Treatment and Outcomes of Cervical Artery Dissection in Adults: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Cervical artery dissection is an important cause of stroke, particularly in young adults. Data conflict on the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of patients with suspected cervical artery dissection, leading to variability in practice. We aim to provide an overview of cervical artery dissection in the setting of minor or no reported mechanical trigger with a focus on summarizing the available evidence and providing suggestions on the diagnostic evaluation, treatment approaches, and outcomes. Writing group members drafted their sections using a literature search focused on publications between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2022, and included randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective observational studies, meta-analyses, opinion papers, case series, and case reports. The writing group chair and vice chair compiled the manuscript and obtained writing group members' approval. Cervical artery dissection occurs as a result of the interplay among risk factors, minor trauma, anatomic and congenital abnormalities, and genetic predisposition. The diagnosis can be challenging both clinically and radiologically. In patients with acute ischemic stroke attributable to cervical artery dissection, acute treatment strategies such as thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy are reasonable in otherwise eligible patients. We suggest that the antithrombotic therapy choice be individualized and continued for at least 3 to 6 months. The risk of recurrent dissection is low, and preventive measures may be considered early after the diagnosis and continued in high-risk patients. Ongoing longitudinal and population-based observational studies are needed to close the present gaps on preferred antithrombotic regimens considering clinical and radiographic prognosticators of cervical artery dissection.

Complex intracranial aneurysms: a DELPHI study to define associated characteristics.

PURPOSE: Intracranial aneurysms present significant health risks, as their rupture leads to subarachnoid haemorrhage, which in turn has high morbidity and mortality rates. There are several elements affecting the complexity of an intracranial aneurysm. However, criteria for defining a complex intracranial aneurysm (CIA) in open surgery and endovascular treatment could differ, and actually there is no consensus on the definition of a "complex" aneurysm. This DELPHI study aims to assess consensus on variables defining a CIA. METHODS: An international panel of 50 members, representing various specialties, was recruited to define CIAs through a three-round Delphi process. The panelists participated in surveys with Likert scale responses and open-ended questions. Consensus criteria were established to determine CIA variables, and statistical analysis evaluated consensus and stability. RESULTS: In open surgery, CIAs were defined by fusiform or blister-like shape, dissecting aetiology, giant size (≥ 25 mm), broad neck encasing parent arteries, extensive neck surface, wall calcification, intraluminal thrombus, collateral branch from the sac, location (AICA, SCA, basilar), vasospasm context, and planned bypass (EC-IC or IC-IC). For endovascular treatment, CIAs included giant size, very wide neck (dome/neck ratio ≤ 1:1), and collateral branch from the sac. CONCLUSIONS: The definition of aneurysm complexity varies by treatment modality. Since elements related to complexity differ between open surgery and endovascular treatment, these consensus criteria of CIAs could even guide in selecting the best treatment approach.

Thrombectomy versus Medical Management for Isolated Anterior Cerebral Artery Stroke: An International Multicenter Registry Study.

Background Evidence supporting a potential benefit of thrombectomy for distal medium vessel occlusions (DMVOs) of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) is, to the knowledge of the authors, unknown. Purpose To compare the clinical and safety outcomes between mechanical thrombectomy (MT) and best medical treatment (BMT) with or without intravenous thrombolysis for primary isolated ACA DMVOs. Materials and Methods Treatment for Primary Medium Vessel Occlusion Stroke, or TOPMOST, is an international, retrospective, multicenter, observational registry of patients treated for DMVO in daily practice. Patients treated with thrombectomy or BMT alone for primary ACA DMVO distal to the A1 segment between January 2013 and October 2021 were analyzed and compared by one-to-one propensity score matching (PSM). Early outcome was measured by the median improvement of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores at 24 hours. Favorable functional outcome was defined as modified Rankin scale scores of 0-2 at 90 days. Safety was assessed by the occurrence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and mortality. Results Of 154 patients (median age, 77 years; quartile 1 [Q1] to quartile 3 [Q3], 66-84 years; 80 men; 94 patients with MT; 60 patients with BMT) who met the inclusion criteria, 110 patients (median age, 76 years; Q1-Q3, 67-83 years; 50 men; 55 patients with MT; 55 patients with BMT) were matched. DMVOs were in A2 (82 patients; 53%), A3 (69 patients; 45%), and A3 (three patients; 2%). After PSM, the median 24-hour NIHSS point decrease was -2 (Q1-Q3, -4 to 0) in the thrombectomy and -1 (Q1-Q3, -4 to 1.25) in the BMT cohort (P = .52). Favorable functional outcome (MT vs BMT, 18 of 37 [49%] vs 19 of 39 [49%], respectively; P = .99) and mortality (MT vs BMT, eight of 37 [22%] vs 12 of 39 [31%], respectively; P = .36) were similar in both groups. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in three (2%) of 154 patients. Conclusion Thrombectomy appears to be a safe and technically feasible treatment option for primary isolated anterior cerebral artery occlusions in the A2 and A3 segment with clinical outcomes similar to best medical treatment with and without intravenous thrombolysis. © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Zhu and Wang in this issue.

