Quantitative Time-of-Flight Head Magnetic Resonance Angiography of Cerebrovascular Disease.

BACKGROUND: Standard Cartesian time-of-flight (TOF) head magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is routinely used to evaluate the intracranial arteries, but does not provide quantitative hemodynamic information that is useful for patient risk stratification as well as for monitoring treatment and tracking changes in blood flow over time. Quantitative TOF (qTOF) MRA represents a new and efficient method for simultaneous evaluating the intracranial arteries and quantifying blood flow velocity, but it has not yet been evaluated in patients with cerebrovascular disease. PURPOSE: To evaluate qTOF for simultaneously evaluating the intracranial arteries and quantifying intracranial blood flow velocity in patients with cerebrovascular disease, without the need for a phase contrast (PC) scan. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. SUBJECTS: Twenty-four patients (18 female, 6 male) with cerebrovascular disease. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCES: Head MRA at 3 T using gradient-echo 3D qTOF, standard Cartesian TOF, and PC protocols. ASSESSMENT: Three independent readers assessed arterial image quality using a 4-point scale (1: non-diagnostic, 4: excellent) and artifact presence. Total and component flow velocities obtained with qTOF and PC were measured. STATISTICAL TESTS: Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, Gwet's AC2, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for absolute agreement, Bland-Altman analyses, tests of equal proportions. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Averaged across readers and compared to standard Cartesian TOF, qTOF significantly improved overall arterial image quality (3.8 ± 0.2 vs. 3.6 ± 0.5), image quality at locations of pathology (3.7 ± 0.5 vs. 3.4 ± 0.7), and increased the proportion of evaluations rated without artifacts (63.9% [46/72] vs. 37.5% [27/72]). qTOF significantly agreed with PC for total flow velocity (ICC = 0.71) and component flow velocity (ICC = 0.89). DATA CONCLUSION: qTOF angiography of the head matched or improved upon the image quality of standard Cartesian TOF, reduced image artifacts, and provided quantitative hemodynamic data, without the need for a PC scan. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Safety and efficacy of the Pipeline Flex embolization device with Shield Technology for the acute treatment of ruptured internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysms: a multi-institution case series.

OBJECTIVE: Ruptured blister, dissecting, and iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms are rare pathologies that pose significant challenges from a treatment standpoint. Endovascular treatment via flow diversion represents an increasingly popular option; however, drawbacks include the requirement for dual antiplatelet therapy and the potential for thromboembolic complications, particularly acute complications in the ruptured setting. The Pipeline Flex embolization device with Shield Technology (PED-Shield) offers reduced material thrombogenicity, which may aid in the treatment of ruptured internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysms. METHODS: The authors conducted a multi-institution, retrospective case series to determine the safety and efficacy of PED-Shield for the treatment of ruptured blister, dissecting, and iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms of the internal carotid artery. Clinical, radiographic, treatment, and outcomes data were collected. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included in the final analysis. Seventeen underwent placement of a single device, and 16 underwent placement of two devices. No thromboembolic complications occurred. Four patients were maintained on aspirin alone, and all others were treated with long-term dual antiplatelet therapy. Among patients with 3-month follow-up, 93.8% had a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2. Complete occlusion at follow-up was observed in 82.6% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: PED-Shield represents a new option for the treatment of ruptured blister, dissecting, and iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms of the internal carotid artery. The reduced material thrombogenicity appeared to improve the safety of the PED-Shield device, as this series demonstrated no thromboembolic complications even among patients treated with only single antiplatelet therapy. The efficacy of PED-Shield reported in this series, particularly with placement of two devices, demonstrates its potential as a first-line treatment option for these pathologies.

A comparison of digital subtraction angiography and computed tomography angiography for the diagnosis of penetrating cerebrovascular injury.

