What's in a name? Taxonomic and gender biases in the etymology of new species names.

As our inventory of Earth's biodiversity progresses, the number of species given a Latin binomial name is also growing. While the coining of species names is bound by rules, the sources of inspiration used by taxonomists are an eclectic mix. We investigated naming trends for nearly 2900 new species of parasitic helminths described in the past two decades. Our analysis indicates that the likelihood of new species being given names that convey some information about them (name derived from morphology, host or locality of origin) or not (named after an eminent scientist, or for something else) depends on the higher taxonomic group to which the parasite or its host belongs. We also found a consistent gender bias among species named after eminent scientists, with male scientists being immortalized disproportionately more frequently than female scientists. Finally, we found that the tendency for taxonomists to name new species after a family member or close friend has increased over the past 20 years. We end by offering suggestions for future species naming, aimed at honouring the scientific community's diversity and avoiding etymological nepotism and cronyism, while still allowing for creativity in crafting new Latin species names.

Fish-parasite interaction networks reveal latitudinal and taxonomic trends in the structure of host-parasite associations.

In recent years, treating host­parasite associations as bipartite interaction networks has proven a powerful tool to identify structural patterns and their likely causes in communities of fish and their parasites. Network analysis allows for both community-level properties to be computed and investigated, and species-level roles to be determined. Here, using data from 31 host­parasite interaction networks from local fish communities around the world, we test for latitudinal trends at whole-network level, and taxonomic patterns at individual parasite species level. We found that while controlling for network size (number of species per network), network modularity, or the tendency for the network to be subdivided into groups of species that interact mostly with each other, decreased with increasing latitude. This suggests that tropical fish­parasite networks may be more stable than those from temperate regions in the event of community perturbations, such as species extinction. At the species level, after accounting for the effect of host specificity, we observed no difference in the centrality of parasite species within networks between parasites with different transmission modes. However, species in some taxa, namely branchiurans, acanthocephalans and larval trematodes, generally had higher centrality values than other parasite taxa. Because species with a central position often serve as module connectors, these 3 taxa may play a key role in whole-network cohesion. Our results highlight the usefulness of network analysis to reveal the aspects of fish­parasite community interactions that would otherwise remain hidden and advance our understanding of their evolution.

Efficacy and safety of nerinetide for the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke (ESCAPE-NA1): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Nerinetide, an eicosapeptide that interferes with post-synaptic density protein 95, is a neuroprotectant that is effective in preclinical stroke models of ischaemia-reperfusion. In this trial, we assessed the efficacy and safety of nerinetide in human ischaemia-reperfusion that occurs with rapid endovascular thrombectomy in patients who had an acute ischaemic stroke. METHODS: For this multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study done in 48 acute care hospitals in eight countries, we enrolled patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion within a 12 h treatment window. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older with a disabling ischaemic stroke at the time of randomisation, had been functioning independently in the community before the stroke, had an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) greater than 4, and vascular imaging showing moderate-to-good collateral filling, as determined by multiphase CT angiography. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive intravenous nerinetide in a single dose of 2·6 mg/kg, up to a maximum dose of 270 mg, on the basis of estimated or actual weight (if known) or saline placebo by use of a real-time, dynamic, internet-based, stratified randomised minimisation procedure. Patients were stratified by intravenous alteplase treatment and declared endovascular device choice. All trial personnel and patients were masked to sequence and treatment allocation. All patients underwent endovascular thrombectomy and received alteplase in usual care when indicated. The primary outcome was a favourable functional outcome 90 days after randomisation, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2. Secondary outcomes were measures of neurological disability, functional independence in activities of daily living, excellent functional outcome (mRS 0-1), and mortality. The analysis was done in the intention-to-treat population and adjusted for age, sex, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, ASPECTS, occlusion location, site, alteplase use, and declared first device. The safety population included all patients who received any amount of study drug. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02930018. FINDINGS: Between March 1, 2017, and Aug 12, 2019, 1105 patients were randomly assigned to receive nerinetide (n=549) or placebo (n=556). 337 (61·4%) of 549 patients with nerinetide and 329 (59·2%) of 556 with placebo achieved an mRS score of 0-2 at 90 days (adjusted risk ratio 1·04, 95% CI 0·96-1·14; p=0·35). Secondary outcomes were similar between groups. We observed evidence of treatment effect modification resulting in inhibition of treatment effect in patients receiving alteplase. Serious adverse events occurred equally between groups. INTERPRETATION: Nerinetide did not improve the proportion of patients achieving good clinical outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy compared with patients receiving placebo. FUNDING: Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Alberta Innovates, and NoNO.

