Trial of Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke with Large Infarct.

BACKGROUND: The role of endovascular therapy for acute stroke with a large infarction has not been extensively studied in differing populations. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, prospective, open-label, randomized trial in China involving patients with acute large-vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation and an Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score of 3 to 5 (range, 0 to 10, with lower values indicating larger infarction) or an infarct-core volume of 70 to 100 ml. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio within 24 hours from the time they were last known to be well to undergo endovascular therapy and receive medical management or to receive medical management alone. The primary outcome was the score on the modified Rankin scale at 90 days (scores range from 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating greater disability), and the primary objective was to determine whether a shift in the distribution of the scores on the modified Rankin scale at 90 days had occurred between the two groups. Secondary outcomes included scores of 0 to 2 and 0 to 3 on the modified Rankin scale. The primary safety outcome was symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 48 hours after randomization. RESULTS: A total of 456 patients were enrolled; 231 were assigned to the endovascular-therapy group and 225 to the medical-management group. Approximately 28% of the patients in both groups received intravenous thrombolysis. The trial was stopped early owing to the efficacy of endovascular therapy after the second interim analysis. At 90 days, a shift in the distribution of scores on the modified Rankin scale toward better outcomes was observed in favor of endovascular therapy over medical management alone (generalized odds ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 1.69; P = 0.004). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 14 of 230 patients (6.1%) in the endovascular-therapy group and in 6 of 225 patients (2.7%) in the medical-management group; any intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 113 (49.1%) and 39 (17.3%), respectively. Results for the secondary outcomes generally supported those of the primary analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In a trial conducted in China, patients with large cerebral infarctions had better outcomes with endovascular therapy administered within 24 hours than with medical management alone but had more intracranial hemorrhages. (Funded by Covidien Healthcare International Trading [Shanghai] and others; ANGEL-ASPECT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04551664.).

Association of Mismatch Profiles and Clinical Outcome from Endovascular Therapy in Large Infarct: A Post-Hoc Analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT Trial.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether patients with large infarct and the presence or absence of perfusion mismatch are associated with endovascular treatment benefit. METHODS: This is a post-hoc analysis of the Endovascular Therapy in Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion with a Large Infarct (ANGEL-ASPECT) randomized trial, which enrolled patients within 24 hours of onset with ASPECTS 3 to 5 or ASPECTS 0 to 2 with an infarct core 70 to 100 ml. Mismatch ratio was defined as time-to-maximum (Tmax) >6 s cerebral volume/ischemic core volume, and mismatch volume was defined as Tmax >6 s volume minus ischemic core volume. We divided patients into mismatch ratio ≥1.2 and mismatch volume ≥10 ml, and mismatch ratio ≥1.8 and mismatch volume ≥15 ml groups. The primary outcome was the 90-day modified Rankin Scale score ordinal distribution. Safety outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 90-day mortality. RESULTS: There were 425 patients included. In both the mismatch ratio ≥1.2 and mismatch volume ≥10 ml (mismatch+, n = 395; mismatch-, n = 31) and mismatch ratio ≥1.8 and mismatch volume ≥15 ml groups (mismatch+, n = 346; mismatch-, n = 80), better 90-day modified Rankin Scale outcomes were found in the endovascular treatment group compared with the MM group (4 [2-5] vs 4 [3-5], common odds ratio [cOR], 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-2.7, p = 0.001; 4 [2-5] vs 4 [3-5], cOR, 1.9, 95% CI 1.3-2.8, p = 0.001, respectively), but not in patients without mismatch ratio ≥1.2 and mismatch volume ≥10 ml (5 [3-6] vs 5 [4-6], cOR, 1.2, 95% CI 0.3-4.1, p = 0.83), and mismatch ratio ≥1.8 and mismatch volume ≥15 ml (4 [3-6] vs 5 [3-6], cOR, 1.2, 95% CI 0.6-2.7, p = 0.60). However, no interaction effect was found in both subgroups (p interaction >0.10). CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment was more efficacious than MM in patients with mismatch profiles, but no treatment effect or interaction was noted in the no mismatch profile patients. However, the small sample size of patients with no mismatch may have underpowered our analysis. A pooled analysis of large core trials stratified by mismatch is warranted. ANN NEUROL 2024.

