Can flat-detector CT after successful endovascular treatment predict long-term outcome in patients with large vessel occlusion? An Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT Score-based study.

PURPOSE: Recent studies postulate a high prognostic value of the Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT Score (ASPECTS) applied on non-contrast whole-brain flat-detector CT (FDCT) after successful endovascular treatment (EVT). The aim of this study was the evaluation of long-term patient outcome after endovascular treatment using postinterventional FDCT. METHODS: Using a local database (Stroke Research Consortium in Northern Bavaria, STAMINA), 517 patients with successful endovascular treatment (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥ 2B) due to acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and large vessel occlusion (LVO) of the anterior circulation were recruited retrospectively. In all cases, non-contrast FDCT after EVT was analysed with special focus at ASPECTS. These results were correlated with the functional outcome in long-term (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) shift from pre-stroke to 90 days after discharge). RESULTS: A significant difference in FDCT-ASPECTS compared to the subgroup of favourable vs. unfavourable outcome (Δ mRS) (median ASPECTS 10 (10-9) vs. median ASPECTS 9 (10-7); p = 0,001) could be demonstrated. Multivariable regression analysis revealed FDCT-ASPECTS (OR 0.234, 95% CI - 0.102-0.008, p = 0.022) along with the NHISS at admission (OR 0.169, 95% CI 0.003-0.018, p = 0.008) as independent factors for a favourable outcome. Cut-off point for a favourable outcome (Δ mRS) was identified at an ASPECTS ≥ 8 (sensitivity 90.6%, specificity 35%). CONCLUSION: For patients with LVO and successful EVT, FDCT-ASPECTS was found to be highly reliable in predicting long-term outcome.

Extended Multimodal Flat Detector CT Imaging in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Study.

By using Flat detector computed tomography (FD-CT), a one-stop-shop approach in the diagnostic workup of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) might be achieved. Although information on upstream vessels is warranted, dedicated FD-CT protocols which include the imaging of the cervical vasculature are still lacking. We aimed to prospectively evaluate the implementation of a new multimodal FD-CT protocol including cervical vessel imaging in AIS patients. In total, 16 patients were included in this study. Eight patients with AIS due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) prospectively received a fully multimodal FD-CT imaging, including non-enhanced flat detector computed tomography (NE-FDCT), dynamic perfusion flat detector computed tomography (FD-CTP) and flat detector computed tomography angiography (FD-CTA) including cervical imaging. For comparison of time metrics and image quality, eight AIS patients, which received multimodal CT imaging, were included retrospectively. Although image quality of NE-FDCT and FD-CTA was rated slightly lower than NE-CT and CTA, all FD-CT datasets were of diagnostic quality. Intracerebral hemorrhage exclusion and LVO detection was reliably possible. Median door-to-image time was comparable for the FD-CT group and the control group (CT:30 min, IQR27-58; FD-CT:44.5 min, IQR31-55, p = 0.491). Door-to-groin-puncture time (CT:79.5 min, IQR65-90; FD-CT:59.5 min, IQR51-67; p = 0.016) and image-to-groin-puncture time (CT:44 min, IQR30-50; FD-CT:14 min, IQR12-18; p < 0.001) were significantly shorter, when patients were directly transferred to the angiosuite, where FD-CT took place. Our study indicates that using a new fully multimodal FD-CT approach including imaging of cervical vessels for first-line imaging in AIS patients is feasible and comparable to multimodal CT imaging with substantial potential to streamline the stroke workflow.

Comparison of Two Automated Computed Tomography Perfusion Applications to Predict the Final Infarct Volume After Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 3 Recanalization.

BACKGROUND: Several automated computed tomography perfusion software applications have been developed to provide support in the definition of ischemic core and penumbra in acute ischemic stroke. However, the degree of interchangeability between software packages is not yet clear. Our study aimed to evaluate 2 commonly used automated perfusion software applications (Syngo.via and RAPID) for the indication of ischemic core with respect to the follow-up infarct volume (FIV) after successful recanalization and with consideration of the clinical impact. METHODS: Retrospectively, 154 patients with large vessel occlusion of the middle cerebral artery or the internal carotid artery, who underwent endovascular therapy with a consequent Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 3 result within 2 hours after computed tomography perfusion, were included. Computed tomography perfusion core volumes were assessed with both software applications with different thresholds for relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF). The results were compared with the FIV on computed tomography within 24 to 36 hours after recanalization. Bland-Altman was applied to display the levels of agreement and to evaluate systematic differences. RESULTS: Highest correlation between ischemic core volume and FIV without significant differences was found at a threshold of rCBF<38% for the RAPID software (r=0.89, P<0.001) and rCBF<25% for the Syngo software (r=0.87, P<0.001). Bland-Altman analysis revealed best agreement in these settings. In the vendor default settings (rCBF<30% for RAPID and rCBF<20% for Syngo) correlation between ischemic core volume and FIV was also high (RAPID: r=0.88, Syngo: r=0.86, P<0.001), but mean differences were significant (P<0.001). The risk of critical overestimation of the FIV was higher with rCBF<38% (RAPID) and rCBF<25% (Syngo) than in the default settings. CONCLUSIONS: By adjusting the rCBF thresholds, comparable results with reliable information on the FIV after complete recanalization can be obtained both with the RAPID and Syngo software. Keeping the software specific default settings means being more inclusive in patient selection, but forgo the highest possible accuracy in the estimation of the FIV.

