Mechanical Thrombectomy in Cervical Artery Dissection-Related Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Cervical artery dissection (CeAD) causing a large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke might represent a procedural challenge for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) impacting on its effects. The aim of the present study was to analyze safety, reperfusion rates, and clinical outcome of patients with CeAD treated by MT and compare these results with those obtained in non-CeAD patients. METHODS: All consecutive LVO stroke patients undergoing MT between June 2015 and June 2021 at our University Stroke Center were analyzed. Baseline and procedural characteristics, recanalization rates, adverse events, and functional outcome of patients with CeAD were compared with non-CeAD patients. RESULTS: MT was performed on 375 patients, 20 (5.3%) were diagnosed with CeAD. These patients were younger (52.9 ± 7.8 vs. 72.5 ± 12.9 years, P < 0.001), and showed lower rates of cardiovascular risk factors. In patients with CeAD, tandem occlusions were more frequent (65.0% vs. 14.4%, P < 0.001), groin to reperfusion time was longer (93.6 ± 34.9 vs. 68.3 ± 50.2 minutes, P = 0.01), and general anesthesia was more frequently utilized (70.0% vs. 27.9%, P < 0.001). Recanalization rates (Treatment in Cerebral Infarction 2b-3: 100.0% vs. 88.5%) and MT-related adverse events (10.0% vs. 10.7%) did not differ between the groups, while functional outcome was better in patients with CeAD (modified Rankin Scale 0-2 at 3 months: 85.0% vs. 62.0%, P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Although CeAD represents a procedural challenge, MT constitutes a safe and effective treatment for patients with CeAD with LVO stroke.

Relationship between hemoglobin, hemolysis, and transcranial Doppler velocities in children with sickle cell disease: Results from a long-term natural history study in Italy in the era of multimodal therapy.

BACKGROUND: Stroke and cerebral vasculopathy are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is a reliable and validated predictor of stroke risk. Children with conditional or abnormal TCD are at an increased risk for stroke, which can be mitigated by red blood cell transfusion or hydroxyurea. Elucidating the relationship between cerebral hemodynamics and hemolytic anemia can help identify novel therapeutic approaches to reduce stroke risk and transfusion dependence. METHODS: This long-term, real-world study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of TCD imaging (TCDi)-assessed flow velocities in children and to interrogate their relationship with markers of anemia and hemolysis. RESULTS: In total, 155 children (median follow-up 79.8 months, 1358.44 patient-years) had 583 evaluable TCDi results. Only patients with HbSS or HbSß0 had abnormal (1.6%) or conditional (10.9%) TCDi. Children with abnormal or conditional TCDi had lower hemoglobin (Hb) and higher hemolysis markers. A linear correlation was detected between TCD velocity and Hb: an Hb increase of 1 g/dL corresponded to decreases in velocity in the internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries (6.137 cm/s and 7.243 cm/s). Moreover, patients with Hb >9 g/dL presented a lower risk of TCDi-associated events. CONCLUSION: These results support the need to optimize disease-modifying treatments that increase Hb and reduce hemolysis for stroke prevention in young children with SCD.

Systemic Neoplastic Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis Mimics Large Vessel Occlusion: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: We describe a systemic neoplastic cryoglobulinemic vasculitis presenting as a large vessel occlusion (LVO) syndrome. We focus on a rare presentation of a rare condition. CASE REPORT: A 68-year-old man was admitted to the Stroke Unit of Padova with a right middle cerebral artery syndrome. A cerebrovascular event was suspected and protocol for revascularization treatment was performed. Neuroimaging provided no evidence for infarcted tissue or medium-large vascular occlusion but hypothesized a vasculitic involvement of the small vessels of the right hemisphere. Further diagnostics demonstrated a microangiopathic involvement of the heart, kidneys, and lungs. Blood tests showed circulating cryoglobulins and further hematological investigation identified a chronic lymphatic leukemia-like lymphoproliferative disorder. High-dose steroid therapy improved the patient's clinical status and no neurological symptoms remained at discharge. CONCLUSION: We discuss the clinical-radiologic presentation of a small vessel vasculitis that mimics an LVO stroke. This case focuses on the relevance of concomitant multiorgan manifestations in the hyper-acute evaluation of LVO stroke, suggesting the clinical neurologist should consider alternative etiologies as these could provide important clinical implications.