Borderzone infarction and recurrent stroke in intracranial atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial stenosis (ICAS) is a common cause of stroke worldwide and patients with symptomatic ICAS exhibit a high rate of recurrence, particularly in the early period after the initial event. In this study, we aimed to study the association between borderzone infarct and recurrent ischemic stroke in patients hospitalized with symptomatic ICAS. METHODS: This is a retrospective single center study that included patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke in the setting of intracranial stenosis (50% or more and an acute ischemic stroke in the territory supplied by the stenosed artery) over a 32-month period. We excluded patients who did not receive a brain MRI or did not have an infarct on brain imaging. The primary predictor is infarct pattern (any borderzone vs. no borderzone infarct) and the primary outcome was recurrent cerebrovascular events (RCVE) within 90 days. We used unadjusted, and age and sex adjusted logistic regression models to determine associations between infarct pattern and RCVE at 90-days. RESULTS: Among 99 patients who met the inclusion criteria (4 tandem), the mean age was 70.1 ± 11.2 years and 41.4% were women; 43 had borderzone infarcts and 19 had RCVE. In adjusted binary logistic regression analysis, borderzone infarct was associated with increased risk of RCVE (adjusted OR 4.00 95% CI 1.33-11.99, p=0.013). The association between borderzone infarction and RCVE was not different among anterior circulation ICAD (adjusted HR 2.85 95% CI 0.64-12.76, p=0.172) vs. posterior circulation ICAD (adjusted HR 6.69 95% CI 1.06-42.11, p=0.043), p-value for interaction = 0.592. CONCLUSION: In real world post-SAMMPRIS medically treated patients with ICAD, the borderzone infarct pattern was associated with 90-day RCVE. Borderzone infarcts are likely a surrogate marker of impaired distal blood flow, highlighting the importance of targeting stroke mechanisms and developing alternative treatment strategies for high-risk cohorts.

Cerebral venous disorders: Diagnosis and endovascular management.

The role of the venous circulation in neurological diseases has been underestimated. In this review, we present an overview of the intracranial venous anatomy, venous disorders of the central nervous system, and options for endovascular management. We discuss the role the venous circulation plays in various neurological diseases including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disorders (intracranial hypertension and intracranial hypotension), arteriovenous diseases, and pulsatile tinnitus. We also shed light on emergent cerebral venous interventions including transvenous brain-computer interface implantation, transvenous treatment of communicating hydrocephalus, and the endovascular treatment of CSF-venous disorders.

Aspiration Versus Stent Retriever Thrombectomy for Distal, Medium Vessel Occlusion Stroke in the Posterior Circulation: A Subanalysis of the TOPMOST Study.

BACKGROUND: The optimal endovascular strategy for reperfusing distal medium-vessel occlusions (DMVO) remains unknown. This study evaluates angiographic and clinical outcomes of thrombectomy strategies in DMVO stroke of the posterior circulation. METHODS: TOPMOST (Treatment for Primary Medium Vessel Occlusion Stroke) is an international, retrospective, multicenter, observational registry of patients treated for DMVO between January 2014 and June 2020. This study analyzed endovascularly treated isolated primary DMVO of the posterior cerebral artery in the P2 and P3 segment. Technical feasibility was evaluated with the first-pass effect defined as a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction Scale score of 3. Rates of early neurological improvement and functional modified Rankin Scale scores at 90 days were compared. Safety was assessed by the occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and intervention-related serious adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 141 patients met the inclusion criteria and were treated endovascularly for primary isolated DMVO in the P2 (84.4%, 119) or P3 segment (15.6%, 22) of the posterior cerebral artery. The median age was 75 (IQR, 62-81), and 45.4% (64) were female. The initial reperfusion strategy was aspiration only in 29% (41) and stent retriever in 71% (100), both achieving similar first-pass effect rates of 53.7% (22) and 44% (44; P=0.297), respectively. There were no significant differences in early neurological improvement (aspiration: 64.7% versus stent retriever: 52.2%; P=0.933) and modified Rankin Scale rates (modified Rankin Scale score 0-1, aspiration: 60.5% versus stent retriever 68.6%; P=0.4). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the time from groin puncture to recanalization was associated with the first-pass effect (adjusted odds ratio, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.95-0.99]; P<0.001) that in turn was associated with early neurological improvement (aOR, 3.27 [95% CI, 1.16-9.21]; P<0.025). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 2.8% (4) of all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Both first-pass aspiration and stent retriever thrombectomy for primary isolated posterior circulation DMVO seem to be safe and technically feasible leading to similar favorable rates of angiographic and clinical outcome.

