Prospective evaluation to characterize the real-world performance of the EMBOVAC aspiration catheter for neurothrombectomy: a post-market clinical follow-up trial.

BACKGROUND: A direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT) is an effective alternative to stent retriever thrombectomy for patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). The PERFECT study evaluated direct aspiration with the EMBOVAC large bore aspiration catheter in patients with LVO strokes. METHODS: PERFECT was a prospective, post-market, single-arm, multicenter, observational study of patients enrolled across 11 European centers between October 2020 and July 2022. Three direct aspiration passes with EMBOVAC were mandated before switching strategy. The primary endpoint was core-lab assessed successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥2b) post-procedure. Other outcomes included first pass mTICI ≥2c, independent 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) evaluation, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) at 24 hours by a clinical events committee. RESULTS: EMBOVAC was used in 100 patients (mean age 70.4±14.0 years, 59.0% (59/100) female). Final mTICI ≥2b was achieved in 98.0% (97/99), final mTICI ≥2b with no change in frontline therapy or thrombolytics use during the procedure was achieved in 87.9% (87/99), final mTICI ≥2c in 86.9% (86/99), and first pass mTICI ≥2c in 53.5% (53/99). sICH at 24 hours was 0%. The 90-day mRS ≤2 rate was 56.6% (56/99) and all-cause mortality was 12.9%. One device-related serious adverse event occurred within 90 days (1.0%). CONCLUSIONS: PERFECT demonstrates that EMBOVAC achieves successful reperfusion rates and favorable clinical outcomes when used in the endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) using a direct aspiration technique as first line therapy in a real-world setting in patients with AIS secondary to large vessel occlusion. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov Unique identifier: NCT04531904.

First experience with Walrus balloon guide catheter in a whole-body flow model.

PURPOSE: Flow arrest using a balloon guide catheter (BGC) in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) due to large vessel occlusion has been associated with better outcomes. Known limitations of currently commercially available BGCs are incompatibility with large bore aspiration catheters (AC) and lack of distal flexibility. Walrus presents variable stiffness and compatibility with large bore AC. The goal of this study is to describe the first experience with Walrus in a realistic stroke simulation model. METHODS: A full-length modular vascular model under physiological conditions was used. 8F+-Walrus inner-diameter (ID) 0.087in 95 cm combined with 6F-Sofia AC ID 0.070in 131 cm and an 8F-Flowgate2 BGC ID 0.084in 95 cm with a 5F-Sofia AC ID 0.055in 125 cm were used to perform aspiration MT. User surveys, access to target and occlusion site, technique, time of delivery, anatomical change, and catheter kick-back were assessed. RESULTS: Seven neuroradiologists with average of 10 years-experience in MT performed primary aspiration using the above-mentioned combinations in three different anatomies (N = 41). All operators would likely (29%) or very likely (71%) use again Walrus in combination with large bore AC and the majority (86%) found its navigability easier than with other BGCs. Time to reach final BGC position and catheter kick-back did not differ significantly among anatomies or catheter combinations (p > 0.05). However, Walrus was more likely to reach ICA petrous segment (p < 0.05) and intracranial occlusion with AC (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The Walrus combined with large bore AC presented significantly better distal access and navigability for primary aspiration in an in vitro stroke model.

The Clinical Features of Dissection of the Cervical Brain-Supplying Arteries.

BACKGROUND: Dissections of the cervical brain-supplying arteries are a leading cause of ischemic stroke in young adults, with an annual incidence of 2.5-3 / 100 000 for carotid artery dissection and 1-1.5 / 100 000 for vertebral artery dissection. It can be assumed that many cases go unreported. We present the clinical features here to help physicians diagnose this disease entity as rapidly as possible. METHODS: This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective search in PubMed. RESULTS: Spontaneous dissection of the internal carotid or vertebral artery is characterized by a hematoma in the vessel wall. It often arises in connection with minor injuries; underlying weakness of the arterial wall (possibly only temporary) may be a predisposing factor. Acute unilateral pain is the main presenting symptom. In internal carotid dissection, the site of the pain is temporal in 46% of cases, and frontal in 19%; in vertebral artery dissection, it is nuchal and occipital in 80%. Pain and local findings, such as Horner syndrome, are generally present from the beginning, while stroke may arise only after a latency of hours to days. If the diagnosis is made early with MRI, CT, or ultrasound, and anticoagulation or antiplatelet drugs can help prevent a stroke, yet none of these methods can detect all cases. Recurrent dissection is rare, except in patients with connective tissue diseases such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or fibromuscular dysplasia. Spontaneous dissection of the great vessels of the neck must be differentiated from aortic dissection spreading to the supra-aortic vessels and from traumatic dissection due to blunt or penetrating vascular trauma. CONCLUSION: Dissection of the cervical brain-supplying vessels is not always revealed by the imaging methods that are used to detect it. Stroke prevention thus depends on the physician's being aware of the symptoms and signs of this disease entity, so that early diagnosis can be followed by appropriate treatment.

