Safety and clinical outcomes in endovascular treatment for symptomatic cerebral venous thrombosis: a single-center experience with meta-analysis.

The role of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) is ambiguous. This study aims to share our experience with MT in CVT, supplemented by a meta-analysis on this treatment. All patients who had MT for CVT at our institution, between 2016 and 2021, were retrospectively reviewed for treatment indications, the technique used, success and complication rates, and clinical outcomes. A meta-analysis was performed for clinical and safety outcomes from published literature with > 10 patients. A total of 15 patients were included in this study. All had a venous hemorrhage or deteriorating despite anticoagulation. MT was performed using aspiration (with wide bore catheters) in 7 patients: aspiration with stent retriever in 5 and transjugular Fogarty-balloon thrombectomy in 3 patients. Adjunctive intra-sinus thrombolysis (IST) was used in 4 cases and venoplasty in 3. Technical success (restoring antegrade venous flow on arterial injection) was 100% with no procedure-related major complication. The direct transjugular approach was cheaper and faster. At 3-month follow-up, 86% of patients had good outcomes (MRS < 2). Meta-analysis of clinical and safety outcomes from 22 and 20 studies, respectively, demonstrated a positive association between MT and good outcomes as well as no significant association with hazardous periprocedural events. EVT via mechanical means for CVT is feasible in our series and meta-analysis. From our experience, trans-jugular Fogarty balloon embolectomy seems to be a potential cost-saving option, at least in a certain part of the world.

Dissecting distal cerebellar artery aneurysms: options beyond a parent vessel sacrifice.

Parent vessel occlusion (PVO) is the conventional endovascular treatment (EVT) for dissecting distal cerebellar artery aneurysms (DCAA). The associated ischemic sequelae are often well-tolerated. However, at the outset, the magnitude of this risk is uncertain. Meanwhile, non-PVO endovascular treatments (EVT) are deemed to provide incomplete protection from a rebleed. This study reviews our experience in the management of dissecting DCAA with emphasis on the effectiveness of parent vessel-preserving endovascular strategies as compared to PVO. Our institutional database was reviewed for all the dissecting DCAA aneurysms treated by endovascular means between Nov 2015 and Oct 2018. Their clinical presentations, imaging findings, EVT techniques, and clinical outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. Eighteen dissecting DCAA were identified: 13 in the posterior-inferior cerebellar artery (PICA), 3 in anterior-inferior cerebellar artery (AICA), and 2 in superior cerebellar artery (SCA). Median patient age was 61 years (range 40-86; average 60.7 years) with a 5:1 female predominance. Nine (6 in the PICA and 3 in the AICA) patients were managed by parent vessel-preserving strategies (6 with isolated endosaccular coiling and 3 with telescoping stents) while the remaining 9 (7 in the PICA and 2 in the SCA) were treated by PVO.The frequency of early rebleed was the same (11%) in both the treatment arms. One patient from the PVO arm suffered an extensive cerebellar infarct that mandated decompressive craniectomy and adversely affected her recovery. There were no such complications in patients treated with parent vessel-preserving strategies. No recurrence/rebleed was encountered in the 3 aneurysms secured using telescoping stents. Overall, excellent clinical outcomes (mRS of 0 and 1) were sparsely seen in the patients who had PVO (89 vs 23%). In dissecting DCAA, aforedescribed, parent vessel-preserving strategies are as effective as the more frequently used option of PVO in preventing an early rebleed. However, these are technically challenging, may be feasible in a smaller proportion of patients, and would need meticulous imaging follow-up in the acute period. When successfully implemented, these strategies can deliver excellent clinical outcomes and eliminate the uncertain risk of ischemic complications associated with PVO.

Pre-operative embolisation of spinal tumours: neither neglect the neighbour nor blindly follow the gold standard.

A large variety of vertebral tumours undergoes transarterial embolisation (TAE) prior to surgery. However, the subsequent intra-operative blood loss is unpredictable. This retrospective analysis, aims to determine the impact of various factors that may potentially influence the estimated intra-operative blood loss (EBL) in these patients. The study included 56 consecutive patients with spinal tumours who underwent pre-operative TAE. Demographic information, treatment history, tumour type, MRI characteristics, angiographic appearance, embolisation technique and surgical invasiveness were correlated with EBL using univariate and multivariate analysis. Mean EBL was 1317 mls. On univariate analysis, haematological/primary tumours, MRI hypervascularity and selective embolisation were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with increased EBL. A total angiographic devascularisation and embolisation of additional segments above and/or below the involved level were significantly associated with decreased EBL. There was no significant association with hypervascular angiographic appearance or surgical invasiveness. MRI and angiographic hypervascularity were not entirely concordant, especially for the category of moderately vascularised metastases. After multivariate analysis, MRI hypervascularity (1434 vs. 929 mls, P = 0.018) and embolisation of additional segments (1082 vs. 1607 mls, P = 0.003) remained significantly correlated with EBL. In conclusion, during pre-operative TAE of spinal tumours, routine angiographic interrogation of additional levels above and below the involved segment should be made, with a low threshold for embolising them, if safely performable. Compared to angiographic gold standard, MRI hypervascularity is probably a better predictor of EBL.