Central Retinal Artery Visualization with Cone-Beam CT Angiography.

Background There are multiple tools available to visualize the retinal and choroidal vasculature of the posterior globe. However, there are currently no reliable in vivo imaging techniques that can visualize the entire retrobulbar course of the retinal and ciliary vessels. Purpose To identify and characterize the central retinal artery (CRA) using cone-beam CT (CBCT) images obtained as part of diagnostic cerebral angiography. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, patients with catheter DSA performed between October 2019 and October 2020 were included if CBCT angiography included the orbit in the field of view. The CBCT angiography data sets were postprocessed with a small field-of-view volume centered in the posterior globe to a maximum resolution of 0.2 mm. The following were evaluated: CRA origin, CRA course, CRA point of penetration into the optic nerve sheath, bifurcation of the CRA at the papilla, visualization of anatomic variants, and visualization of the central retinal vein. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results Twenty-one patients with 24 visualized orbits were included in the analysis (mean age, 55 years ± 15; 14 women). Indications for angiography were as follows: diagnostic angiography (n = 8), aneurysm treatment (n = 6), or other (n = 7). The CRA was identified in all orbits; the origin, course, point of penetration of the CRA into the optic nerve sheath, and termination in the papilla were visualized in all orbits. The average length of the intraneural segment was 10.6 mm (range, 7-18 mm). The central retinal vein was identified in six of 24 orbits. Conclusion Cone-beam CT, performed during diagnostic angiography, consistently demonstrated the in vivo central retinal artery, demonstrating excellent potential for multiple diagnostic and therapeutic applications. © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

International controlled study of revascularization and outcomes following COVID-positive mechanical thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous studies suggest that mechanisms and outcomes in patients with COVID-19-associated stroke differ from those in patients with non-COVID-19-associated strokes, but there is limited comparative evidence focusing on these populations. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine if a significant association exists between COVID-19 status with revascularization and functional outcomes following thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion (LVO), after adjustment for potential confounding factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional, international multicenter retrospective study was conducted in consecutively admitted COVID-19 patients with concomitant acute LVO, compared to a control group without COVID-19. Data collected included age, gender, comorbidities, clinical characteristics, details of the involved vessels, procedural technique, and various outcomes. A multivariable-adjusted analysis was conducted. RESULTS: In this cohort of 697 patients with acute LVO, 302 had COVID-19 while 395 patients did not. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the mean age (in years) and gender of patients, with younger patients and more males in the COVID-19 group. In terms of favorable revascularization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [mTICI] grade 3), COVID-19 was associated with lower odds of complete revascularization (odds ratio 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-0.48; p < 0.001), which persisted on multivariable modeling with adjustment for other predictors (adjusted odds ratio 0.30, 95% CI 0.12-0.77; p = 0.012). Moreover, endovascular complications, in-hospital mortality, and length of hospital stay were significantly higher among COVID-19 patients (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 was an independent predictor of incomplete revascularization and poor functional outcome in patients with stroke due to LVO. Furthermore, COVID-19 patients with LVO were more often younger and had higher morbidity/mortality rates.