Mechanical Thrombectomy Global Access For Stroke (MT-GLASS): A Mission Thrombectomy (MT-2020 Plus) Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the well-established potent benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke, access to MT has not been studied globally. We conducted a worldwide survey of countries on 6 continents to define MT access (MTA), the disparities in MTA, and its determinants on a global scale. METHODS: Our survey was conducted in 75 countries through the Mission Thrombectomy 2020+ global network between November 22, 2020, and February 28, 2021. The primary end points were the current annual MTA, MT operator availability, and MT center availability. MTA was defined as the estimated proportion of patients with LVO receiving MT in a given region annually. The availability metrics were defined as ([current MT operators×50/current annual number of estimated thrombectomy-eligible LVOs]×100 = MT operator availability) and ([current MT centers×150/current annual number of estimated thrombectomy-eligible LVOs]×100= MT center availability). The metrics used optimal MT volume per operator as 50 and an optimal MT volume per center as 150. Multivariable-adjusted generalized linear models were used to evaluate factors associated with MTA. RESULTS: We received 887 responses from 67 countries. The median global MTA was 2.79% (interquartile range, 0.70-11.74). MTA was <1.0% for 18 (27%) countries and 0 for 7 (10%) countries. There was a 460-fold disparity between the highest and lowest nonzero MTA regions and low-income countries had 88% lower MTA compared with high-income countries. The global MT operator availability was 16.5% of optimal and the MT center availability was 20.8% of optimal. On multivariable regression, country income level (low or lower-middle versus high: odds ratio, 0.08 [95% CI, 0.04-0.12]), MT operator availability (odds ratio, 3.35 [95% CI, 2.07-5.42]), MT center availability (odds ratio, 2.86 [95% CI, 1.84-4.48]), and presence of prehospital acute stroke bypass protocol (odds ratio, 4.00 [95% CI, 1.70-9.42]) were significantly associated with increased odds of MTA. CONCLUSIONS: Access to MT on a global level is extremely low, with enormous disparities between countries by income level. The significant determinants of MT access are the country's per capita gross national income, prehospital LVO triage policy, and MT operator and center availability.

Cytomegalovirus pneumonia with intermittent pulmonary hemorrhage leading to asphyxia death: a case report and literature review.

Neonatal pulmonary hemorrhage is a late manifestation of various diseases. Premature delivery and low body weight are frequently observed as high-risk factors, characterized by acute onset, rapid progression, and high mortality rates. Pulmonary hemorrhage caused by cytomegalovirus infection in newborns with normal immune function is a rare occurrence. This case report focuses on a term neonate with normal birth weight who presented solely with nasal obstruction shortly after birth. However, 4 days after birth, the newborn experienced a sudden onset of blood gushing from both the mouth and nasal cavity. The patient was diagnosed with gastrointestinal bleeding, neonatal pneumonia and neonatal lung consolidation. And he was discharged after ten days of symptomatic treatment. However, upon returning home, the patient experienced a sudden onset of bleeding from the mouth and nose, leading to his untimely demise. Subsequent autopsy revealed the presence of pulmonary hemorrhage in newborn, which presented as interstitial pneumonia. The cause of pulmonary hemorrhage is cytomegalovirus infection. This case emphasizes the importance of pediatricians enhancing their skills in differentiating pulmonary hemorrhage, especially from cytomegalovirus pneumonia.

Outcomes of antiplatelet therapy before endovascular treatment of acute large vessel occlusion: Data from the ANGEL-ACT registry.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether single or dual antiplatelet therapy (SAPT or DAPT) within 24 hours before endovascular treatment (EVT) could improve the clinical outcomes of patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). METHODS: Patients from the ANGEL-ACT registry were divided into antiplatelet therapy (APT) and non-APT groups. The APT group was divided into SAPT and DAPT groups. Outcome measurement included 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) distribution, change in the NIHSS at 7 days or discharge, number of passes, modified first pass effect (mFPE), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH), and mortality within 90 days. To compare the outcomes, we performed multivariable analyses by adjusting for the propensity score calculated by the logistic regression model. RESULTS: Of 1611 patients, 1349 were in the non-APT group, while 262 (16.3 %) were in the APT group (122 [46.6 %] received SAPT, 140 [53.4 %] received DAPT). APT, SAPT or DAPT were not associated with a shift to better outcomes (non-APT vs. APT, 3[0-5] vs. 3[0-5], common odds ratio [OR], 1.04, 95 %confidence interval [CI]:0.82-1.34, P = 0.734). DAPT was associated with mFPE (OR,2.05, 95 %CI:1.39-3.01, P<0.001), more NIHSS reduction at 7 days or discharge (ß, -2.13, 95 %CI: -4.02--0.24, P = 0.028), lower number of passes (ß, -0.40, 95 %CI: -0.68--0.12, P=0.006), and shorter procedure duration (ß, -12.4, 95 %CI: -23.74--1.05, P = 0.032) without increasing odds of successful recanalization, PH within 24 hours and mortality with 90 days . CONCLUSIONS: APT before MT for AIS due to LVO does not affect clinical outcome in 90 days despite a tendency to reduce MT procedure time and number of passes. APT before MT in LVO does not increase SICH or mortality rates.