Management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: correlation of UIATS, ELAPSS, and PHASES with referral center practice.

Concordance between the Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm Treatment Score (UIATS), Earlier Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Location, Age, Population, Size, Shape (ELAPSS) score, and Population, Hypertension, Age, Size, Earlier Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Site (PHASES) score with real-world management decisions in unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) remains unclear, especially in current practice. This study aimed to investigate this concordance, while developing an optimal model predictive of recent decision practices at a quaternary referral center. A prospective database of patients presenting with UIAs to our institution from January 1 to December 31, 2018, was used. Concordance between the scores and real-world management decisions on every UIA was assessed. Complications and length of stay (LOS) were compared between aneurysms in the UIATS-recommended treatment and observation groups. A subgroup analysis of concordance was also conducted among junior and senior surgeons. An optimal logistic regression model predictive of real-world decisions was also derived. The cohort consisted of 198 patients with 271 UIAs, of which 42% were treated. The UIATS demonstrated good concordance with an AUC of 0.765. Of the aneurysms in the UIATS-recommended "observation" group, 22% were discordantly treated. The ELAPSS score demonstrated good discrimination (AUC = 0.793), unlike the PHASES score (AUC = 0.579). Endovascular treatment rates, complications, and LOS were similar between aneurysms in the UIATS-recommended treatment and observation groups. Similar concordance was obtained among junior and senior surgeons. The optimal predictive model consisted of several significantly associated variables and had an AUC of 0.942. Cerebrovascular specialists may be treating aneurysms slightly more than these scores would recommend, independently of years in practice. Wide variation still exists in management practices of UIAs.

Application of unruptured aneurysm scoring systems to a cohort of ruptured aneurysms: are we underestimating rupture risk?

The predictive values of current risk stratification scales such as the Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm Treatment Score (UIATS) and the PHASES score are debatable. We evaluated these scores using a cohort of ruptured intracranial aneurysms to simulate their management recommendations had the exact same patients presented prior to rupture. A prospectively maintained database of ruptured saccular aneurysm patients presenting to our institution was used. The PHASES score was calculated for 992 consecutive patients presenting between January 2002 and December 2018, and the UIATS was calculated for 266 consecutive patients presenting between January 2013 and December 2018. A shorter period was selected for the UIATS cohort given the larger number of variables required for calculation. Clinical outcomes were compared between UIATS-recommended "observation" aneurysms and all other aneurysms. Out of 992 ruptured aneurysms, 54% had a low PHASES score (≤5). Out of the 266 ruptured aneurysms, UIATS recommendations were as follows: 68 (26%) "observation," 97 (36%) "treatment," and 101 (38%) "non-definitive." The UIATS conservative group of patients developed more SAH-related complications (78% vs. 65%, p=0.043), had a higher rate of non-home discharge (74% vs. 46%, p<0.001), and had a greater incidence of poor functional status (modified Rankin scale >2) after 12-18 months (68% vs. 51%, p=0.014). Current predictive scoring systems for unruptured aneurysms may underestimate future rupture risk and lead to more conservative management strategies in some patients. Patients that would have been recommended for conservative therapy were more likely to have a worse outcome after rupture.