Flow-diverter in radiation-induced skull base carotid blowout syndrome: do not write it off!

Post-radiotherapy carotid blowout syndrome (CBS) of the skull base is a rare but often catastrophic complication of head and neck malignancies. The existing literature on the treatment of this condition with flow-diverting devices (FDD) is extremely limited and disappointing. We present a case of impending CBS in a patient previously irradiated for nasopharyngeal cancer that was successfully treated with use of multiple FDDs, adjunctive endonasal packing and delayed reinforcement with pedicled naso-septal flap, yielding an excellent outcome at 14-months follow-up. Notwithstanding the discouraging results in literature, our anecdotal experience suggests that endovascular reconstruction using FDD could be an option with long-term viability in post-radiotherapy CBS involving the skull base when reinforced with a vascularised naso-septal flap.

A Novel Endovascular Treatment for Recurrent Secondary Aorto-Enteric Fistula in a Patient With Prior Infra-Renal Aortic Ligation.

This report highlights the use of novel endovascular techniques in a 68-year-old male patient with massive hematemesis from a recurrent secondary aorto-enteric fistula (SAEF). With a prior history of infrarenal aortic ligation and the location of the SAEF being at the aortic sac, we explain the considerations for the techniques used and how we were able to stop the bleeding using percutaneous transarterial embolotherapy.

Delayed Presentation of Air Embolism Within Cerebral Arteries Following Computed Tomography-Guided Lung Biopsy.

Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy of the lung is a frequently performed interventional radiological procedure. Most complications are minor and self-resolving. However, a rare but potentially fatal complication is that of systemic air embolism, especially when to the cerebral or coronary arteries. This study reports a case of delayed (12 hours after initial biopsy) air embolism in the cerebral arteries that resulted from an otherwise uncomplicated biopsy of a lung nodule. It is vital for early diagnostic confirmation and appropriate treatment if possible, though maximal efforts at prevention are still recommended.

Bridging thrombolysis improves survival rates at 90 days compared with direct mechanical thrombectomy alone in acute ischemic stroke due to basilar artery occlusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 1096 patients.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is an effective treatment for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) from basilar artery occlusion (BAO). OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical outcomes of MT, with and without bridging intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), in acute BAO through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature. METHODS: Systematic searches of Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central were undertaken on August 1, 2022. Good functional outcome defined as 90-day modified Rankin Scale score 0-2 was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures were 90-day mortality, successful post-thrombectomy recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2b), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). RESULTS: Three studies reporting 1096 patients with BAO AIS were included in the meta-analysis. No significant differences in good functional outcome were detected between the two groups (RR=1.28 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.92); p=0.117). However, specifically patients with large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) benefited from bridging IVT (OR=2.52 (95% CI 1.51 to 4.22); p<0.001) with better functional outcomes. There was a significantly lower 90-day mortality rate for patients who underwent bridging IVT compared with MT alone (RR=0.70 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.80); p=0.008). No significant differences were detected in rates of post-treatment recanalization (RR=1.01 (95% CI 0.35 to 2.91); p=0.954), sICH (RR=0.96 (95% CI 0.66 to 1.42); p=0.724), and SAH (RR=0.93 (95% CI 0.31 to 2.83); p=0.563). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AIS due to BAO, bridging IVT was associated with lower mortality rates at 90 days, compared with direct MT. There were no improved functional outcomes or increased sICH or SAH between both arms, However, patients with LAA benefited from bridging IVT, with better functional outcomes.

World federation of interventional and therapeutic neuroradiology (WFITN) federation assembly neurointerventional surgery safety checklist.