OBJECTIVE: Penetrating cerebrovascular injury (PCVI) is a subset of traumatic brain injury (TBI) comprising a broad spectrum of cerebrovascular pathology, including traumatic pseudoaneurysms, direct arterial injury, venous sinus stenosis or occlusion, and traumatic dural arteriovenous fistulas. These can result in immediate or delayed vascular injury and consequent neurological morbidity. Current TBI guidelines recommend cerebrovascular imaging for detection, but there is no consensus on the optimum modality. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to compare CT angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for the diagnosis of PCVI. METHODS: The records of all patients presenting to two level I trauma centers in the United States between January 2010 and July 2016 with penetrating head or neck trauma were reviewed. Only those who had undergone both CTA and DSA were included. Clinical and neuroimaging data were collected, and PCVIs were stratified using a modified Biffl grading scheme. DSA and CTA results were then compared. RESULTS: Of 312 patients with penetrating trauma over the study period, 56 patients (91% male, mean age 32 years) with PCVI met inclusion criteria and constituted the study cohort. The mechanism of injury was a gunshot wound in 86% (48/56) of patients. Twenty-four (43%) patients had sustained an angiographically confirmed arterial or venous injury. Compared with DSA as the gold standard, CTA had a sensitivity and specificity of 72% and 63%, respectively, for identifying PCVI. CTA had a positive predictive value of 61% and negative predictive value of 70%. Seven patients (13%) required immediate endovascular treatment of PCVI; in 3 (43%) of these patients, the injury was not identified on CTA. Twenty-two patients (39%) underwent delayed DSA an average of 25 days after injury; 2 (9%) of these patients were found to harbor new pathological conditions requiring treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective analysis of PCVI at two large trauma centers, CTA demonstrated low sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the diagnosis of PCVI. These findings suggest that DSA provides better accuracy than CTA in the diagnosis of both immediate and delayed PCVI and should be considered for patients experiencing penetrating head or neck trauma.

Role of matrix metalloproteinases in the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms.

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are a result of complex interactions between biochemical and mechanical forces and can lead to significant morbidity if they rupture and cause subarachnoid hemorrhage. This review explores the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the pathogenesis and progression of IAs. In addition to providing a review of the normal function of MMPs, it is intended to explore the interaction between inflammation and abnormal blood flow and the resultant pathological vascular remodeling processes seen in the development and rupture of IAs. Also reviewed is the potential for the use of MMPs as a diagnostic tool for assessment of aneurysm development and progression.

PHACE syndrome is associated with intracranial cavernous malformations.

INTRODUCTION: PHACE syndrome is a neurocutaneous disorder involving large facial hemangiomas in association with posterior fossa abnormalities, cerebral arterial anomalies, cardiac defects, and eye abnormalities. A recent consensus statement has delineated criteria necessary for the diagnosis of PHACE syndrome. Extracutaneous manifestations of PHACE syndrome predominately affect the cerebrovascular system. To date, there are no reports of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) in children with PHACE syndrome. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of children admitted to the Children''s Hospital of Pittsburgh who met criteria for PHACE syndrome, and evaluated neuroimaging for cerebrovascular abnormalities, including the finding of CCMs. RESULTS: Six children met criteria for PHACE syndrome at our institution over a 10-year period. All children were female. All children had cerebrovascular abnormalities sufficient to meet major criteria for diagnosis. Four children (66.7 %) were found incidentally to have CCMs; all lesions measured less than 5 mm at the time of diagnosis and were asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: At present, CCMs are not listed among the diagnostic criteria for PHACE syndrome, and they have not previously been reported in association with PHACE syndrome. Hypoxic injury in utero may be the common denominator in the pathogenesis of many of the abnormalities already accepted in the criteria for PHACE syndrome and the formation of CCMs. In the setting of PHACE syndrome, we encourage clinicians to evaluate children for CCMs, which are readily apparent on the already-recommended screening MRIs.

Bevacizumab for symptomatic radiation-induced tumor enlargement in pediatric low grade gliomas.

BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy (RT)-induced effects in children treated for low grade glioma (LGG) can result in worsening of neurologic symptoms and clinical and radiographic deterioration. Treatment for radiation-induced tumor enlargement is based on symptom control and usually involves steroids. PROCEDURE: We conducted a retrospective review of children with LGG treated with RT who developed symptomatic radiation-induced tumor enlargement and were managed with bevacizumab. Charts were abstracted for onset and duration of RT changes, toxicity and doses of dexamethasone and bevacizumab. Tumor volumes prior to RT, at maximal size following RT, after bevacizumab administration, and at follow-up were evaluated. RESULTS: Five children were treated with bevacizumab for symptomatic radiation-induced tumor enlargement following RT for LGG at a median of 4.2 months (range, 1-11 months) after completion of RT. The median increase in volume of tumor was 195.4% (range, 115.5-309%) compared to the pre-RT volume. Bevacizumab 5-10 mg/kg was administered IV q 2-4 weeks as primary treatment (n = 1) or to assist in weaning patients off steroids (n = 4). All children on high dose steroids (n = 4) were weaned off or to physiologic doses of hydrocortisone. Two children developed avascular necrosis after prolonged steroid use and while on bevacizumab. Radiographically, all children showed significant improvement and are now a median of 31 months (range, 18-50 months) from the completion of radiation without requiring additional tumor-related therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Bevacizumab can play an important role in children with symptomatic radiation changes following LGG treatment, allowing patients to avoid or minimize the toxicity of long-term steroid use. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:240-245. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The neurosurgical marriage: evaluating the interplay of work life and home life from the perspective of partners of neurosurgical residents.

OBJECTIVE: Burnout and work-life balance have been noted to be problems for residents across all fields of medicine, including neurosurgery. No studies to date have evaluated how these factors may contribute to issues outside of the hospital, specifically residents' home lives. This study aimed to evaluate the interplay between home life and work life of neurosurgical residents, specifically from the point of view of residents' significant others. METHODS: Online surveys were distributed to the significant others of neurosurgical residents at 12 US neurosurgery residencies. Residents' partners were asked about relationship dynamics, their views on neurosurgery residency (work-life balance and burnout), and their views of neurosurgery as a career. RESULTS: The majority of residents' significant others (84%) reported being satisfied with their relationship. Significant others who reported dissatisfaction with their relationship were more likely to report frustration with work-life balance and more likely to report their resident partner as having higher levels of burnout. CONCLUSIONS: From the perspective of neurosurgery residents' significant others, higher perceived levels of burnout and lower satisfaction with work-life balance are correlated with lower levels of relationship satisfaction. These findings speak to the complex interplay of work life and home life and can be used to inform future interventions into improving the quality of life for both the resident and the significant other.

Is a picture-perfect thrombectomy necessary in acute ischemic stroke?

BACKGROUND: The benefit of complete reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 3) over near-complete reperfusion (≥90%, mTICI 2c) remains unclear. The goal of this study is to compare clinical outcomes between mechanical thrombectomy (MT)-treated stroke patients with mTICI 2c versus 3. METHODS: This is a retrospective study from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) comprising 33 centers. Adults with anterior circulation arterial vessel occlusion who underwent MT yielding mTICI 2c or mTICI 3 reperfusion were included. Patients were categorized based on reperfusion grade achieved. Primary outcome was modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2 at 90 days. Secondary outcomes were mRS scores at discharge and 90 days, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at discharge, procedure-related complications, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. RESULTS: The unmatched mTICI 2c and mTICI 3 cohorts comprised 519 and 1923 patients, respectively. There was no difference in primary (42.4% vs 45.1%; p=0.264) or secondary outcomes between the unmatched cohorts. Reperfusion status (mTICI 2c vs 3) was also not predictive of the primary outcome in non-imputed and imputed multivariable models. The matched cohorts each comprised 191 patients. Primary (39.8% vs 47.6%; p=0.122) and secondary outcomes were also similar between the matched cohorts, except the 90-day mRS which was lower in the matched mTICI 3 cohort (p=0.049). There were increased odds of the primary outcome with mTICI 3 in patients with baseline mRS ≥2 (36% vs 7.7%; p=0.011; pinteraction=0.014) and a history of stroke (42.3% vs 15.4%; p=0.027; pinteraction=0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Complete and near-complete reperfusion after MT appear to confer comparable outcomes in patients with acute stroke.