The "SALPARE study" of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: part 1.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating type of stroke with a huge impact on patients and families. Expanded use of oral anticoagulants and ageing population might contribute to an epidemiological change. In view of these trends, we planned a study to obtain a contemporary picture and identify early prognostic factors to improve secondary prevention. METHODS: This multicenter prospective cohort study included consecutive adult patients with non-traumatic ICH admitted to three academic Italian hospitals (Salerno, Padova, Reggio Emilia) over a 2-year period. Demographic characteristics, vascular risk profile, clinical data and main radiological characteristics were correlated to 90-day clinical outcome. RESULTS: Out of 682 patients [mean age: 73 ± 14 years; 316 (46.3%) females] enrolled in this study, 40% died [86/180 (47.8%) in Salerno, 120/320 (37.5%) in Padova, 67/182 (36.8%) in Reggio Emilia; p < 0.05)] and 36% were severely disabled at 90 days. Several factors were associated with a higher risk of poor functional outcome such as antithrombotic drug use, hyperglycemia, previous cerebrovascular accident, low platelet count, and pontine/massive/intraventricular hemorrhage. However, at multivariate analysis only pre-ICH mRS score (OR 30.84), GCS score at presentation (OR 11.88), initial hematoma volume (OR 29.71), and NIHSS score at presentation (OR 25.89) were independent predictors of death and poor functional outcome. CONCLUSION: Despite the heterogeneity among centers, this study on ICH has identified four simple prognostic factors that can independently predict patients outcome, stratify their risk, and guide their management.

The "SALPARE study" of spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage-part 2-early CT predictors of outcome in ICH: keeping it simple.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic role of hematoma characteristics and hematoma expansion (HE) in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). METHODS: This multicenter prospective cohort study enrolled consecutive adult patients with non-traumatic ICH admitted to three Italian academic hospitals (Salerno, Padova, Reggio Emilia) over a 2-year period. Early noncontrast CT (NCCT) features of the hematoma, including markers of HE, and 3-month outcome were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of poor outcome. RESULTS: A total of 682 patients were included in the study [mean age: 73 ± 14 years; 316 (46.3%) females]. Pontine and massive hemorrhage, intraventricular bleeding, baseline hematoma volume > 15 mL, blend sign, swirl sign, margin irregularity ≥ 4, density heterogeneity ≥ 3, hypodensity ≥ 1, island sign, satellite sign, and black hole sign were associated with a higher risk of mortality and disability. However, at multivariate analysis only initial hematoma volume (OR 29.71) proved to be an independent predictor of poor functional outcome at 3 months. CONCLUSION: Simple hematoma volume measured on baseline CT best identifies patients with a worse outcome, while early NCCT markers of HE do not seem to add any clinically significant information.

Multiparametric identification of subclinical atrial fibrillation after an embolic stroke of undetermined source.

BACKGROUND: Subclinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF) may represent a cause of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) and its detection has important implications for secondary prevention with anticoagulation. Indications to implantable cardiac monitors (ICM) include SCAF detection. The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate the frequency of ICM-detected SCAF; (2) determine predictors of SCAF; and (3) identify patients who would benefit most from ICM implantation. METHODS: Between February 2017 and November 2020, all consecutive patients referred for ICM implantation after a diagnosis of ESUS and without previous history of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter were included in this study. SCAF was diagnosed if the ICM electrogram demonstrated an episode of irregularly irregular rhythm without distinct P waves lasting > 2 min. RESULTS: We enrolled 109 patients (age 66, SD = 13 years; 36% females). During a median follow-up of 19.2 (IQR 11.0-27.5) months, SCAF episodes were detected in 36 (33%) patients. Only abnormal P wave terminal force in lead V1, left atrial end-systolic indexed volume > 34 ml/m2, and BMI > 25 kg/m2 were independently associated with an increased risk of SCAF (HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.14-5.21, p = 0.021; HR 2.39, 95% CI 1.11-5.13, p = 0.026; and HR 2.64, 95% CI 1.06-6.49, p = 0.036 respectively). The ROC curve showed that the presence of all three parameters had the best accuracy (74%) to predict SCAF detection (sensitivity 39%, specificity 91%). CONCLUSION: A multiparametric evaluation has the best accuracy to predict SCAF in ESUS patients and may help identifying those who would benefit most from ICM.