Multicenter Validation of the max-ICH Score in Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: Outcome prognostication unbiased by early care limitations (ECL) is essential for guiding treatment in patients presenting with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The aim of this study was to determine whether the max-ICH (maximally treated ICH) Score provides improved and clinically useful prognostic estimation of functional long-term outcomes after ICH. METHODS: This multicenter validation study compared the prognostication of the max-ICH Score versus the ICH Score regarding diagnostic accuracy (discrimination and calibration) and clinical utility using decision curve analysis. We performed a joint investigation of individual participant data of consecutive spontaneous ICH patients (n = 4,677) from 2 retrospective German-wide studies (RETRACE I + II; anticoagulation-associated ICH only) conducted at 22 participating centers, one German prospective single-center study (UKER-ICH; nonanticoagulation-associated ICH only), and 1 US-based prospective longitudinal single-center study (MGH; both anticoagulation- and nonanticoagulation-associated ICH), treated between January 2006 and December 2015. RESULTS: Of 4,677 included ICH patients, 1,017 (21.7%) were affected by ECL (German cohort: 15.6% [440 of 2,377]; MGH: 31.0% [577 of 1,283]). Validation of long-term functional outcome prognostication by the max-ICH Score provided good and superior discrimination in patients without ECL compared with the ICH Score (area under the receiver operating curve [AUROC], German cohort: 0.81 [0.78-0.83] vs 0.74 [0.72-0.77], p < 0.01; MGH: 0.85 [0.81-0.89] vs 0.78 [0.74-0.82], p < 0.01), and for the entire cohort (AUROC, German cohort: 0.84 [0.82-0.86] vs 0.80 [0.77-0.82], p < 0.01; MGH: 0.83 [0.81-0.85] vs 0.77 [0.75-0.79], p < 0.01). Both scores showed no evidence of poor calibration. The clinical utility investigated by decision curve analysis showed, at high threshold probabilities (0.8, aiming to avoid false-positive poor outcome attribution), that the max-ICH Score provided a clinical net benefit compared with the ICH Score (14.1 vs 2.1 net predicted poor outcomes per 100 patients). INTERPRETATION: The max-ICH Score provides valid and improved prognostication of functional outcome after ICH. The associated clinical net benefit in minimizing false poor outcome attribution might potentially prevent unwarranted care limitations in patients with ICH. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:474-484.

Beyond Functional Impairment: Redefining Favorable Outcome in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: For outcome assessment in patients surviving subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), the modified Rankin scale (mRS) represents the mostly established outcome tool, whereas other dimensions of outcome such as mood disorders and impairments in social life remain unattended so far. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to correlate 12-month functional and subjective health outcomes in SAH survivors. METHODS: All SAH patients treated over a 5-year period received outcome assessment at 12 months, including functional scores (mRS and Barthel Index [BI]), subjective health measurement (EQ-5D), and whether they returned to work. Analyses - including utility-weighted mRS - were conducted to detect associations and correlations among different outcome measures, especially in patients achieving good functional outcome (i.e., mRS 0-2) at 12 months. RESULTS: Of 351 SAH survivors, 287 (81.2%) achieved favorable functional outcome at 12 months. Contrary to the BI, the EQ-5D visual analog scale (VAS) showed a strong association with different mRS grades, accentuated in patients with favorable functional outcome. Despite favorable functional outcome, patients reported a high rate of impairments in activities (24.0%), pain (33.4%), and anxiety/depression (42.5%). Further, multivariable analysis revealed (i) impairments in activities (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval {CI}]: 0.872 [0.817-0.930]), (ii) presence of depression or anxiety (OR [95% CI]: 0.836 [0.760-0.920]), and (iii) return to work (OR [95% CI]: 1.102 [0.1.013-1.198]) to be independently associated with self-reported subjective health. CONCLUSION: Established stroke scores mainly focusing on functional outcomes do poorly reflect the high rate of subjective impairments reported in SAH survivors, specifically in those achieving good functional outcome. Further studies are needed to investigate whether psychoeducational approaches aiming at improving coping mechanisms and perceived self-efficacy may result in higher subjective health in these patients.