Should the Presence of Spondylodiscitis Alter the Surgical Treatment of Patients with Symptomatic Ventral Cervical Epidural Abscesses? An Institutional Analysiss.

BACKGROUND: Spinal epidural abscess is a rare pathology with an incidence that has tripled in the past 2 decades. Ventral cervical epidural abscesses (vCEA) of the cervical spine pose particular treatment challenges because of the anatomical location. The aim of this report is to identify trends in the surgical management of these patients and to determine whether concomitant spondylodiscitis warrants fusion at the index surgery. METHODS: Patients presenting to a quaternary care institution from January 2009 to December 2018 with isolated vCEA were identified. Patients were excluded if they had dorsal or circumferential epidural abscesses. Clinical and radiographic data were collected. Patients with vCEA were stratified by the presence or absence of spondylodiscitis upon presentation. Clinical outcomes analyzed included neurological sequelae and the need for revision surgery. RESULTS: During the 10-year study period, 36 patients presented with symptomatic isolated vCEA and constituted the study cohort; 16 (44%) had concurrent spondylodiscitis. All 36 patients underwent surgical decompression; the initial surgical approach was anterior-only for 7 patients (19%), posterior-only for 27 patients (75%), and and a combined approach for 2 patients (6%). Four patients from the total cohort (11%) ultimately required a revision operation; all 4 were from the subset with concurrent spondylodiscitis (25% vs. 0%, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: vCEA can be evacuated safely and effectively by a variety of strategies in patients with neurologic deficits. Concomitant spondylodiscitis with cervical epidural abscess may warrant instrumented fusion as part of the initial surgical strategy.

Urgent Treatment for Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis: The Pittsburgh Revascularization and Treatment Emergently After Stroke (PIRATES) Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis remain at high risk of early recurrent stroke without revascularization. This risk must be balanced against a higher rate of periprocedural complications associated with early revascularization. OBJECTIVE: To analyze prospectively recorded data from an institutional protocol that standardized the urgent (<48 h) treatment of patients presenting with symptomatic carotid stenosis and underwent either carotid stenting (CAS) or carotid endarterectomy (CEA). METHODS: All patients presenting over 28 mo to a comprehensive stroke center with symptomatic carotid stenosis within 48 h of index event were screened for inclusion. All patients were given dual-antiplatelet therapy. If there was clinical equipoise between CEA and CAS, patients underwent angiography and subsequently revascularization if digital subtraction angiography demonstrated ≥50% stenosis. The primary outcome was a composite of stroke or death within 30 d. RESULTS: This study included 178 patients with a diagnosis of recently symptomatic carotid stenosis; 120 patients (67%) met the criteria. A total of 59 patients underwent CEA and 61 patients underwent CAS. There were not significant differences in the primary outcome; 3 patients (5.1%) in the CEA arm and 3 patients (4.9%) in the CAS arm met the primary outcome. CONCLUSION: In this prospective analysis, urgent revascularization for symptomatic carotid stenosis can be done with equivalently low rates of stroke or death, regardless of revascularization strategy.

In Pursuit of Balance: The UPMC Neurosurgery Wellness Initiative.

BACKGROUND: Burnout among physicians has been a topic of growing interest in both the scientific and the lay press. It has been well established that burnout and perceived inequity in work-life balance can contribute to poor physician work satisfaction and poorer patient outcomes. To better understand burnout among neurosurgery residents at our institution, we systematically surveyed residents for symptoms of burnout and enacted responsive protocols to try to combat its deleterious effects. METHODS: Before and after the institution of a series of initiatives aimed at combating burnout, residents were surveyed to assess for symptoms of burnout, strength of relationships, and status of physical and mental health. Initiatives included gym access and group gym visits, a mentoring program, and a lecture series targeting multiple facets of health and well-being. RESULTS: Nearly two thirds of neurosurgery residents demonstrated ≥1 signs of burnout at a moderate to severe level before and after the first year of our wellness initiative. Residents reported that work schedule and time availability were obstacles in focusing on their own personal health and wellness (utilization preventive health care visits, participation in group gym activities). Less than half of residents were content with their work-life balance. CONCLUSIONS: Making a significant change in burnout rates in neurosurgery will require a number of key factors, including targeted initiatives that focus on specific local needs, honest buy-in by departmental leaders, and recognition by the physicians themselves that a problem exists.

