Hyalinizing Trabecular Tumor of the Thyroid Gland: A Case Report and Literature Review.

A hyalinizing trabecular tumor (HTT) of the thyroid gland is a very rare type of tumor. It is usually diagnosed incidentally during the examination for thyroid gland diseases that need thyroidectomy. Here we report a case of HTT in a 60-year-old male patient who presented with anterior neck swelling and underwent total thyroidectomy for a Bethesda category V nodule. The final histologic diagnosis of the left lobe was consistent with a hyalinized trabecular adenoma of the thyroid gland, or paraganglioma-like adenoma. We discuss the clinical picture and diagnostic approach, including the role of fine needle aspiration biopsy, and the pathologic features of HTT, with particular reference to the possible differential diagnosis.

Factors predicting 30-day mortality after ERCP in patients with inoperable malignant hilar biliary obstruction: a single tertiary referral centre experience and systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: There is a paucity of studies in the literature body evaluating short term outcomes following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with inoperable malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO). We aimed to primarily evaluate 30-day mortality in these patients and secondarily, conduct a systematic review of studies reporting 30-day mortality. DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients with inoperable MHBO who underwent ERCP at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust between February 2015 and September 2020. Logistic regression models constructed from baseline patient data, the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were evaluated as predictors of 30-day mortality. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients (49 males) with a mean age of 70.4 years (SD ±12.3) were included. Cholangiocarcinoma was the most common aetiology of MHBO affecting 35/87 (40.2%). Technical success was achieved in 72/87 (82.8%). The 30-day mortality rate was 25.3% (22/87), of which 16 were due to progression of underlying malignant disease. On multivariate analysis, only leucocytosis (OR 4.12, 95% CI 2.70 to 7.41, p=0.02) was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality. Neither mGPS (p=0.47) nor CCI with a cut-off value of ≥7 (p=0.06) were significant predictors of 30-day mortality. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that 30-day mortality following ERCP for inoperable MHBO remains high despite technical success. Further studies are warranted to identify patients most appropriate for intervention.

Assessment of Cerebral Vasodilatory Capacity as Part of Catheter-Based Cerebral Angiography.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cerebral vasodilatory capacity assessment for risk stratification in patients with extracranial arterial stenosis or occlusion may be useful. We describe a new method that assesses cerebral vasodilatory capacity as part of catheter-based cerebral angiography. METHODS: We prospectively assessed regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV) in the arterial distribution of interest using a controlled contrast injection in the common carotid or the subclavian arteries. rCBV maps were created using a predefined algorithm based on contrast distribution in the venous phase (voxel size: .466 mm3 ). rCBV maps were acquired again after selective administration of intra-arterial nicardipine (2.0 mg) distal to the stenosis. Two independent observers graded the change in rCBV in 10 predefined anatomical regions within the tributaries of the artery of interest (0 = reduction, 1 = no change, 2 = increase) and total rCBV change scores were summated. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with internal carotid artery stenosis (n = 18; 0-90% in severity) or extracranial vertebral artery stenosis (n = 7; 0-100% in severity) were assessed. There was an increase in rCBV in a tributary of the artery of interest in 18 of 25 after intra-arterial nicardipine (mean score: 11.98; range 0-19.5). There was no change or decrease in rCBV in 7 of 25 patients. The mean rCBV change score was similar in patients with an assessment of internal carotid artery or vertebral artery distributions (12.2 ± 5.3; 11.4 ± 2.5; P = .68). CONCLUSION: Selective vasodilatory response to intra-arterial nicardipine in the affected arterial distribution during catheter-based cerebral angiography may provide new data for risk stratification.

