Radiomic-based nonlinear supervised learning classifiers on non-contrast CT to predict functional prognosis in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hematoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate if nonlinear supervised learning classifiers based on non-contrast CT can predict functional prognosis at discharge in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hematoma. METHODS: Retrospective, single-center, observational analysis of patients with a diagnosis of spontaneous intracerebral hematoma confirmed by non-contrast CT between January 2016 and April 2018. Patients with HIE > 18 years and with TCCSC performed within the first 24 h of symptom onset were included. Patients with secondary spontaneous intracerebral hematoma and in whom radiomic variables were not available were excluded. Clinical, demographic and admission variables were collected. Patients were classified according to the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge into good (mRS 0-2) and poor prognosis (mRS 3-6). After manual segmentation of each spontaneous intracerebral hematoma, the radiomics variables were obtained. The sample was divided into a training and testing cohort and a validation cohort (70-30% respectively). Different methods of variable selection and dimensionality reduction were used, and different algorithms were used for model construction. Stratified 10-fold cross-validation were performed on the training and testing cohort and the mean area under the curve (AUC) were calculated. Once the models were trained, the sensitivity of each was calculated to predict functional prognosis at discharge in the validation cohort. RESULTS: 105 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hematoma were analyzed. 105 radiomic variables were evaluated for each patient. P-SVM, KNN-E and RF-10 algorithms, in combination with the ANOVA variable selection method, were the best performing classifiers in the training and testing cohort (AUC 0.798, 0.752 and 0.742 respectively). The predictions of these models, in the validation cohort, had a sensitivity of 0.897 (0.778-1;95%CI), with a false-negative rate of 0% for predicting poor functional prognosis at discharge. CONCLUSION: The use of radiomics-based nonlinear supervised learning classifiers are a promising diagnostic tool for predicting functional outcome at discharge in HIE patients, with a low false negative rate, although larger and balanced samples are still needed to develop and improve their performance.

Clasificadores de aprendizaje supervisado no lineales basados en radiómica de la TC cerebral sin contraste para predecir el pronóstico funcional en pacientes con hematoma intracerebral espontáneo / Radiomic-based nonlinear supervised learning classifiers on non-contrast CT to predict functional prognosis in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hematoma

Objetivo: Evaluar si clasificadores de aprendizaje supervisado no lineales basados en radiómica de la TC cerebral sin contraste (TCCSC) pueden predecir el pronóstico funcional al alta en pacientes con hematoma intracerebral espontáneo (HIE). Material y método: Análisis observacional retrospectivo y unicéntrico de pacientes con diagnóstico de HIE confirmado por TCCSC entre enero de 2016 y abril de 2018. Se incluyeron pacientes con HIE >18años y con TCCSC realizado dentro de las primeras 24horas del inicio de los síntomas. Se excluyeron los HIE secundarios y en los que no se disponía de las variables de radiómica. Se recogieron datos clínicos, demográficos y variables al ingreso. Los pacientes se clasificaron según la Escala Modificada de Rankin (mRS) al alta en buen (mRS0-2) y mal pronóstico (mRS3-6). Tras la segmentación manual de la TCCSC de cada HIE se obtuvieron las variables de radiómica. La muestra se dividió en una cohorte de entrenamiento y prueba y otra cohorte de validación (70-30%, respectivamente). Se usaron diferentes métodos de selección de variables y reducción de dimensionalidad, así como diferentes algoritmos para la construcción del modelo. Se realizaron 10 iteraciones de validación cruzada estratificada en la cohorte de entrenamiento y prueba y se calculó la media de los valores de área bajo la curva (AUC). Una vez entrenados los modelos, se calculó la sensibilidad de cada uno para predecir el pronóstico funcional al alta en la cohorte de validación. Resultados: Se analizaron 105 pacientes con HIE. Se evaluaron 105 variables de radiómica de cada paciente. Los algoritmos P-SVM, KNN-E y RF-10, en combinación con el método de selección de variables ANOVA, fueron los clasificadores con mejor rendimiento en la cohorte de entrenamiento y prueba (AUC: 0,798, 0,752 y 0,742, respectivamente)...(AU)

Purpose: To evaluate if nonlinear supervised learning classifiers based on non-contrast cerebral CT can predict functional prognosis at discharge in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hematoma (HIE). Methods: Retrospective, single-center, observational analysis of patients with a diagnosis of spontaneous intracerebral hematoma confirmed by non-contrast CT between January 2016 and April 2018. Patients with HIE >18years and with non-contrast CT performed within the first 24hours of symptom onset were included. Patients with secondary spontaneous intracerebral hematoma and in whom radiomic variables were not available were excluded. Clinical, demographic and admission variables were collected. Patients were classified according to the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge into good (mRS0-2) and poor prognosis (mRS3-6). After manual segmentation of each spontaneous intracerebral hematoma, the radiomics variables were obtained. The sample was divided into a training and testing cohort and a validation cohort (70-30%, respectively). Different methods of variable selection and dimensionality reduction were used, and different algorithms were used for model construction. Stratified 10-fold cross-validation were performed on the training and testing cohort and the mean area under the curve (AUC) were calculated. Once the models were trained, the sensitivity of each was calculated to predict functional prognosis at discharge in the validation cohort. Results: 105 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hematoma were analyzed. 105 radiomic variables were evaluated for each patient. P-SVM, KNN-E and RF-10 algorithms, in combination with the ANOVA variable selection method, were the best performing classifiers in the training and testing cohort (AUC: 0.798, 0.752 and 0.742, respectively)...(AU)