Occlusion Type, Number of Recanalization Passages and Dose Program Determine Radiation Dose in Endovascular Stroke Thrombectomy.

PURPOSE: Identification of independent treatment factors associated with high radiation exposure during endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) in acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included all patients treated by means of EMT during the 2­year period 2017-2018 in a comprehensive stroke center. The EMT were performed by four internal and three external certified neuroradiologists in a clinic overlapping on call system. Radiation exposure as the dependent variable (dose area product DAP, Gy ⋅ cm2) was dichotomized in < 100 Gy ⋅ cm2 and ≥ 100 Gy ⋅ cm2. Independent variables were age (< 75 years vs. ≥ 75 years), time of intervention (during vs. beyond workday), treating neuroradiologist (internal vs. external), occlusion type ("mono" vs. "tandem"), reperfusion success (TICI 0-2A vs. TICI 2B/3), recanalization attempts (≤ 2 vs. > 2) and dose protocol (normal dose in 2017 vs. low dose in 2018). RESULTS: The EMT treatment of 208 patients (111 female, 97 male, mean age 71.6 years) was analyzed. Median DAP was 86.6 Gy ⋅ cm2 and could be reduced from 104.8 Gy ⋅ cm2 (N = 105 in 2017) to 73.3 Gy ⋅ cm2 (N = 103 in 2018) with LD program. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis revealed a significantly increased radiation exposure (≥ 100 Gy ⋅ cm2) in tandem occlusion type (P < 0.001), > 2 recanalization attempts (P < 0.001) and normal dose protocol (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Low dose programs can significantly reduce the radiation exposure in EMT. High radiation exposure is significantly associated with more than two recanalization attempts and in cases of tandem occlusions.

Ten Years of Improving Acute Stroke Management in a Metropolitan Area: A Population-Based Quantification of Quality Indicators.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Rapid access to acute stroke treatment improves clinical outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke. We aimed to shorten the time to admission and to acute stroke treatment for patients with acute stroke in the Hamburg metropolitan area by collaborative multilevel measures involving all hospitals with stroke units, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and health-care authorities. METHODS: In 2007, an area-wide stroke care quality project was initiated. The project included mandatory admission of all stroke patients in Hamburg exclusively to hospitals with stroke units, harmonized acute treatment algorithms among all hospitals, repeated training of the EMS staff, a multimedia educational campaign, and a mandatory stroke care quality monitoring system based on structured data assessment and quality indicators for procedural measures. We analyzed data of all patients with acute stroke who received inhospital treatment in the city of Hamburg during the evaluation period from the quality assurance database data and evaluated trends of key quality indicators over time. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2016, a total of 83,395 patients with acute stroke were registered. During this period, the proportion of patients admitted within ≤3 h from symptom onset increased over time from 27.8% in 2007 to 35.2% in 2016 (p < 0.001). The proportion of patients who received rapid thrombolysis (within ≤30 min after admission) increased from 7.7 to 54.1% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Collaborative stroke care quality projects are suitable and effective to improve acute stroke care.

What Radiologists Should Know About Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. / Was der Radiologe über den Normaldruckhydrozephalus wissen muss.

