance of using the Zoom RDL Radial Access System (Imperative Care, Inc., Campbell, CA) in 29 patients who underwent neurointerventional procedures from October 2022 to January 2023 in a single-center institution. RESULTS: Mean age of the study population was 61.9±17.2 years, 79.3% were male (23/29), and 62.1% were black (18/29). The most common procedures were stroke thrombectomy (31.0%, 9/29) and aneurysm embolization (27.6%, 8/29). All the stroke thrombectomy procedures were successfully performed; first-pass effect rate (mTICI≥2 c in one pass) was achieved in 66.7% (6/9) of cases. We used TRA in 86.2% of cases (25/29), including distal radial/snuffbox access in 31.0% (9/29) of cases. The radial diameter was >2 mm for all cases. An intermediate/aspiration catheter was used in 89.7% (26/29) of cases. Access success was achieved in 89.7% of cases (26/29); two cases required conversion from TRA to transfemoral approach (6.9%) and one case required conversion to a different guide catheter (3.4%). There were no access site complications or other Zoom RDL-related complications. One intracerebral hemorrhage, and one procedure-related thrombus were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Zoom RDL Radial Access System is technically feasible and effective for complex neurointerventional procedures with low complication rates.

Endovascular Thrombectomy with or without Bridging Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is unclear added benefit of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis to assess the cost-effectiveness of comparing EVT with IVT versus EVT alone. METHODS: We used a decision tree to examine the short-term costs and outcomes at 90 days after the occurrence of index stroke to compare the cost-effectiveness of EVT alone with EVT plus IVT for patients with stroke. Subsequently, we developed a Markov state transition model to assess the costs and outcomes over 1-year, 5-year, and 20-year time horizons. We estimated total and incremental cost, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. RESULTS: The average costs per patient were estimated to be $47,304, $49,510, $59,770, and $76,561 for EVT-only strategy and $55,482, $57,751, $68,314, and $85,611 for EVT with IVT over 90 days, 1 year, 5 years, and 20 years, respectively. The cost saving of EVT-only strategy was driven by the avoided medication costs of IVT (ranging from $8,178 to $9,050). The additional IVT led to a slight decrease in QALY estimate during the 90-day time horizon (loss of 0.002 QALY), but a small gain over 1-year and 5-year time horizons (0.011 and 0.0636 QALY). At a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000 per QALY gained, the probabilities of EVT only being cost-effective were 100%, 100%, and 99.3% over 90-day, 1-year, and 5-year time horizons. CONCLUSION: Our cost-effectiveness model suggested that EVT only may be cost-effective for patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to large vessel occlusion.

Intravenous cangrelor use for neuroendovascular procedures: a two-center experience and updated systematic review.

Background: The optimal antiplatelet therapy regimen for certain neuroendovascular procedures remains unclear. This study investigates the safety and feasibility of intravenous dose-adjusted cangrelor in patients undergoing acute neuroendovascular interventions. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all consecutive patients on intravenous cangrelor for neuroendovascular procedures between September 1, 2020, and March 13, 2022. We also conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane Library up to February 22, 2023. Results: In our cohort, a total of 76 patients were included [mean age (years): 57.2 ± 18.2, males: 39 (51.3), Black: 49 (64.5)]. Cangrelor was most used for embolization and intracranial stent placement (n = 24, 32%). Approximately 44% of our patients had a favorable outcome with a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 to 2 at 90 days (n = 25/57); within 1 year, 8% of patients had recurrent or new strokes (n = 5/59), 6% had symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage [sICH] (4/64), 3% had major extracranial bleeding events (2/64), and 3% had a gastrointestinal bleed (2/64). In our meta-analysis, 11 studies with 298 patients were included. The pooled proportion of sICH and intraprocedural thromboembolic complication events were 0.07 [95% CI 0.04 to 1.13] and 0.08 [95% CI 0.05 to 0.15], respectively. Conclusion: Our study found that intravenous cangrelor appears to be safe and effective in neuroendovascular procedures, with low rates of bleeding and ischemic events. However, further research is needed to compare different dosing and titration protocols of cangrelor and other intravenous agents.