Difficult withdrawal of an inferior vena cava filter: Technical considerations and associated variables.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the efficacy of the procedure for withdrawing an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter and the clinical and radiological factors associated with difficult withdrawal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study included patients who underwent IVC filter withdrawal at a single centre between May 2015 and May 2021. We recorded demographic, clinical, procedural, and radiological variables: type of IVC filter, angle with the IVC > 15°, hook against the wall, and legs embedded in the IVC wall > 3 mm. The efficacy variables were fluoroscopy time, success of IVC filter withdrawal, and number of attempts to withdraw the filter. The safety variables were complications, surgical removal, and mortality. The main variable was difficult withdrawal, defined as more than 5 min fluoroscopy or more than 1 attempt at withdrawal. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients were included; withdrawal was considered difficult in 54 (49.5%). Three radiological variables were more common in the difficult withdrawal group: hook against the wall (33.3% vs. 9.1%; p = 0.027), embedded legs (20.4% vs. 3.6%; p = 0.008), and >45 days since IVC filter placement (51.9% vs. 25.5%; p = 0.006). These variables remained significant in the subgroup of patients with OptEase IVC filters; however, in the group of patients with Celect IVC filters, only the inclination of the IVC filter >15 ° was significantly associated with difficult withdrawal (25% vs 0%; p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: Difficult withdrawal was associated with time from IVC placement, embedded legs, and contact between the hook and the wall. The analysis of the subgroups of patients with different types of IVC filters found that these variables remained significant in those with OptEase filters; however, in those with cone-shaped devices (Celect), the inclination of the IVC filter >15° was significantly associated with difficult withdrawal.

Retirada difícil de filtro de vena cava inferior (FVCI). Consideraciones técnicas y variables asociadas / Difficult withdrawal of an inferior vena cava filter: technical considerations and associated variables

Objetivo: Analizar la eficacia del procedimiento de retirada de los filtros de la vena cava inferior (FVCI), así como los factores clínico-radiológicos asociados a una retirada difícil. Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional y unicéntrico de pacientes tratados mediante retirada de FVCI entre mayo del 2015 y mayo del 2021. Se recogieron variables clínico-demográficas, del procedimiento y radiológicas: tipo de FVCI, angulación respecto a la vena cava inferior (VCI) >15°, gancho contra la pared y patas del dispositivo incrustadas en la pared de VCI> 3mm. Las variables de eficacia fueron: tiempo de fluoroscopia, éxito en la retirada del FVCI y número de intentos hasta la retirada. Como variables de seguridad: presencia de complicaciones, retirada quirúrgica y mortalidad. La variable principal fue la retirada difícil, definida como más de 5min de fluoroscopia o más de un intento de retirada. Resultados: Se incluyó a 109 pacientes, 54 (49,5%) fueron considerados retirada difícil. Las variables radiológicas gancho contra la pared (33,3% vs. 9,1%; p=0,027), patas incrustadas (20,4% vs. 3,6%; p=0,008) y> 45 días desde la colocación (51,9% vs. 25,5%; p=0,006) fueron significativamente más frecuentes en el grupo de retirada difícil. Estas variables mantienen la asociación al analizar los FVCI Optease®. En los FVCI Celect® solo se asoció con retirada difícil la inclinación del FVCI> 15° (25% vs. 0%; p=0,029).Conclusión: Se ha encontrado asociación entre una retirada difícil y las siguientes variables: tiempo desde colocación del FVCI, patas incrustadas y contacto del gancho con la pared de VCI. Al analizar según el tipo de FVCI, estas variables se mantienen en el tipo Optease®, en cambio, la inclinación de más de 15° dificulta la retirada de los dispositivos de morfología cónica (Celect®).(AU)

Objective: To analyze the efficacy of the procedure for withdrawing an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter and the clinical and radiological factors associated with difficult withdrawal. Material and methods: This retrospective observational study included patients who underwent IVC filter withdrawal at a single center between May 2015 and May 2021. We recorded demographic, clinical, procedural, and radiological variables: type of IVC filter, angle with the IVC> 15°, hook against the wall, and legs embedded in the IVC wall> 3mm. The efficacy variables were fluoroscopy time, success of IVC filter withdrawal, and number of attempts to withdraw the filter. The safety variables were complications, surgical removal, and mortality. The main variable was difficult withdrawal, defined as more than 5minutes fluoroscopy or more than 1 attempt at withdrawal. Results: A total of 109 patients were included; withdrawal was considered difficult in 54 (49.5%). Three radiological variables were more common in the difficult withdrawal group: hook against the wall (33.3% vs. 9.1%; p=0.027), embedded legs (20.4% vs. 3.6%; p=0.008), and>45 days since IVC filter placement (51.9% vs. 25.5%; p=0.006). These variables remained significant in the subgroup of patients with OptEase IVC filters; however, in the group of patients with Celect IVC filters, only the inclination of the IVC filter>15° was significantly associated with difficult withdrawal (25% vs 0%; p=0.029). Conclusion: Difficult withdrawal was associated with time from IVC placement, embedded legs, and contact between the hook and the wall. The analysis of the subgroups of patients with different types of IVC filters found that these variables remained significant in those with OptEase filters; however, in those with cone-shaped devices (Celect), the inclination of the IVC filter>15° was significantly associated with difficult withdrawal.(AU)

Recommendations on the use of computed tomography in the stroke code: Consensus document SENR, SERAU, GEECV-SEN, SERAM.