Monocyte-based inflammatory indices predict outcomes following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

The contribution of specific immune cell populations to the post-hemorrhagic inflammatory response in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and correlations with clinical outcomes, such as vasospasm and functional status, remains unclear. We aimed to compare the predictive value of leukocyte ratios that include monocytes as compared to the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in aSAH. A prospectively accrued database of consecutive patients presenting to our institution with aSAH between January 2013 and December 2018 was used. Patients with signs and symptoms of infection (day 1-3) were excluded. Admission values of the NLR, monocyte-neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (M-NLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) were calculated. Associations with functional status, the primary outcome, and vasospasm were evaluated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. In the cohort of 234 patients with aSAH, the M-NLR and LMR, but not the NLR, were significantly associated with poor functional status (modified Rankin scale > 2) at 12-18 months following discharge (p = 0.001, p = 0.023, p = 0.161, respectively). The area under the curve for predicting poor functional status was significantly lower for the NLR (0.543) compared with the M-NLR (0.603, p = 0.024) and LMR (0.608, p = 0.040). The M-NLR (OR = 1.01 [1.01-1.02]) and LMR (OR = 0.88 [0.78-0.99]) were independently associated with poor functional status while controlling for age, hypertension, Fisher grade, and baseline clinical status. The LMR was significantly associated with vasospasm (OR = 0.84 [0.70-0.99]) while adjusting for age, hypertension, Fisher grade, aneurysm size, and current smoking. Inflammatory indices that incorporate monocytes (e.g., M-NLR and LMR), but not those that include only neutrophils, predict outcomes after aSAH.

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Considerations in Children.

The use of mechanical thrombectomy for the treatment of acute childhood arterial ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion is increasing, with mounting evidence for its feasibility and safety. Despite this emerging evidence, clear guidelines for patient selection, thrombectomy technique, and postprocedure care do not exist for the pediatric population. Due to unique features of stroke in children, neurologists and interventionalists must consider differences in patient size, anatomy, collateral vessels, imaging parameters, and expected outcomes that may impact appropriate patient selection and timing criteria. In addition, different causes of stroke and comorbidities in children must be considered and may alter the safety and efficacy of thrombectomy. To optimize the success of endovascular intervention in children, a multidisciplinary team should take into account these nuanced considerations when determining patient eligibility, developing a procedural approach, and formulating a postprocedure neurological monitoring and therapeutic plan.

Indications for the Performance of Intracranial Endovascular Neurointerventional Procedures: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Intracranial endovascular interventions provide effective and minimally invasive treatment of a broad spectrum of diseases. This area of expertise has continued to gain both wider application and greater depth as new and better techniques are developed and as landmark clinical studies are performed to guide their use. Some of the greatest advances since the last American Heart Association scientific statement on this topic have been made in the treatment of ischemic stroke from large intracranial vessel occlusion, with more effective devices and large randomized clinical trials showing striking therapeutic benefit. The treatment of cerebral aneurysms has also seen substantial evolution, increasing the number of aneurysms that can be treated successfully with minimally invasive therapy. Endovascular therapies for such other diseases as arteriovenous malformations, dural arteriovenous fistulas, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, venous thrombosis, and neoplasms continue to improve. The purpose of the present document is to review current information on the efficacy and safety of procedures used for intracranial endovascular interventional treatment of cerebrovascular diseases and to summarize key aspects of best practice.

R2eD AVM Score.

Background and Purpose- The management of unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations remains unclear. Using a large cohort to determine risk factors predictive of hemorrhagic presentation of arteriovenous malformations, this study aims to develop a predictive tool that could guide hemorrhage risk stratification. Methods- A database of 789 arteriovenous malformation patients presenting to our institution between 1990 and 2017 was used. A hold-out method of model validation was used, whereby the data was randomly split in half into training and validation data sets. Factors significant at the univariable level in the training data set were used to construct a model based on multivariable logistic regression. Model performance was assessed using receiver operating curves on the training, validation, and complete data sets. The predictors and the complete data set were then used to derive a risk prediction formula and a practical scoring system, where every risk factor was worth 1 point except race, which was worth 2 points (total score varies from 0 to 6). The factors are summarized by R2eD arteriovenous malformation (acronym: R2eD AVM). Results- In 755 patients with complete data, 272 (36%) presented with hemorrhage. From the training data set, a model was derived containing the following risk factors: nonwhite race (odds ratio [OR]=1.8; P=0.02), small nidus size (OR=1.47; P=0.14), deep location (OR=2.3; P<0.01), single arterial feeder (OR=2.24; P<0.01), and exclusive deep venous drainage (OR=2.07; P=0.02). Area under the curve from receiver operating curve analysis was 0.702, 0.698, and 0.685 for the training, validation, and complete data sets, respectively. In the entire study population, the predicted probability of hemorrhagic presentation increased in a stepwise manner from 16% for patients with no risk factors (score of 0) to 78% for patients having all the risk factors (score of 6). Conclusions- The final model derived from this study can be used as a predictive tool that supplements clinical judgment and aids in patient counseling.