Sex-Related Differences in Outcomes of Endovascular Treatment for Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Sex disparities in acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) following endovascular treatment (EVT) have been recently reported. However, there is uncertainty about the effect of sex differences on functional outcomes after EVT, particularly in an Asian population. The present study aimed to compare the clinical and safety outcomes between men and women with anterior circulation LVO treated with EVT. METHODS: We analyzed data from the ANGEL-ACT (Endovascular Treatment Key Technique and Emergency Work Flow Improvement of Acute Ischemic Stroke: a Prospective Multicenter Registry Study) Registry, which was conducted at 111 hospitals from 26 provinces in China between November 2017 and March 2019. Men and women with anterior circulation LVO treated with EVT were matched using propensity scores. After a 1:1 propensity score matching, we compared the clinical outcomes including 90-day ordinal modified Rankin Scale distribution (primary outcome), procedure duration, successful reperfusion, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and mortality. Furthermore, we explored sex modification on the primary outcome in subgroup analysis. RESULTS: Of 1321 patients, 483 (36.6%) were women and 838 (63.4%) were men. The mean age for women and men were 68 and 62 years old, respectively. Among 578 patients identified after matching, there were no sex differences (men versus women) in 90-day ordinal modified Rankin Scale distribution (median [interquartile range], 4 [1-5] versus 3 [1-5], P=0.464), successful reperfusion (86.5% versus 91.0%, P=0.089), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (6.5% versus 7.9%, P=0.512), and mortality within 90 days (17.7% versus 17.0%, P=0.826). However, men had a longer median procedure duration than women (86 [52-128] versus 72 [48-110] minutes, ß=14.51, [95% CI, 4.19-24.84]; P=0.006). Subgroup analysis showed that in patients with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score <15, women tended to have a better outcome than men, whereas there was no gender effect in those with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥15 (P for interaction=0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this matched-control study from the ANGEL-ACT study showed similar clinical outcomes between men and women with anterior circulation LVO treated with EVT. However, in the subgroup of patients presenting with lower stroke severity (ie, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score <15), women tended to have a better outcome than men highlighting a potential sex disparity for further investigation. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT03370939.

The Effects of Pressure Gradient on Papilledema Improvement After Venous Sinus Stenting in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the pressure gradient on papilledema after stenting in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) patients and venous sinus stenosis (VSS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, we examined 121 patients with IIH and VSS who underwent stenting. The papilledema Frisen grade at the 1-month follow-up was used as a grouping factor (favorable outcome: 0-1; unfavorable outcome: 2-5). We used multivariable logistic regression modeling to determine independent predictors of favorable outcome. The performance of the prediction model was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: A total of 96 patients had papilledema grades 0 to 1, and 25 patients had papilledema grades 2 to 5. Patients with the first group had significantly lower gradient pressures preoperatively (15.2 mmHg vs. 21.4 mmHg, p=0.001) and postoperatively (2 mmHg vs. 3.3 mmHg, p=0.002) relative to those in the second group. Multivariate analysis indicated that preoperative pressure gradient (odds ratio [OR] = 1.119; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.034-1.211]) and postoperative pressure gradient (OR = 1.498; 95% CI = 1.147-1.957) were independent predictors of favorable outcome. In the ROC analysis, the cut-off pressure gradient for the highest sensitivity (0.44) and specificity (0.874) was 22.75 mmHg, with a Youden's index of 0.314. Survival analysis demonstrated that patients with a preoperative pressure gradient <22.75 mmHg had more rapid improvement of papilledema than did those with a pressure gradient >22.75 mmHg (mean+SD: 2.639+0.382 [95% CI: 1.890-3.388] versus mean+SD: 3.882+0.884 [95% CI: 2.149-5.616]; p=0.004). CONCLUSION: A significant reduction in the pressure gradient appears to be strongly correlated with the success of VSS in patients with IIH. A higher preoperative pressure gradient may reduce stenting efficacy in patients with IIH. CLINICAL IMPACT: Venous sinus stenting has the potential to yield substantial clinical advantages in individuals diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension with venous sinus stenosis. Nevertheless, a heightened preoperative pressure gradient could lead to less favorable results. Thus, the early adoption of venous sinus stenting is advised to avert additional irreversible clinical deterioration among idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients with venous sinus stenosis.