Risk Factors for General Anesthesia Conversion in Anterior Circulation Stroke Patients Undergoing Endovascular Treatment.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: No current consensus exists on the best anesthetic management of ischemic stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. Both conscious sedation (CS) and general anesthesia (GA) are currently considered valid anesthetic strategies, yet patients managed under CS may require emergent conversion to GA, which has been associated with worse outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze the conversion rate and potential risk factors for GA conversion during mechanical thrombectomy. METHODS: Two-hundred and twenty-seven patients with consecutive acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy and initiated under CS or local anesthesia were included in this retrospective analysis. Conversion rate to GA was calculated, while univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify risk factors. RESULTS: Twenty patients (8.8%) were switched to GA. Multivariate analysis identified procedure duration (odds ratio [OR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.02, p value 0.028), tandem stroke (OR 8.57, 95% CI 2.06-35.7, p value 0.003), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.19-2.61, p value 0.005), and number of pharmacological agents used (OR 5.76, 95% CI 2.49-13.3, p value <0.001) as independently associated with conversion to GA. CONCLUSION: In our study, tandem occlusion, longer endovascular procedures, SOFA, and number of pharmacological agents used predicted the risk of emergent conversion to GA in stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment. Prospective studies investigating optimal CS strategies are deemed necessary.

Visual cortex changes in children with sickle cell disease and normal visual acuity: a multimodal magnetic resonance imaging study.

The visual system is primarily affected in sickle cell disease (SCD), and eye examination is recommended starting in late childhood. So far, to our knowledge, all studies have focused on the retina, neglecting the changes that might be present in the cortical portion of the visual system. We performed a multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of the visual cortex in 25 children with SCD (mean age: 12·3 ± 1·9 years) and 31 controls (mean age: 12·7 ± 1·6 years). At ophthalmologic examination, 3/25 SCD children had mild visual acuity deficits and 2/25 had mild tortuosity of the retinal vessels. None showed optic pathway infarcts at MRI or Transcranial Doppler abnormal blood velocities, and 6/25 disclosed posterior cerebral artery stenosis (five mild and one severe) at MR-angiography. Compared to controls, SCD children had increased posterior pericalcarine cortical thickness, with a different trajectory of cortical maturation and decreased connectivity within medial and ventral visual neural networks. Our findings suggest that SCD affects the development and the tuning of the visual cortex, leading to anatomical and functional changes in childhood even in the absence of retinopathy, and set the basis for future studies to determine if these changes can represent useful predictors of visual impairment in adulthood, biomarkers of disease progression or treatment response.

Acute revascularization treatments for ischemic stroke in the Stroke Units of Triveneto, northeast Italy: time to treatment and functional outcomes.