Prediction of Outcomes for Ruptured Aneurysm Surgery.

Background and Purpose- Predicting long-term functional outcomes after intracranial aneurysmal rupture can be challenging. We developed and validated a scoring system-the Southwestern Aneurysm Severity Index-that would predict functional outcomes at 1 year after clipping of ruptured aneurysms. Methods- Ruptured aneurysms treated microsurgically between 2000 and 2014 were included. Outcome was defined as Glasgow Outcome Score (ranging from 1, death, to 5, good recovery) at 1 year. The Southwestern Aneurysm Severity Index is composed of multiple prospectively recorded patient demographic, clinical, radiographic, and aneurysm-specific variables. Multivariable analyses were used to construct the best predictive models for patient outcomes in a random 50% of the cohort and validated in the remaining 50%. A scoring system was created using the best model. Results- We identified 527 eligible patients. The Glasgow Outcome Score at 1 year was 4 to 5 in 375 patients (71.2%). In the multivariable logistic regression, the best predictive model for unfavorable outcome included intracerebral hemorrhage (odds ratio [OR], 2.53; 95% CI, 1.55-4.13), aneurysmal size ≥20 mm (OR, 6.07; 95% CI, 1.92-19.2), intraventricular hemorrhage (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.15-5.67), age >64 (OR, 3.53; 95% CI, 1.70-7.35), location (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.10-3.03), and hydrocephalus (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.07-5.35). The Southwestern Aneurysm Severity Index predicts Glasgow Outcome Score at 1 year with good discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, derivation: 0.816, 95% CI, 0.759-0.873; validation: 0.803, 95% CI, 0.746-0.861) and accurate calibration ( R2=0.939). Conclusions- The Southwestern Aneurysm Severity Index has been internally validated to predict 1 year Glasgow Outcome Scores at initial presentation, thus optimizing patient or family counseling and possibly guiding therapeutic efforts.

Soluble FLT1 Gene Therapy Alleviates Brain Arteriovenous Malformation Severity.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) is an important risk factor for intracranial hemorrhage. Current therapies are associated with high morbidities. Excessive vascular endothelial growth factor has been implicated in bAVM pathophysiology. Because soluble FLT1 binds to vascular endothelial growth factor with high affinity, we tested intravenous delivery of an adeno-associated viral vector serotype-9 expressing soluble FLT1 (AAV9-sFLT1) to alleviate the bAVM phenotype. METHODS: Two mouse models were used. In model 1, bAVM was induced in R26CreER;Eng2f/2f mice through global Eng gene deletion and brain focal angiogenic stimulation; AAV2-sFLT02 (an AAV expressing a shorter form of sFLT1) was injected into the brain at the time of model induction, and AAV9-sFLT1, intravenously injected 8 weeks after. In model 2, SM22αCre;Eng2f/2f mice had a 90% occurrence of spontaneous bAVM at 5 weeks of age and 50% mortality at 6 weeks; AAV9-sFLT1 was intravenously delivered into 4- to 5-week-old mice. Tissue samples were collected 4 weeks after AAV9-sFLT1 delivery. RESULTS: AAV2-sFLT02 inhibited bAVM formation, and AAV9-sFLT1 reduced abnormal vessels in model 1 (GFP versus sFLT1: 3.66±1.58/200 vessels versus 1.98±1.29, P<0.05). AAV9-sFLT1 reduced the occurrence of bAVM (GFP versus sFLT1: 100% versus 36%) and mortality (GFP versus sFLT1: 57% [12/22 mice] versus 24% [4/19 mice], P<0.05) in model 2. Kidney and liver function did not change significantly. Minor liver inflammation was found in 56% of AAV9-sFLT1-treated model 1 mice. CONCLUSIONS: By applying a regulated mechanism to restrict sFLT1 expression to bAVM, AAV9-sFLT1 can potentially be developed into a safer therapy to reduce the bAVM severity.