Leksell Radiosurgery for Orbital, Uveal, and Choroidal Tumors.

Stereotactic radiosurgery using the Leksell Gamma Knife has proven to be a valuable alternative to orbital enucleation or fractionated radiation therapy for primary tumors of the orbit, metastatic tumors to the choroid, and primary uveal melanomas. With this approach in a single outpatient setting, the eye is immobilized by a local block after which high-definition MRI or CT is performed to define the target. After rapid dose planning, radiation delivery is completed before the local block dissipates. The tumor response is often dramatic. The risk of acute narrow-angle glaucoma, radiation-related retinopathy, or cataract formation has been relatively low. Other worldwide centers have confirmed that this approach is superior to either enucleation or fractionated radiation therapy for these relatively rare problems.

Management and outcomes of isolated interhemispheric subdural hematomas associated with falx syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Large interhemispheric subdural hematomas (iSDHs) causing falx syndrome are rare; therefore, a paucity of data exists regarding the outcomes of contemporary management of iSDH. There is a general consensus among neurosurgeons that large iSDHs with neurological deficits represent a particular treatment challenge with generally poor outcomes. Thus, radiological and clinical outcomes of surgical and nonsurgical management for iSDH bear further study, which is the aim of this report. METHODS: A prospectively collected, single-institution trauma database was searched for patients with isolated traumatic iSDH causing falx syndrome in the period from January 2008 to January 2018. Information on demographic and radiological characteristics, serial neurological examinations, clinical and radiological outcomes, and posttreatment complications was collected and tallied. The authors subsequently dichotomized patients by management strategy to evaluate clinical outcome and 30-day survival. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (0.4% of those with intracranial injuries, 0.05% of those with trauma) with iSDH and falx syndrome represented the study cohort. The average age was 73.4 years, and most patients (23 [92%] of 25) were taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications. Six patients were managed nonoperatively, and 19 patients underwent craniotomy for iSDH evacuation; of the latter patients, 17 (89.5%) had improvement in or resolution of motor deficits postoperatively. There were no instances of venous infarction, reaccumulation, or infection after evacuation. In total, 9 (36%) of the 25 patients died within 30 days, including 6 (32%) of the 19 who had undergone craniotomy and 3 (50%) of the 6 who had been managed nonoperatively. Patients who died within 30 days were significantly more likely to experience in-hospital neurological deterioration prior to surgery (83% vs 15%, p = 0.0095) and to be comatose prior to surgery (100% vs 23%, p = 0.0031). The median modified Rankin Scale score of surgical patients who survived hospitalization (13 patients) was 1 at a mean follow-up of 22.1 months. CONCLUSIONS: iSDHs associated with falx syndrome can be evacuated safely and effectively, and prompt surgical evacuation prior to neurological deterioration can improve outcomes. In this study, craniotomy for iSDH evacuation proved to be a low-risk strategy that was associated with generally good outcomes, though appropriately selected patients may fare well without evacuation.

A clinical comparison of Atlas and LVIS Jr stent-assisted aneurysm coiling.