It is not known whether the current territorial organization for acute revascularization treatments in ischemic stroke patients guarantees similar time to treatment and functional outcomes among different levels of institutional stroke care. We aimed to assess the impact of time to treatment on functional outcomes in ischemic stroke patients who received intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) alone, bridging (IVT plus thrombectomy), or primary thrombectomy in level 1 and level 2 Stroke Units (SUs) in Triveneto, a geographical macroarea in Northeast of Italy. We conducted an analysis of data prospectively collected from 512 consecutive ischemic stroke patients who received IVT and/or mechanical thrombectomy in 25 SUs from September 17th to December 9th 2018. The favorable outcome measures were mRS score 0-1 and 0-2 at 3 months. The unfavorable outcome measures were mRS score 3-5 and death at 3 months. We estimated separately the possible association of each variable for time to treatment (onset-to-door, door-to-needle, onset-to-needle, door-to-groin puncture, needle-to-groin puncture, and onset-to-groin puncture) with 3-month outcome measures by calculating the odds ratios (ORs) with two-sided 95% confidence intervals (CI) after adjustment for pre-defined variables and variables with a probability value ≤ 0.10 in the univariate analysis for each outcome measure. Distribution of acute revascularization treatments was different between level 1 and level 2 SUs (p < 0.001). Among 182 patients admitted to level 1 SUs (n = 16), treatments were IVT alone in 164 (90.1%), bridging in 12 (6.6%), and primary thrombectomy in 6 (3.3%) patients. Among 330 patients admitted to level 2 SUs (n = 9), treatments were IVT alone in 219 (66.4%), bridging in 74 (22.4%), and primary thrombectomy in 37 (11.2%) patients. Rates of excellent outcome (51.4% vs 45.9%), favorable outcome (60.1% vs 58.7%), unfavorable outcome (33.3% vs 33.8%), and death (9.8% vs 11.3%) at 3 months were similar between level 1 and 2 SUs. No significant association was found between time to IVT alone (onset-to-door, door-to-needle, and onset-to-needle) and functional outcomes. After adjustment, door-to-needle time ≤ 60 min (OR 4.005, 95% CI 1.232-13.016), shorter door-to-groin time (OR 0.991, 95% CI 0.983-0.999), shorter needle-to-groin time (OR 0.986, 95% CI 0.975-0.997), and shorter onset-to-groin time (OR 0.994, 95% CI 0.988-1.000) were associated with mRS 0-1. Shorter door-to-groin time (OR 0.991, 95% CI 0.984-0.998), door-to-groin time ≤ 90 min (OR 12.146, 95% CI 2.193-67.280), shorter needle-to-groin time (OR 0.983, 95% CI 0.972-0.995), and shorter onset-to-groin time (OR 0.993, 95% CI 0.987-0.999) were associated with mRS 0-2. Longer door-to-groin time (OR 1.007, 95% CI 1.001-1.014) and longer needle-to-groin time (OR 1.019, 95% CI 1.005-1.034) were associated with mRS 3-5, while door-to-groin time ≤ 90 min (OR 0.229, 95% CI 0.065-0.808) was inversely associated with mRS 3-5. Longer onset-to-needle time (OR 1.025, 95% CI 1.002-1.048) was associated with death. Times to treatment influenced the 3-month outcomes in patients treated with thrombectomy (bridging or primary). A revision of the current territorial organization for acute stroke treatments in Triveneto is needed to reduce transfer time and to increase the proportion of patients transferred from a level 1 SU to a level 2 SU to perform thrombectomy.