Over the last 10 years, there has been a rise in neurointerventional case complexity, device variety and physician distractions. Even among experienced physicians, this trend challenges our memory and concentration, making it more difficult to remember safety principles and their implications. Checklists are regarded by some as a redundant exercise that wastes time, or as an attack on physician autonomy. However, given the increasing case and disease complexity along with the number of distractions, it is even more important now to have a compelling reminder of safety principles that preserve habits that are susceptible to being overlooked because they seem mundane. Most hospitals have mandated a pre-procedure neurointerventional time-out checklist, but often it ends up being done in a cursory fashion for the primary purpose of 'checking off boxes'. There may be value in iterating the checklist to further emphasize safety and communication. The Federation Assembly of the World Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (WFITN) decided to construct a checklist for neurointerventional cases based on a review of the literature and insights from an expert panel.

The Role of Interventional Radiology in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are uncommon, predominantly congenital direct fistulous connections between the pulmonary arteries and pulmonary veins, resulting in a right to left shunt. Patients with PAVMs are usually asymptomatic with lesions detected incidentally when radiological imaging is performed for other indications. In this review, we discuss the classification and radiological features of PAVMs as well as their treatment and follow-up options, with a particular focus on percutaneous endovascular techniques and the evolution of the available equipment for treatment.

The effectiveness of the Safety in Interventional Radiology (SIR) Shield in reducing droplet transmission and its effect on image quality and radiation dose.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a barrier shield in reducing droplet transmission and its effect on image quality and radiation dose in an interventional suite. METHODS: A human cough droplet visualisation model in a supine position was developed to assess efficacy of barrier shield in reducing environmental contamination. Its effect on image quality (resolution and contrast) was evaluated via image quality test phantom. Changes in the radiation dose to patient post-shield utilisation was measured. RESULTS: Use of the shield prevented escape of visible fluorescent cough droplets from the containment area. No subjective change in line-pair resolution was observed. No significant difference in contrast-to-noise ratio was measured. Radiation dosage to patient was increased; this is predominantly attributed to the increased air gap and not the physical properties of the shield. CONCLUSION: Use of the barrier shield provided an effective added layer of personal protection in the interventional radiology theatre for aerosol generating procedures. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This is the first time a human supine cough droplet visualisation has been developed. While multiple types of barrier shields have been described, this is the first systematic practical evaluation of a barrier shield designed for use in the interventional radiology theatre.

CT and MRI evaluation of nerve sheath tumors of the cervical vagus nerve.

OBJECTIVE: Nerve sheath tumors arising from the cervical vagus are rare. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of CT and MRI in the diagnosis of these uncommon neoplasms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CT and MR studies and clinical data of 11 patients with surgicopathologic evidence of a nerve sheath tumor of the cervical vagus (nine schwannomas [including two ancient schwannomas] and two neurofibromas) who had been referred to our institute from January 1999 through 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. The tumors were evaluated with respect to their location, number, morphology, attenuation and/or signal intensity, enhancement characteristics, and patterns of mass effect. RESULTS: The tumors were solitary and well circumscribed. On CT, eight tumors were hypodense with poor enhancement, two were predominantly isodense, and a single lesion had multiple cystic areas with enhancing solid components. On MRI, they were heterogeneously bright on T2-weighted images with intense, inhomogeneous postgadolinium enhancement. The "split fat" sign, "entering and exiting nerve" sign, "fascicular" sign, and "hyperintense rim" sign were seen in some patients. The internal or common carotid artery was displaced anteriorly in eight patients, maintained a neutral position in two patients, and was displaced posterolaterally in another patient. In all patients except two, the tumor separated the carotid artery from the internal jugular vein. Vagal schwannomas splayed the carotid bifurcation in three patients. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we present the patterns of mass effect and a spectrum of CT and MRI characteristics of nerve sheath tumor of the cervical vagus including observations that are sparingly described in the published literature.

Susceptibility vessel sign as a predictor for recanalization and clinical outcome in acute ischaemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prognostic values of susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) on T2*-weighted MRI using GRE and SWI sequences for recanalization status and clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischaemic stroke undergoing different therapies. METHODS: Literature search on PubMed, EMBASE databases and other sources from inception up to 01 June 2021 was conducted. 11 studies which reported SVS, recanalization and clinical outcomes were included in qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. RESULTS: Pooled analysis demonstrated significant association between good clinical outcome and SVS-positive patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy (RR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.07-1.67, p = 0.01), which is in line with higher recanalization rate in SVS-positive patients who were treated with mechanical thrombectomy compared to intravenous thrombolysis only. No statistically significant association was demonstrated between presence of SVS and successful recanalization, likely due to limitations in the recruited studies. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of SVS in patients with acute ischaemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy is associated with good clinical outcome. SVS-positive patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy also shows better recanalization rate comparing to intravenous thrombolysis only, although not statistically significant. MRI assessment of the clot content using SVS is useful in selection of reperfusion strategy for acute ischaemic stroke and prognostication.