The anesthetic approach for endovascular recanalization therapy depends on the lesion site in acute ischemic stroke.

PURPOSE: Endovascular therapy (EVT) of large-vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) may be performed in general anesthesia (GA) or conscious sedation (CS). We intended to determine the contribution of ischemic cerebral lesion sites on the physician's decision between GA and CS using voxel-based lesion symptom mapping (VLSM). METHODS: In a prospective local database, we sought patients with documented AIS and EVT. Age, stroke severity, lesion volume, vigilance, and aphasia scores were compared between EVT patients with GA and CS. The ischemic lesions were analyzed on CT or MRI scans and transformed into stereotaxic space. We determined the lesion overlap and assessed whether GA or CS is associated with specific cerebral lesion sites using the voxel-wise Liebermeister test. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-nine patients with AIS and EVT were included in the analysis. The VLSM analysis yielded associations between GA and ischemic lesions in the left hemispheric middle cerebral artery territory and posterior circulation areas. Stroke severity and lesion volume were significantly higher in the GA group. The prevalence of aphasia and aphasia severity was significantly higher and parameters of vigilance lower in the GA group. CONCLUSIONS: The VLSM analysis showed associations between GA and ischemic lesions in the left hemispheric middle cerebral artery territory and posterior circulation areas including the thalamus that are known to cause neurologic deficits, such as aphasia or compromised vigilance, in AIS-patients with EVT. Our data suggest that higher disability, clinical impairment due to neurological deficits like aphasia, or reduced alertness of affected patients may influence the physician's decision on using GA in EVT.

Automated Pupillometry Identifies Absence of Intracranial Pressure Elevation in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Although automated pupillometry is increasingly used in critical care settings, predictive value of automatically assessed pupillary parameters during different intracranial pressure (ICP) levels and possible clinical implications are unestablished. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study at the neurocritical care unit of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (2016-2018) included 23 nontraumatic supratentorial (intracerebral hemorrhage) ICH patients without signs of abnormal pupillary function by manual assessment, i.e., absent light reflex. We assessed ICP levels by an external ventricular drain simultaneously with parameters of pupillary reactivity [i.e., maximum and minimum apertures, light reflex latency (Lat), constriction and redilation velocities (CV, DV), and percentage change of apertures (per-change)] using a portable pupillometer (NeurOptics®). Computed tomography (CT) scans were analyzed to determine lesion location, size, intraventricular hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, midline shift, and compression or absence of the basal cisterns. We performed receiver operating characteristics analysis to investigate associations of ICP levels with pupillary parameters and to determine best cutoff values for prediction of ICP elevation. After dichotomization of assessments according to ICP values (normal: < 20 mmHg, elevated: ≥ 20 mmHg), prognostic performance of the determined cutoff parameters of pupillary function versus of CT-imaging findings was analyzed by calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (logistic regression, corresponding ORs with 95% CIs). RESULTS: In 23 patients (11 women, median age 59.0 (51.0-69.0) years), 1,934 assessments were available for analysis. A total of 74 ICP elevations ≥ 20 mmHg occurred in seven patients. Best discriminative thresholds for ICP elevation were: CV < 0.8 mm/s (AUC 0.740), per-change < 10% (AUC 0.743), DV < 0.2 mm/s (AUC 0.703), and Lat > 0.3 s (AUC 0.616). Positive predictive value of all four parameters to indicate ICP elevation ranged between 7.2 and 8.3% only and was similarly low for CT abnormalities (9.1%). We found high negative predictive values of pupillary parameters [CV: 99.2% (95% CI 98.3-99.6), per-change: 98.7% (95% CI 97.8-99.2), DV: 98.0% (95% CI 97.0-98.7), Lat: 97.0% (95% CI 96.0-97.7)], and CT abnormalities [99.7% (95% CI 99.2-99.9)], providing evidence that both techniques adequately identified ICH patients without ICP elevation. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest an association between noninvasively detected changes in pupillary reactivity and ICP levels in sedated ICH patients. Although automated pupillometry and neuroimaging seem not sufficient to noninvasively indicate ICP elevation, both techniques, however, adequately identified ICH patients without ICP elevation. This finding may facilitate routine management by saving invasive ICP monitoring or repeated CT controls in patients with specific automated pupillometry readings.