The Spanish Society of Emergency Radiology (SERAU), the Spanish Society of Neuroradiology (SENR), the Spanish Society of Neurology through its Cerebrovascular Diseases Study Group (GEECV-SEN) and the Spanish Society of Medical Radiology (SERAM) have met to draft this consensus document that will review the use of computed tomography in the stroke code patients, focusing on its indications, the technique for its correct acquisition and the possible interpretation mistakes.

Recomendaciones sobre el uso de la tomografía computarizada en el código ictus: Documento de consenso SENR, SERAU, GEECV-SEN, SERAM / Recommendations on the use of computed tomography in the stroke code: Consensus document SENR, SERAU, GEECV-SEN, SERAM

La Sociedad Española de Radiología de Urgencias (SERAU), la Sociedad Española de Neurorradiología (SENR), la Sociedad Española de Neurología a través de su Grupo de Estudio de Enfermedades Cerebrovasculares (GEECV-SEN) y la Sociedad Española de Radiología Médica (SERAM) se han reunido para redactar este documento de consenso que repasará el uso de la tomografía computarizada en el código ictus, centrándose en sus indicaciones, la técnica para su correcta adquisición y las posibles causas de error en su interpretación (AU)

The Spanish Society of Emergency Radiology (SERAU), the Spanish Society of Neuroradiology (SENR), the Spanish Society of Neurology through its Cerebrovascular Diseases Study Group (GEECV-SEN) and the Spanish Society of Medical Radiology (SERAM) have met to draft this consensus document that will review the use of computed tomography in the stroke code patients, focusing on its indications, the technique for its correct acquisition and the possible interpretation mistakes (AU)

First-Pass Effect in M1-Occlusion Stroke Patients Treated with Combined Stent-Retriever/Large-Bore Distal Aspiration Catheter Thrombectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Combined stent-retriever/large-bore distal aspiration catheter (LB-DAC) thrombectomy was recently introduced to treat large-vessel occlusion; however, it is unclear whether larger inner diameters improve outcomes. We compared angiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with occlusions of the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery treated with mechanical thrombectomy using extra-LB-DAC versus LB-DAC in combination with stent-retrievers. METHODS: We analyzed consecutive patients with M1 occlusion included in the ROSSETTI registry treated with non-balloon guide catheter combined LB-DAC/stent-retriever thrombectomy between June 2019 and April 2022. We compared demographics, baseline clinical variables, procedural variables, angiographic outcomes, and clinical outcomes [National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score at 24 h (24h-NIHSS) and modified Rankin scale score at 3 months] between patients treated with extra-LB-DAC (Sofia Plus, MIVI Q6, Catalyst7; inner diameter, 0.068″-0.070″) versus LB-DAC (Sofia 5F, MIVI Q5, Catalyst 6; inner diameter, 0.055″-0.064″). Primary outcome was the first-pass effect (FPE) rate, defined as near-complete/complete reperfusion (mTICI 2c-3) after a single pass of the device. RESULTS: We included 324 patients (extra-LB-DAC, 185, 57.1% patients). Demographics, clinical data, and clinical outcomes were similar between the two groups; however, there was a trend towards improvement in National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score at 24 h (24h-NIHSS) in the cohort treated with extra-LB-DAC 9 points (IQR 4;16 points) vs. 12 points (IQR 4;18 points, P = 0.083). Patients treated with extra-LB-DAC had higher FPE rate (47% vs. 30.9%; P = 0.003) and higher modified FPE (mTICI ≥ 2b after a single pass) rate (65.9% vs 46.8%; P = 0.001). The use of extra-LB-DAC was an independent factor in predicting FPE (odds ratio 1.982, 95% confidence interval 1.250-3.143, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that in combined LB-DAC/stent-retriever thrombectomy, a larger aspiration catheter inner diameter is associated with higher rates of FPE and mFPE.

Angioplasty with a stent retriever to treat vasospasm secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage due to an aneurysm: a multicenter study of safety and efficacy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of angioplasty with a retrievable stent in treating vasospasm secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to an aneurysm. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data from consecutive patients undergoing endovascular angioplasty with a retrievable stent to treat vasospasm related to SAH due to an aneurysm in four neurointerventional radiology departments between January 2018 and July 2019. We included patients aged >18 years with vasospasm >50% of the internal carotid artery (ICA), anterior cerebral artery (ACA), and / or middle cerebral artery (MCA) secondary to SAH due to an aneurysm treated with endovascular angioplasty with a retrievable stent. The variables used to measure safety were complications of the procedure and clinical complications. The variables used to measure radiological efficacy were improvement in the degree of stenosis after endovascular treatment and improvement or normalization of cerebral circulation time CTT). RESULTS: We included 16 angioplasty procedures with retrievable stents in 13 patients, in which 33 arterial segments were treated (10 ICA, 15 MCA, and 8 ACA). We observed no complications of the procedure in any patients and no clinical complications in patients who were not intubated. All but one of the patients who had delayed CTT at the beginning of the procedure showed improvements in CTT. The mean improvement in the degree of stenosis was 18% ± 11.65% in the ICA, 30.67% ± 18.45% in the MCA, and 28.38% ± 15.49% in the ACA. No statistically significant associations were observed between endovascular treatment variables and the degree of improvement in stenosis. CONCLUSION: Angioplasty with a retrievable stent is a safe and efficacious treatment for vasospasm secondary to SAH due to an aneurysm, improving CTT and stenosis.