BACKGROUND: Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a disease in elderly patients and one of the most common causes of treatable dementia. It occurs frequently with microangiopathy and Alzheimer's disease, so that differential diagnosis plays an important role. This is crucially determined by imaging findings. Therapy consists of cerebrospinal fluid drainage through a shunt, which should be performed as early as possible to improve the chances of success. METHOD: This report is based on a summary of the relevant literature that has been reviewed in PubMed with reference to epidemiology, symptoms, pathophysiology, diagnostics, and therapy. The results were supplemented by the joint guidelines of the German Society of Neurology and the German Society of Neurosurgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The understanding of the pathophysiologic changes leading to normal pressure hydrocephalus has expanded significantly in recent years to include concepts explaining relevant comorbidities. Diagnosis is based on radiological and clinical indicators, although accurate differentiation with respect to comorbidities is not always possible. A high response rate to treatment can be achieved by good patient selection. Positive prognostic markers for therapeutic success include Disproportionately Enlarged Subarachnoid Space Hydrocephalus (DESH), short disease duration, predominant gait disturbance, and few comorbidities. KEY POINTS: · Normal pressure hydrocephalus mainly affects patients older than 65 years of age with high comorbidity rate for microangiopathy and Alzheimer's disease. · Radiologic findings play an important role in the diagnosis and follow-up after shunting. · The earlier a shunt is placed, the better the outcome. CITATION FORMAT: · Illies T, Eckert B, Kehler U. What Radiologists Should Know About Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; 193: 1197 - 1206.

Characterization of Extracranial Giant Cell Arteritis with Intracranial Involvement and its Rapidly Progressive Subtype.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to characterize patients with extracranial giant cell arteritis with intracranial involvement. METHODS: In a multicenter retrospective study, we included 31 patients with systemic giant cell arteritis (GCA) with intracranial involvement. Clinical characteristics, pattern of arterial involvement, and cytokine profiles were assessed. Patients with GCA without intracranial involvement (n = 17), and with intracranial atherosclerosis (n = 25) served as controls. RESULTS: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was elevated in 18 patients (69.2%) with and in 16 patients (100%) without intracranial involvement (p = 0.02). Headache was complained by 15 patients (50.0%) with and 13 patients (76.5%) without intracranial involvement (p = 0.03). Posterior circulation arteries were affected in 26 patients (83.9%), anterior circulation arteries in 17 patients (54.8%), and both territories in 12 patients (38.7%). Patients with GCA had vertebral artery stenosis proximal and, in contrast, patients with atherosclerosis distal to the origin of posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). Among patients with GCA with intracranial involvement, 11 patients (37.9%) had a rapid progressive disease course characterized by short-term recurrent ischemic events. The median modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at follow-up in these patients was 4 (interquartile range [IQR] = 2.0-6.0) and 4 patients (36.4%) died. Vessel wall expression of IL-6 and IL-17 was significantly increased in patients with rapid progressive course. INTERPRETATION: Typical characteristics of GCA, headache, and an elevated ESR, are frequently absent in patients with intracranial involvement. However, differentiation of intracranial GCA from atherosclerosis can be facilitated by the typical pattern of vertebral artery stenosis. About one-third of patients with intracranial GCA had a rapid progressive course with poor outcome. IL-17 and IL-6 may represent potential future treatment targets. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:118-129.

Brainstem encephalitis in neuroborreliosis: typical clinical course and distinct MRI findings.

OBJECTIVE: In this retrospective observational study and referring to a historical case presented in 2009, we searched for typical clinical and imaging features of brainstem encephalitis in neuroborreliosis. METHODS: In addition to the historical case we describe five affected patients. RESULTS: All patients had a very similar prolonged clinical course with unspecific symptoms such as wasting, fatigue and headache. Brainstem signs were irregularly observed. MRI showed symmetrical brainstem alterations in all patients. In coronary FLAIR imaging these changes formed a figure resembling a Philippine tarsier. CONCLUSIONS: A subset of patients with neuroborreliosis develops a brainstem encephalitis with a typical clinical course and distinct MRI findings.

Cerebral aneurysm: De novo genesis and rupture within 15 days.

We report the first case of de novo formation of a small 4- × 3-mm symptomatic aneurysm with subsequent subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) within 15 days. A pre-existing aneurysm was excluded by magnetic resonance angiography, as well as conventional angiography. In this case, there was no history of SAH, which is in contrast to other reported cases of de novo aneurysms that developed after previous aneurysm rupture.

Functional Outcome Following Stroke Thrombectomy in Clinical Practice.