Flow diversion of tandem cerebral aneurysms: a multi-institutional retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE Flow diversion has proven to be an efficacious means of treating cerebral aneurysms that are refractory to other therapeutic means. Patients with tandem aneurysms treated with flow diversion have been included in larger, previously reported series; however, there are no dedicated reports on using this technique during a single session to treat this unique subset of patients. Therefore, the authors analyzed the outcomes of patients who had undergone single-session flow diversion for the treatment of tandem aneurysms. METHODS The authors conducted a retrospective review of flow diversion with the Pipeline embolization device (PED) for the treatment of tandem aneurysms in a single session at 2 participating medical centers: University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona. Patient demographic data, aneurysm characteristics, treatment strategy and results, complications, and follow-up data were collected from the medical record and analyzed. RESULTS Between January 2011 and December 2015, 17 patients (12 female, 5 male) with a total of 38 aneurysms (mean size 4.7 ± 2.7 mm, mean ± SD) were treated. Sixteen patients had aneurysms in the anterior circulation, and 1 patient had tandem aneurysms in the posterior circulation. Twelve patients underwent only placement of a PED, whereas 5 underwent adjunctive coil embolization of at least 1 aneurysm. One PED was used in each of 9 patients, and 2 PEDs were required in each of 8 patients. There were 2 intraprocedural complications; however, in both instances, the patients were asymptomatic at the last follow-up. The follow-up imaging studies were available for 15 patients at a mean of 7 months after treatment (216 days, range 0-540 days). The mean initial Raymond score after treatment was 2.7 ± 0.7, and the mean final score was 1.3 ± 0.7. CONCLUSIONS In this series, the use of flow diversion for the treatment of tandem cerebral aneurysms had an acceptable safety profile, indicating that it should be considered as an effective therapy for this complicated subset of patients. Further prospective studies must be performed before more definitive conclusions can be made.

Aspiration Thrombectomy After Intravenous Alteplase Versus Intravenous Alteplase Alone.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Thrombectomy, primarily with stent retrievers with or without adjunctive aspiration, provided clinical benefit across multiple prospective randomized trials. Whether this benefit is exclusive to stent retrievers is unclear. METHODS: THERAPY (The Randomized, Concurrent Controlled Trial to Assess the Penumbra System's Safety and Effectiveness in the Treatment of Acute Stroke; NCT01429350) was an international, multicenter, prospective, randomized (1:1), open label, blinded end point evaluation, concurrent controlled clinical trial of aspiration thrombectomy after intravenous alteplase (IAT) administration compared with intravenous-alteplase alone in patients with large vessel ischemic stroke because of a thrombus length of ≥8 mm. The primary efficacy end point was the percent of patients achieving independence at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2; intention-to-treat analysis). The primary safety end point was the rate of severe adverse events (SAEs) by 90 days (as treated analysis). Patients were randomized 1:1 across 36 centers in 2 countries (United States and Germany). RESULTS: Enrollment was halted after 108 (55 IAT and 53 intravenous) patients (of 692 planned) because of external evidence of the added benefit of endovascular therapy to intravenous-alteplase alone. Functional independence was achieved in 38% IAT and 30% intravenous intention-to-treat groups (P=0.52). Intention-to-treat ordinal modified Rankin Scale odds ratio was 1.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.86-3.59; P=0.12) in favor of IAT. Secondary efficacy analyses all demonstrated a consistent direction of effect toward benefit of IAT. No differences in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates (9.3% IAT versus 9.7% intravenous, P=1.0) or 90-day mortality (IAT: 12% versus intravenous: 23.9%, P=0.18) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: THERAPY did not achieve its primary end point in this underpowered sample. Directions of effect for all prespecified outcomes were both internally and externally consistent toward benefit. It is possible that an alternate method of thrombectomy, primary aspiration, will benefit selected patients harboring large vessel occlusions. Further study on this topic is indicated. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01429350.