History of Neurointervention.

In this review article, we aim to provide a summary of the discoveries and developments that were instrumental in the evolution of the Neurointerventional field. We begin with developments in the advent of Diagnostic Cerebral Angiography and progress to cerebral aneurysm treatment, embolization in AVMs and ischemic stroke treatment. In the process we discuss many persons who were key in the development and maturation of the field. A pivotal aspect to rapid growth in the field has been the multidisciplinary involvement of the different neuroscience specialties and therefore we close out our discussion with excitement about ongoing and future developments in the field with a focus on treatments in the non-cerebrovascular disease realm.

Endovascular Thrombectomy for Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke: An Evolution of Trials.

The last decade's progress in demonstrating the clinical benefit of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in patients with large vessel occlusion stroke has transformed the paradigm of care for these patients. This review presents the milestones in implementing EVT as standard of care, demonstrates the current state of evidence, provides guidance for identifying the candidate patient for EVT, and highlights unsolved and controversial issues. Ongoing trials investigate broadening of EVT indications for patients who present with large core infarction, adjunctive intra-arterial thrombolysis, medium vessel occlusion, low NIHSS, and tandem occlusion.

Endovascular Treatment for Acute Large Vessel Occlusion Due to Underlying Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease.

Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is one of the most common causes of acute ischemic stroke worldwide. Patients with acute large vessel occlusion due to underlying ICAD (ICAD-LVO) often do not achieve successful recanalization when undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) alone, requiring rescue treatment, including intra-arterial thrombolysis, balloon angioplasty, and stenting. Therefore, early detection of ICAD-LVO before the procedure is important to enable physicians to select the optimal treatment strategy for ICAD-LVO to improve clinical outcomes. Early diagnosis of ICAD-LVO is challenging in the absence of consensus diagnostic criteria on noninvasive imaging and early digital subtraction angiography. In this review, we summarize the clinical and diagnostic criteria, prediction of ICAD-LVO prior to the procedure, and EVT strategy of ICAD-LVO and provide recommendations according to the current literature.

Predictors of poor outcome after endovascular treatment for acute vertebrobasilar occlusion: data from ANGEL-ACT registry.

PURPOSE: Acute vertebrobasilar artery occlusion (VBAO) is a catastrophic disease for patients. There is evidence that the eventual patient outcome depends on patient-specific and procedural factors. This study aimed to identify the incidence and independent predictors of the 90-day poor outcome in VBAO after endovascular treatment (EVT). METHODS: Subjects were selected from the ANGEL-ACT registry. The 90-day poor outcome was defined as a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 4 to 6. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the independent predictors of the 90-day poor outcome. RESULTS: Of the 347 enrolled patients with acute VBAO undergoing EVT, 176 (50.7%) experienced the 90-day poor outcome. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that only the use of general anesthesia (GA) (odds ratio [OR] = 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-3.37; P = 0.006) and heparin during the procedure (OR =1.74; 95% CI, 1.06-2.86; P = 0.028), admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥ 26 (OR=3.96; 95% CI, 2.37-6.61; P < 0.001), and time from onset to puncture (OTP) ≥ 395 min (OR=1.91; 95% CI, 1.14-3.20; P = 0.014) and procedure duration ≥ 102 min (OR = 1.70; 95% CI, 1.04-2.79; P = 0.036) were independent predictors of the 90-day poor outcome after EVT. Furthermore, admission NIHSS (OR > 36 vs. ≤ 11 = 9.01, P for trend < 0.001), OTP (OR > 441min vs. ≤ 210 min = 2.71, P for trend = 0.023), and procedure duration (OR > 145 min vs. ≤ 59 min = 2.77, P for trend = 0.031) were significantly associated with increasing risk of the 90-day poor outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Poor outcome after EVT at 90 days occurred in 50.7% of acute VBAO patients from the ANGEL-ACT registry. Our study found several predictors of the 90-day poor outcome which should be highly considered in daily practice to improve acute VBAO management. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION : http://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov . Unique identifier: NCT03370939.