Automated ASPECT scoring in acute ischemic stroke: comparison of three software tools.

PURPOSE: Various software applications offer support in the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), yet it remains unclear whether the performance of these tools is comparable to each other. Our study aimed to evaluate three fully automated software applications for Alberta Stroke Program Early CT (ASPECT) scoring (Syngo.via Frontier ASPECT Score Prototype V2, Brainomix e-ASPECTS® and RAPID ASPECTS) in AIS patients. METHODS: Retrospectively, 131 patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) of the middle cerebral artery or the internal carotid artery, who underwent endovascular therapy (EVT), were included. Pre-interventional non-enhanced CT (NECT) datasets were assessed in random order using the automated ASPECT software and by three experienced neuroradiologists in consensus. Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were applied for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Median ASPECTS of the expert consensus reading was 8 (7-10). Highest correlation was between the expert read and Brainomix (r = 0.871 (0.818, 0.909), p < 0.001). Correlation between expert read and Frontier V2 (r = 0.801 (0.719, 0.859), p < 0.001) and between expert read and RAPID (r = 0.777 (0.568, 0.871), p < 0.001) was high, respectively. There was a high correlation among the software tools (Frontier V2 and Brainomix: r = 0.830 (0.760, 0.880), p < 0.001; Frontier V2 and RAPID: r = 0.847 (0.693, 0.913), p < 0.001; Brainomix and RAPID: r = 0.835 (0.512, 0.923), p < 0.001). An ROC curve analysis revealed comparable accuracy between the applications and expert consensus reading (Brainomix: AUC = 0.759 (0.670-0.848), p < 0.001; Frontier V2: AUC = 0.752 (0.660-0.843), p < 0.001; RAPID: AUC = 0.734 (0.634-0.831), p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Overall, there is a convincing yet developable grade of agreement between current ASPECT software evaluation tools and expert evaluation with regard to ASPECT assessment in AIS.

What is the hemodynamic effect of the Woven EndoBridge? An in vivo quantification using time-density curve analysis.

PURPOSE: Using the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) for aneurysm treatment has emerged as endovascular approach aiming for flow disruption in aneurysm sac. Since quantifiable data confirming the hemodynamic effect are lacking, we investigated in vivo aneurysmal flow alterations using time-density curve (TDC) analysis. Additionally, we evaluated whether flow parameters could be identified as independent factor to predict aneurysm occlusion. METHODS: Forty cerebral aneurysm patients treated with WEB were enrolled. Pre- and postinterventional digital subtraction angiography series were postprocessed and TDCs generated. TDCs were quantified calculating the parameters aneurysmal inflow velocity, outflow velocity, mean flow velocity, and relative time-to-peak (rTTP) of aneurysm filling. Pre- and postinterventional values were compared and related to occlusion rate. RESULTS: WEB implanting induced highly significant rTTP prolongation by 52% (p = 0.001) and highly significant decrease of aneurysmal inflow, outflow, and mean flow velocity (p < 0.001). While outflow velocity was reduced by 49%, inflow velocity was reduced by 33% only. No statistically significant difference between the occluded and the non-occluded group was observed. No flow parameter reached significance level concerning predicting aneurysm occlusion. CONCLUSION: Flow quantification confirms a significant flow-disrupting effect of WEB reducing more the outflow than the inflow velocity. In our small cohort, no flow parameter reached statistical significance to show predictive value regarding complete aneurysm occlusion. The hemodynamic effect of WEB is on comparable level to flow-diverting stents meaning that aneurysm closure can be delayed. In case of only slight inflow changes and high aneurysmal hemodynamic stress, some aneurysms might not be adequately protected in the short term.

Increased Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio is Associated with Unfavorable Functional Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory response is the hallmark of secondary brain injury in stroke patients. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) emerged as a marker for functional outcome in several diseases. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between NLR on admission and during hospital stay and functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). METHODS: This observational study included all consecutive AIS patients admitted at a German stroke center covering 2011-2013. Patient characteristics and clinical data were retrieved from institutional databases. Multivariate analysis was conducted to investigate parameters associated with functional outcome. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to identify the best cutoff for NLR to discriminate between favorable and unfavorable functional outcome. To account for imbalances in baseline characteristics, propensity score matching was carried out to assess the influence of NLR on functional outcome. RESULTS: A total of 807 patients with AIS were included for analysis. Patients with worse functional outcome at 3 months were older and had worse clinical status on admission, higher rates of infectious complications, and an increased NLR. ROC analysis identified a NLR of 3.3 as best cutoff value to discriminate between favorable and unfavorable functional outcomes (area under the curve 0.693, p < 0.001, Youden's index = 0.318; p < 0.001; sensitivity 68.5%, specificity 63.9%). Propensity-matched analysis still demonstrated a higher rate of unfavorable functional outcome at 3 months in patients with NLR ≥ 3.3 [modified Rankin scale 3-6 at 3 months: NLR ≥ 3.3 51.5% vs. NLR < 3.3 36.4%; p = 0.002]. CONCLUSIONS: In AIS patients we identified NLR as an important predictor for unfavorable functional outcome.

