Oxidation­reduction potential parameters worsen following intraarterial therapy in patients with reduced collateral circulation and middle cerebral artery occlusions.

Collateral circulation is important for cerebral perfusion in acute ischemic strokes. Monitoring the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) may be useful to assess collateral status or treatment efficacy. The objectives of the present study were to determine if the ORP was associated with collateral circulation status in middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusions and to identify patterns in the ORP and the collateral circulation status among patients treated with intraarterial therapy (IAT) over time. The present pilot study was nested within a prospective cohort study measuring the ORP of the peripheral venous plasma of stroke patients. The population included in the present study were patients with MCA (M1/M2) occlusions. Two ORP parameters were examined: Static ORP (sORP; mV), indicating oxidative stress, and capacity ORP (cORP; µC), indicating antioxidant reserves. Collateral status was retrospectively graded using Miteff's system as good (grade 1) or reduced (grade 2/3). Comparisons were made between collateral status groups (reduced vs. good collaterals) in all patients, within a subset including only patients who received IAT, and between thrombolysis in cerebral infraction scale score (TICI) groups (0-2a vs. 2b/3). The Fisher's exact test, Student's t-test and Wilcoxon tests were used (α<0.20). The 19 patients were categorized based on their collaterals: Good collaterals (53%) and reduced collaterals (47%). The baseline characteristics were similar with the exception that the patients with good collaterals had a lower international normalized ratio (P=0.12) and were more likely to have a stroke on the left side (P=0.18) or to have a mismatch (P=0.05). The admission sORP values were comparable (169.5 vs. 164.2 mV; P=0.65), as was admission cORP (P=0.73). When considering only the patients who received IAT (n=12), admission sORP (P=0.69) and cORP (P=0.90) were also statistically similar. On day 2, after IAT, both groups experienced a worsening in ORP measures; however, the patients with good collaterals had a significantly lower sORP (169.4 vs. 203.5 mV; P=0.02) and a higher cORP (0.2 vs. 0.1 µC; P=0.002) compared with the patients with reduced collaterals. Neither sORP nor cORP were significantly different between TICI score groups on admission or on day 2. Upon discharge, patients with a TICI of 2b-3 had a significantly better sORP (P=0.03) and cORP (P=0.12) compared with those with a TICI of 0-2a. In conclusion, upon patient admission, the ORP parameters were not significantly different between the collateral circulation status groups for MCA occlusions. The ORP parameters worsened after IAT regardless of the collateral circulation status; however, after IAT, on day 2, patients with good collaterals experienced less oxidative stress (sORP) and had higher antioxidant reserves (cORP) than patients with reduced collaterals.

Impact of interhospital transfer vs. direct admission on acute ischemic stroke patients: A subset analysis of the COMPLETE registry.

Background: Efficacy of thrombectomy treatment in acute ischemic stroke large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO) patients is time dependent. Direct admission to thrombectomy centers (vs. interhospital transfer) may reduce time to treatment and improve outcomes. In this subset analysis of the COMPLETE registry, we compared outcomes between direct to thrombectomy center (Direct) vs. transfer from another hospital to thrombectomy center (Transfer) in AIS-LVO patients treated with aspiration thrombectomy. Methods: COMPLETE was a prospective, international registry that enrolled patients from July 2018 to October 2019, with a 90-day follow-up period that was completed in January 2020. Imaging findings and safety events were adjudicated by core lab and independent medical reviewers, respectively. Pre-defined primary endpoints included post-procedure angiographic revascularization (mTICI ≥2b), 90-day functional outcome (mRS 0-2), and 90-day all-cause mortality. Planned collections of procedural time metrics and outcomes were used in the present post-hoc analysis to compare outcomes between transfer and direct patient cohorts. Results: Of 650 patients enrolled, 343 were transfer [52.8% female; mean (SD) age, 68.2 (13.9) years], and 307 were direct [55.4% female; 68.5 (14.5) years] admit. Median onset-to-puncture time took longer in the transfer vs. direct cohort (5.65 vs. 3.18 h: 2.33 h difference, respectively; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in successful revascularization rate, mTICI ≥2b (88.3 and 87.3%), sICH at 24 h (3.8 and 3.9%), median length of hospital stay (7 and 6 days), and 90-day mortality (16.9 and 14.0%) between transfer vs. direct patients, respectively. However, achieving 90-day functional independence was less likely in transfer compared with direct patients (mRS 0-2 was 50.3 vs. 61.7%, p = 0.0056). Conclusions: In the COMPLETE registry, direct to thrombectomy center was associated with significantly shorter onset-to-puncture times, and higher rates of good clinical outcome across different geographies. Additional research should focus on AIS-LVO detection to facilitate direct routing of patients to appropriate treatment centers. Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov (Unique identifier: NCT03464565).