Aggressive medical treatment with or without stenting in high-risk patients with intracranial artery stenosis (SAMMPRIS): the final results of a randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Early results of the Stenting and Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent stroke in Intracranial Stenosis trial showed that, by 30 days, 33 (14·7%) of 224 patients in the stenting group and 13 (5·8%) of 227 patients in the medical group had died or had a stroke (percentages are product limit estimates), but provided insufficient data to establish whether stenting offered any longer-term benefit. Here we report the long-term outcome of patients in this trial. METHODS: We randomly assigned (1:1, stratified by centre with randomly permuted block sizes) 451 patients with recent transient ischaemic attack or stroke related to 70-99% stenosis of a major intracranial artery to aggressive medical management (antiplatelet therapy, intensive management of vascular risk factors, and a lifestyle-modification programme) or aggressive medical management plus stenting with the Wingspan stent. The primary endpoint was any of the following: stroke or death within 30 days after enrolment, ischaemic stroke in the territory of the qualifying artery beyond 30 days of enrolment, or stroke or death within 30 days after a revascularisation procedure of the qualifying lesion during follow-up. Primary endpoint analysis of between-group differences with log-rank test was by intention to treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT 00576693. FINDINGS: During a median follow-up of 32·4 months, 34 (15%) of 227 patients in the medical group and 52 (23%) of 224 patients in the stenting group had a primary endpoint event. The cumulative probability of the primary endpoints was smaller in the medical group versus the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) group (p=0·0252). Beyond 30 days, 21 (10%) of 210 patients in the medical group and 19 (10%) of 191 patients in the stenting group had a primary endpoint. The absolute differences in the primary endpoint rates between the two groups were 7·1% at year 1 (95% CI 0·2 to 13·8%; p=0·0428), 6·5% at year 2 (-0·5 to 13·5%; p=0·07) and 9·0% at year 3 (1·5 to 16·5%; p=0·0193). The occurrence of the following adverse events was higher in the PTAS group than in the medical group: any stroke (59 [26%] of 224 patients vs 42 [19%] of 227 patients; p=0·0468) and major haemorrhage (29 [13%]of 224 patients vs 10 [4%] of 227 patients; p=0·0009). INTERPRETATION: The early benefit of aggressive medical management over stenting with the Wingspan stent for high-risk patients with intracranial stenosis persists over extended follow-up. Our findings lend support to the use of aggressive medical management rather than PTAS with the Wingspan system in high-risk patients with atherosclerotic intracranial arterial stenosis. FUNDING: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and others.

Predicting recurrence after chronic subdural haematoma drainage.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence of chronic subdural haematomas (CSDHs) after surgical drainage is a significant problem with rates up to 20%. This study focuses on determining factors predictive of haematoma recurrence and presents a scoring system stratifying recurrence risk for individual patients. METHODS: Between the years 2005 and 2009, 331 consecutive patients with CSDHs treated with surgery were included in this study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed searching for risk factors of increased post-operative haematoma volume and haematoma recurrence requiring repeat drainage. RESULTS: We found a 12% reoperation rate. CSDH septation (seen on computed tomogram scan) was found to be an independent risk factor for recurrence requiring reoperation (p=0.04). Larger post-operative subdural haematoma volume was also significantly associated with requiring a second drainage procedure (p<0.001). Independent risk factors of larger post-operative haematoma volume included septations within a CSDH (p<0.01), increased pre-operative haematoma volume (p<0.01), and a greater amount of parenchymal atrophy (p=0.04). A simple scoring system for quantifying recurrence risk was created and validated based on patient age (< or ≥ 80 years), haematoma volume (< or ≥ 160 cc), and presence of septations within the subdural collection (yes or no). CONCLUSION: Septations within CSDHs are associated with larger post-operative residual haematoma collections requiring repeat drainage. When septations are clearly visible within a CSDH, craniotomy might be more suitable as a primary procedure as it allows greater access to a septated subdural collection. Our proposed scoring system combining haematoma volume, age, and presence of septations might be useful in identifying patients at higher risk for recurrence.