Safety of Antithrombotic Resumption in Chronic Subdural Hematoma Patients with Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization: A Case Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a serious problem with an incidence of 20.6/100,000/year in North America and is posited to grow as the population ages. Middle Meningeal Artery (MMA) embolization is an upcoming therapy for treatment of CSDH. Among patients with CSDH who undergo MMA embolization outcomes are no different in patients who resume the antithrombotic (AT) after MMA embolization as compared to patients who don't resume AT. METHODS: We did retrospective review of all cases of MMA embolization in the setting of CSDH done over 2.5 years in 2 centers. Comparison of cases in which AT was resumed vs controls with no AT was performed. A successful outcome was defined as reduction of at least 50% volume in CSDH. Univariate analysis regarding all outcome measures for baseline variables was performed using Fisher exact test or t-test. Multivariate logistic regression with controlling for age, surgical evacuation of the hematoma. RESULTS: There were a total of 56 MMA embolization cases, 33 of them had no AT started and 23 of them had AT resumption at a mean of 2.4 days. About 40% of patients had surgical evacuation done prior to MMA embolization. There was no significant difference in hematoma reduction or volume even after adjusting for surgical evacuation (OR 1.00 95%CI 0.60- 1.67). Patients who had AT resumption had more CAD (71%vs 21% p= 0.001) and Afib (58% vs 18% p=0.002) necessitating AT. CONCLUSION: AT therapy can be safely resumed in CSDH after MMA embolization as there is no significant difference in CSDH volume reduction and recurrence.

Penumbra Consumption Rates Based on Time-to-Maximum Delay and Reperfusion Status: A Post Hoc Analysis of the DEFUSE 3 Trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In patients with acute large vessel occlusion, the natural history of penumbral tissue based on perfusion time-to-maximum (Tmax) delay is not well established in relation to late-window endovascular thrombectomy. In this study, we sought to evaluate penumbra consumption rates for Tmax delays in patients with large vessel occlusion evaluated between 6 and 16 hours from last known normal. METHODS: This is a post hoc analysis of the DEFUSE 3 trial (The Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for Ischemic Stroke), which included patients with an acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation occlusion within 6 to 16 hours of last known normal. The primary outcome is percentage penumbra consumption, defined as (24-hour magnetic resonance imaging infarct volume-baseline core infarct volume)/(Tmax 6 or 10 s volume-baseline core volume). We stratified the cohort into 4 categories based on treatment modality and Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI score; untreated, TICI 0-2a, TICI 2b, and TICI3) and calculated penumbral consumption rates in each category. RESULTS: We included 141 patients, among whom 68 were untreated. In the untreated versus TICI 3 patients, a median (interquartile range) of 53.7% (21.2%-87.7%) versus 5.3% (1.1%-14.6%) of penumbral tissue was consumed based on Tmax >6 s (P<0.001). In the same comparison for Tmax>10 s, we saw a difference of 165.4% (interquartile range, 56.1%-479.8%) versus 25.7% (interquartile range, 3.2%-72.1%; P<0.001). Significant differences were not demonstrated between untreated and TICI 0-2a patients for penumbral consumption based on Tmax >6 s (P=0.52) or Tmax >10 s (P=0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Among extended window endovascular thrombectomy patients, Tmax >10-s mismatch volume may comprise large volumes of salvageable tissue, whereas nearly half the Tmax >6-s mismatch volume may remain viable in untreated patients at 24 hours.

State of the Art: Venous Causes of Pulsatile Tinnitus and Diagnostic Considerations Guiding Endovascular Therapy.

Venous variants and pathologic abnormalities are the most common causes of pulsatile tinnitus. These conditions include causes of turbulence within normally located veins and sinuses, and abnormally enlarged or abnormally located veins in close transmissive proximity to the conductive auditory pathway. Such disorders include pathologic abnormalities of the lateral sinus (transverse sinus stenosis and sigmoid sinus wall anomalies), abnormalities and variants of the emissary veins, and anomalies of the jugular bulb and jugular vein. Despite being the most common causes for pulsatile tinnitus, venous variants and pathologic abnormalities are often overlooked in the workup of pulsatile tinnitus. Such oversights can result in delayed patient care and prolonged patient discomfort. Advances in both cerebrovascular imaging and endovascular techniques allow for improved diagnostic accuracy and an increasing range of endovascular therapeutic options to address pulsatile tinnitus. This review illustrates the venous causes of pulsatile tinnitus and demonstrates the associated endovascular treatment. © RSNA, 2021.

Lacunar stroke: mechanisms and therapeutic implications.