Background and Purpose- Endovascular treatment for large vessel occlusion in ischemic stroke has proven to be effective in large clinical trials. We aimed to provide real-world estimates of endovascular treatment reperfusion rates and functional outcome on a countrywide scale. Methods- Two thousand seven hundred ninety-four patients with large vessel occlusion were included into an investigator-initiated, industry-independent, prospective registry in 25 sites in Germany between June 2015 and April 2018. The primary outcome was the score on the modified Rankin Scale ranging from zero (no symptoms) to 6 (death) at 3 months. Secondary analyses included the prediction of a good outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 0-2). Dichotomized analyses of predictors were performed using logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders. Results- Median age was 75 years (interquartile range, 64-82); median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 15 (interquartile range, 10-19). Vessel occlusion was in the anterior circulation in 2265 patients (88%) and in the posterior circulation in 303 patients (12%). Intravenous alteplase before endovascular treatment was given in 1457 patients (56%). Successful reperfusion was achieved in 2143 subjects (83%). At 3 months, 854 patients (37%) showed a good outcome; mortality was 29%. There was no difference between anterior and posterior circulation occlusions (P=0.27). Significant predictors for a good outcome were younger age (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% CI, 1.05-1.07), no interhospital transfer (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.03-1.88), lower stroke severity (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.08-1.13), smaller infarct size (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.15-1.39), alteplase use (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.08-2.06), and reperfusion success (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.45-1.96). Conclusions- High rates of favorable outcome can be achieved on a countrywide scale by endovascular treatment. Mortality appears to be greater in the daily routine than otherwise reported by authors of large randomized trials. There were no outcome differences between the anterior and posterior circulation. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT03356392.

ERASER.

Background and Purpose- Using a novel study design with virtual comparators based on predictive modeling, we investigated whether next-generation mechanical thrombectomy devices improve outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke. We hypothesized that this new study design shows that a next-generation mechanical thrombectomy system is superior to intravenous tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator) therapy (IVT) alone. Methods- ERASER (Eric Acute Stroke Recanalization) was an investigator-initiated, prospective, multicenter, single-arm (virtual 2-arm) study that evaluated the effectiveness of a new recanalization device together with a specific intermediate catheter (Embolus Retriever with Interlinked Cages/SOFIA, Microvention) in stroke patients with internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery occlusions. The primary end point was the volume of saved tissue. Volume of saved tissue was defined as the difference of actual infarct volume and brain volume predicted to develop infarction using a machine learning model based on data from intravenous tPA therapy patients. Results- Eighty-one patients were enrolled. The median patient age was 71 years (interquartile range, 61-77). National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 14 (interquartile range, 12-18). The actual infarct volume was smaller than predicted by the intravenous tPA therapy model, with a median volume of saved tissue of 50 mL (interquartile range, 19-103; P<0.0001). Good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 0-2 at 90 days) was observed in 48 out of 69 (70%). The recanalization rate (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b/3) was 95%. Conclusions- ERASER is the first mechanical thrombectomy study with a primary end point based on predictive analytics enabling intraindividual virtual comparisons. The next-generation mechanical thrombectomy method resulted in smaller infarcts than predicted after intravenous tPA therapy alone and showed a high rate of good clinical outcome. The novel study design with virtual comparisons is promising for further application and testing in the neurovascular arena. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02534701.

Systematic evaluation of stroke thrombectomy in clinical practice: The German Stroke Registry Endovascular Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment has become standard of care for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion. However, patients treated in clinical practice differ from the selected populations randomized in clinical trials. AIMS: The German Stroke Registry Endovascular Treatment (GSR-ET) aims at a systematic evaluation of outcome, safety, and process parameters of endovascular stroke treatment in standard of care in Germany. METHODS: The GSR-ET is an academic, independent, prospective, multicenter, observational registry study. Participating stroke centers from all over of Germany consecutively enroll patients transferred to the angiography suite with an intention to be treated with endovascular stroke treatment. Patients receive regular care. Data are collected as part of clinical routine. Baseline clinical and procedural information and clinical follow-up information after 90 days are recorded. Here, we present an analysis of baseline data of the first 1662 patients included in the GSR-ET. RESULTS: The registry was established in June 2015. By 31 December 2017, 1662 patients were enrolled in 23 active sites. Mean age was 72 ± 13 years, 50% were female, and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale on admission was 15 (IQR 10-19), 88% had anterior circulation occlusion. Median ASPECT score was 8 (IQR 7-10) prior to intervention. Fifty-nine percent of patients received intravenous thrombolysis prior to thrombectomy. Mean "onset-to-groin" time was 224 ± 176 min. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline characteristics of stroke patients undergoing thrombectomy in clinical practice differ from those in the randomized trials. The GSR-ET will provide valuable insights into practices of endovascular treatment in routine care of acute ischemic stroke. (GSR-ET ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03356392.).