Clinical predictors of internal carotid artery blowout in patients with radiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective is to identify clinical predictors of internal carotid artery (ICA) blowout in radiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHODS: Seventeen ICA blowouts, 14 external carotid artery (ECA) bleeds, and 60 controls were identified from January 1, 2007 to July 31, 2020. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to identify features predictive of ICA blowouts. RESULTS: Headache was significantly more common among ICA blowouts than ECA bleeds and controls (58.8% vs. 7.1% vs. 6.7%, p < 0.001). The petrous skull base and sphenoid sinus lateral wall was eroded in all petrous and cavernous segment blowouts, respectively. Nasoendoscopy showing exposed clivus (OR 20.5, 95%CI 1.3-324.2) and computed tomography demonstrating skull base erosion (OR 17.8, 95%CI 1.0-311.0) were significantly associated with ICA blowouts compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of headache and skull base erosion on nasoendoscopy or imaging during NPC surveillance warrants prophylactic intervention to avoid an ICA blowout.

Left ventricular systolic dysfunction is associated with poor functional outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular thrombectomy (ET) has transformed acute ischemic stroke (AIS) therapy in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) decreases global cerebral blood flow and predisposes to hypoperfusion. We evaluated the relationship between LVSD, as measured by LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and clinical outcomes in patients with anterior cerebral circulation LVO who underwent ET. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study examined anterior circulation LVO AIS patients from six international stroke centers. LVSD was measured by assessment of the echocardiographic LVEF using Simpson's biplane method of discs according to international guidelines. LVSD was defined as LVEF <50%. The primary outcome was defined as a good functional outcome using a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 0-2 at 3 months. RESULTS: We included 440 AIS patients with LVO who underwent ET. On multivariate analyses, pre-existing diabetes mellitus (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.24 to 3.39;p=0.005), unsuccessful reperfusion (Treatment in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) grade 0-2a) status (OR 4.21, 95% CI 2.04 to 8.66; p<0.001) and LVSD (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.18 to 3.68; p=0.011) were independent predictors of poor functional outcomes at 3 months. On ordinal (shift) analyses, LVSD was associated with an unfavorable shift in the mRS outcomes (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.52 to 3.53; p<0.001) after adjusting for age and ischemic heart disease. CONCLUSION: Anterior circulation LVO AIS patients with LVSD have poorer outcomes after ET, suggesting the need to consider cardiac factors for ET, the degree of monitoring and prognostication post-procedure.

Thrombectomy for Primary Distal Posterior Cerebral Artery Occlusion Stroke: The TOPMOST Study.

Importance: Clinical evidence of the potential treatment benefit of mechanical thrombectomy for posterior circulation distal, medium vessel occlusion (DMVO) is sparse. Objective: To investigate the frequency as well as the clinical and safety outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy for isolated posterior circulation DMVO stroke and to compare them with the outcomes of standard medical treatment with or without intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in daily clinical practice. Design, Setting, and Participants: This multicenter case-control study analyzed patients who were treated for primary distal occlusion of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) of the P2 or P3 segment. These patients received mechanical thrombectomy or standard medical treatment (with or without IVT) at 1 of 23 comprehensive stroke centers in Europe, the United States, and Asia between January 1, 2010, and June 30, 2020. All patients who met the inclusion criteria were matched using 1:1 propensity score matching. Interventions: Mechanical thrombectomy or standard medical treatment with or without IVT. Main Outcomes and Measures: Clinical end point was the improvement of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores at discharge from baseline. Safety end point was the occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and hemorrhagic complications were classified based on the Second European-Australasian Acute Stroke Study (ECASSII). Functional outcome was evaluated with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90-day follow-up. Results: Of 243 patients from all participating centers who met the inclusion criteria, 184 patients were matched. Among these patients, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 74 (62-81) years and 95 (51.6%) were female individuals. Posterior circulation DMVOs were located in the P2 segment of the PCA in 149 patients (81.0%) and in the P3 segment in 35 patients (19.0%). At discharge, the mean NIHSS score decrease was -2.4 points (95% CI, -3.2 to -1.6) in the standard medical treatment cohort and -3.9 points (95% CI, -5.4 to -2.5) in the mechanical thrombectomy cohort, with a mean difference of -1.5 points (95% CI, 3.2 to -0.8; P = .06). Significant treatment effects of mechanical thrombectomy were observed in the subgroup of patients who had higher NIHSS scores on admission of 10 points or higher (mean difference, -5.6; 95% CI, -10.9 to -0.2; P = .04) and in the subgroup of patients without IVT (mean difference, -3.0; 95% CI, -5.0 to -0.9; P = .005). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 4 of 92 patients (4.3%) in each treatment cohort. Conclusions and Relevance: This study suggested that, although rarely performed at comprehensive stroke centers, mechanical thrombectomy for posterior circulation DMVO is a safe, and technically feasible treatment option for occlusions of the P2 or P3 segment of the PCA compared with standard medical treatment with or without IVT.