Lacunar stroke is a marker of cerebral small vessel disease and accounts for up to 25% of ischaemic stroke. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of potential lacunar stroke mechanisms and discuss therapeutic implications based on the underlying mechanism. For this paper, we reviewed the literature from important studies (randomised trials, exploratory comparative studies and case series) on lacunar stroke patients with a focus on more recent studies highlighting mechanisms and stroke prevention strategies in patients with lacunar stroke. These studies suggest that lacunar stroke is a heterogeneous disease with various mechanisms, including most commonly lipohyalinosis and less commonly atheromatous disease and cardioembolism, highlighting the importance of a careful review of brain and neurovascular imaging, a cardiac and systemic evaluation. A better understanding of pathomechanisms of neurological deterioration may lead to investigating the utility of novel treatment strategies and optimisation of short-term antithrombotic treatment strategies to reduce the risk of neurological deterioration and prevent long-term disability in patients with lacunar stroke.

Early Experience with Comaneci, a Newly FDA-Approved Controllable Assist Device for Wide-Necked Intracranial Aneurysm Coiling.

BACKGROUND: Comaneci (Rapid Medical) is a compliant, adjustable mesh that provides temporary scaffolding during coiling of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms (WNAs) that preserves antegrade flow. We report our early multi-institutional experience with the Comaneci device in the USA. METHOD: We reviewed all patients with WNAs that were treated using the Comaneci device for coil remodeling of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms at 4 institutions between July 2019 and May 2020. Clinical characteristics, angiographic variables, and endovascular results were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients were included (18 women). The mean age was 62.7 years (range 44-81). Fifteen patients presented with ruptured aneurysms and 11 with unruptured aneurysms. The mean aneurysm neck width was 3.91 mm (range 1.9-6.5) with a mean dome-to-neck ratio of 1.57 (range 0.59-3.39). The mean maximum width was 5.80 mm (range 3.0-9.9) and the mean maximum height was 5.61 mm (range 2.0-11.8). Successful aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 25 of 26 patients. Complete occlusion was achieved in 16 patients, near-complete occlusion was observed in 9 patients, and 1 patient demonstrated residual filling. The mean time of device exposure was 24 min (range 8-76). No vasospasm was observed at the device location. Clot formation on the device was noted in 2 separate cases, but there were no clinical sequelae. There was 1 intraprocedural complication in a case that involved the simultaneous use of 2 Comaneci devices. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience shows that the Comaneci device is a promising and reliable tool that can safely support coil remodeling of WNAs.

Angio-anatomical study of the pterygovaginal artery based on cone-beam computed tomography.

PURPOSE: To investigate the anatomical characteristics and clinical implications of the pterygovaginal artery (PtVA), a recurrent branch from the distal internal maxillary artery (IMA), which courses through the pterygovaginal canal that connects the pterygopalatine fossa and nasopharynx. METHODS: Eighty-two patients with 90 sides of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) reconstructed from rotational angiography of the external or common carotid artery with a field of view covering the pterygopalatine fossa were retrospectively reviewed. The origin from the IMA, branching type, distribution, and anastomoses was evaluated. The underlying lesions were 36 hypervascular lesions with possible supply from PtVA (17 cavernous sinus arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), 6 anterior condylar AVFs, and 13 nasopharyngeal, parasellar, or paraclival tumors) and 46 other diseases. RESULTS: PtVA was identified in 75 sides (83%). It originated from the pterygopalatine segment of the IMA in 45 sides (60%) and from the pterygoid segment in 30 sides (40%). It arose independently (77%), sharing the common trunk with the Vidian artery (15%) or with other branches. It ran posteromedially through the pterygovaginal canal to supply the mucosa over the nasopharyngeal roof, the choanae, and the pharyngeal ostium of the eustachian tube. It anastomosed with the ascending pharyngeal artery (n=37), the accessory meningeal artery (n=7), and the mandibular artery from the petrous internal carotid artery (n=2). It served as a feeder of osseous AVFs and skull base tumors. CONCLUSION: PtVA was often identified by CBCT even in normal anatomy. Its detailed angio-anatomy could be evaluated in the presence of parasellar or paraclival hypervascular lesions.