Health factors associated with development and severity of post-stroke dysphagia: an epidemiological investigation.

Background and Purpose: Dysphagia is a common post-stroke occurrence and has been shown to impact patients' morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to use a large population-based dataset to determine specific epidemiological and patient health risk factors that impact development and severity of dysphagia after acute stroke. Methods: Using data from the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study, GCNKSS, involving a representative sample of approximately 1.3 million people from Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky of adults (age ≥18), ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke cases from 2010 and 2015 were identified via chart review. Dysphagia status was determined based on bedside and clinical assessments, and severity by necessity for alternative access to nutrition via nasogastric (NG) or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement. Comparisons between patients with and without dysphagia were made to determine differences in baseline characteristics and pre-morbid conditions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with increased risk of developing dysphagia. Results: Dysphagia status was ascertained from 4139 cases (1709 with dysphagia). Logistic regression showed: increased age, Black race, higher NIHSS score at admission, having a hemorrhagic stroke (vs infarct), and right hemispheric stroke increased risk of developing dysphagia after stroke. Factors associated with reduced risk included history of high cholesterol, lower pre-stroke mRS score, and white matter disease. Conclusions: This study replicated many previous findings of variables associated with dysphagia (older age, worse stroke, right sided hemorrhagic lesions), while other variables identified were without clear biological rationale (e.g. Black race, history of high cholesterol and presence of white matter disease). These factors should be investigated in future, prospective studies to determine biological relevance and potential influence in stroke recovery.

Underlying intracranial atherosclerotic disease is associated with worse outcomes in acute large vessel occlusion undergoing endovascular thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: Data on large vessel occlusion (LVO) management due to intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical outcomes between patients with ICAD and those without ICAD following mechanical thrombectomy (MT). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent MT for LVO in a large academic comprehensive stroke center, and compared in-hospital mortality, 90-day mortality, favorable functional outcome at 90 days, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) using chi-squared tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses. We defined ICAD as observable plaque at occlusion site post-thrombectomy. RESULTS: Among 215 patients (mean age 67.1 ± 16.0 years; 60.5% female; 83.6% Black, median NIHSS score 16), ICAD was present in 38 patients (17.7%). Diabetes and dyslipidemia were more common in those with ICAD (57.9% vs. 38.4%, p = 0.027 and 29.0% vs. 14.7%, p = 0.035, respectively). Substantial reperfusion (TICI ≥2b) was achieved less often (84.2% vs. 94.4%, p = 0.031) but symptomatic ICH was also less common in ICAD patients (0% vs. 9.0%, p = 0.081). In-hospital and 90-day mortality were more common (36.8% vs. 15.8%, p = 0.003 and 52.6% vs. 26.6%, p = 0.002, respectively) and favorable functional outcome (mRS 0-2) at 90 days was less common (7.9% vs. 33.9%, p = 0.001) in ICAD patients. After adjusting for prognostic variables, ICAD was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (OR=4.1, 95% CI 1.7-9.7), 90-day mortality (OR=3.7, 95% CI 1.6-8.6), and poor functional outcome at 90 days (OR=5.5, 95% CI 1.6-19.4). CONCLUSION: Symptomatic ICAD in a predominantly African American cohort is associated with increased odds of mortality and poor functional outcome at 90 days in patients with LVO undergoing MT.

Endovascular thrombectomy with or without thrombolysis bridging in patients with acute ischaemic stroke: protocol for a systematic review, meta-analysis of randomised trials and cost-effectiveness analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Current published guidelines and meta-analyses comparing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) alone versus EVT with bridging intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) suggest that EVT alone is non-inferior to EVT with bridging thrombolysis in achieving favourable functional outcome. Because of this controversy, we aimed to systematically update the evidence and meta-analyse data from randomised trials comparing EVT alone versus EVT with bridging thrombolysis, and performed an economic evaluation comparing both strategies. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct a systematic review of randomised controlled trials comparing EVT with or without bridging thrombolysis in patients presenting with large vessel occlusions. We will identify eligible studies by systematically searching the following databases from inception without any language restrictions: MEDLINE (through Ovid), Embase and the Cochrane Library. The following criteria will be used to assess eligibility for inclusion: (1) adult patients ≥18 years old; (2) randomised patients to EVT alone or to EVT with IVT; and (3) measured outcomes, including functional outcomes, at least 90 days after randomisation. Pairs of reviewers will independently screen the identified articles, extract information and assess the risk of bias of eligible studies. We will use the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool to evaluate risk of bias. We will also use the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to assess the certainty in evidence for each outcome. We will then perform an economic evaluation based on the extracted data. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic review will not require a research ethics approval because no confidential patient data will be used. We will disseminate our findings by publishing the results in a peer-reviewed journal and via presentation at conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022315608.