Delayed neurological improvement after endovascular treatment for acute large vessel occlusion: data from ANGEL-ACT registry.

BACKGROUND: A subgroup of patients with acute large vessel occlusion (ALVO) may experience delayed neurological improvement (DNI) after endovascular treatment (EVT). Our study aimed to investigate the incidence and independent predictors of DNI in patients with ALVO after EVT. METHODS: We selected subjects from ANGEL-ACT Registry. The definition of DNI is patients with ALVO who did not experience early neurological improvement (ENI) despite complete recanalization after EVT. These patients achieved a 90-day favorable outcome assessed by a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. We defined ENI as a ≥ 4-point decrease in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) between baseline and 24 h or NIHSS of 0 or 1 at 24 h, with complete recanalization after EVT. We performed logistic regression analyses to determine the independent predictors of DNI. RESULTS: Among the 1056 enrolled patients, 406 (38.4%) did not experience ENI. 106 (26.1%) patients without ENI achieved DNI. On Multivariate analysis, lower admission NIHSS score (odds ratio [OR] = 1.17,95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-1.23, P < 0.001), underlying ICAD (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.07-3.85, P = 0.029) and absence of general anesthesia (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.24-3.64, P = 0.006) were independent predictors of DNI. CONCLUSION: DNI occurred in 26.1% of patients with ALVO who did not experience ENI after EVT. Our study identified several independent predictors of DNI that should be highly considered in daily clinical practice to improve ALVO management.

Association of Stroke Subtype With Hemorrhagic Transformation Mediated by Thrombectomy Pass: Data From the ANGEL-ACT Registry.

BACKGROUND: The role of stroke etiology subtype in patients with acute large vessel occlusion on the occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after endovascular treatment is poorly studied, and which factors mediate their relationship remains largely unknown. We utilized nationwide registry data to explore the association of stroke subtype (cardioembolism versus large artery atherosclerosis) with HT and to identify the possible mediators. METHODS: A total of 1015 subjects were selected from the ANGEL-ACT registry (Endovascular Treatment Key Technique and Emergency Work Flow Improvement of Acute Ischemic Stroke)-a prospective consecutive cohort of acute large vessel occlusion patients undergoing endovascular treatment at 111 hospitals in China between November 2017 and March 2019-and divided into large artery atherosclerosis (n=538) and cardioembolism (n=477) according to the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment criteria. The types of HT included any intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), parenchymal hematoma, and symptomatic ICH within 24 hours after endovascular treatment. The association between stroke subtype and HT was analyzed using a logistic regression model. Mediation analysis was done to assess how much of the effect of stroke subtype on HT was mediated through the identified mediators. RESULTS: Stroke subtype (cardioembolism versus large artery atherosclerosis) was associated with increased risk of any ICH (29.8% versus 16.5%; odds ratio, 2.03 [95% CI, 1.22-3.36]), parenchymal hematoma (14.3% versus 5.4%; odds ratio, 2.90 [95% CI, 1.38-6.13]), and symptomatic ICH (9.9% versus 4.7%; odds ratio, 2.59 [95% CI, 1.09-6.16]) after adjustment for potential confounders. The more thrombectomy passes in cardioembolism patients had a significant mediation effect on the association of stroke subtype with increased risk of HT (any ICH, 15.9%; parenchymal hematoma, 13.4%; symptomatic ICH, 14.2%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Stroke subtype is an independent risk factor for HT within 24 hours following endovascular treatment among acute large vessel occlusion patients. Mediation analyses propose that stroke subtype contributes to HT partly through thrombectomy pass, suggesting a possible pathomechanistic link. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT03370939.

Combined Approach to Eptifibatide and Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke Because of Large Vessel Occlusion: A Matched-Control Analysis.

