Triple therapy versus dual-antiplatelet therapy for dolichoectatic vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms treated with flow diverters.

BACKGROUND: Dolichoectatic vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms (DVBFAs) have poor natural history when left untreated and high morbimortality when treated with microsurgery. Flow diversion (FD) with dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is feasible but carries high risk of perforator occlusion and progression of brainstem compression. Elaborate antithrombotic strategies are needed to preserve perforator patency while vessel remodeling occurs. We compared triple therapy (TT (DAPT plus oral anticoagulation)) and DAPT alone in patients with DVBFAs treated with FD. METHODS: Retrospective comparison of DAPT and TT in patients with DVBFAs treated with FD at eight US centers. RESULTS: The groups (DAPT=13, TT=14) were similar in age, sex, clinical presentation, baseline disability, and aneurysm characteristics. Radial access use was significantly higher in the TT group (71.4% vs 15.3%; P=0.006). Median number of flow diverters and adjunctive coiling use were non-different between groups. Acute ischemic stroke rate during the oral anticoagulation period was lower in the TT group than the DAPT group (7.1% vs 30.8%; P=0.167). Modified Rankin Scale score decline was significantly lower in the TT group (7.1% vs 69.2%; P=0.001). Overall rates of hemorrhagic complications (TT, 28.6% vs DAPT, 7.7%; P=0.162) and complete occlusion (TT, 25% vs DAPT, 54.4%; P=0.213) were non-different between the groups. Rate of moderate-to-severe disability at last follow-up was significantly lower in the TT group (21.4% vs 76.9%; P=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with DVBFAs treated with FD in the TT group had fewer ischemic strokes, less symptom progression, and overall better outcomes at last follow-up than similar patients in the DAPT group.

Flow diversion treatment of anterior communicating artery region aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Reports on flow diversion treatment of aneurysms beyond the Circle of Willis are limited, with few series dedicated to anterior communicating artery region aneurysms. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the pipeline embolization device in the treatment of anterior communicating artery region aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The neuro-interventional database of a single institution was retrospectively reviewed for anterior communicating artery aneurysms treated with the pipeline embolization device between November 2016 and December 2018. Data on clinical presentation, aneurysm location, type, vessel size, procedural complications, clinical and imaging follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: Ten patients with 11 anterior communicating artery aneurysms were included. Procedural success was achieved in 9/10 patients (90%). Flow diversion with the pipeline embolization device yielded occlusion in 100% of patients at 6.5 months. Symptomatic ischemic complications occurred in 2/10 patients (20%); only one of who had permanent symptoms. Hemorrhagic groin complications were encountered in 2/10 patients (20%). There were no deaths and no cerebral hemorrhagic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Flow diversion therapy may provide a feasible solution for anterior communicating artery region aneurysms that are not amenable to traditional surgical or endovascular modalities.

Endovascular intervention of acute ischemic stroke due to occlusion of fetal posterior cerebral artery.

A fetal posterior cerebral artery (FPCA) is an anatomic variant in which the posterior cerebral artery is an embryological derivative of the internal carotid artery. Although most cases of ischemic strokes in patients with FPCAs involve embolic infarcts, emergent large vessel occlusion of a FPCA is extremely rare. We present two cases of successful endovascular intervention for emergent occlusion of a FPCA, one of which is only the second reported case of a mechanical thrombectomy of a FPCA. We review the embryology of FPCA, the controversy regarding its association with cerebral infarcts, and various approaches used in the treatment of such occlusive lesions.

Acute Ischemic Stroke due to Common Carotid Ostial Disease with Tandem Intracranial Occlusions Treated with Thrombectomy and Staged Retrograde Stenting.

BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic stroke due to tandem occlusive lesions of the anterior circulation involves an intracranial large vessel occlusion as well as a concurrent occlusion or high-grade stenosis of the proximal carotid system. The vast majority of proximal lesions in tandem occlusive cases involve the extracranial internal carotid artery, although the lesion can theoretically exist anywhere along the carotid artery pathway, including the common carotid ostium. SUMMARY: To the best of our knowledge, only 1 report describes common carotid artery ostial lesions in the setting of acute ischemic stroke due to tandem occlusions, in which the authors describe an anterograde treatment paradigm. We present the first 2 cases of acute ischemic stroke secondary to common carotid ostial disease with tandem intracranial occlusion, treated with intracranial thrombectomy followed by subsequent staged balloon-mounted stenting of the common carotid ostium. We review the pathophysiology of tandem occlusions, the controversy surrounding treatment techniques, and various approaches used in the treatment of ostial occlusive lesions. KEY MESSAGE: In certain situations where acute carotid stenting is not safe or technically possible, immediate intracranial thrombectomy with a subsequent staged balloon-mounted stenting of the ostial lesion may be a reasonable and safe option.

Isolated Intraventricular Hemorrhage Associated with Cerebral Vasospasm and Delayed Cerebral Ischemia following Arteriovenous Malformation Rupture.