Meta-Analysis of Efficacy and Safety of Proton Pump Inhibitors with Dual Antiplatelet Therapy for Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: There is inconsistency in the literature regarding the clinical effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) when added to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD). We performed meta-analysis stratified by study design to explore these differences. METHODS AND RESULTS: 39 studies [4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 35 observational studies) were selected using MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL (Inception-January 2018). In 221,204 patients (PPI = 77,731 patients, no PPI =143,473 patients), RCTs restricted analysis showed that PPI did not increase the risk of all-cause mortality (Risk Ratio (RR): 1.35, 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 0.56-3.23, P = 0.50, I2 = 0), cardiovascular mortality (RR: 0.94, 95% CI, 0.25-3.54, P = 0.92, I2 = 56), myocardial infarction (MI) (RR: 0.97, 95% CI, 0.62-1.51, P = 0.88, I2 = 0) or stroke (RR: 1.11, 95% CI, 0.25-5.04, P = 0.89, I2 = 26). However, PPI significantly reduced the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (RR: 0.32, 95% CI, 0.20-0.52, P < 0.001, I2 = 0). Conversely, analysis of observational studies showed that PPI significantly increased the risk of all-cause mortality (RR: 1.25, 95% CI, 1.11-1.41, P < 0.001, I2 = 82), cardiovascular mortality (RR: 1.25, 95% CI, 1.03-1.52, P = 0.02, I2 = 71), MI (RR: 1.30, 95% CI, 1.16-1.47, P < 0.001, I2 = 82) and stroke (RR: 1.60, 95% CI, 1.43-1.78, P < 0.001, I2 = 0), without reducing GI bleeding (RR: 0.74, 95% CI, 0.45-1.22, P = 0.24, I2 = 79). CONCLUSION: Meta-analysis of RCTs endorsed the use of PPI with DAPT for reducing GI bleeding without worsening cardiovascular outcomes. These findings oppose the negative observational data regarding effects of PPI with DAPT.

Femoral Neuropathy Following Transfemoral Neuroendovascular Procedures. An Analysis of a Prospective Registry.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although femoral neuropathy is recognized as an adverse consequence following transfemoral neuroendovascular procedures, no reliable estimates are available. We analyzed data from a prospective registry to ascertain the frequency and characteristics of femoral neuropathy following transfemoral neuroendovascular procedures. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent neuroendovascular procedures through the transfemoral route were included. Detailed assessment was performed if any patient reported occurrence of sensory or motor symptoms in the femoral or lower extremity region including neurological examination (sensory/motor deficits) and femoral region ultrasound. RESULTS: Femoral neuropathy was diagnosed following 4 of 270 neurovascular procedures with an occurrence rate of 1.5% (95% confidence intervals = .4-3.7%). The symptoms were exclusively sensory without any motor involvement. The femoral neuropathy appeared to involve anterior femoral cutaneous nerves in all and medial cutaneous branches in 2 patients, and more than one nerve distribution in 1 patient in whom lateral cutaneous nerve appeared to be involved. All patients reported resolution of symptoms within a period ranging from 1 week to 2 months. No local hematoma or arterial pseudoaneurysm was identified at femoral region ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: Femoral neuropathy is a rare occurrence following transfemoral neuroendovascular procedures and it usually occurs with pure sensory manifestations with complete resolution.

Vertebral Artery Occlusive Disease: Data from the Angiographically Confirmed Vertebral Artery Disease Registry.

BACKGROUND: We performed this study to identify demographic, clinical, and angiographic characteristics of adult patients with angiographically confirmed vertebral artery occlusive disease (VAOD) and associated risk factors. METHODS: The demographic and clinical characteristics, and angiographic features were ascertained using predefined criteria. Controls were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys matched according to age, sex, and ethnicity. A stepwise logistic regression for odds ratio (OR) was performed to identify the effects of risk factors on occurrence of VAOD. RESULTS: Of 56 patients with VAOD (mean age ± standard deviation [SD]; 65.4 ± 11.7years, 44.6% women), 37.5% were classified as suffering from moderate stenosis (50%-69%), 16.1% from severe stenosis (70%-99%), and 46.4% from occlusion of at least 1 vertebral artery. There was a significantly higher severity of stenosis (percentage with SD; 88.1 ± 16.5 versus 75.4 ± 20.8, P = .02) and frequency of bilateral vertebral artery disease in patients with ischemic symptoms (40.9% versus 8.8%, P = .004). In the multivariate analysis, hypertension (OR 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-6.5), diabetes mellitus (OR 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4-4.6), coronary artery disease (OR 3.2; 95% CI, 1.7-6.0), and active cigarette smoking (OR 3.1; 95% CI, 1.5-6.3) were significantly associated with vertebral artery disease. CONCLUSIONS: Severity of stenosis and bilateral involvement were associated with symptomatic VAOD. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and active cigarette smoking were associated with occurrence of VAOD.