Direct thrombectomy for stroke in the presence of absolute exclusion criteria for thrombolysis.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT)-ineligible patients undergoing direct thrombectomy tended to have poorer functional outcome as compared with IVT-eligible patients undergoing bridging therapy. We aimed to assess radiological and functional outcomes in large vessel occlusion-related stroke patients receiving direct thrombectomy in the presence of absolute exclusion criteria for IVT vs relative exclusion criteria for IVT and vs non-exclusion criteria for IVT. METHODS: A cohort study on prospectively collected data from 2282 patients enrolled in the Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke cohort for treatment with direct thrombectomy (n = 486, absolute exclusion criteria for IVT alone; n = 384, absolute in combination with relative exclusion criteria for IVT; n = 777, relative exclusion criteria for IVT alone; n = 635, non-exclusion criteria for IVT). RESULTS: After adjustment for unbalanced variables (model 1), ORs for 3-month death was higher in the presence of absolute exclusion criteria for IVT alone (vs relative exclusion criteria for IVT alone) (1.595, 95% CI 1.042-2.440) and in the presence of absolute exclusion criteria for IVT alone (vs non-exclusion criteria for IVT) (1.235, 95% CI 1.014-1.504). After adjustment for predefined variables (model 2: age, sex, pre-stroke mRS ≤ 1, NIHSS, occlusion in the anterior circulation, onset-to-groin time, and procedure time), ORs for 3-month death was higher in the presence of absolute exclusion criteria for IVT alone (vs relative exclusion criteria for IVT alone) (1.235, 95% CI 1.014-1.504) and in the presence of absolute exclusion criteria for IVT alone (vs non-exclusion criteria for IVT) (1.246, 95% CI 1.039-1.495). No significant difference was found between the groups as regards any type of intracerebral hemorrhage and parenchymal hematoma within 24 h, successful and complete recanalization after procedure, and modified Rankin Scale score 0-2 at 3 months. After adjustment for predefined variables of model 2, ORs for death were higher in the presence of recent administration of IV heparin (OR: 2.077), platelet count < 100,000/mm3 (OR: 4.798), bacterial endocarditis (OR: 15.069), neoplasm with increased hemorrhagic risk (OR: 6.046), and severe liver disease (OR: 6.124). CONCLUSIONS: Radiological outcomes were similar after direct thrombectomy in patients with absolute, relative, and non- exclusion criteria for IVT, while an increase of fatal outcome was observed in the presence of some absolute exclusion criterion for IVT.

Acute stroke management pathway during Coronavirus-19 pandemic.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic which in our region, Veneto (Italy), dates back to February, we were confronted with several challenges, but with a constant aim of keeping our Stroke Unit COVID-free. For this reason, in addition to creating a dedicated hot-spot as a pre-triage just outside the Emergency Department, together with the Neuroradiology Unit we obtained a mobile CT unit that could be used by COVID-positive or COVID-suspected patients. Furthermore, thanks to the collaboration with colleagues from different specialties (Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Intensive Care, Emergency Medicine), dedicated areas for COVID patients were activated. This led to a substantial change of our acute stoke management pathway. As the number of COVID patients increased, and the WHO declared a state of pandemic, this new stroke pathway has been fully tested. We would like to share our experience and send a clear message to keep a high attention on stroke as an emergency condition, because we have observed a decreased number of patients with minor strokes and TIAs, longer onset-to-door and door-to-treatment times for major strokes, and a reduced number of transfers from spokes. We strongly believe that the general population and family doctors are rightly focused on COVID. However, to remain at home with stroke symptoms does not mean to "stay safe at home".

Early hemodynamic predictors of good outcome and reperfusion injury after endovascular treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To find early hemodynamic predictors of outcome and reperfusion injury in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large artery occlusion (LAO) after endovascular treatment (EVT). METHODS: Serial transcranial color-coded sonography examinations assessed the vessel status and cerebral hemodynamics of 185 (109 [58.9%] men, mean age 69.5 ± 12.3 years) consecutive patients with acute anterior circulation LAO soon after, at 48 hours after, and 1 week after EVT. RESULTS: Successful recanalization (odds ratio [OR] 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11-0.61) and normal peak systolic velocity (PSV) ratio (PSV of recanalized middle cerebral artery/PSV of contralateral middle cerebral artery) at 48 hours (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.15-0.64) and after 1 week (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.07-0.31) from EVT were independent predictors of good outcome at 3 months. Thrombectomy failure (OR 10.22, 95% CI 1.47-45.53) and pathologic PSV ratio at 1 week from EVT (OR 15.23, 95% CI 4.54-46.72) were associated with a worse 90-day outcome. Patients who subsequently developed postinterventional intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) showed a higher mean PSV ratio (3.5 ± 0.2 vs 2.4 ± 0.1, p < 0.0001) soon after successful recanalization. In multivariate analysis, early PSV ratio was independently associated with postprocedural ICH (OR 8.474, 95% CI 3.066-45.122, p < 0.01]. At 1 week from EVT, 15 of 21 (71.4%) patients with ICH who resumed normal PSV values had a better 90-day outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2: 40% vs 0%). CONCLUSION: Post-EVT ultrasound monitoring of stroke patients might be an effective bedside method for assessing treatment efficacy, shedding light on outcome variability and identifying patients at increased risk of ICH.