Angioplastia con stent recuperable como tratamiento del vasoespasmo secundario a la hemorragia subaracnoidea por aneurisma: un estudio multicéntrico de seguridad y eficacia / Angioplasty with a stent retriever to treat vasospasm secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage due to an aneurysm: a multicenter study of safety and efficacy

Objetivo: El objetivo es informar de nuestro estudio multicéntrico de seguridad y eficacia acerca de la angioplastia con stent recuperable en el vasoespasmo secundario a la hemorragia subaracnoidea por aneurisma (HSAa). Métodos: Realizamos un análisis retrospectivo de una base de datos prospectiva de pacientes consecutivos sometidos a tratamiento endovascular mediante angioplastia con stent recuperable para el vasoespasmo relacionado con la HSAa en cuatro departamentos de neurorradiología intervencionista, entre enero de 2018 y julio de 2019. Incluimos a pacientes consecutivos mayores de 18 años con vasoespasmo mayor del 50% de la arteria carótida interna (ACI), la arteria cerebral anterior (ACA) y/o las arterias cerebrales medias (ACM) secundario a HSAa, tratado endovascularmente mediante angioplastia con stent recuperable. Las complicaciones del procedimiento y las complicaciones clínicas se registraron como variables de seguridad. Las variables de eficacia radiológica del procedimiento se definieron como la mejora en el porcentaje de estenosis después del tratamiento endovascular y la mejora o normalización del tiempo de circulación cerebral (TCC). Resultados: Incluimos 16 procedimientos de angioplastia con stent recuperable en 13 pacientes, con 33 segmentos arteriales tratados (10 ACI, 15 ACM y 8 ACA). No encontramos complicaciones de procedimiento en ningún paciente, ni complicaciones clínicas en pacientes no intubados. Todos los pacientes con TCC retrasado al principio del procedimiento, excepto uno, mostraron una mejora en el TCC. La mejora en el porcentaje de estenosis en la ACI fue de 18± 11,65 (media±DE), 30,67±18,45 en la ACM y 28,38±15,49 en la ACA. No encontramos ninguna asociación estadísticamente significativa entre las variables de tratamiento endovascular y la mejora en el porcentaje de estenosis.(AU)

Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of angioplasty with a retrievable stent in treating vasospasm secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to an aneurysm. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data from consecutive patients undergoing endovascular angioplasty with a retrievable stent to treat vasospasm related to SAH due to an aneurysm in four neurointerventional radiology departments between January 2018 and July 2019. We included patients aged>18 years with vasospasm>50% of the internal carotid artery (ICA), anterior cerebral artery (ACA), and / or middle cerebral artery (MCA) secondary to SAH due to an aneurysm treated with endovascular angioplasty with a retrievable stent. The variables used to measure safety were complications of the procedure and clinical complications. The variables used to measure radiological efficacy were improvement in the degree of stenosis after endovascular treatment and improvement or normalization of cerebral circulation time CTT). Results: We included 16 angioplasty procedures with retrievable stents in 13 patients, in which 33 arterial segments were treated (10 ICA, 15 MCA, and 8 ACA). We observed no complications of the procedure in any patients and no clinical complications in patients who were not intubated. All but one of the patients who had delayed CTT at the beginning of the procedure showed improvements in CTT. The mean improvement in the degree of stenosis was 18%±11.65% in the ICA, 30.67%±18.45% in the MCA, and 28.38%±15.49% in the ACA. No statistically significant associations were observed between endovascular treatment variables and the degree of improvement in stenosis. Conclusion: Angioplasty with a retrievable stent is a safe and efficacious treatment for vasospasm secondary to SAH due to an aneurysm, improving CTT and stenosis.(AU)

Anomalous location of intracranial vessels in adults.

Anomalous intracranial vessels are not uncommon, and this finding is not always associated with arteriovenous malformations. Other conditions such as anomalous connections between arteries or phlebitc patterns can also present as vessels with abnormal intracranial locations. Noninvasive diagnosis is important to determine whether to do more invasive tests such as cerebral digital subtraction angiography or to estimate the risk of bleeding in arteriovenous malformations and therefore to evaluate the need for endovascular/surgical treatment. In this paper, we present an algorithm for the differential diagnosis of anomalous intracranial vessels according to their location (intra/extra-axial) and function (whether the vessels are arterialized). Moreover, we analyze the important points of the angioarchitecture of the principal arteriovenous malformations with risk of intracranial bleeding, such as pial arteriovenous malformations and dural fistulas.