Migraine and Non-Migraine Headaches Following Diagnostic Catheter-Based Cerebral Angiography.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: No reliable estimates of headaches following catheter-based cerebral angiography are available. We performed an observational cohort study to ascertain the frequency and type of headaches following catheter-based cerebral angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent cerebral angiography through the transfemoral (or infrequently radial) route were included. Each patient underwent a brief neurological assessment after the procedure and more detailed assessment was performed if any patient reported occurrence of a headache. The headaches were classified as migraine if the diagnostic criteria specified by International Headache Society were met. The headache severity was classified using a visual numeric rating scale and time to reach pain free status for 2 consecutive hours was ascertained. RESULTS: Migraine headaches occurred in 5 (3.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-7.2%) of 158 patients who underwent cerebral angiography. The median severity of migraine headaches was 10/10 and time to resolution of headaches was 120 minutes (range 60-360 minutes). Migraine headaches occurred in 4 (18.1%, 95% CI 5.2-40.3%) of 22 patients with a history of migraine and 4 (23.5%, 95% CI 6.8-50%) of 17 patients with regular migraine headaches (≥1 episodes per month). Headaches occurred in 6 (3.8%, 95% CI 1.8-8.0%) patients who did not meet the criteria for migraine headaches. CONCLUSIONS: We provide occurrence rates of migraine headaches, an under-recognized adverse event, in patients undergoing catheter-based cerebral angiography.

Effect of Endovascular Treatment on Quality of Life in Patients with Recurrent Symptoms Associated with Vertebral, Subclavian, or Innominate Arterial Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with vertebral, subclavian, or innominate arterial stenosis can present with recurrent symptoms that can adversely affect the quality of life (QOL). We aimed at determining the short-term effects of endovascular treatment (ET) on QOL in these patients. METHODS: European Quality of Life Five Dimension Scale (EQ-5D) utility index and visual analog scale (VAS) were ascertained before and within one month of ET in patients with vertebral, subclavian, or innominate arterial stenosis with recurrent episodes of vertigo, near syncope, and/or ataxia. The EQ-5D utility scores were derived from responses to five questions on EQ-5D questionnaire (-0.109 for the least to 1 for most favorable). The EQ-5D VAS score was obtained by subject's indication of his/her health state on a scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best). RESULTS: Angioplasty and/or stent placement was performed in 10 patients for stenosis in extracranial vertebral (n = 6), intracranial vertebral (n = 1), subclavian (n = 2), or innominate artery (n = 1). There was a significant reduction in preprocedure severity [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] of stenosis compared with postprocedure severity (79.9 ± 14.05% vs. 26.4 ± 37.7%, p < 0.001). There was a significant improvement in mean values of EQ-5D VAS postprocedure compared with preprocedure values (72 vs. 57.5, p = 0.018). Minimal important difference (improvement of at least 0.074) on EQ-5D utility index and on VAS (improvement ≥ 10 points) was reported by five and six of 10 patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in QOL appears to be an important measure of effectiveness of ET in patients with vertebral, subclavian, or innominate arterial stenosis with recurrent episodes of vertigo, near syncope, and/or ataxia.

Effectiveness of Topical Lidocaine-Prilocaine Cream for Pain Control During Femoral Artery Catheterization in Adult Patients: A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: To test the effectiveness of topical EMLA cream (lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5%) for pain control during femoral artery catheterization for neuro-endovascular procedures in adult patients. METHODS: The body habitus overlying the femoral arterial pulsation was graded as: (1) pubic symphysis and iliac crest bone protuberances visualized; (2) Pubic Symphysis and Iliac Crest bone protuberances not seen but easily palpable; (3) Pubic Symphysis and Iliac Crest bone protuberances palpable with considerable difficulty; and (4) abdominal layers fold over the femoral region. The severity of pain at femoral artery catheterization was classified using a numeric rating scale score ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain). The primary endpoints were the proportion of patients with excellent (score of ≤1) and failed pain control (score of ≥8). RESULTS: The mean (±SD) and median numeric rating scale scores were 2.4 ± 2.7 and 1, respectively, in 186 patients included. The proportion of patients with excellent pain control was 49.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 42.1%-56.7%] and failed pain control was 6.9% (95% CI 4.1%-11.6%). The body habitus was graded as 1 (n = 31), 2 (n = 61), 3 (n = 48), and 4 (n = 46). In multivariate analysis, grade 4 body habitus [odds ratio (OR) 1.8; 95% CI 1.3-2.9], grade 4 ease of cannulation (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.2-2.7), and previous femoral artery catheterization (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.8-4.2) were independent predictors of failed pain control. Grade 1 ease of cannulation (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.2-3.1) independently predicted excellent pain control. CONCLUSION: Topical EMLA cream as an adjunct to local lidocaine infiltration was associated with very low rates of failed pain control during femoral artery catheterization despite a relatively high rate of unfavorable body habitus.