Ultrasound Identification of Patients at Increased Risk of Intracranial Hemorrhage After Successful Endovascular Recanalization for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is the most feared complication of endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke because of anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO). The purpose of this study was to identify cerebral hemodynamic predictors of ICH and poor outcome in patients with successful recanalization. METHODS: Serial transcranial color-coded sonography (TCCS) examinations assessed vessel status and cerebral hemodynamics of 226 (mean age, 69.8 ± 12.5 years; 130 men [57.5%]) consecutive patients with acute anterior circulation LVO at 48 hours and 1 week after EVT. Middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (PSVMCA) and PSVMCA ratio (recanalized PSVMCA/contralateral PSVMCA) were recorded. RESULTS: Out of 180 successfully recanalized patients (79.6%), 28 patients (15.5%) had ICH. They more often had arterial hypertension (25/28 [89.3%] vs. 106/152 [69.7%], P = 0.04), a more severe stroke syndrome (18 [range, 10-23] vs. 16 [range, 5-26], P = 0.01), a worse clinical outcome (90-day modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 3-5: 16/28 [57.1%] vs. 42/152 [27.6%], P = 0.004), and soon after EVT showed a significantly higher mean PSVMCA ratio (3.4 ± 0.1 vs. 2.4 ± 0.1, P < 0.0001) than patients without ICH, respectively. In multivariate analysis, early PSVMCA ratio was independently associated with postinterventional ICH (odds ratio, 13.379; 95% confidence interval, 2.466-50.372; P < 0.01). The patients with ICH (19/28 [67.9%]) who resumed normal PSVMCA values at 1 week after EVT had a better outcome (90-day mRS score 0-2: 8/19 [42.1%] vs. 0/9 [0%], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Early TCCS detection of a high PSVMCA ratio in successfully recanalized stroke patients indicates an increased risk of ICH, whereas cerebral hemodynamics normalization at 1 week in patients with postinterventional ICH predicts a relatively better 3-month outcome.

Intravenous thrombolysis for ischemic stroke in the Veneto region: the gap between eligibility and reality.

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is the treatment of choice for most patients with acute ischemic stroke. According to the recently updated guidelines, IVT should be administered in absence of absolute exclusion criteria. We aimed to assess the proportion of ischemic strokes potentially eligible and actually treated with IVT, and to explore the reasons for not administering IVT. We prospectively collected and analyzed data from 1184 consecutive ischemic stroke patients admitted to the 22 Stroke Units (SUs) of the Veneto region from September 18th to December 10th 2017. Patients were treated with IVT according to the current Italian guidelines. For untreated patients, the reasons for not administering IVT were reported by each center in a predefined model including absolute and/or relative exclusion criteria and other possible reasons. Out of 841 (71%) patients who presented within 4.5 h of stroke onset, 704 (59%) had no other absolute exclusion criteria and were therefore potentially eligible for IVT according to the current guidelines. However, only 323 (27%) patients were eventually treated with IVT. Among 861 (73%) untreated patients, 480 had at least one absolute exclusion criterion, 283 only relative exclusion criteria, 56 only other reasons, and 42 a combination of relative exclusion criteria and other reasons. Our study showed that only 46% (323/704) of the potentially eligible patients were actually treated with IVT in the SUs of the Veneto region. All healthcare professionals involved in the acute stroke pathway should make an effort to bridge this gap between eligibility and reality.

Vertebral artery hypoplasia: an innocent lamb or a disguise?