Multidisciplinary consensus on assessment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: proposal of an international research group.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To address the increasing need to counsel patients about treatment indications for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA), we endeavored to develop a consensus on assessment of UIAs among a group of specialists from diverse fields involved in research and treatment of UIAs. METHODS: After composition of the research group, a Delphi consensus was initiated to identify and rate all features, which may be relevant to assess UIAs and their treatment by using ranking scales and analysis of inter-rater agreement (IRA) for each factor. IRA was categorized as very high, high, moderate, or low. RESULTS: Ultimately, 39 specialists from 4 specialties agreed (high or very high IRAs) on the following key factors for or against UIA treatment decisions: (1) patient age, life expectancy, and comorbid diseases; (2) previous subarachnoid hemorrhage from a different aneurysm, family history for UIA or subarachnoid hemorrhage, nicotine use; (3) UIA size, location, and lobulation; (4) UIA growth or de novo formation on serial imaging; (5) clinical symptoms (cranial nerve deficit, mass effect, and thromboembolic events from UIAs); and (6) risk factors for UIA treatment (patient age and life expectancy, UIA size, and estimated risk of treatment). However, IRAs for features rated with low relevance were also generally low, which underlined the existing controversy about the natural history of UIAs. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight that neurovascular specialists currently consider many features as important when evaluating UIAs but also highlight that the appreciation of natural history of UIAs remains uncertain, even within a group of highly informed individuals.

Stenting versus aggressive medical therapy for intracranial arterial stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic intracranial arterial stenosis is an important cause of stroke that is increasingly being treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) to prevent recurrent stroke. However, PTAS has not been compared with medical management in a randomized trial. METHODS: We randomly assigned patients who had a recent transient ischemic attack or stroke attributed to stenosis of 70 to 99% of the diameter of a major intracranial artery to aggressive medical management alone or aggressive medical management plus PTAS with the use of the Wingspan stent system. The primary end point was stroke or death within 30 days after enrollment or after a revascularization procedure for the qualifying lesion during the follow-up period or stroke in the territory of the qualifying artery beyond 30 days. RESULTS: Enrollment was stopped after 451 patients underwent randomization, because the 30-day rate of stroke or death was 14.7% in the PTAS group (nonfatal stroke, 12.5%; fatal stroke, 2.2%) and 5.8% in the medical-management group (nonfatal stroke, 5.3%; non-stroke-related death, 0.4%) (P=0.002). Beyond 30 days, stroke in the same territory occurred in 13 patients in each group. Currently, the mean duration of follow-up, which is ongoing, is 11.9 months. The probability of the occurrence of a primary end-point event over time differed significantly between the two treatment groups (P=0.009), with 1-year rates of the primary end point of 20.0% in the PTAS group and 12.2% in the medical-management group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with intracranial arterial stenosis, aggressive medical management was superior to PTAS with the use of the Wingspan stent system, both because the risk of early stroke after PTAS was high and because the risk of stroke with aggressive medical therapy alone was lower than expected. (Funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and others; SAMMPRIS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00576693.).

Contemporary management of spinal AVFs and AVMs: lessons learned from 110 cases.

OBJECT: Spinal arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare, complex spinal vascular lesions that are challenging to manage. Recently, understanding of these lesions has increased thanks to neuroimaging technology. Published reports of surgical results and clinical outcome are limited to small series. The authors present a large contemporary series of patients with spinal AVFs and AVMs who were treated at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. METHODS: Retrospective detailed review of a prospective vascular database was performed for all patients with spinal AVFs and AVMs treated between 2000 and 2013. Patient demographic data, AVF and AVM characteristics, surgical results, clinical outcomes, complications, and long-term follow-up were reviewed. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2013, 110 patients (57 male and 53 female) underwent obliteration of spinal AVFs and AVMs. The mean age at presentation was 42.3 years (range 18 months-81 years). There were 44 patients with AVFs and 66 with AVMs. The AVM group included 27 intramedullary, 21 conus medullaris, 12 metameric, and 6 extradural. The most common location was thoracic spine (61%), followed by cervical (22.7%), lumbar (14.5%), and sacral (1.8%). The most common presenting signs and symptoms included paresis/paralysis (75.5%), paresthesias (60%), pain (51.8%), bowel/bladder dysfunction (41.8%), and myelopathy (36.4%). Evidence of rupture was seen in 26.4% of patients. Perioperative embolization was performed in 42% of patients. Resection was performed in 95 patients (86.4%). Embolization alone was the only treatment in 14 patients (12.7%). One patient was treated with radiosurgery alone. Angiographically verified AVF and AVM obliteration was achieved in 92 patients (83.6%). At a mean follow-up duration of 30.5 months (range 1-205 months), 43 patients (97.7%) with AVFs and 57 (86.4%) with AVMs remained functionally independent (McCormick Scale scores ≤ 2). Perioperative complications were seen in 8 patients (7%). No deaths occurred. Temporary neurological deficits were observed in 27 patients (24.5%). These temporary deficits recovered 6-8 weeks after treatment. Recurrence was identified in 6 patients (13.6%) with AVFs and 10 (15.2%) with AVMs. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal AVFs and AVMs are complex lesions that should be considered for surgical obliteration. Over the last several decades the authors have changed surgical strategies and management to achieve better clinical outcomes. Transient neurological deficit postoperatively is a risk associated with intervention; however, clinical outcomes appear to exceed the natural history based on patients' ability to recover during the follow-up period. Due to the recurrence rate associated with these lesions, long-term follow-up is required.