Trends in Disparities in Advanced Neuroimaging Utilization in Acute Stroke: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Our primary objective was to evaluate if disparities in race, sex, age, and socioeconomic status (SES) exist in utilization of advanced neuroimaging in year 2015 in a population-based study. Our secondary objective was to identify the disparity trends and overall imaging utilization as compared with years 2005 and 2010. METHODS: This was a retrospective, population-based study that utilized the GCNKSS (Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study) data. Patients with stroke and transient ischemic attack were identified in the years 2005, 2010, and 2015 in a metropolitan population of 1.3 million. The proportion of imaging use within 2 days of stroke/transient ischemic attack onset or hospital admission date was computed. SES determined by the percentage below the poverty level within a given respondent's US census tract of residence was dichotomized. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the odds of advanced neuroimaging use (computed tomography angiogram/magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiogram) for age, race, gender, and SES. RESULTS: There was a total of 10 526 stroke/transient ischemic attack events in the combined study year periods of 2005, 2010, and 2015. The utilization of advanced imaging progressively increased (48% in 2005, 63% in 2010, and 75% in 2015 [P<0.001]). In the combined study year multivariable model, advanced imaging was associated with age and SES. Younger patients (≤55 years) were more likely to have advanced imaging compared with older patients (adjusted odds ratio, 1.85 [95% CI, 1.62-2.12]; P<0.01), and low SES patients were less likely to have advanced imaging compared with high SES (adjusted odds ratio, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.75-0.93]; P<0.01). A significant interaction was found between age and race. Stratified by age, the adjusted odds of advanced imaging were higher for Black patients compared with White patients among older patients (>55 years; adjusted odds ratio, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.15-1.57]; P<0.01), but no racial differences among the young. CONCLUSIONS: Racial, age, and SES-related disparities exist in the utilization of advanced neuroimaging for patients with acute stroke. There was no evidence of a change in trend of these disparities between the study periods.

Changing Trends in Demographics, Risk Factors, and Clinical Features of Patients With Infective Endocarditis-Related Stroke, 2005-2015.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is a rising incidence of infective endocarditis-related stroke (IERS) in the United States attributed to the opioid epidemic. A contemporary epidemiologic description is necessary to understand the impact of the opioid epidemic on clinical characteristics of IERS. We describe and analyze trends in the demographics, risk factors, and clinical features of IERS. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study within a biracial population of 1.3 million in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region. All hospitalized patients with hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke were identified and physician verified from the 2005, 2010, and 2015 calendar years using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. IERS was defined as an acute stroke attributed to infective endocarditis meeting modified Duke Criteria for possible or definite endocarditis. Unadjusted comparison of demographics, risk factors, outcome, and clinical characteristics was performed between each study period for IERS and non-IERS. An adjusted model to compare trends used the Cochran-Armitage test for categorical variables and a general linear model or Kruskal-Wallis test for numerical variables. Examination for interaction of endocarditis status in trends was performed using a general linear or logistic model. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients with IERS and 8,204 without IERS were identified during the study periods. Between 2005 and 2015, there was a decline in rates of hypertension (91.7% vs 36.0%; p = 0.0005) and increased intravenous drug users (8.3% vs 44.0%; p = 0.02) in the IERS cohort. The remainder of the stroke population demonstrated a significant rise in hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and perioperative stroke. Infective endocarditis status significantly interacted with the trend in hypertension prevalence (p = 0.001). DISCUSSION: From 2005 to 2015, IERS was increasingly associated with intravenous drug use and fewer risk factors, specifically hypertension. These trends likely reflect the demographics of the opioid epidemic, which has affected younger patients with fewer comorbidities.