Duration of Ischemia Affects Outcomes Independent of Infarct Size in Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Delays in endovascular reperfusion for patients with large vessel occlusion stroke are known to worsen outcomes, and the mechanism is believed to be time-dependent expansion of the ischemic infarction. In this study, we hypothesize that delays in onset to reperfusion (OTR) assert an effect on outcomes independent of effects of final infarct (FI). METHODS: We performed a subgroup analysis from the prospective multicenter COMPLETE (International Acute Ischemic Stroke Registry With the Penumbra System Aspiration Including the 3D Revascularization Device; Penumbra, Inc) registry for 257 patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion who underwent endovascular therapy with successful reperfusion (modified treatment in cerebral infarction score 2b/3). FI was measured by Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score and volume on 24- to 48-hour computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The likelihood of 90-day good functional outcome (modified Rankin scale 0-2) was assessed by OTR and absolute risk difference (ARD) was estimated using multivariable logistic regressions adjusting for patient characteristics including FI. RESULTS: In univariable analysis, longer OTR was associated with a decreased likelihood of good functional outcome (ARD -3% [95% CI -4.5 to -1.0]/h delay). In multivariable analysis accounting for FI, the association between OTR and functional outcome remained significant (ARD -2% [95% CI -3.5 to -0.4]/h delay) with similar ARD. This finding was maintained in the subset of patients with FI imaging using CT only, using Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score or volumetric FI measurements, and also in patients with larger versus smaller FIs. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of OTR on outcomes appears to be mostly through a mechanism that is independent of FI. Our findings suggest that although the field has moved toward imaging infarct core definitions of eligibility for endovascular treatment, time remains an important predictor of outcome, independent of infarct core.

Implementing the SNIS recommendations for neurointerventional emergent care in the setting of COVID-19: impact on stroke metrics and patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: It is not clear whether the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent Society of Neurointerventional Surgery (SNIS) recommendations affected hospital stroke metrics. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study compared stroke patients admitted to a comprehensive stroke center during the COVID-19 pandemic April 1 2020 to June 30 2020 (COVID-19) to patients admitted April 1 2019 to June 30 2019. We examined stroke admission volume and acute stroke treatment use. RESULTS: There were 637 stroke admissions, 52% in 2019 and 48% during COVID-19, with similar median admissions per day (4 vs 3, P=0.21). The proportion of admissions by stroke type was comparable (ischemic, P=0.69; hemorrhagic, P=0.39; transient ischemic stroke, P=0.10). Acute stroke treatment was similar in 2019 to COVID-19: tPA prior to arrival (18% vs, 18%, P=0.89), tPA treatment on arrival (6% vs 7%, P=0.85), and endovascular therapy (endovascular therapy (ET), 22% vs 25%, P=0.54). The door to needle time was also similar, P=0.12, however, the median time from arrival to groin puncture was significantly longer during COVID-19 (38 vs 43 min, P=0.002). A significantly higher proportion of patients receiving ET were intubated during COVID-19 due to SNIS guideline implementation (45% vs 96%, P<0.0001). There were no differences by study period in discharge mRS, P=0.84 or TICI score, P=0.26. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly affect stroke admission volume or acute stroke treatment utilization. Outcomes were not affected by implementing SNIS guidelines. Although there was a statistical increase in time to groin puncture for ET, it was not clinically meaningful. These results suggest hospitals managing patients efficiently can implement practices in response to COVID-19 without impacting outcomes.

Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke With the Penumbra System in Routine Practice: COMPLETE Registry Results.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of the COMPLETE (International Acute Ischemic Stroke Registry With the Penumbra System Aspiration Including the 3D Revascularization Device) registry was to evaluate the generalizability of the safety and efficacy of the Penumbra System (Penumbra, Inc, Alameda) in a real-world setting. METHODS: COMPLETE was a global, prospective, postmarket, multicenter registry. Patients with large vessel occlusion-acute ischemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy using the Penumbra System with or without the 3D Revascularization Device as frontline approach were enrolled at 42 centers (29 United States, 13 Europe) from July 2018 to October 2019. Primary efficacy end points were successful postprocedure angiographic revascularization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction ≥2b) and 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2). The primary safety end point was 90-day all-cause mortality. An imaging core lab determined modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scores, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scores, clot location, and occurrence of intracranial hemorrhage at 24 hours. Independent medical reviewers adjudicated safety end points. RESULTS: Six hundred fifty patients were enrolled (median age 70 years, 54.0% female, 49.2% given intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator before thrombectomy). Rate of modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b to 3 postprocedure was 87.8% (95% CI, 85.3%-90.4%). First pass and postprocedure rates of modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2c to 3 were 41.5% and 66.2%, respectively. At 90 days, 55.8% (95% CI, 51.9%-59.7%) had modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 2, and all-cause mortality was 15.5% (95% CI, 12.8%-18.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Using Penumbra System for frontline mechanical thrombectomy treatment of patients with large vessel occlusion-acute ischemic stroke in a real-world setting was associated with angiographic, clinical, and safety outcomes that were comparable to prior randomized clinical trials with stringent site and operator selection criteria. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03464565.

Timing of Anticoagulation in Patients with Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Requiring Decompressive Surgery: Systematic Review of the Literature and Case Series.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare type of stroke whose pathophysiology differs from arterial stroke. CVT is treated with systemic anticoagulant therapy even in the setting of intracerebral hemorrhage. Patients who do not respond adequately may require decompressive surgery. The study objective was to examine the timing of anticoagulation in patients with CVT who require decompressive surgery through systematic literature review and consecutive case series. METHODS: A review of the literature was performed through PubMed using key word search to identify case series and cohort studies examining timing of anticoagulation following decompressive surgery. Our case series included 4 patients who had decompressive surgery for hemorrhagic CVT between 1 January, 2015 and 31 December, 2016 at our comprehensive stroke center. RESULTS: The literature review summarizes 243 patients from 15 studies whose timing of anticoagulation varied. The review suggests anticoagulation can be safely resumed at 48 hours postoperatively based on larger series and as early as 12 hours in smaller series, especially when delivered as a half or prophylactic dose. In our case series, timing of anticoagulation varied slightly but was started or resumed within 38-44 hours postoperatively in 3 patients and was started at the time of decompressive surgery without interruption in 1 patient. No patient had worsening hemorrhage or new hemorrhage while 2 patients rethrombosed. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of high-quality studies, this systematic review of patients with CVT requiring decompressive surgery indicates that anticoagulation can be safely initiated or resumed around 24-48 hours postoperatively; our series supports the existing literature.

Decreased Odds for Vasospasm Treatment in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage after Transitioning from Neurosurgery Led Care to a Neurology Led Multidisciplinary Approach.