BACKGROUND: Case series have described the safety and efficacy of LVIS Jr and Atlas stent-assisted aneurysm coiling, but their comparative clinical performance has not yet been formally studied. OBJECTIVE: To clinically compare LVIS Jr and Atlas stents, emphasizing comparative rates of technical success and complications. METHODS: Our institutional endovascular database was queried for aneurysms treated by stent-assisted coiling with either the LVIS Jr or Atlas stents. Demographic data, aneurysm information, treatment technique, periprocedural and device-related complications, and initial and follow-up angiographic results were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients underwent Atlas stent placement and 27 patients underwent LVIS Jr stent placement for aneurysm coiling. There was no significant difference in aneurysm location, size, coiling technique, and coil packing density between the two cohorts. The rate of initial Raymond 1 occlusion was significantly greater in the Atlas cohort (57% vs 41%, P=0.03). The rate of postoperative ischemic complications, both clinically apparent and as defined on postoperative MRI diffusion-weighted imaging, did not significantly differ between the two groups. Follow-up DSA demonstrated a significantly greater rate of Raymond 1 or 2 occlusion for the Atlas cohort (100% vs 81%, P=0.04), and a significantly lower rate of in-stent stenosis (0% vs 19%, P=0.04). CONCLUSION: This institutional analysis demonstrates greater obliteration rates and lower in-stent stenosis rates for aneurysms treated via Atlas stent-assisted coiling as compared with those treated via LVIS Jr stent-assisted coiling.

Pipeline Embolization of an Infectious Basilar Artery Aneurysm in a 2-Year-Old Child: Case Report, Discussion of the Literature and Perioperative Considerations.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Flow diversion of intracranial aneurysms has been rarely described in the pediatric population. Here we discuss the technical and perioperative complexities inherent in the flow diversion of an infectious basilar apex aneurysm in a 2-yr-old child with significant medical comorbidities. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Following judicious oral administration of dual anti-platelet agents and intra-arterial administration of calcium channel blockers to treat vasospasm, standard endovascular procedures were used to place a flow diverting stent across the neck of a rapidly enlarging infectious aneurysm of the basilar apex.Following the uncomplicated procedure, the patient demonstrated progressive thrombosis of the previously noted basilar apex aneurysm over a 3-mo period. The patient was therefore felt to be safe to proceed with, and eventually underwent, uncomplicated orthotopic heart transplant. CONCLUSION: Flow diversion of complex intracranial aneurysms in pediatric patients with significant medical comorbidities is feasible and safe; however, considerations have to be made in the pre- and perioperative care of these patients given the propensity for low-weight and complicated systemic disease processes.

5-French SOFIA: Safe Access and Support in the Anterior Cerebral Artery, Posterior Cerebral Artery, and Insular Middle Cerebral Artery.

INTRODUCTION: Distal access catheters are an infrequent focus of technical notes in neurointervention. The 5-French SOFIA's unique design allows for compatibility with 6-French guide catheters, while its supple construction allows for remarkably distal access for a catheter with a 0.055-inch inner diameter. METHODS: The authors reviewed a prospectively maintained endovascular database for cases utilizing the 5-French SOFIA from February 2017 through November 2017. Case type, SOFIA location, microcatheter used, and catheter-related complications were noted. RESULTS: Over the evaluated period, the 5-French SOFIA was utilized in 33 cases, including 13 aneurysm treatments, 10 arteriovenous shunt embolizations, 5 stroke thrombectomies, and 5 other cases. Of 5 flow diversion cases, 1 was for a symptomatic cavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm necessitating transradial access, another for a ruptured A3 aneurysm, and another for a middle cerebral artery (M2) aneurysm; 2 were more proximal aneurysms. Thrombectomies were for M2 (n = 3) or A2 (n = 2) occlusions. In all cases, the 5-French SOFIA reached its anticipated distal target without complication or the need to utilize a smaller/alternative catheter. Of these 33 cases, there were 10 cases of distal SOFIA target locations: 6 M2/M3, 3 anterior cerebral arteries (ACA), and 1 posterior cerebral artery (PCA). M2/M3 and PCA catheterization was achieved over 2.1-Fr microcatheters; ACA catheterization employed a 2.9-Fr microcatheter for pipeline embolization and a deployed stentriever in the setting of two thrombectomies. CONCLUSION: The 5-French SOFIA can be safely utilized for distal, superselective catheterization in the context of complex neurointervention, including aneurysm and arteriovenous shunt embolization and distal thrombectomy.