Risk factors for intracerebral hemorrhage in patients with COVID-19.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) can be a devastating complication of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We aimed to assess risk factors associated with ICH in this population. We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted to NYU Langone Health system between March 1 and April 27 2020 with a positive nasopharyngeal swab polymerase chain reaction test result and presence of primary nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage or hemorrhagic conversion of ischemic stroke on neuroimaging. Patients with intracranial procedures, malignancy, or vascular malformation were excluded. We used regression models to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (OR, 95% CI) of the association between ICH and covariates. We also used regression models to determine association between ICH and mortality. Among 3824 patients admitted with COVID-19, 755 patients had neuroimaging and 416 patients were identified after exclusion criteria were applied. The mean (standard deviation) age was 69.3 (16.2), 35.8% were women, and 34.9% were on therapeutic anticoagulation. ICH occurred in 33 (7.9%) patients. Older age, non-Caucasian race, respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, and therapeutic anticoagulation were associated with ICH on univariate analysis (p < 0.01 for each variable). In adjusted regression models, anticoagulation use was associated with a five-fold increased risk of ICH (OR 5.26, 95% CI 2.33-12.24, p < 0.001). ICH was associated with increased mortality (adjusted OR 2.6, 95 % CI 1.2-5.9). Anticoagulation use is associated with increased risk of ICH in patients with COVID-19. Further investigation is required to elucidate underlying mechanisms and prevention strategies in this population.

New Focus on Endovascular Therapy for Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Over the past 2 decades, a growing number of large-scale clinical trials have helped expand the toolkit for emergency management of acute ischemic stroke. This article is intended to be an up-to-date resource to aid nonstroke specialist neurology providers and ophthalmologists in identifying situations and patient populations in which urgent stroke evaluation should be completed with options for emergent reperfusion therapy considered. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The literature forming the foundation of the guidelines for early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke was reviewed, annotated, and summarized. RESULTS: Data from both initial and follow-up trials investigating the benefits and indications for use of intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular intervention for stroke are reviewed systematically, with an emphasis on new updates to qualifying patient populations and time periods for treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Recent studies underscore the conclusion that timely reperfusion in acute ischemic stroke is the most effective available treatment and that there are a growing number of new scenarios and patients for which interventions maybe applied.

Anticoagulation use and Hemorrhagic Stroke in SARS-CoV-2 Patients Treated at a New York Healthcare System.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: While the thrombotic complications of COVID-19 have been well described, there are limited data on clinically significant bleeding complications including hemorrhagic stroke. The clinical characteristics, underlying stroke mechanism, and outcomes in this particular subset of patients are especially salient as therapeutic anticoagulation becomes increasingly common in the treatment and prevention of thrombotic complications of COVID-19. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with hemorrhagic stroke (both non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage and spontaneous non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage) who were hospitalized between March 1, 2020, and May 15, 2020, within a major healthcare system in New York, during the coronavirus pandemic. Patients with hemorrhagic stroke on admission and who developed hemorrhage during hospitalization were both included. We compared the clinical characteristics of patients with hemorrhagic stroke and COVID-19 to those without COVID-19 admitted to our hospital system between March 1, 2020, and May 15, 2020 (contemporary controls), and March 1, 2019, and May 15, 2019 (historical controls). Demographic variables and clinical characteristics between the individual groups were compared using Fischer's exact test for categorical variables and nonparametric test for continuous variables. We adjusted for multiple comparisons using the Bonferroni method. RESULTS: During the study period in 2020, out of 4071 patients who were hospitalized with COVID-19, we identified 19 (0.5%) with hemorrhagic stroke. Of all COVID-19 with hemorrhagic stroke, only three had isolated non-aneurysmal SAH with no associated intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Among hemorrhagic stroke in patients with COVID-19, coagulopathy was the most common etiology (73.7%); empiric anticoagulation was started in 89.5% of these patients versus 4.2% in contemporary controls (p ≤ .001) and 10.0% in historical controls (p ≤ .001). Compared to contemporary and historical controls, patients with COVID-19 had higher initial NIHSS scores, INR, PTT, and fibrinogen levels. Patients with COVID-19 also had higher rates of in-hospital mortality (84.6% vs. 4.6%, p ≤ 0.001). Sensitivity analyses excluding patients with strictly subarachnoid hemorrhage yielded similar results. CONCLUSION: We observed an overall low rate of imaging-confirmed hemorrhagic stroke among patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Most hemorrhages in patients with COVID-19 infection occurred in the setting of therapeutic anticoagulation and were associated with increased mortality. Further studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of therapeutic anticoagulation in patients with COVID-19.