BACKGROUND: The role of vertebral artery hypoplasia (VAH) in stroke pathophysiology is still debated. In this study, we correlated extra- and intra-cranial vertebral artery ultrasound findings with brain CT/MRI and clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited all consecutive first-ever stroke patients with a documented acute ischemic brain lesion and a complete extra-intracranial ultrasound evaluation. Those with previous stroke, or with anterior and posterior strokes were excluded. The prevalence of VAH diagnosed by ultrasound was recorded both in anterior circulation and posterior circulation infarctions. In the latter group, we compared the risk profile, topographic and neuroradiological lesion features, etiology and clinical outcome based on the presence of VAH. RESULTS: The study included 750 patients [436 males (58%); mean age 65 years; age range 18-90] with first-ever acute ischemic stroke: 193 (25.7%) with a posterior circulation infarction, 557 (74.3%) with an anterior circulation infarction. VAH was more often detected in the former group (33.7 vs. 14.1%; p < 0.0001). Patients with posterior circulation stroke and VAH had a significantly higher frequency of basilar artery stenosis [OR 2.07 (1.00-4.26); p < 0.05], stenosis of the contralateral vertebral artery [64 vs. 36%; OR 3.22 (1.24-8.37); p < 0.05], and fetal-type variant of the posterior cerebral artery [25 vs. 13%; OR 2.17 (1.00-4.68); p < 0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: According to our study, VAH identifies patients at higher risk of posterior circulation stroke, and higher frequency of contralateral vertebral artery stenosis and basilar artery stenosis.

Prognostic Role of Microembolic Signals After Endovascular Treatment in Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke Patients.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment (EVT) is an effective therapy for acute ischemic stroke due to large artery occlusion of the anterior circulation. Yet some patients do not experience clinical improvement despite successful recanalization and reperfusion. The reasons are unknown, but one possible explanation is microvessel obstruction downstream. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of microembolic signals (MES) with transcranial Doppler and define their role as predictors of clinical outcome in stroke patients after EVT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 40 consecutive patients (23 men, mean age 65.8 ± 7.6 years) with an acute ischemic stroke caused by large artery occlusion of the anterior circulation who underwent EVT. Presence and rate of MES were assessed by 60-minute transcranial Doppler monitoring at the end of the procedure and after 15 days from stroke onset. RESULTS: MES were detected in 65% (26/40) of patients after EVT. Ipsilateral carotid occlusion (P = 0.05), ≥50% ipsilateral carotid stenosis (P = 0.05), incomplete recanalization (P = 0.03), and inadequate collaterals (P = 0.04) were associated with a significantly higher MES count, which was correlated with a worse functional prognosis (P = 0.03), higher mortality (P = 0.02), higher distal embolization burden even outside the original ischemic territory (P = 0.02), and higher risk of cardiovascular events (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: MES monitoring in stroke patients after EVT provides useful prognostic information, sheds light on the lack of clinical improvement despite successful recanalization, and might guide medical treatment in higher risk patients.

Stentriever Thrombectomy Failure: A Challenge in Stroke Management.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Stentriever thrombectomy failure in patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by anterior circulation large artery occlusion is not a rare event. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether other procedures (tirofiban, permanent stenting) are able to recanalize the occluded vessel and determine a better outcome without increasing mortality and intracranial hemorrhage rates. METHODS: Among 513 patients consecutively admitted with anterior circulation stroke, 109 underwent stentriever thrombectomy. Modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) 2b-3 recanalization was achieved in 60 patients (55.0%, group 1). Only 3 of 19 patients (group 2) obtained additional recanalization with intra-arterial infusion of tirofiban. The remaining 46 either underwent permanent stenting (n = 23, group 3) or were left nonrecanalized (n = 23, group 4). The rate of mTICI 2b-3 and clinical outcomes were analyzed in the different groups. RESULTS: A successful recanalization (mTICI 2b-3) was achieved in 17 patients of group 3 (73.9%). A significantly better outcome was observed in group 3 (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score, 0-2) than in group 4 at 3 months (56.5% vs. 17.4%). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates were not different between group 3 and group 4 (4.3% vs. 4.3%), whereas there was a significantly higher mortality in group 4 than in group 3 (39.1% vs. 4.3%). On multivariate analysis, permanent stenting was the only factor independently associated with favorable outcome and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Permanent stenting might be a feasible solution in patients with acute large artery occlusion after stentriever thrombectomy failure.