INTRODUCTION: The limited research on the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages (aSAHs) has not assessed the efficacy of neurology-led care. Our objective was to describe aSAH patients' outcomes after transitioning from a neurosurgery-led intensive care unit (ICU) to a neurology-led multidisciplinary care neurocritical care unit (NCCU). The study hypothesis was that the neurology-led multidisciplinary care would improve patient outcomes. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. We included patients (≥ 18) with aSAHs from 1/16 to 8/16 (pregroup) and from 3/17 to 11/17 (postgroup). The pregroup care was led by a neurosurgeon. The postgroup care included a neurologist, a pulmonary intensivist, a neurocritical care clinical nurse specialist, a neurosurgeon, and euvolemia protocol. The primary outcome was trips to interventional radiology (IR) for vasospasm treatment. Univariate analyses and multivariable ordinal logistic regression were used. RESULTS: There were 99 patients included: 50 in the pregroup and 49 in the postgroup. On average, postgroup patients were 7 years older than the pregroup (p = 0.05); no other demographic or clinical characteristics significantly differed. The 62% higher number of trips to IR for vasospasm treatment, when compared to the pregroup, p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: In aSAH patients, the neurology-led multidisciplinary care in the NCCU decreased the odds of repeated procedures for vasospasm treatment. Neurology-led multidisciplinary care could be more cost-effective than the neurosurgical-led care.

Comparing Outcomes of Patients With Idiopathic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage by Stratifying Perimesencephalic Bleeding Patterns.

BACKGROUND: To determine the clinical outcomes of perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhages based on the computed tomography (CT) bleeding patterns. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included: (1) patients (≥18 years) admitted to a comprehensive stroke center (January 2015-May 2018), (2) with angiography-negative, nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage in a perimesencephalic or diffuse bleeding pattern, and (3) had CT imaging performed in ≤ 72 hours of symptom onset. Patients were stratified by location of bleeding on CT: Peri-1: focal prepontine hemorrhage; Peri-2: prepontine with suprasellar cistern +/- intraventricular extension; and diffuse. RESULTS: Of the 39 patients included, 13 were Peri-1, 11 were Peri-2, and 15 were diffuse. The majority were male (n = 26), with a mean (standard deviation) age of 55.3 (11.3) years, who often presented with headache (n = 37) and nausea (n = 28). Overall, patients in Peri-1 were significantly less likely to have hydrocephalus compared to Peri-2 and dSAH (P= .003), and 4 patients required an external ventricular drain. Five patients developed symptomatic vasospasm. Patients in Peri-1, compared to Peri-2 and diffuse, had a significantly shorter median neuro critical care unit length of stay (LOS) and hospital LOS. Most patients (n = 35) had a discharge modified Rankin Score between 0 and 2 with no significant differences found between groups. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that patients with the best clinical course were those in Peri-1, followed by Peri-2, and then diffuse. Because these patients often present with similar clinical signs, stratifying by hemorrhage pattern may help clinicians predict which patients with perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage develop complications.

Systemic Vasculopathies: Imaging and Management.

Systemic vasculopathies represent a wide spectrum of heterogeneous vascular disorders characterized by variable target vessel involvement, vascular abnormalities, and end organ damage. The revised 2012 Chapel Hill Consensus Conference scheme classifies systemic vasculitis syndromes into primary systemic, secondary systemic, single-vessel, and variable-vessel vasculitis categories with associated management implications. Multimodality imaging not only allows diagnosis, characterization, and localization of vascular abnormalities but also permits evaluation of natural history and complications, thus, facilitating optimal patient management. This article discusses epidemiologic and radiologic characteristics of several common systemic vasculopathies with an emphasis on the role of endovascular therapy for management of select disorders.

Pediatric Biliary Interventions.

An interventional radiologist is frequently called to evaluate and treat biliary diseases in children; a tailored approach specific to this population is required. Imaging with an emphasis on minimizing ionizing radiation is used not only in the initial workup but also to guide interventions. The most common form of intervention generally consists of transhepatic biliary drainage to treat either biliary obstruction or bile leakage, a scenario frequently encountered after pediatric liver transplantation. Other pathologies referred for evaluation and management include biliary atresia and, rarely, symptomatic choledochal cysts. Biliary complications caused by an underlying malignancy are not a frequently encountered problem in the pediatric population. The initial evaluation, role of preprocedural imaging, and interventional management with an emphasis on technique are discussed regarding these common biliary pathologies in children.