BACKGROUND: Although it is well characterized in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, vasospasm is exceedingly rare following cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) rupture. Subsequently, this complication is poorly characterized with regard to delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). We review cases of ruptured AVM to assess the frequency and severity of vasospasm on cerebral angiography, and DCI. SUMMARY: We reviewed our institutional database of acute intracranial hemorrhages between 2005 and 2014. We identified patients with cerebral AVM rupture and evidence of vasospasm, which was confirmed with digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Cerebral angiograms were evaluated by 2 blinded neurointerventionalists for vasospasm. Statistical analyses were conducted on the angiographic results and variables of interest to determine predictors and associations of vasospasm and DCI. Thirty-six patients with acute intracranial hemorrhage due to ruptured cerebral AVM subsequently underwent cerebral angiography. The interrater reliability for vasospasm was 0.81. The incidence of vasospasm was 13.9% and the incidence of subsequent DCI was 11.1%. A significant relationship existed between isolated intraventricular hemorrhage and vasospasm (p = 0.001) and subsequent DCI (p = 0.006). Radiographic vasospasm was associated with DCI in 80% of the patients (p < 0.0001). No statistical significance existed between subarachnoid hemorrhage and the development of vasospasm or DCI (p = 1.000 and p = 0.626, respectively). All differences were significant at a 99% level of significance. KEY MESSAGE: In cases of ruptured AVM, isolated intraventricular hemorrhage appears to be an independent risk factor for vasospasm and DCI. Vasospasm must be considered during late neurological deterioration following AVM hemorrhage, especially in the setting of isolated intraventricular hemorrhage.

Endovascular Retrieval of Migrated Coil within the Distal Middle Cerebral Artery Using Stentriever Device.

BACKGROUND: Displacement of endovascular coils during endovascular embolization of an intracranial aneurysm is a potentially life-threatening complication. Several methods for coil retrieval have been described, including the use of microsnares and microforceps retrieval devices. With the recent surge of stentriever implementation in the treatment of ischemic stroke, some operators are now using such devices in the retrieval of migrated coils. We present a case of a balloon-assisted coil embolization of a communicating segment internal carotid artery aneurysm, complicated by coil migration far distally into the middle cerebral artery, which was retrieved successfully with a stentriever. To the best of our knowledge, this is the furthest migration of a coil to be successfully retrieved with a stentriever. We review conservative and invasive management of displaced coils and the technical advantages of stentrievers over retrieval devices. METHODS: The patient's medical records were retrospectively reviewed, including clinical and radiographic information. This study received institutional review board approval. RESULTS: The patient was treated with balloon-assisted coil embolization of the internal carotid artery aneurysm. The migrated coil was retrieved successfully using a novel application of a stentriever. CONCLUSIONS: In certain situations, a stentriever does not mandate complete ensnaring of the target to be retrieved and thus need not always be deployed distal to a migrated coil mass to be successful. Due to the mechanical advantage of strut-engagement, stentrievers can afford to be positioned in relatively suboptimal positions, and this is especially useful in cases involving tortuous and small distal vessels (<2 mm diameter).

Isolated intraventricular hemorrhage secondary to dural arteriovenous fistula.

Isolated intraventricular hemorrhage due to dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) is extremely rare and has been reported only a few times in the literature. The pathophysiological cause of isolated intraventricular hemorrhage in these cases was hypothetically attributed to retrograde venous flow into subependymal vessels, although none of these cases demonstrated radiographic evidence of such reflux. We present the first case of a dAVF with radiographic evidence of severe cortical venous reflux into the subependymal venous network causing isolated intraventricular hemorrhage, thus lending proof for the underlying pathophysiology. Furthermore, ours is the first case of dAVF with isolated intraventricular hemorrhage that was successfully treated using multimodality transvenous and transarterial embolization techniques. In cases of high-grade dAVF, multimodality treatment may offer the greatest chance for success, and should be strongly considered for management.

Isolated intraventricular hemorrhage secondary to dural arteriovenous fistula.

Isolated intraventricular hemorrhage due to dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) is extremely rare and has been reported only a few times in the literature. The pathophysiological cause of isolated intraventricular hemorrhage in these cases was hypothetically attributed to retrograde venous flow into subependymal vessels, although none of these cases demonstrated radiographic evidence of such reflux. We present the first case of a dAVF with radiographic evidence of severe cortical venous reflux into the subependymal venous network causing isolated intraventricular hemorrhage, thus lending proof for the underlying pathophysiology. Furthermore, ours is the first case of dAVF with isolated intraventricular hemorrhage that was successfully treated using multimodality transvenous and transarterial embolization techniques. In cases of high-grade dAVF, multimodality treatment may offer the greatest chance for success, and should be strongly considered for management.

Mechanical Thrombectomy of Acute Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Using Trans-Anterior Communicating Artery Approach.