Revascularization of an occluded brachiocephalic vein using Outback-LTD re-entry catheter.

A 78-year-old man with end-stage renal disease and a right brachial-cephalic upper arm direct hemodialysis access presented with symptomatic central venous occlusion. The right brachiocephalic vein occlusion in this patient was refractory to wire traversal. Sharp recanalization of the central venous occlusion was done with an Outback LTD re-entry catheter (Cordis Corporation, a Johnson & Johnson Company, Miami, Fla). The track was balloon dilated and stented. When the conventional management options fail, this technique may be used to salvage a precious dialysis access and to relieve the patient from symptoms of central venous hypertension.

How to do it: value-driven sharp recanalization of central vein occlusion.

Patients on haemodialysis are susceptible for central vein occlusions, which can result in debilitating clinical consequences. These may be resistant to conventional revascularization with guidewire and catheter technique. Value-driven sharp recanalization of central vein occlusion is depicted as a safe and affordable option.

Significant aortic stenosis associated with poorer functional outcomes in patients with acute ischaemic stroke undergoing endovascular therapy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Bi-directional feedback mechanisms exist between the heart and brain, which have been implicated in heart failure. We postulate that aortic stenosis may alter cerebral haemodynamics and influence functional outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke. We compared clinical characteristics, echocardiographic profile and outcomes in patients with or without aortic stenosis that underwent endovascular thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion acute ischaemic stroke. METHODS: Consecutive acute ischaemic stroke patients with anterior and posterior circulation large vessel occlusion (internal carotid artery, middle cerebral artery and basilar artery) who underwent endovascular thrombectomy were studied. Patients were divided into those with significant aortic stenosis (aortic valve area <1.5 cm2) and without. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to compare and determine predictors of functional outcomes measured by modified Rankin scale at three months. RESULTS: We identified 26 (8.5%) patients with significant aortic stenosis. These patients were older (median age 76 (interquartile range 68-84) vs. 67 (interquartile range 56-75) years, p = 0.001), but similar in terms of medical comorbidities and echocardiographic profile. Rates of successful recanalisation (73.1% vs. 78.0%), symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (7.7% and 7.9%) and mortality (11.5% vs. 12.6%) were similar. Significant aortic stenosis was independently associated with poorer functional outcome (modified Rankin scale >2) at three months (adjusted odds ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.1-7.5, p = 0.048), after adjusting for age, door-to-puncture times, stroke severity and rates of successful recanalisation. CONCLUSION: In acute ischaemic stroke patients managed with endovascular thrombectomy, significant aortic stenosis is associated with poor functional outcome despite comparable recanalisation rates. Larger cohort studies are needed to explore this relationship further.

Challenges in the Management of a Ruptured Bihemispheric Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Bihemispheric posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) is a rare anatomic variant wherein a single PICA supplies both cerebellar hemispheres. Inasmuch as it is the only PICA, treatment of aneurysms arising from this anatomic variant is more complex. We present a case of a ruptured bihemispheric PICA aneurysm and the challenges encountered in its management. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 54-year-old man presented with giddiness and nausea. Otherwise, he was neurologically intact. Computed tomography of the brain showed a right cerebellar hematoma and intraventricular hemorrhage. Cerebral angiography revealed a dissecting aneurysm in the retromedullary segment of a right bihemispheric PICA with a prominent saccular component. Initially, the patient refused to undergo any invasive treatment. However, when a follow-up angiogram showed an increase in the size of the aneurysm sac, he consented to treatment. Although parent vessel occlusion (PVO) was the clinical recommendation, in view of the patient's apprehensions, only the saccular component of the aneurysm was coil embolized without sacrifice of the parent vessel. Fifteen days after the coiling, there was a rebleed from this dissecting aneurysm, which was treated with PVO followed by suboccipital craniectomy. The patient made a reasonable recovery, and his modified Rankin score was 1 at his 6-month follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: In dissecting aneurysms of a bihemispheric PICA, isolated endosaccular occlusion provides uncertain protection from a rebleed, whereas a more reliable treatment with PVO carries an unpredictable risk of ischemic complications. The risks of a PVO may be rationalized as a life-saving measure; however, the subsequent threshold for posterior fossa decompression should be low.