The Effect of Hyperglycemia on Infarct Growth after Reperfusion: An Analysis of the DEFUSE 3 trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Brain infarct growth, despite successful reperfusion, decreases the likelihood of good functional outcome after ischemic stroke. In patients undergoing reperfusion, admission glucose is associated with poor outcome but the effect of glucose level on infarct growth is not well studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of the DEFUSE 3 trial. The primary predictor was baseline glucose level and the primary outcome is the change of the ischemic core volume from the baseline to 24-hour follow-up imaging (∆core), transformed as a cube root to reduce right skew. We included DEFUSE 3 patients who were randomized to endovascular therapy, had perfusion imaging data at baseline, an MRI at 24 hours, and who achieved TICI 2b or 3. Linear regression models, both unadjusted and adjusted, were fit to the primary outcome and all models included the baseline core volume as a covariate to normalize ∆core. RESULTS: We identified 62 patients who met our inclusion criteria. The mean age was 68.1±13.1 (years), 48.4% (30/62) were men, and the median (IQR) cube root of ∆core was 2.8 (2.0-3.8) mL. There was an association between baseline glucose level and normalized ∆core in unadjusted analysis (beta coefficient 0.010, p = 0.01) and after adjusting for potential confounders (beta coefficient 0.008, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: In acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion undergoing successful endovascular reperfusion, baseline hyperglycemia is associated with infarction growth. Further study is needed to establish potential neuroprotective benefits of aggressive glycemic control prior to and after reperfusion.

Endovascular Treatment of Infective Endocarditis-Related Acute Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke.

OBJECTIVES: Embolic stroke is a frequent complication of infective endocarditis yet lacks acute treatment as intravenous thrombolysis should be avoided due to high risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. Mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion may be a promising treatment but there is limited data on safety outcomes in infective endocarditis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multi-center retrospective case series, we reviewed data from patients with infective endocarditis-related large vessel occlusion who underwent mechanical thrombectomy in 9 US hospitals. RESULTS: We identified 15 patients at 9 hospitals. A minority presented with signs suggesting infection (2 patients (14%) had fever, 7 (47%) were tachycardic, 2 (13%) were hypotensive, and 8 (53%) had leukocytosis). The median National Institute of Health Stroke Score decreased from 19 (range 9-25) at presentation to 7 post-thrombectomy (range 0-22, median best score post-thrombectomy), and the median modified Rankin Scale on or after discharge for survivors was 3 (range 0-6). Approximately 57% of patients had a modified Rankin Scale between 0 and 3 on or after discharge. Hemorrhagic transformation was observed in 7/15 (47%). The mechanical thrombectomy group had 2/9 petechial hemorrhagic transformation (22%), compared to 4/6 parenchymal hematomas (67%) in the tissue plasminogen activator + mechanical thrombectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that patients with large vessel occlusion due to infective endocarditis may not present with overt signs of infection. Mechanical thrombectomy may be an effective treatment in this patient population for whom intravenous thrombolysis should be avoided.

Structural and Functional Imaging of the Retina in Central Retinal Artery Occlusion - Current Approaches and Future Directions.

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a form of acute ischemic stroke which affects the retina. Intravenous thrombolysis is emerging as a compelling therapeutic approach. However, it is not known which patients may benefit from this therapy because there are no imaging modalities that adequately distinguish viable retina from irreversibly infarcted retina. The inner retina receives arterial supply from the central retinal artery and there is robust collateralization between this circulation and the outer retinal circulation, provided by the posterior ciliary circulation. Fundus photography can show canonical changes associated with CRAO including a cherry-red spot, arteriolar boxcarring and retinal pallor. Fluorescein angiography provides 2-dimensional imaging of the retinal circulation and can distinguish a complete from a partial CRAO as well as central versus peripheral retinal non-perfusion. Transorbital ultrasonography may assay flow through the central retinal artery and is useful in the exclusion of other orbital pathology that can mimic CRAO. Optical coherence tomography provides structural information on the different layers of the retina and exploratory work has described its utility in determining the time since onset of ischemia. Two experimental techniques are discussed. 1) Retinal functional imaging permits generation of capillary perfusion maps and can assay retinal oxygenation and blood flow velocity. 2) Photoacoustic imaging combines the principles of optical excitation and ultrasonic detection and - in animal studies - has been used to determine the retinal oxygen metabolic rate. Future techniques to determine retinal viability in clinical practice will require rapid, easily used, and reproducible methods that can be deployed in the emergency setting.