A New Technique for the Assessment of Cerebral Vasodilatory Capacity as Part of Catheter-Based Cerebral Angiography.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated the value of cerebral vasodilatory capacity assessment for risk stratification in patients with extracranial arterial stenosis or occlusion. We describe a new method that assesses cerebral vasodilatory capacity as part of catheter-based cerebral angiography. METHODS: We assessed regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV) in the arterial distribution of interest using a controlled contrast injection through a diagnostic catheter placed in the common carotid or the subclavian artery. rCBV maps were created using predefined algorithm based on contrast distribution in the venous phase (voxel size 0.466 mm3) into high, intermediate, low, and no detectable rCBV regions. rCBV maps were acquired again after the administration of intra-arterial nicardipine (1.5-2.5 mg), and percentage increases of the area of various grades of rCBV were calculated. RESULTS: Three patients with internal carotid artery stenosis (32% - 64% in severity) and 1 patient with extracranial vertebral artery stenosis (46% in severity) were assessed. There was a variable but consistent increase in the area of high rCBV in the ipsilateral hemisphere in 3 patients with internal carotid artery flow (5.5%-24.5%) and the cerebellum (9.6%) in 1 patient with vertebral artery flow assessments. The increase in high rCBV was most prominent in the patient who received 2.5 mg (24.5%) and least prominent in a patient who received 1.5 mg (5.5%) of intra-arterial nicardipine. There was a concurrent reduction in areas of intermediate and low rCBV (shift) in 3 patients, and there was an increase in all areas of rCBV grades (addition) in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: Selective assessment of cerebral vasodilatory response in the affected arterial distribution is feasible during catheter-based cerebral angiography.

Rates and predictors of futile recanalization in patients undergoing endovascular treatment in a multicenter clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The phenomenon of futile recanalization, defined as lack of clinical benefit despite angiographic recanalization, is an important limitation of endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke. We aim to characterize the occurrence and predictors of futile recanalization in the endovascular arm of the Interventional Management of Stroke (IMS) III trial. METHODS: Patients with near complete or complete recanalization (TICI grades 2b and 3) were divided according to functional outcome at 3 months into "meaningful recanalization," defined as mRS score 0-2, and "futile recanalization," mRS score 3-6. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of futile recanalization. RESULTS: Futile recanalization was observed in 61 (47%) of 130. Compared to meaningful recanalization group, the futile recanalization group had higher proportion of women (62.3 vs. 43.5%; p = 0.032), higher incidence of diabetes mellitus (29.5 vs. 8.7%; p = 0.004) and coronary artery disease (27.9 vs. 13%; p = 0.05), higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores (median [range] 19 [11-31] vs. 15 [8-26], p < 0.001), higher baseline serum glucose (7.6 ± 2.6 vs. 6.7 ± 1.7 mmol/L; p = 0.039), and longer onset-to-start of endovascular treatment time (265.8 ± 48.3 vs. 239.2 ± 47.7 min; p = 0.007). In multivariate analysis, NIHSS (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1-1.4), female gender (OR 3.0; 95% CI 1.1-8.2), and onset-to-start of endovascular treatment time (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.1-1.3) were independent predictors of futile recanalization. CONCLUSION: In IMS III, futile recanalization was common. Delay in endovascular treatment is the only modifiable risk factor. Additional strategies for non-modifiable risk factors-female gender and high NIHSS-need to be identified.