Hypothermia is Associated with Improved Neurological Outcomes After Mechanical Thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is the second leading cause of death globally. Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has improved patient prognosis but expedient treatment is still necessary to minimize anoxic injury. Lower intraoperative body temperature decreases cerebral oxygen demand, but the role of hypothermia in treatment of AIS with MT is unclear. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing MT for AIS from 2014 to 2020 at our institution. Patient demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative parameters, and outcomes were collected. Maximum body temperature was extracted from minute-by-minute anesthesia readings, and patients with maximal temperature below 36°C were considered hypothermic. Risk factors were assessed by χ2 and multivariate ordinal regression. RESULTS: Of 68 patients, 27 (40%) were hypothermic. There was no significant association of hypothermia with patient age, comorbidities, time since last known well, number of passes intraoperatively, favorable revascularization, tissue plasminogen activator use, and immediate postoperative complications. Hypothermic patients exhibited better neurologic outcome at 3-month follow-up (P = 0.02). On multivariate ordinal regression, lower maximum intraoperative body temperature was associated with improved 3-month outcomes (P < 0.001), when adjusting for other factors influencing neurological outcomes. Other significant protective factors included younger age (P = 0.03), better revascularization (P = 0.03), and conscious sedation (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Lower intraoperative body temperature during MT was independently associated with improved neurological outcome in this single center retrospective series. These results may help guide clinicians in employing therapeutic hypothermia during MT to improve long-term neurologic outcomes from AIS, although larger studies are needed.

Pipeline for uncoilable or failed aneurysms: results from a multicenter clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED; ev3/Covidien, Irvine, Calif) in the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Pipeline for Uncoilable or Failed Aneurysms is a multicenter, prospective, interventional, single-arm trial of PED for the treatment of uncoilable or failed aneurysms of the internal carotid artery. Institutional review board approval of the HIPAA-compliant study protocol was obtained from each center. After providing informed consent, 108 patients with recently unruptured large and giant wide-necked aneurysms were enrolled in the study. The primary effectiveness endpoint was angiographic evaluation that demonstrated complete aneurysm occlusion and absence of major stenosis at 180 days. The primary safety endpoint was occurrence of major ipsilateral stroke or neurologic death at 180 days. RESULTS: PED placement was technically successful in 107 of 108 patients (99.1%). Mean aneurysm size was 18.2 mm; 22 aneurysms (20.4%) were giant (>25 mm). Of the 106 aneurysms, 78 met the study's primary effectiveness endpoint (73.6%; 95% posterior probability interval: 64.4%-81.0%). Six of the 107 patients in the safety cohort experienced a major ipsilateral stroke or neurologic death (5.6%; 95% posterior probability interval: 2.6%-11.7%). CONCLUSION: PED offers a reasonably safe and effective treatment of large or giant intracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms, demonstrated by high rates of complete aneurysm occlusion and low rates of adverse neurologic events; even in aneurysms failing previous alternative treatments.