Invasiveness and Clinical Outcomes of Off-Hour Admissions in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Whether time of hospital admission-during or outside regular working hours-affects functional outcome in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is unestablished as previous analyses have focused on mortality only. We here investigate whether on- versus off-hour hospital admission in ICH is associated with levels of invasiveness and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Based on the UKER registry (NCT03183167) we grouped ICH-patients according to on- versus off-hour hospital admission. Primary outcome measures was functional outcome after 3 months using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) dichotomized into favorable (mRS = 0-3) and unfavorable (mRS = 4-6). Multivariate regression analyses were used to adjust for baseline imbalances, and subgroup analyses were performed to explore associations of on- versus off-hour admission with invasiveness of therapeutic interventions. RESULTS: A total of 438/1269 (34.5%) of ICH-patients were admitted during regular working hours. Mortality rates were not significantly different among patients with on- versus off-hour admission. On-hour patients showed a significantly larger proportion of patients with favorable outcome (on-hour: mRS = 0-3 after 3 months: 176/416 (42.3%) versus off-hour: 265/784 (33.8%); P = .004). Analysis of invasive therapeutic interventions revealed that likelihood of favorable outcome was significantly increased among on-hour admitted patients who did not require neurosurgical interventions (no external ventricular drain n = 349, OR: 1.67[1.13-2.48], P < .05; no hematoma evacuation surgery n = 423, OR: 1.51[1.07-2.14], P < .05). CONCLUSION: This study verified an "off-hour effect" in ICH that relates to functional outcome, rather than mortality, and which may be linked to different levels of invasive therapeutic interventions in patients admitted during off-hour.

Chronic Kidney Disease and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The influence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on functional outcome in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is scarcely investigated and reported findings are conflicting mostly because of nonaccounting for imbalances. Aim of the present study was to determine the impact of CKD on functional long-term outcome in ICH-patients. METHODS: In this observational cohort study of spontaneous ICH-patients admitted to our Department of Neurology between 2006 and 2015 we investigated retrospectively as primary outcome the dichotomized functional status (modified-Rankin-Scale = 0-3-versus-4-6) at 12 months according to renal function (CKD versus non-CKD), including categorial estimates of the glomerular filtration rate subanalyses. Confounding was addressed by propensity-score(ps)-matching and adjusted multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS: We identified 1076 eligible ICH-patients, of which 131 (12.2%) suffered from CKD on hospital admission. Confounders associated with CKD consisted of hypertension (P = .023), Diabetes mellitus (P = .001), prior ischemic stroke and/or transitory ischemic attack (TIA) (P = .021), congestive heart failure (P < .01), impaired liver function (P < .01), antiplatelet therapy (P = .01), poorer premorbid functional status (P < .01), and deep ICH-location (P = .006). After balancing for confounding, patients with CKD showed a significantly decreased rate of favorable functional outcome at 12 months (CKD:29 of 111(26.1%)-versus-non-CKD:78 of 206 (37.9%); P = .035). Subanalyses showed that stages of CKD were evenly associated with mortality at 12 months (GFR category G3a, OR:2.811; CI (1.130-6.994); P = .026; GFR category G3b, OR:1.874; CI (.694-5.058); P = .215; GFR category G4, OR:10.316; CI (1.976-53.856); P = .006; GFR category G5, OR:8.989; CI (1.900-42.518); P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: As compared to ICH-patients without CKD, those with CKD show increased rates of mortality and worse functional outcomes even after statistical correction for imbalanced baseline characteritsics. This finding is presumably linked to comorbidity and warrants further investigation in prospective studies.