Computed tomography-based quantification of lesion water uptake identifies patients within 4.5 hours of stroke onset: A multicenter observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Many patients with stroke cannot receive intravenous thrombolysis because the time of symptom onset is unknown. We tested whether computed tomography (CT)-based quantification of water uptake in the ischemic tissue can identify patients with stroke onset within 4.5 hours, the time window of thrombolysis. METHODS: Perfusion CT was used to identify ischemic brain tissue, and its density was measured in native CT and related to the density of the corresponding area of the contralateral hemisphere to quantify lesion water uptake. The optimal cutoff value of water uptake distinguishing stroke onset within and beyond 4.5 hours was calculated in patients with proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion (derivation cohort) with known time of symptom onset. The so-derived cutoff value was validated in a prospective cohort from other stroke centers. RESULTS: Of 178 patients of the derivation cohort, 147 (82.6%) had CT within 4.5 hours. Percentage water uptake was significantly lower in patients with stroke onset within compared to beyond 4.5 hours. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for distinguishing these patient groups according to percentage water uptake was 0.999 (95% confidence interval = 0.996-1.000, p < 0.001) with an optimal cutoff value of 11.5%. Applying this cutoff to the validation cohort of 240 patients, sensitivity was 98.6%, specificity 90.5%, positive predictive value 99.1%, and negative predictive value 86.4%. INTERPRETATION: Quantification of brain water uptake identifies stroke patients with symptom onset within 4.5 hours with high accuracy and may guide the decision to use thrombolysis in patients with unknown time of stroke onset. Ann Neurol 2016;80:924-934.

Ruptured basilar artery perforator aneurysms--treatment regimen and long-term follow-up in eight cases.

INTRODUCTION: Basilar artery (BA) perforator aneurysms may lead to severe subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The acute management is uncertain. The anatomic approach is challenging both for coiling and clipping, and flow diverter stenting may be dangerous due to the required antiplatelet therapy. We report on our experiences in eight patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed eight patients with ruptured BA perforator aneurysm, including clinical characteristics, imaging data, treatment regimen, clinical course, and long-term outcome. RESULTS: Patients presented with major SAH and World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) scores of I in three, II in two, and V in three cases. In four patients, the aneurysm was detected in the initial angiography, in four only in follow-up angiography. Five patients were treated conservatively and three patients had endovascular therapy. In the conservative group, the aneurysm spontaneously thrombosed in three cases. One patient suffered from a re-SAH and stayed permanently dependent due to an associated perforator stroke (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 5). The remaining four patients recovered well (mRS 0 and 1 in two cases, each) including three patients also exhibiting perforator strokes. Regarding the endovascular group, one parent vessel was an angioma feeder and embolized with Onyx. The second aneurysm spontaneously thrombosed periinterventionally. The third patient underwent coiling. Two parent vessels were occluded postinterventionally, resulting in perforator strokes. Final mRS scores were 0, 2, and 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: Conservative management of ruptured BA aneurysms might be a first-line treatment option with common spontaneous aneurysm occlusion, low rate of re-SAH, and promising clinical outcome.

Multivariate dynamic prediction of ischemic infarction and tissue salvage as a function of time and degree of recanalization.