Vasos intracraneales en localización anómala en adultos / Anomalous location of intracranial vessels in adults

La detección de vasos anómalos a nivel intracraneal no es un hallazgo infrecuente y no siempre está asociada a la presencia de malformaciones arteriovenosas. Otras entidades como las conexiones arterioarteriales o un patrón flebítico también pueden presentarse como unos vasos en localización intracraneal anómala. El diagnóstico mediante pruebas no invasivas es importante para determinar la necesidad de realizar pruebas más cruentas como una angiografía cerebral por sustracción digital o para estimar el riesgo de sangrado en malformaciones arteriovenosas y, por tanto, evaluar la necesidad de tratamiento endovascular/quirúrgico. En este manuscrito presentamos un algoritmo de diagnóstico diferencial de la presencia de vasos anómalos intracraneales de acuerdo con su localización (intra/extraaxiales) y su funcionalidad (arterialización o no de dichos vasos). Asimismo, analizaremos los puntos importantes de la angioarquitectura de las principales malformaciones arteriovenosas con riesgo de sangrado intracraneal, como son las malformaciones arteriovenosas piales y las fístulas durales.(AU)

Anomalous intracranial vessels are not uncommon, and this finding is not always associated with arteriovenous malformations. Other conditions such as anomalous connections between arteries or phlebitc patterns can also present as vessels with abnormal intracranial locations. Noninvasive diagnosis is important to determine whether to do more invasive tests such as cerebral digital subtraction angiography or to estimate the risk of bleeding in arteriovenous malformations and therefore to evaluate the need for endovascular/surgical treatment. In this paper, we present an algorithm for the differential diagnosis of anomalous intracranial vessels according to their location (intra/extra-axial) and function (whether the vessels are arterialized). Moreover, we analyze the important points of the angioarchitecture of the principal arteriovenous malformations with risk of intracranial bleeding, such as pial arteriovenous malformations and dural fistulas.(AU)

Multicenter Retrospective Registry of Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms with Endovascular Therapy (MACAARET): safety and efficacy study according to morphological considerations and spatial orientations.

AIM: To analyse the safety and efficacy parameters of endovascular treatment of anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms, according to their morphological considerations and three-dimensional orientation in a multicentric registry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was undertaken of a prospective database of consecutive patients that underwent endovascular embolisation for ACoA aneurysm in four high-volume neuroradiology interventional departments. The study has been registered in ClinicalTrial.gov. Data were collected regarding the clinico-demographic variables of the patients, anatomical variations of the circle of Willis, morphological considerations and spatial orientation of ACoA aneurysms were recorded. Safety and efficacy variables were also recorded. Associations between anatomical variations of the circle of Willis, morphological considerations, and spatial orientation of the ACoA aneurysms and safety and efficacy variables were assessed. RESULTS: Data from 122 consecutive patients were collected in the MACAARET study (mean age (±SD) was 55 (±14) and 50.8% (62/122) were male). One hundred and five patients (86.1%) presented with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). ACoA aneurysms with a neck size of >4 mm had less chance of having successful endovascular treatment than those of ≤4 mm (19.8% versus 46.7%; p=0.002) and were also more likely to recanalise during follow-up (61.5% versus 19.5%; p=0.003). Moreover, ACoA aneurysms with an aspect ratio of >1.7 had more chance of having immediate therapeutic success than those with a ratio of ≤1.7 (70.7% versus 44.8%; p=0.012). There were no other associations between the anatomical variables of the ACoA aneurysms and the safety-efficacy variables. CONCLUSION: ACoA aneurysms are suitable for both endovascular and microsurgical approaches, but more data are required to determine which is the best approach regarding the morphological and spatial orientation of the aneurysm and the anatomical variations of the circle of Willis.

Synthetic MRI in subarachnoid haemorrhage.

AIM: To evaluate the reliability of synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (SyMRI) for detecting complications associated with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), such as ischaemic lesions, hydrocephalus, or bleeding complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with SAH, who underwent a conventional brain MRI and a SyMRI on a 3 T MRI machine. Comparable conventional and synthetic T2-weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images were acquired. The presence of ischaemic lesions, hydrocephalus, extra-axial blood collections as well as the volumes of grey matter (GMv), white matter (WMv), and cerebrospinal (CSFv) were compared. The acquisition times of both sequences was also analysed. RESULTS: The concordance between the two techniques was excellent for the detection of ischaemic lesions and extra-axial collections (kappa = 0.80 and 0.88 respectively) and good for the detection of hydrocephalus (kappa = 0.69). No significant differences were detected in the number of ischaemic lesions (p=0.31) or in the Evans index (p=0.11). The WMv and CSFv measures were also similar (p=0.18 and p=0.94, respectively), as well as the volume of ischaemic lesions (p=0.79). Compared to conventional MRI, the SyMRI acquisition time was shorter regardless of the number of sections (32% and 6% time reduction for 4 or 3 mm section thickness, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: SyMRI allows the detection of potential complications of SAH in a similar way to conventional MRI with a shorter acquisition time.