Endovascular thrombectomy for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis using the Penumbra Indigo® Aspiration System.

We present a 35-year-old male with ulcerative colitis initially admitted for a flare-up who then presented with altered mental status and was found to have extensive cerebral venous sinus thrombosis on computed tomography imaging. The patient underwent successful partial recanalization of the superior sagittal sinus and bilateral transverse sinuses using the Penumbra Indigo® Aspiration System with improved outcomes. To our knowledge, this is the first reported use of this device in the treatment of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.

Racial Disparities in Stroke Recurrence: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There are significant racial disparities in stroke in the United States, with Black individuals having a higher risk of incident stroke even when adjusted for traditional stroke risk factors. It is unknown whether Black individuals are also at a higher risk of recurrent stroke. METHODS: Over an 18-month period spanning 2014-2015, we ascertained index stroke cases within the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky population of 1.3 million. We then followed up all patients for 3 years and determined the risk of recurrence. Multivariable survival analysis was performed to determine the effect of Black race on recurrence. RESULTS: There were 3,816 patients with index stroke/TIA events in our study period, and 476 patients had a recurrent event within 3 years. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of 3-year recurrence rate was 15.4%. Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted stroke recurrence rate was higher in Black individuals (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.1-1.6; p = 0.003); however, when adjusted for traditional stroke risk factors including hypertension, diabetes, smoking status, age, and left ventricular hypertrophy, the association between Black race and recurrence was significantly attenuated and became nonsignificant (HR 1.1, 95% CI 0.9-1.36, p = 0.32). At younger ages, Black race was more strongly associated with recurrence, and this effect may not be fully attenuated by traditional stroke risk factors. DISCUSSION: Recurrent stroke was more common among Black individuals, but the magnitude of the racial difference was substantially attenuated and became nonsignificant when adjusted for traditional stroke risk factors. Interventions targeting these risk factors could reduce disparities in stroke recurrence.

Substance Use and Performance of Toxicology Screens in the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study.

BACKGROUND: Though stroke risk factors such as substance use may vary with age, less is known about trends in substance use over time or about performance of toxicology screens in young adults with stroke. METHODS: Using the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Stroke Study, a population-based study in a 5-county region comprising 1.3 million people, we reported the frequency of documented substance use (cocaine/marijuana/opiates/other) obtained from electronic medical record review, overall and by race/gender subgroups among physician-adjudicated stroke events (ischemic and hemorrhagic) in adults 20 to 54 years of age. Secondary analyses included heavy alcohol use and cigarette smoking. Data were reported for 5 one-year periods spanning 22 years (1993/1994-2015), and trends over time were tested. For 2015, to evaluate factors associated with performance of toxicology screens, multiple logistic regression was performed. RESULTS: Overall, 2152 strokes were included: 74.5% were ischemic, mean age was 45.7±7.6, 50.0% were women, and 35.9% were Black. Substance use was documented in 4.4%, 10.4%, 19.2%, 24.0%, and 28.8% of cases in 1993/1994, 1999, 2005, 2010, and 2015, respectively (Ptrend<0.001). Between 1993/1994 and 2015, documented substance use increased in all demographic subgroups. Adjusting for gender, comorbidities, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, predictors of toxicology screens included Black race (adjusted odds ratio, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.02-2.45]), younger age (adjusted odds ratio, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.53-0.91], per 10 years), current smoking (adjusted odds ratio, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.06-2.46]), and treatment at an academic hospital (adjusted odds ratio, 1.80 [95% CI, 1.14-2.84]). After adding chart-reported substance use to the model, only chart-reported substance abuse and age were significant. CONCLUSIONS: In a population-based study of young adults with stroke, documented substance use increased over time, and documentation of substance use was higher among Black compared with White individuals. Further work is needed to confirm race-based disparities and trends in substance use given the potential for bias in screening and documentation. Findings suggest a need for more standardized toxicology screening.