Benefit of endovascular recanalization beyond established treatment time windows likely exists in select stroke patients. However, there is currently no imaging model that predicts infarction adjusting for elapsed time between the pathologic snapshot of admission imaging until endovascular recanalization. We trained and cross validated a multivariate generalized linear model (GLM) that uses computer tomography perfusion and clinical data to quantify patient-specific dynamic change of tissue infarction depending on degree and time of recanalization. Multicenter data of 161 patients with proximal anterior circulation occlusion undergoing endovascular therapy were included. Multivariate voxelwise infarct probability was calculated within the GLM. The effect of increasing time to treatment and degree of recanalization on voxelwise infarction was calculated in each patient. Tissue benefit of successful relative to unsuccessful recanalization was shown up to 15 hours after onset in individual patients and decreased nonlinearly with time. On average, the relative reduction of infarct volume at the treatment interval of 5 hours was 53% and this salvage effect decreased by 5% units per hour to <5% after 10 additional hours to treatment. Treatment time-adjusted multivariate prediction of infarction by perfusion and clinical status may identify patients who benefit from extended time to recanalization therapy.

Long-term occlusion results with SILK flow diversion in 28 aneurysms: Do recanalizations occur during follow-up?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to report on the long-term success rates of Silk flow-diverter (FD) treatment in a multicenter prospective study for the treatment of complex aneurysms. METHODS: Between May 2008 and January 2011, all consecutive patients featuring complex intracranial aneurysms eligible for FD treatment with the Silk in three neurovascular centers were included. Clinical and imaging data were assessed during hospitalization and follow-up. RESULTS: Five patients were initially asymptomatic, 20 patients showed various neurological symptoms. Twenty-eight FDs were implanted in 25 patients treating 28 aneurysms. The immediate procedure-related morbidity was 8% (two of 25), mortality 0%. One procedure-related death was observed during follow-up (in-stent thrombosis). Compared to the immediate result nearly two of three aneurysms improved during follow-up; all angiographically confirmed inflow changes took place within six months after treatment. Final anatomic outcome in 24 aneurysms of 22 patients comprised 14 (59%) with complete occlusion, seven (29%) with a neck remnant, two (8%) with residual filling <50%, none with residual filling >50% and one (4%) unchanged in comparison to its pretreatment status. Postinterventional recanalizations were seen in three of 13 (23%) aneurysms treated with FD alone; none were observed in 15 aneurysms treated with adjunctive coiling. CONCLUSION: Anatomic presentation and location are key for successful FD treatment. The rate of successful occlusion increases during follow-up. Postinterventional monitoring for at least six months is paramount, as anatomic outcome is not reliably predictable and recanalizations may occur in initially completely occluded aneurysms.

The neurological syndrome in adults during the 2011 northern German E. coli serotype O104:H4 outbreak.

The aim of this study was to describe the neurological syndrome in the largest cohort of adult patients with a complicated Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infection. The recent outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli serotype O104:H4 in northern Germany affected more than 3842 patients, 22% of whom developed haemolytic uraemic syndrome. The proportion of adult patients was unusually high, and neurological complications were frequent and severe. In three hospitals, population-based evaluation of 217 patients with complicated Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection was carried out, including neurological, neuroradiological, neurophysiological, cerebrospinal fluid and neuropathological analyses. Of the 217 patients with complicated Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection, 104 (48%) developed neurological symptoms. Neurological symptoms occurred 5.3 days (mean) after first diarrhoea and 4 days after onset of haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Of the infected patients with neurological symptoms, 67.3% presented with cognitive impairment or aphasia. During the course of the disease, 20% of the patients developed epileptic seizures. The onset of neurological symptoms was paralleled by increases in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. In 70 patients with cerebral magnetic resonance imaging, the most common findings were symmetrical hyperintensities in the region of abducens nucleus and lateral thalamus. On follow-up scans, these abnormalities were resolved. Neuropathological analysis revealed regionally accentuated astrogliosis and microgliosis, more predominant in the thalamus and brainstem than in the cortex, and neuronal expression of globotriaosylceramide. There were no signs of microbleeds, thrombotic vessel occlusion or ischaemic infarction. The neurological syndrome in adult patients with complicated Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection is a rapidly progressive and potentially life-threatening disease necessitating intensive care unit treatment and intubation in >30% of cases. The outcome of neurological patients in the 2011 northern German Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O104:H4 outbreak was surprisingly good. Magnetic resonance imaging and neuropathological findings point to a mixed toxic and inflammatory pathomechanism leading to largely reversible damage of neuronal function.