BACKGROUND: A cross-circulation technique involves gaining access to a cerebral vessel through a patent anterior or posterior communicating artery. This technique may be used in patients with emergent large-vessel occlusions and an unfavorable direct route to the occlusion. While few previous reports have demonstrated a successful cross-circulation technique for treatment of emergent large-vessel occlusions, we present the first 2 cases of transanterior communicating artery stent retriever thrombectomy. CASE DESCRIPTION: Case #1: A 64-year-old female presented with acute right middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. She demonstrated a "triple-tandem" brachiocephalic-internal carotid artery-middle cerebral artery occlusion, thus precluding direct access to the right MCA. Successful stent retriever mechanical thrombectomy was performed across the anterior communicating artery, using a left internal carotid artery approach. Case #2: A 70-year old female presented with acute occlusion of the left MCA and tandem occlusion of the cervical left internal carotid artery. Multiple attempts to catheterize the left common carotid artery were unsuccessful. She underwent successful stent retriever mechanical thrombectomy across a patent anterior communicating artery, using a right internal carotid artery approach. CONCLUSIONS: Timely recanalization of an occluded artery plays a critical role in the prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke. Successful stent retriever mechanical thrombectomy of an occluded MCA is possible using a transanterior communicating artery approach in patients without a direct access route to the occluded intracranial vessel. We review the pathophysiology of tandem lesions, access routes to intracranial occlusions, and the literature on cross-circulation techniques to treat emergent large-vessel occlusions.

Rotational Vertebral Artery Dissection Secondary to Anomalous Entrance into Transverse Foramen.

BACKGROUND: Rotational vertebral artery occlusion is a rare syndrome characterized by vertebrobasilar insufficiency secondary to position-dependent occlusion of the vertebral artery. Most cases reported in the literature have been attributed to osteophytic compression, either from the occipital condyle or within the transverse foramen. However, vertebral artery dissection secondary to motion in the setting of anomalous anatomy has not been reported. CASE DESCRIPTION: To the authors' knowledge, rotational vertebral artery occlusion and dissection secondary to anomalous entrance into the transverse foramen have never been reported. The authors describe the case of a 42-year-old male who presented with multiple posterior circulation transient ischemic attacks. Standard digital subtraction cerebral angiography demonstrated a non-flow-limiting right vertebral artery dissection, while dynamic digital subtraction cerebral angiography was remarkable for right vertebral artery stenosis that worsened with neck rotation. Computed tomography angiography of the neck revealed an anomalous course of the right vertebral artery, which entered the transverse foramen at C4 with preforaminal compression by the anterior tubercle of the C5 transverse process. The patient had no further symptomatic events after decompression of the vertebral artery by resecting the anterior C5 tubercle. CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of codominant vertebral circulation and unilateral bony compression, the authors propose that neck rotation led to vertebral artery trauma, causing dissection complicated by thromboembolism. This is a novel and unusual entity that is different from Bowhunter's syndrome.

The psychosocial challenges of conducting counterinsurgency operations.

Counterinsurgency (COIN) operations have served as the fundamental component of the nation's military strategy. Without the established boundaries of conventional operations, switching between diplomatic and combative roles can expose Soldiers to unique stressors when conducting COIN operations. An exploratory study of descriptive data obtained from a retrospective records review of 140 service members deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom identified and described problems in psychosocial functioning. Behavioral health records for the first 7 months of the deployment and throughout the first year of redeployment were reviewed. The most common problems reported by Soldiers were operational stress characterized by anxiety, fear, irritability, frustration, and isolation. Additionally, most of the Soldiers engaged services for psychosocial challenges within the first year of returning from deployment. Establishing reliable access to behavioral healthcare has emerged as an essential component of total force protection in COIN deployments.

Barbiturate withdrawal following Internet purchase of Fioricet.

BACKGROUND: The Internet enables businesses to advertise their pharmaceutical products and services without medical supervision. The Internet also allows for the unsupervised purchase of medications that may have neurologic consequences. OBJECTIVE: To describe acute withdrawal delirium following the abrupt discontinuation of Fioricet. PATIENT: The patient was a 37-year-old woman with a history of depression and migraine headaches but not drug abuse. She developed a florid withdrawal delirium following the discontinuation of a drug she purchased online. The medication, which contained butalbital, was self-administered in escalating doses for the treatment of chronic headaches. Daily doses of up to 750 mg to 1000 mg were reported. RESULTS: The patient was admitted to the hospital for the treatment of unexplained seizures that were followed by several days of an intense withdrawal syndrome. Little improvement was noted after the administration of benzodiazepines and phenothiazine. After parenteral phenobarbital administration, her symptoms resolved. CONCLUSIONS: The withdrawal state from barbiturates is similar to that from ethanol. Tolerance can develop with prolonged abuse, leading to escalating drug doses to achieve the desired effect. The suggested management of both types of withdrawal syndromes is similar, but the relative resistance of the behavioral and autonomic features in patients was remarkable. Physicians should be aware of the ease with which medications can be purchased without supervision from Internet pharmacies. The magnitude of the number of drugs that are made available through this means creates a proclivity to withdrawal states.