Stroke units could be a valid alternative to intensive care units for patients with low-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: According to current guidelines, patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) are mostly managed in intensive care units (ICUs) regardless of baseline severity. We aimed to assess the prognostic and economic implications of initial admission of patients with low-grade aSAH into a stroke unit (SU) compared to initial ICU admission. METHODS: We reviewed prospectively registered data from consecutive aSAH patients with a World Federation of Neurosurgery Societies grade <3, admitted to our Comprehensive Stroke Centre between April 2013 and September 2018. Clinical and radiological baseline traits, in-hospital complications, length of stay (LOS) and poor outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale score > 2) were compared between the ICU and SU groups in the whole population and in a propensity-score-matched cohort. RESULTS: Of 131 patients, 74 (56%) were initially admitted to the ICU and 57 (44%) to the SU. In-hospital complication rates were similar in the ICU and SU groups and included rebleeding (10% vs. 7%; P = 0.757), angiographic vasospasm (61% vs. 60%; P = 0.893), delayed cerebral ischaemia (12% vs. 12%; P = 0.984), pneumonia (6% vs. 4%; P = 0.697) and death (10% vs. 5%; P = 0.512). LOS did not differ between groups (median [interquartile range] 22 [16-30] vs. 19 [14-26] days; P = 0.160). In adjusted multivariate models, the location of initial admission was not associated with long-term poor outcome either in the whole population (odds ratio [OR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32-4.19; P = 0.825) or in the matched cohort (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.24-4.06; P = 0.974). CONCLUSIONS: A dedicated SU, with care from a multidisciplinary team, might be an optimal alternative to ICU for initial admission of patients with low-risk aSAH.

Utilidad de la angio-TC para la caracterización de malformaciones arteriovenosas cerebrales con presentación hemorrágica comparada con la angiografía por sustracción digital / Usefulness of CT angiography for characterizing cerebral arteriovenous malformations presenting as hemorrhage: comparison with digital subtraction angiography

OBJETIVO: El objetivo es determinar la utilidad de la angio-TC cerebral en la caracterización de las malformaciones arteriovenosas (MAV) cerebrales con presentación hemorrágica comparada con la angiografía por sustracción digital (DSA) como patrón de referencia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de una base de datos prospectiva de pacientes con sangrado intracraneal debido a una MAV cerebral desde enero de 2007 hasta diciembre de 2012. Se revisaron variables radiológicas, como las características de la malformación (tamaño, localización, presencia de drenaje venoso profundo), afectación de un área elocuente y presencia de aneurismas relacionados. Dos neurorradiólogos ciegos a cualquier información clínico-radiológica analizaron por consenso las imágenes de tomografía computarizada y DSA. RESULTADOS: Veintidós pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio. La angio-TC clasificó correctamente 15 de los 16 casos de MAV menores de 3cm, con una sensibilidad del 93,75%. Todos los casos con drenaje venoso profundo y localizados en un área elocuente fueron correctamente detectados (sensibilidad 100%). La presencia de cualquier tipo de aneurisma relacionado con la MAV fue detectada en 13 de 15 pacientes (sensibilidad 86,6%); 7 de 9 en los intranidales (sensibilidad 77,78%) y 6 de 9 de los aneurismas de flujo (sensibilidad 66,67%). CONCLUSIÓN: La angio-TC tiene una alta sensibilidad en la caracterización de MAV cerebrales en cuanto al tamaño menor de 3cm, localización en área elocuente, presencia de drenaje venoso profundo y la detección de cualquier aneurisma relacionado con la MAV. Sin embargo, la angio-TC tiene una menor sensibilidad en la detección de aneurismas intranidales y de flujo relacionados con la MAV

OBJECTIVE: To compare the usefulness of CT angiography against the gold standard, digital subtraction angiography (DSA), in the characterization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM) that present with bleeding. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with intracranial bleeding due to an AVM who were included in a prospective database in the period comprising January 2007 through December 2012. We reviewed radiologic variables such as the characteristics of the AVM (size, location, presence of deep venous drainage), involvement of eloquent areas, and the presence of associated aneurysms. Two neuroradiologists blinded to clinical and radiological information analyzed the CT and DSA in consensus. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients were included in the study. CT angiography correctly classified 15 of the 16 cases of AVM measuring less than 3cm (93.75% sensitivity). All cases of deep venous drainage and all those located in eloquent areas were correctly detected (100% sensitivity). The presence of any type of aneurysm related with the AVM was detected in 13 of 15 cases (86.6% sensitivity); 7 of 9 of the intranidal aneurysms were detected (77.78% sensitivity), as were 6 of the 9 flow aneurysms (66.67% sensitivity). CONCLUSION: CT angiography is highly sensitive in the characterization of cerebral AVMs measuring less than 3cm, of those located in eloquent areas, and of those with deep venous drainage; it is also highly sensitive in detecting aneurysms related with AVMs. However, CT angiography is less sensitive in detecting intranidal and flow aneurysms related with AVMs

Angioplasty with a retrievable stent to treat vasospasm secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage due to an aneurysm: a multicenter study of safety and efficacy. / Angioplastia con stent recuperable como tratamiento del vasoespasmo secundario a la hemorragia subaracnoidea por aneurisma: un estudio multicéntrico de seguridad y eficacia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of angioplasty with a retrievable stent in treating vasospasm secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to an aneurysm. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data from consecutive patients undergoing endovascular angioplasty with a retrievable stent to treat vasospasm related to SAH due to an aneurysm in four neurointerventional radiology departments between January 2018 and July 2019. We included patients aged>18 years with vasospasm>50% of the internal carotid artery (ICA), anterior cerebral artery (ACA), and / or middle cerebral artery (MCA) secondary to SAH due to an aneurysm treated with endovascular angioplasty with a retrievable stent. The variables used to measure safety were complications of the procedure and clinical complications. The variables used to measure radiological efficacy were improvement in the degree of stenosis after endovascular treatment and improvement or normalization of cerebral circulation time CTT). RESULTS: We included 16 angioplasty procedures with retrievable stents in 13 patients, in which 33 arterial segments were treated (10 ICA, 15 MCA, and 8 ACA). We observed no complications of the procedure in any patients and no clinical complications in patients who were not intubated. All but one of the patients who had delayed CTT at the beginning of the procedure showed improvements in CTT. The mean improvement in the degree of stenosis was 18%±11.65% in the ICA, 30.67%±18.45% in the MCA, and 28.38%±15.49% in the ACA. No statistically significant associations were observed between endovascular treatment variables and the degree of improvement in stenosis. CONCLUSION: Angioplasty with a retrievable stent is a safe and efficacious treatment for vasospasm secondary to SAH due to an aneurysm, improving CTT and stenosis.