Pericallosal aneurysm coiling with a "hubbed" 167 cm 0.013″ headway duo via a transradial approach.

Cerebral aneurysms in patients with extreme proximal tortuosity may contraindicate endovascular therapy as a result of both the approach and an inability to navigate a coil-compatible microcatheter into the aneurysm due to microcatheter length. We present a 72 year-old male with multiple medical comorbidities admitted with a grade 3, ruptured pericallosal aneurysm. Aortoiliac disease contraindicated a transfemoral approach and thus a 6 French 105 cm guide catheter was advanced through a 6 French short radial sheath into a bovine left common carotid artery. After straightening proximal access anatomy with an Amplatz wire to allow advancement of the guide catheter into the internal carotid artery, a 167 cm 0.013 in. headway duo was advanced through a 5 French Sofia through the guide catheter and "hubbed" to enter the aneurysm. The aneurysm was then successfully coil embolized with 4 Target Ultrasoft coils. This case illustrates the utility of a 167 cm microcatheter for coil embolization of a pericallosal aneurysm with significant proximal tortuosity via a transradial approach. Despite its 0.013 in. inner diameter and length, common Target coils were compatible and deployed without incident.

Intravenous Drug Use Is Novel Predictor of Infectious Intracranial Aneurysms in Patients with Infective Endocarditis.

INTRODUCTION: Infectious intracranial aneurysms (IIAs) are a rare but potentially devastating complication of infective endocarditis. The clinical and radiographic findings that predispose patients to IIA remain poorly understood. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of consecutive endocarditis patients undergoing catheter-based angiography at a single tertiary-level academic center during the period of July 2013-December 2017. Patient records were reviewed for clinical and radiographic characteristics that may be associated with IIA. Multivariate regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between clinical and radiographic characteristics and presence of IIA on invasive imaging. RESULTS: Of 92 patients included in this analysis, 12 of them with 19 IIAs were discovered. Univariate analysis identified age, male sex, presence of hemorrhage, and history of IV drug use (IVDU) as predictors of IIA presence. After multivariate analysis, only intracranial hemorrhage and IVDU remained as independent predictors of IIA. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of hemorrhage on noninvasive imaging and history of IVDU are independently predictive of IIA presence in patients with infectious endocarditis. Risk stratification using these 2 factors may help identify the most vulnerable populations for IIA formation.

Seeing Is Believing: Headway27 as a Highly Visible and Versatile Microcatheter with Ideal Dimensions for Stroke Thrombectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Microcatheter selection is an infrequent focus of stroke thrombectomy technique evaluation. The Headway27 microcatheter strikes an excellent balance of microcatheter dimensions (156 cm length, 2.6 Fr distal OD, ID 0.027 inches) and visibility, making it ideal for stroke thrombectomy. METHODS: We evaluated a prospectively maintained acute stroke thrombectomy database containing 50 consecutive cases using the Headway27 microcatheter. From the database, patient demographics, clinical and angiographic information as well as procedural technical details and complications were extracted. RESULTS: Manual aspiration thrombectomy (MAT) was performed alone in 72% of cases, stentriever-assisted MAT was performed in 6% of cases, and a combination was used in 22% of cases. Median groin puncture to final recanalization time was 27 min and mTICI 2B/3 recanalization was achieved in 94% of cases. There were 2 intra-procedural complications, neither related to the microcatheter. In all cases, the Headway27 reached the intended target vessel: M1 (n = 4), M2 (n = 26), M3 (n = 13), P2 (n = 3), P3 (n = 1), and basilar artery (n = 3). There were no cases requiring usage of an additional or alternative microcatheter. In 45/47 cases of MAT, the reperfusion catheter tracked over the Headway to the clot/intended target; in two cases, the microcatheter was used to deploy a stentriever that then allowed the reperfusion catheter to track to the clot. CONCLUSION: The Headway27 microcatheter reliably facilitated rapid clot access in anterior and posterior circulation acute large vessel occlusions with no microcatheter-associated complications.