Influence of the Extent of Intraventricular Hemorrhage on Functional Outcome and Mortality in Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a verified independent prognostic parameter in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, the impact of the extent of IVH on clinical outcomes is unestablished. METHODS: We analyzed 1,112 consecutive primary ICH patients of the UKER-ICH cohort (NCT03183167) and hypothesized that there is no difference in outcome between patients without IVH and patients with minor IVH not leading to obstructive hydrocephalus. Propensity score matching and multivariable analyses were performed to account for imbalances in baseline characteristics. Primary outcome was defined as functional outcome 3 months after ICH -assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) dichotomized into favorable (mRS = 0-3) and unfavorable outcome (mRS = 4-6). Secondary outcomes included mortality at 3  months and a Graeb score-based threshold analysis for association of the extent of IVH with unfavorable clinical outcome. RESULTS: Among the 461 out of 1,112 (41.5%) ICH patients with IVH, 191 out of 461 (41.4%) showed IVH without obstructive hydrocephalus and no requirement of external ventricular drain (EVD) placement. After adjusting for baseline imbalances we found no difference in functional outcome at 3 months between patients without IVH (No-IVH) and patients with IVH not requiring EVD (IVH-w/o-EVD): mRS 0-3: No-IVH 64/161 (39.8%) vs. IVH-w/o-EVD 53/170 (31.2%); p = 0.103. However, there was a trend toward a higher mortality in IVH-w/o-EVD patients (mRS 6: No IVH 40/161 [24.8%] vs. IVH-w/o-EVD 57/170 [33.5%]; p = 0.083). Multivariable analysis revealed that a Graeb score >2 was independently associated with unfavorable outcome (mRS 4-6: OR 3.16 [1.54-6.48]; p = 0.002), and higher mortality (mRS 6: OR 2.57 [1.40-4.74]; p = 0.002) in IVH patients. CONCLUSIONS: Small amounts of intraventricular blood (Graeb score ≤2) not leading to obstructive hydrocephalus are not associated with unfavorable outcome or death after ICH. Thus, IVH per se should not be considered a binary variable in outcome prediction for ICH patients.

Endovascular treatment in patients with large vessel occlusion: reduced mortality despite minimal penumbra.

PURPOSE: In patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO), endovascular treatment (EVT) is highly effective for emergency revascularization. However, data on functional outcome are lacking for patients, which show no or minimal mismatch between ischemic core and penumbra. METHODS: Forty-five patients with AIS due to LVO of the anterior circulation were retrospectively analyzed within 6 h since onset when administered to our department. In all patients, there was no relevant penumbra according to CT perfusion (CTP). Functional outcome, defined by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 30 and 90 days, was analyzed according to LVO treatment (EVT versus non-EVT). Confounding was addressed by multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS: mRS values at 30 days (p = 0.002) and 90 days (p = 0.005) after AIS occurrence were significantly lower in patients who had received EVT. There was no significant difference regarding good functional outcome, as measured by mRS of 0-2 at 30 (p = 0.432) and 90 days, respectively (p = 0.186). Mortality was significantly reduced in patients undergoing EVT at 30-day (p < 0.001) and at 90-day follow-up (p = 0.003), respectively. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that EVT was associated with reduced mortality at 30 (OR 0.091; CI (0.013-0.612); p = 0.014) and 90 days (OR 0.134; CI (0.021-0.857); p = 0.034) after AIS. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a small and highly selected patient collective, our study indicates that AIS patients with minimal penumbra in CTP might benefit from EVT in terms of reduced mortality at 30 and 90 days after AIS. However, in this group of patients, we could not prove favorable functional outcome at 30 and 90 days, despite receiving EVT.

Peak Troponin I Levels Are Associated with Functional Outcome in Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Troponin I is a widely used and reliable marker of myocardial damage and its levels are routinely measured in acute stroke care. So far, the influence of troponin I elevations during hospital stay on functional outcome in patients with atraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is unknown. METHODS: Observational single-center study including conservatively treated ICH patients over a 9-year period. Patients were categorized according to peak troponin I level during hospital stay (≤0.040, 0.041-0.500, > 0.500 ng/mL) and compared regarding baseline and hematoma characteristics. Multivariable analyses were performed to investigate independent associations of troponin levels during hospital stay with functional outcome - assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS; favorable 0-3/unfavorable 4-6) - and mortality after 3 and 12 months. To account for possible confounding propensity score (PS)-matching (1: 1; caliper 0.1) was performed accounting for imbalances in baseline characteristics to investigate the impact of troponin I values on outcome. RESULTS: Troponin elevations (> 0.040 ng/mL) during hospital stay were observed in 308 out of 745 (41.3%) patients and associated with poorer status on admission (Glasgow Coma Scale/National Institute of Health Stroke Scale). Multivariable analysis revealed troponin I levels during hospital stay to be independently associated with unfavorable outcome after 12 months (risk ratio [95% CI]: 1.030 [1.009-1.051] per increment of 1.0 ng/mL; p = 0.005), but not with mortality. After PS-matching, patients with troponin I elevation (≥0.040 ng/mL) versus those without had a significant higher rate of -unfavorable outcome after 3 and 12 months (mRS 4-6 at 3 months: < 0.04 ng/mL: 159/265 [60.0%] versus ≥0.04 ng/mL: 199/266 [74.8%]; p < 0.001; at 12 months: < 0.04 ng/mL: 141/248 [56.9%] versus ≥0.04 ng/mL: 179/251 [71.3%]; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Troponin I elevations during hospital stay occur frequently in ICH patients and are independently associated with functional outcome after 3 and 12 months but not with mortality.