Prolonged Microcatheter-Based Local Thrombolytic Infusion as a Salvage Treatment After Failed Endovascular Treatment for Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: A Multicenter Experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of prolonged microcatheter-based local thrombolytic infusion in treatment of patients with cerebral venous thrombosis who achieved no or suboptimal recanalization with transvenous endovascular treatment. METHODS: Data collection: Prospectively registries supplemented by retrospective review. SETTINGS: Three hospitals with tertiary referral base. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent transvenous endovascular treatment for cerebral venous thrombosis. INTERVENTION: Prolonged microcatheter-based local thrombolytic infusion of alteplase at the rate of 0.5-1 mg/h in patients in whom initial angiographic outcome was deemed suboptimal, either due to incomplete or no recanalization. RESULTS: Serial angiograms were performed to assess treatment response as follows: grade I, partial recanalization of one or more occluded dural sinuses with improved flow or visualization of branches; grade II, complete recanalization of one sinus but persistent occlusion of the other sinuses (A-no residual flow, B-nonocclusive flow); grade III, complete recanalization. Clinical outcome was determined at 1-3 months using modified Rankin scale. A total of 14 patients underwent 15 transvenous endovascular treatments. Initial treatment was considered suboptimal in 12/15 procedures due to no recanalization in five (grade 0), partial recanalization (grade I) in four, complete recanalization of one sinus but persistent occlusion of the other sinuses (grade 2A in two and 2B in one). A prolonged microcatheter-based local recombinant tissue plasminogen activator infusion was used following ten of the 15 procedures for a median duration of 18 h (range 13-22 h). Follow-up angiography demonstrated complete recanalization in four procedures and improvement in grades of partial recanalization in six procedures (final grades 2A in three and 2B in three procedures). None of the patients developed new symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage associated with local thrombolytic infusion. At follow-up, patients in five of ten procedures had achieved a modified Rankin scale of 0 and one patient had achieved a score of 1 (no neurological deficits but had residual headaches). CONCLUSION: Prolonged microcatheter-based local thrombolytic infusion appeared to be effective treatment in patients who have suboptimal response to acute transvenous endovascular treatment without any additional adverse events.

Intra-arterial Modulation of the Trigeminal Nerve Ganglion in Patients with Refractory Trigeminal Neuralgia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Nerves and nerve ganglions are supplied by segmental arteries and the vasa nervorum, but the intra-arterial route has not been used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. We present the results of intra-arterial delivery of medication for modulating trigeminal nerve ganglion function in patients with refractory trigeminal neuralgia. METHODS: We administered intra-arterial lidocaine in doses up to 50 mg in the middle meningeal artery territory adjacent to the arterial branch that supplies the trigeminal nerve ganglion. We performed electrophysiologic monitoring to serially assess the latency and amplitude of R1 and R2 responses in the blink reflex before and concurrent with each incremental dose of lidocaine. Clinical outcome assessment included a 10-point numeric rating, 4-point severity grading, and the pain-free time interval pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS: Intra-arterial lidocaine was administered to three patients with trigeminal neuralgia (35-year-old woman, 57-year-old man, and 34-year-old woman). In all patients, there was a latency prolongation and amplitude reduction of R1 or R2 responses or both which was evident after 5-10 mg of lidocaine administration; a more pronounced effect was seen with increasing doses. The second and third patients reported improvement in pain severity on all scales with pain-free intervals of 5 and 3 days, respectively. There was improvement in facial hyperalgesia in all three patients in all dermatomes. All three patients' symptoms had returned to baseline severity 1 month later. CONCLUSIONS: We found that modulation of trigeminal nerve activity via the intra-arterial route is possible based on consistent intraprocedural electrophysiologic suppression and short-term clinical improvement in patients with refractory trigeminal neuralgia.

A meta-analysis of continuous positive airway pressure therapy in prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.