"Phacing" a New Cause of Carotid Artery Dissection.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical arterial dissection (CAD) is a frequent and preventable cause of ischemic stroke in young patients. Several arguments suggest that genetic and developmental disorders could play an important role as part of a multifactorial predisposition of sporadic CAD.We present 2 cases of young patients with CAD in association with cutaneous lesions and nonatherosclerotic multivessel arteriopathy. CASE REPORTS: Our first patient was a 17-year-old white girl with sudden onset of weakness in her right upper limb. A magnetic resonance angiogram showed a severe stenosis along the extracranial and intracranial segments of the left internal carotid artery and the left middle cerebral artery. A complete ultrasound study confirmed the stenoses with characteristics suggestive of dissection.Our second patient was a 7-year old white girl with a past history of left middle cerebral artery ischemic stroke. During the follow-up, an ultrasonographical examination discovered an asymptomatic dissection of the right internal carotid artery.Both patients reported a history of large unilateral hemangiomas; in the first case a coloboma of the left optic disc and an aortic aneurysm were also present. These findings were suggestive of PHACE-a neurocutaneous developmental syndrome associated with constitutional arteriopathy of the major cerebral vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Noteworthy, among vascular abnormalities of PHACE, CADs have never been reported before. Our 2 cases suggest that CAD is an underecognized cerebrovascular manifestation of PHACE and it should be searched for in these patients. Ultrasound, being noninvasive and portable, is a useful tool for the assessment and follow-up of these patients.

Safety and Tolerability of SonoVue® in Patients with Large Artery Anterior Circulation Acute Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) are routinely used to improve the visualization of intracranial arteries. Since a higher rate of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) has been observed in patients undergoing sonothrombolysis in combination with UCAs, we conducted this study with the aim of assessing safety and tolerability of SonoVue® in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large artery occlusion (LAO) and eligible to intravenous thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy. METHODS: Among 474 patients consecutively admitted to our Stroke Unit with anterior circulation ischemic stroke, SonoVue® was administered during transcranial ultrasound evaluation to 48 patients with suspected LAO for diagnostic confirmation (group I) and to 44 patients with inadequate temporal bone window. Forty-eight stroke patients with LAO diagnosed only by computed tomography (CT) angiography /magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and matched for age, gender, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score with group I represented the control group (group II). Thrombolysis, thrombectomy, or combined treatment were offered to all eligible patients. Brain MR imaging/CT was performed in both groups in case of neurological deterioration or after 1 week to check for ICH. RESULTS: SonoVue® did not cause any serious adverse event; only mild and transient side effects were reported in six cases (6.5%). Among patients in groups I and II, there were 31 (32.3%) secondary cerebral bleedings with no statistically significant difference between the groups, but only 2 (2.1%) were symptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: According to our study, SonoVue® can be safely administered to acute ischemic stroke patients with suspected anterior circulation LAO and/or inadequate temporal bone window.

Endovascular recanalization of the common carotid artery in a patient with radio induced chronic occlusion.

Recanalization of chronic occlusion of the common carotid artery (CCA) in patients with a history of neck irradiation is challenging, both for vascular surgeons and interventional neuroradiologists. We describe a case of successful stenting of radio induced chronic occlusion of the right CCA in a 41-year-old patient with neurological deterioration and minor stroke due to cerebral hypoperfusion caused by concomitant bilateral arterial occlusions. Direct surgery and surgical bypass were considered contraindicated. The endovascular approach was successful and required multiple precautions during the procedure. We describe particular solutions, not used in day to day practice, that allowed us to carry out the endovascular treatment in this unusual situation.