Influence of Prior Nicotine and Alcohol Use on Functional Outcome in Patients after Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: The influence of prior nicotine or alcohol use (legal drug use [LDU]) on outcome measures after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is insufficiently established. We investigated drug-specific associations with (1) neuroradiologic and clinical parameters and (2) functional long-term outcome after ICH. METHODS: This observational cohort study analyzed consecutive spontaneous patients with ICH (n = 554) from our prospective institutional registry over a 5-year study period (January 2010 to December 2014). We compared no-LDU patients with LDU patients, and patients using only nicotine, only alcohol, or both. To account for baseline imbalances, we reanalyzed cohorts after propensity score matching. RESULTS: Prevalence of prior LDU was 197 of 554 (35.6%), comprising 94 of 554 (17.0%) with only nicotine use, 33 of 554 (6.0%) with only alcohol use, and 70 of 554 (12.6%) with alcohol and nicotine use. LDU patients were younger (65 [56-73] versus 75 [67-82], P <.01), less often female (n = 61 of 197 [31.0%] versus n = 188 of 357 [52.7%], P <.01), had more often prior myocardial infarction (n = 29 of 197 [14.7%] versus n = 24 of 357 [6.7%], P <.01), and in-hospital complications (sepsis or systemic inflammatory response syndrome: n = 95 of 197 [48.2%] versus n = 98 of 357 [27.5%], P <.01; pneumonia: n = 89 of 197 [45.2%] versus n = 110 of 357 [30.8%], P <.01). Except for an increased risk of pneumonia (odds ratio 2.22, confidence interval [1.04-4.75], P = .04) in patients using both nicotine and alcohol, we detected no significant differences upon reanalysis after propensity score matching of neuroradiologic or clinical parameters, complications, or long-term outcome between patients with and without LDU (mortality: n = 48 of 150 [32.0%] versus n = 45 of 150 [30.0%], P = .71; favorable outcome [modified Rankin Scale 0-3]: n = 56 of 150 [37.3%] versus n = 53 of 150 [35.3%], P = .72). CONCLUSIONS: Prior nicotine use, alcohol use, and their combination were associated with significant differences in baseline characteristics. However, adjusting for unevenly balanced baseline parameters revealed no differences in functional long-term outcome after ICH.

Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Is an Independent Predictor for In-Hospital Mortality in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Stroke-associated immunosuppression and inflammation are increasingly recognized as factors that trigger infections and thus, potentially influence the outcome after stroke. Several studies demonstrated that elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a significant predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke. However, little is known about the impact of NLR on short-term mortality in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). METHODS: This observational study included 855 consecutive ICH-patients. Patient demographics, clinical, laboratory, and in-hospital measures as well as neuroradiological data were retrieved from institutional databases. Functional 3-months-outcome was assessed and categorized as favorable (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0-3) and unfavorable (mRS 4-6). We (i) studied the natural course of NLR in ICH, (ii) analyzed parameters associated with NLR on admission (NLROA), and (iii) evaluated the clinical impact of NLR on mortality and functional outcome. RESULTS: The median NLROA of the entire cohort was 4.66 and it remained stable during the entire hospital stay. Patients with NLR ≥4.66 showed significant associations with poorer neurological status (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] 18 [9-32] vs. 10 [4-21]; p < 0.001), larger hematoma volume on admission (17.6 [6.9-47.7] vs. 10.6 [3.8-31.7] mL; p = 0.001), and more frequently unfavorable outcome (mRS 4-6 at 3 months: 317/427 [74.2%] vs. 275/428 [64.3%]; p = 0.002). Patients with an NLR under the 25th percentile (NLR <2.606) - compared to patients with NLR >2.606 - presented with a better clinical status (NIHSS 12 [5-21] vs. 15 [6-28]; p = 0.005), lower hematoma volumes on admission (10.6 [3.6-30.1] vs. 15.1 [5.7-42.3] mL; p = 0.004) and showed a better functional outcome (3 months mRS 0-3: 82/214 [38.3%] vs. 185/641 [28.9%]; p = 0.009). Patients associated with high NLR (≥8.508 = above 75th-percentile) showed the worst neurological status on admission (NIHSS 21 [12-32] vs. 12 [5-23]; p < 0.001), larger hematoma volumes (21.0 [8.6-48.8] vs. 12.2 [4.1-34.9] mL; p < 0.001), and higher proportions of unfavorable functional outcome at 3 months (mRS 4-6: 173/214 vs. 418/641; p < 0.001). Further, NLR was linked to more frequently occurring infectious complications (pneumonia 107/214 vs. 240/641; p = 0.001, sepsis: 78/214 vs. 116/641; p < 0.001), and increased c-reactive-protein levels on admission (p < 0.001; R2 = 0.064). Adjusting for the above-mentioned baseline confounders, multivariable logistic analyses revealed independent associations of NLROA with in-hospital mortality (OR 0.967, 95% CI 0.939-0.997; p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: NLR represents an independent parameter associated with increased mortality in ICH patients. Stroke physicians should focus intensely on patients with increased NLR, as these patients appear to represent a population at risk for infectious complications and increased short-mortality. Whether these patients with elevated NLR may benefit from a close monitoring and specially designed therapies should be investigated in future studies.