Aims: To assess whether continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy reduces major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Methods and results: A total of 235 articles were recovered using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane library (inception-December 2016) and references contained in the identified articles. Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected for final analysis. Analysis of 4268 patients demonstrated non-significant 26% relative risk reduction in MACE with CPAP [risk ratio (RR) 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47-1.17; P = 0.19, I2 = 48%]. A series of sensitivity analyses suggested that increased CPAP usage time yielded significant risk reduction in MACE. and stroke. Subgroup analysis revealed that CPAP adherence time ≥4 hours (h)/night reduced the risk of MACE by 57% (RR 0.43; 95% CI 0.23-0.80; P = 0.01, I2 = 0%). CPAP therapy showed no beneficial effect on myocardial infarction (MI), all-cause mortality, atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF), or heart failure (HF) (P > 0.05). CPAP had positive effect on mood and reduced the daytime sleepiness [Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS): mean difference (MD) -2.50, 95% CI - 3.62, -1.39; P < 0.001, I2 = 81%]. Conclusion: CPAP therapy might reduce MACE and stroke among subjects with CPAP time exceeding 4 h/night. Additional randomized trials mandating adequate CPAP time adherence are required to confirm this impression.

Statewide Trends in Utilization and Outcomes of Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: Analysis of Minnesota Hospital Association Data (2014 and 2015).

BACKGROUND: The study aims at examining the changes in endovascular procedures utilization after the publication of the clinical trials showing their benefit in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). METHODS: Minnesota Hospital Association database from 137 member hospitals was used to calculate the statewide utilization rates for 2 periods: prior to (calendar year 2014) and after (calendar year 2015) the publication of multiple randomized clinical trials showing the efficacy of endovascular therapy. Patients were identified using International Classification of Disease, Clinical Modification, 9th revision (ICD-9) or ICD-10 codes (ICD-10 started October 2015). Utilization rates for endovascular treatment were calculated monthly, quarterly, and annually. RESULTS: Of the 13,043 patients admitted with AIS, 434 patients (mean age 68.5 ± 15.5 years; 51.2% women) received endovascular treatment. The number of procedures increased from 194 in 2014 to 240 in 2015. Utilization rate was 3.4% in the first quarter of 2014, gradually declined to reach its lowest value (2.6%) the last quarter of 2014, then steadily increased to reach its peak (4%) in the last quarter of 2015. Procedures performed at comprehensive stroke centers increased from 52% of total procedures in 2014 to 57.5% in 2015, whereas those performed at primary stroke centers decreased from 22.6% to 19.5%. In 2015, fewer patients had hypertension (50.4% versus 60.3%; P = .039) and more patients had chronic kidney disease (28.3% versus 15.5%; P = .001) compared with 2014. Intracranial hemorrhage, mortality rate, and rate of home discharge were similar between the 2 years. CONCLUSION: Utilization of endovascular procedures for treatment of AIS has been rapidly influenced by medical literature.

Transcatheter vs surgical aortic-valve replacement in low- to intermediate-surgical-risk candidates: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

The American and European expert documents recommend transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for inoperable or high-surgical-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. In comparison, efficacy of TAVR is relatively less studied in low- to intermediate-surgical-risk patients. We sought to discover whether TAVR can be as effective as surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in low- to intermediate-surgical-risk candidates. Four randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 8 prospective matched studies were selected using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library (inception: March 2017). Results were reported as random-effects odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Among 9851 patients, analyses of RCTs showed that all-cause mortality was comparable between TAVR and SAVR (short term, OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.86-1.64, P = 0.30; mid-term, OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.75-1.26, P = 0.84; and long term, OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.81-1.16, P = 0.76). The analysis restricted to matched studies showed similar outcomes. In the analysis stratified by study design, no significant differences were noted in the RCTs for stroke, whereas TAVR was better than SAVR in matched studies at short term only (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.33-0.65, P < 0.001). TAVR is associated with reduced risk of acute kidney injury and new-onset atrial fibrillation (P < 0.05). However, increased incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation and paravalvular leaks was observed with TAVR. TAVR can provide similar mortality outcome compared with SAVR in low- to intermediate-surgical-risk patients with critical aortic stenosis. However, both procedures are associated with their own array of adverse events.