Usefulness of CT angiography for characterizing cerebral arteriovenous malformations presenting as hemorrhage: comparison with digital subtraction angiography. / Utilidad de la angio-TC para la caracterización de malformaciones arteriovenosas cerebrales con presentación hemorrágica comparada con la angiografía por sustracción digital.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the usefulness of CT angiography against the gold standard, digital subtraction angiography (DSA), in the characterization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM) that present with bleeding. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with intracranial bleeding due to an AVM who were included in a prospective database in the period comprising January 2007 through December 2012. We reviewed radiologic variables such as the characteristics of the AVM (size, location, presence of deep venous drainage), involvement of eloquent areas, and the presence of associated aneurysms. Two neuroradiologists blinded to clinical and radiological information analyzed the CT and DSA in consensus. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients were included in the study. CT angiography correctly classified 15 of the 16 cases of AVM measuring less than 3cm (93.75% sensitivity). All cases of deep venous drainage and all those located in eloquent areas were correctly detected (100% sensitivity). The presence of any type of aneurysm related with the AVM was detected in 13 of 15 cases (86.6% sensitivity); 7 of 9 of the intranidal aneurysms were detected (77.78% sensitivity), as were 6 of the 9 flow aneurysms (66.67% sensitivity). CONCLUSION: CT angiography is highly sensitive in the characterization of cerebral AVMs measuring less than 3cm, of those located in eloquent areas, and of those with deep venous drainage; it is also highly sensitive in detecting aneurysms related with AVMs. However, CT angiography is less sensitive in detecting intranidal and flow aneurysms related with AVMs.

Leukoaraiosis May Confound the Interpretation of CT Perfusion in Patients Treated with Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Leukoaraiosis frequently coexists in patients with acute stroke. We studied whether leukoaraiosis could confound the interpretation of CTP findings in patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 236 patients with stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy and studied with CTP, of whom 127 (53.8%) achieved complete reperfusion. Periventricular white matter hyperintensities on MR imaging and hypodensities on NCCT were assessed through the Fazekas score. CTP-predicted nonviable tissue was defined as relative CBF <30%, and final infarct volume was quantified in DWI. We estimated mean MTT, CBV, and CBF in the asymptomatic hemisphere. In patients achieving complete reperfusion, we assessed the accuracy of nonviable tissue to predict final infarct volume using the intraclass correlation coefficient across periventricular hyperintensity/hypodensity Fazekas scores and variable relative CBF cutoffs. RESULTS: MTT was longer (Spearman ρ = 0.279, P < .001) and CBF was lower (ρ = -0.263, P < .001) as the periventricular hyperintensity Fazekas score increased, while CBV was similar across groups (ρ = -0.043, P = .513). In the subgroup of patients achieving complete reperfusion, nonviable tissue-final infarct volume reliability was excellent in patients with periventricular hyperintensity Fazekas score grade 0 (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.900; 95% CI, 0.805-0.950), fair in patients with periventricular hyperintensity Fazekas scores 1 (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.569; 95% CI, 0.327-0.741) and 2 (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.444; 95% CI, 0.165-0.657), and poor in patients with periventricular hyperintensity Fazekas score 3 (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.310; 95% CI, -0.359-0.769). The most accurate cutoffs were relative CBF <30% for periventricular hyperintensity Fazekas score grades 0 and 1, relative CBF <25% for periventricular hyperintensity Fazekas score 2, and relative CBF <20% for periventricular hyperintensity Fazekas score 3. The reliability analysis according to periventricular hypodensity Fazekas score grades on NCCT was similar to that in follow-up MR imaging. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with stroke, the presence of leukoaraiosis confounds the interpretation of CTP despite proper adjustment of CBF thresholds.

Valor de la escala ASPECTS de circulación posterior y del índice puente-mesencéfalo en imágenes de TC sin contraste y angiografía por TC en pacientes con oclusiones de la arteria basilar recanalizados tras trombectomía mecánica / Value of posterior circulation ASPECTS and pons-midbrain index on non-contrast CT and CT angiography source images in patients with basilar artery occlusion recanalized after mechanical thrombectomy