BACKGROUND: In patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT), adjunctive antithrombotic might improve angiographic reperfusion, reduce the risk of distal emboli and reocclusion but possibly expose patients to a higher intracranial hemorrhage risk. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of combined MT plus eptifibatide for acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: This was a propensity-matched analysis of data from 2 prospective trials in Chinese populations: the ANGEL-ACT trial (Endovascular Treatment Key Technique and Emergency Workflow Improvement of Acute Ischemic Stroke) in 111 hospitals between November 2017 and March 2019, and the EPOCH trial (Eptifibatide in Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke) in 15 hospitals between April 2019 and March 2020. The primary efficacy outcome was good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) at 3 months. Secondary efficacy outcomes included the distribution of 3-month modified Rankin Scale scores and poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 5-6) and successful recanalization. The safety outcomes included any intracranial hemorrhage, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and 3-month mortality. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to account for within-hospital clustering in adjusted analyses. RESULTS: Eighty-one combination arm EPOCH subjects were matched with 81 ANGEL-ACT noneptifibatide patients. Compared with the no eptifibatide group, the eptifibatide group had significantly higher rates of successful recanalization (91.3% versus 81.5%; P=0.043) and 3-month good outcomes (53.1% versus 33.3%; P=0.016). No significant difference was found in the remaining outcome measures between the 2 groups. All outcome measures of propensity score matching were consistent with mixed-effects logistic regression models in the total population. CONCLUSIONS: This matched-control study demonstrated that MT combined with eptifibatide did not raise major safety concerns and showed a trend of better efficacy outcomes compared with MT alone. Overall, eptifibatide shows potential as a periprocedural adjunctive antithrombotic therapy when combined with MT. Further randomized controlled trials of MT plus eptifibatide should be prioritized. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT03844594 (EPOCH), NCT03370939 (ANGEL-ACT).

Effects of blood lipids and lipid-modifying drugs on intracranial aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We used two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to examine the effects of blood lipids and lipid-modifying drugs on intracranial aneurysm (IA). METHODS: Genetic variants for the effects of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein A1, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B, and triglycerides and targets for lipid-modifying drugs were selected from the genome-wide discovery analyses of the UK Biobank. Summary-level data on IAs were obtained from the International Stroke Genetics Consortium. Univariate and multivariate MR analyses were performed. RESULTS: Univariate MR analyses showed that the HDL-C was negatively correlated with IA (odds ratio [OR] = 0.816, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.715-0.932, p = 0.003) and ruptured IA (rIA; OR = 0.775, 95% CI = 0.663-0.906, p = 0.001). The multivariate MR-inverse variance weighted analysis showed that the HDL-C was negatively correlated with IA (OR = 0.655, 95% CI = 0.434-0.988, p = 0.043) and rIA (OR = 0.563, 95% CI = 0.347-0.913, p = 0.02), and the LDL-C was negatively correlated with IA (OR = 0.402, 95% CI = 0.191-0.848, p = 0.017) and rIA (OR = 0.376, 95% CI = 0.160-0.883, p = 0.025). Using genetic proxies of known lipid-modifying drugs, we found that the increased HDL-C with cholesterol ester transfer protein proxies was associated with a decreased risk of rIA (OR = 0.852, 95% CI = 0.747-0.973, p = 0.018), and the decreased LDL-C with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase proxies was associated with increased risk of IA (OR = 1.772, 95% CI = 1.080-2.908, p = 0.024) and rIA (OR = 1.856, 95% CI = 1.022-3.371, p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Genetically determined HDL-C and LDL-C reduce the risk of IA and rIA. The effects of different lipid-modifying drugs on IA need to be further investigated.

Predictors of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after endovascular treatment for acute large vessel occlusion: data from ANGEL-ACT registry.

Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH) is a catastrophic complication of endovascular treatment (EVT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO). We aimed to investigate the incidence and predictors of SICH after EVT. Patients were selected from the ANGEL-ACT registry. We diagnosed SICH according to the Heidelberg Bleeding Classification. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the independent predictors of SICH. Of the 1283 patients, SICH was observed in 116 patients (9.0%). On multivariable analysis, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) > 12 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-3.11, P = 0.018), admission Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) < 6 (OR = 2.98, 95%CI: 1.68-5.29, P < 0.001), general anesthesia (OR = 1.81, 95%CI: 1.20-2.71, P = 0.004), prior intravenous thrombolysis (OR = 1.58, 95%CI: 1.04-2.40, P = 0.031), number of mechanical thrombectomy passes > 2 (OR = 1.68, 95%CI: 1.10-2.57, P = 0.016), and procedure duration > 96 min (OR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.20-2.77, P = 0.005) were associated with high risk of SICH, whereas SICH was negatively associated with underlying intracranial atherosclerotic disease (OR = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.26-0.79, P = 0.021). The incidence of SICH after EVT for anterior LVO was 9.0% in ANGEL-ACT registry. Our study identified some predictors, which may assist doctors in identifying LVO patients with a high risk of SICH and making the optimal peri-procedural management strategies for such patients.