Comparison of Endovascular Treatment with Intravenous Thrombolysis for Isolated M2 Segment of Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: The benefit of endovascular treatment for distal large artery ischemic occlusions such as M2 segment of middle cerebral artery is not clear. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 51 subjects who had an isolated M2 segment occlusion on baseline computed tomographic (CT) angiogram who were randomized to either intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) followed by endovascular treatment or IV rt-PA alone in a multicenter trial. We determined the effect of endovascular treatment on occurrence of excellent [mRS (modified Rankin scale) scores of 0-1] functional outcomes at three months and any death within 3 and 12 months. We also performed proportional odds logistic regression analysis to compare the distribution of mRS scores between the two groups. Each of the analyses was adjusted for age, baseline Alberta stroke program early CT score strata, and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke scale score strata. RESULTS: At three months, the rate of excellent functional outcome (38.2% versus 17.6%, unadjusted odds ratio 2.9; 95% confidence interval ; 0.7-12.1; p = 0.15) was non-significantly higher among subjects with M2 segment occlusion who were randomized to endovascular treatment. In multivariate analysis, the odds of excellent functional outcome at three months were non-significantly higher among subjects who were randomized to endovascular treatment at three months (OR 2.7; 95% CI; 0.6-13.6; p = 0.22). There was a trend toward lower disability grades in subject randomized to endovascular treatment when distribution of the mRS score at three months were compared (common OR 2.6; p = 0.084), adjusting for potential confounders. The rates of any death within 3 (adjusted OR 0.1; 95% CI; 0.1-0.8; p = 0.031) and within 12 months (adjusted OR 0.1; 95% CI; 0.1-0.7; p = 0.022) were significantly lower among those who were randomized to endovascular treatment. CONCLUSION: In this post-hoc analysis, acute ischemic stroke subjects who had isolated M2 segment occlusion randomized to endovascular treatment appeared to have lower mortality and a trend toward lower grades of disability.

Long Acting Liposomal Bupivacaine for Percutaneous Sympathetic Stellate Ganglion Blockade: A Technical Note.

INTRODUCTION: We describe the use of long acting liposomal bupivacaine for percutaneous stellate ganglion blockade to treat severe headaches following internal carotid artery dissection. METHODS: A 43-year old woman developed right-sided refractory headache after right internal carotid artery dissection. Patient underwent percutaneous stellate ganglion block using bupivacaine hydrochloride (0.25%-20 ml) in the past with short acting relief. Liposomal bupivacaine (EXPAREL) 13.3 mg/mL (1.3%) solution diluted with preservative-free normal saline: a total solution of 20 ml (52 mg of bupivacaine) was injected at the level of the lower portion of body of the sixth cervical vertebra, medial to the right internal carotid artery. The response to sympathetic block was assessed by a neurologist not involved in the procedure. RESULTS: After the stellate ganglion block with bupivacaine hydrochloride, patient was headache free immediately after the block but with recurrence of pain on Day 3 with return to peak intensity by Day 4. After the stellate ganglion blockade with liposomal bupivacaine hydrochloride, patient reported recurrence of pain on Day 15 post injection with return to peak intensity by Day 17. The patient reported an episode of aura which consisted of visual scintillations on Day 2 which lasted for five days and resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSION: Liposomal bupivacaine injection for stellate ganglion blockade can result in a more prolonged effect compared with bupivacaine hydrochloride.

Amiodarone, lidocaine, magnesium or placebo in shock refractory ventricular arrhythmia: A Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Recent evidence challenges, the superiority of amiodarone, compared to other anti-arrhythmic medications, as the agent of choice in pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF). We conducted Bayesian network and traditional meta-analyses to investigate the relative efficacies of amiodarone, lidocaine, magnesium (MgSO4) and placebo as treatments for pulseless VT or VF. Eleven studies [5200 patients, 7 randomized trials (4, 611 patients) and 4 non-randomized studies (589 patients)], were included in this meta-analysis. The search was conducted, from 1981 to February 2017, using MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library. Estimates were reported as odds ratio (OR) with 95% Credible Interval (CrI). Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) modeling was used to estimate the relative ranking probability of each treatment group based on surface under cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). Bayesian analysis demonstrated that lidocaine had superior effects on survival to hospital discharge, compared to amiodarone (OR, 2.18, 95% Cr.I 1.26-3.13), MgSO4 (OR, 2.03, 95% Cr.I 0.74-4.82) and placebo (OR, 2.42, 95% Cr.I 1.39-3.54). There were no statistical differences among treatment groups regarding survival to hospital admission/24 h (hrs) and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Probability analysis revealed that lidocaine was the most effective therapy for survival to hospital discharge (SUCRA, 97%). We conclude that lidocaine may be the most effective anti-arrhythmic agent for survival to hospital discharge in patients with pulseless VT or VF.