Objetivo: El tratamiento endovascular con dispositivos de trombectomía mecánica demostró altos índices de recanalización, si bien el resultado funcional no guardó relación con los altos índices de recanalización obtenidos. La selección de los pacientes previa al tratamiento endovascular es muy importante en el resultado final de estos pacientes. El objetivo principal de nuestro estudio fue hacer una valoración del valor pronóstico de la escala ASPECTS (Escala Precoz por TC del Programa de ACV de Alberta) y del índice puente-mesencéfalo (IPM) en pacientes con oclusiones de la arteria basilar (OAB) sometidos, con éxito, a recanalización angiográfica tras trombectomía mecánica. Métodos: Este estudio retrospectivo de un único centro incluyó 18 pacientes entre los años 2008 y 2013 con oclusiones de la arteria basilar que fueron sometidos a tratamiento endovascular dentro de las 24 horas siguientes al inicio de los síntomas y con una exitosa recanalización angiográfica. Inicialmente, los pacientes fueron clasificados en dos grupos según el resultado clínico y la mortalidad a los 90 días. Para el análisis, los pacientes también fueron divididos en grupos de imágenes utilizando, para ello, la escala ASPECTS-CP (≥8 vs.<8) y el IPM (≥3 vs. <3) mediante tomografías computarizadas sin contraste (TCSC) e imágenes fuente de la angio-TC (IFATC). Los datos de las imágenes se compararon tanto con los resultados clínicos como con la tasa de mortalidad. Resultados: La escala ASPECTS-CP mediante IFATC, dicotomizada a <8 vs. ≥8, se asoció a un resultado favorable (riesgo relativo [RR]: 2,6; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%: 1,3-5,2), así como a un menor riesgo de mortalidad (RR: 6,5; IC del 95%: 7,8-23,3). La puntuación en la escala ASPECTS-CP de todos los pacientes que sobrevivieron y fueron funcionalmente independientes fue igual o superior a 8. Ninguno de los cinco pacientes con puntuaciones en la escala ASPECTS-CP mediante IFATC por debajo de 8 sobrevivió. Conclusión: La escala ASPECTS-CP mediante IFATC sirve de ayuda a la hora de predecir el resultado funcional tras recanalización de la OAB mediante tratamiento endovascular. Estos resultados deberían ser validados en un ensayo controlado aleatorizado para decidir si tratar, o no, a un paciente con OAB

Purpose: Endovascular treatment with mechanical thrombectomy devices demonstrated high recanalization rates but functional outcome did not correlate with high rates of recanalization obtained. Patient selection prior to the endovascular treatment is very important in the final outcome of the patient. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS) and Pons-Midbrain Index (PMI) scores in patients with Basilar Artery Occlusion (BAO) treated with successful angiographic recanalization after mechanical thrombectomy. Methods: Retrospective single-center study including 18 patients between 2008 and 2013 who had acute basilar artery occlusion managed with endovascular treatment within 24hours from symptoms onset and with successful angiographic recanalization. The patients were initially classified into two groups according to clinical outcome and mortality at 90 days. For analysis we also divided patients into groups based on pc-ASPECTS (≥8vs.<8) and PMI (≥3vs.<3) on non-contrast CT (NCCT) and CT Angiography Source Images (CTASI). Imaging data were correlated to clinical outcome and mortality rate. Results: CTASI pc-ASPECTS, dichotomized at <8 versus≥8, was associated with a favorable outcome (RR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.3-5.2) and a reduced risk of death (RR: 6.5: 95% CI: 7.8-23.3). All patients that survived and were functionally independent had pc-ASPECTS score≥8. None of the 5 patients with CTASI pc-ASPECTS score less than 8 survived. Conclusion: PC-ASPECTS on CTASI is helpful for predicting functional outcome after BAO recanalization with endovascular treatment. These results should be validated in a randomized controlled trial in order to decide whether or not to treat a patient with BAO

Value of Posterior circulation ASPECTS and Pons-Midbrain Index on non-contrast CT and CT Angiography Source Images in patients with basilar artery occlusion recanalized after mechanical thrombectomy. / Valor de la escala ASPECTS de circulación posterior y del índice puente-mesencéfalo en imágenes de TC sin contraste y angiografía por TC en pacientes con oclusiones de la arteria basilar recanalizados tras trombectomía mecánica.

PURPOSE: Endovascular treatment with mechanical thrombectomy devices demonstrated high recanalization rates but functional outcome did not correlate with high rates of recanalization obtained. Patient selection prior to the endovascular treatment is very important in the final outcome of the patient. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS) and Pons-Midbrain Index (PMI) scores in patients with Basilar Artery Occlusion (BAO) treated with successful angiographic recanalization after mechanical thrombectomy. METHODS: Retrospective single-center study including 18 patients between 2008 and 2013 who had acute basilar artery occlusion managed with endovascular treatment within 24hours from symptoms onset and with successful angiographic recanalization. The patients were initially classified into two groups according to clinical outcome and mortality at 90 days. For analysis we also divided patients into groups based on pc-ASPECTS (≥8vs.<8) and PMI (≥3vs.<3) on non-contrast CT (NCCT) and CT Angiography Source Images (CTASI). Imaging data were correlated to clinical outcome and mortality rate. RESULTS: CTASI pc-ASPECTS, dichotomized at <8 versus≥8, was associated with a favorable outcome (RR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.3-5.2) and a reduced risk of death (RR: 6.5: 95% CI: 7.8-23.3). All patients that survived and were functionally independent had pc-ASPECTS score≥8. None of the 5 patients with CTASI pc-ASPECTS score less than 8 survived. CONCLUSION: PC-ASPECTS on CTASI is helpful for predicting functional outcome after BAO recanalization with endovascular treatment. These results should be validated in a randomized controlled trial in order to decide whether or not to treat a patient with BAO.