Presence of Concomitant Systemic Cancer is Not Associated with Worse Functional Long-Term Outcome in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Data on clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and concomitant systemic cancer disease are very limited. METHODS: Nine hundred and seventy three consecutive primary ICH patients were analyzed using our prospective institutional registry over a period of 9 years (2006-2014). We compared clinical and radiological parameters as well as outcome - scored using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and analyzed in a dichotomized fashion as favorable outcome (mRS = 0-3) and unfavorable outcome (mRS = 4-6) - of ICH patients with and without cancer. Relevant imbalances in baseline clinical and radiological characteristics were adjusted using propensity score (PS) matching. RESULTS: Prevalence of systemic cancer among patients with ICH was 8.5% (83/973). ICH patients with cancer were older (77 [70-82] vs. 72 [63-80] years; p = 0.002), had more often prior renal dysfunction (19/83 [22.9%] vs.107/890 [12.0%]; p = 0.005), and smaller hemorrhage volumes (10.1 [4.8-24.3] vs. 15.3 [5.4-42.9] mL; p = 0.017). After PS-matching there were no significant differences neither in mortality nor in functional outcome both at 3 months (mortality: 33/81 [40.7%] vs. 55/158 [34.8%]; p = 0.368; mRS = 0-3: 28/81 [34.6%] vs. 52/158 [32.9%]; p = 0.797) and 12 months (mortality: 39/78 [50.0%] vs. 70/150 [46.7%]; p = 0.633; mRS = 0-3: 25/78 [32.1%] vs. 53/150 [35.3%]; p = 0.620) among patients with and without concomitant systemic cancer. ICH volume tended to be highest in patients with hematooncologic malignancy and smallest in urothelial cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ICH and concomitant systemic cancer on average are older; however, they show smaller ICH volumes compared to patients without cancer. Yet, mortality and functional outcome is not different in ICH patients with and without cancer. Thus, the clinical history or the de novo diagnosis of concomitant malignancies in ICH patients should not lead to unjustified treatment restrictions.

Prospective intraindividual comparison of gadoterate and gadobutrol for cervical and intracranial contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography.

PURPOSE: Gadobutrol (GB) is reported to provide improved relaxivity and concentration compared to gadoterate (GT). This study was designed to intraindividually compare quantitative and qualitative enhancement characteristics of GB to GT in cervicocranial magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: Patients (n = 54) with CVD underwent two identical contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) examinations of the cervical and intracranial vasculature in randomized order, using GB and GT in equimolar dose. Signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were obtained by two independent neuroradiologists, blinded to the applied contrast agents. Qualitative assessment was performed using a three-point scale with a focus on M1/M2 segments. RESULTS: One thousand and twenty-six vessel segments were analyzed. GB revealed a significantly higher SNR (p = 0.032) and CNR (p = 0.031) in all vessel segments. GB featured a significantly higher SNR and CNR in thoracic (p = 0.022; p = 0.016) and cervical vessels (p = 0.03; p = 0.038), as well as in the posterior circulation (p = 0.012; p = 0.005). In blinded qualitative assessment, overall preference was given to GB (p = 0.02), showing a significant better delineation of the M1/M2 segments (p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Compared to GT, the use of GB results in a significantly higher SNR and CNR in cervical and cerebral CE-MRA, leading to a better delineation of the intracranial vasculature. Present results underline the potential of GB for improved CE-MRA assessment of vasculature in CVD patients.