Prediction of intracranial atherosclerotic acute large vessel occlusion by severe hypoperfusion volume growth rate.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate whether the time elapsed from stroke onset to imaging (OTI) combined with the parameters generated by automated computed tomography perfusion (CTP) could predict large vessel occlusion (LVO) patients with underlying intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) before endovascular treatment (EVT). METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort of LVO patients with automated CTP before EVT from two comprehensive stroke centers. Severe hypoperfusion volume growth rate was defined as the Time-to-Maximum (Tmax) > 10s divided by OTI. We performed receiver operating characteristic analyses to assess the ICAD prediction performance of all the automated CTP parameters, Delong test to compare the area under the curve (AUC) of severe hypoperfusion volume growth rate with the AUC of the other parameters, and logistic regression analysis to find the independent predictors of LVO with underlying ICAD. RESULTS: Of the 204 enrolled LVO patients, 95 ICAD patients and 109 non-ICAD patients were identified. The AUC of severe hypoperfusion volume growth rate was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81 - 0.91, P < 0.001), the cut-off value with the highest Youden Index was ≤ 11.2 mL/h (sensitivity, 78.95%; specificity, 77.06%; accuracy 77.94%), which was larger than the other parameters except for hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR) (All P for Delong test < 0.05). Atrial fibrillation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.09, 95%CI: 0.03 - 0.26, P < 0.001), admission ASPECTS (1-point increased OR: 1.25, 95%CI: 1.03 - 1.53, P = 0.024), and severe hypoperfusion volume growth rate (1 mL/h increased OR: 0.94, 95%CI: 0.90 - 0.98, P = 0.003) were associated with underlying ICAD independently. CONCLUSIONS: Severe hypoperfusion volume growth rate showed the best performance for LVO with underlying ICAD prediction. Future larger studies for external validation are needed.

Perceptions on basilar artery occlusion management in China versus other countries: Analysis of the after the BEST of BASICS (ABBA) survey.

INTRODUCTION: Uncertainty remains on the optimal management of basilar artery occlusion (BAO). Two large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in 2019 and 2021 demonstrated neutral results with respect to the use of endovascular therapy (EVT) for BAO. This study aimed to understand regional variation in physicians' perceptions towards the treatment of BAO as stratified by physician respondents from China versus outside China, prior to the publication of studies demonstrating a benefit of EVT for BAO. METHODS: An international online survey was conducted of stroke neurologists and neurointerventionalists from January to March 2022. Survey questions evaluated physician opinions toward the use of EVT in BAO, as well as the clinical and imaging features underlying treatment decisions. Respondents were dichotomized as either from China or from other countries and differences between groups were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 1245 physician respondents across 73 countries of which 295 (23.7%) were from China. Compared to respondents from the rest of the world, respondents from China were more likely to be interventionalists (71.5% vs 35.0%; p < 0.0001). Overall, more than 95% of respondents believed that EVT was superior to medical therapy under certain circumstances. Chinese respondents were more likely to believe that further RCTs were necessary than respondents from other countries (93.6% vs 76.2%; p < 0.0001). Chinese respondents were more likely to use advanced imaging in later time windows and use a premorbid mRS threshold of ≤2 for BAO selection to EVT. CONCLUSION: Most stroke physicians believe EVT is beneficial in selected patients with BAO. Clinical and imaging modality differences were observed in the selection criteria used for EVT. There was greater inclination to enroll all trial eligible patients in a BAO RCT by respondents from China as compared to other parts of the world.

Novel Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Score Showed Good Prognostic Value for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion Following Endovascular Treatment: The Pons-Midbrain and Thalamus Score.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Prognostic factors for outcome of endovascular treatment remains to be investigated in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion. We aimed to assess the prognostic value of a novel pretreatment diffusion-weighted imaging score: The Pons-Midbrain and Thalamus (PMT) score. METHODS: Eligible patients who underwent endovascular treatment due to acute basilar artery occlusion were reviewed. The PMT score was a diffusion-weighted imaging-based semiquantitative scale in which the infarctions of pons, midbrain, and thalamus were fully considered. The PMT score was assessed as well as the posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early Computed Tomography Score and Brain Stem Score. Good outcomes were defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of ≤3 at 90-day and successful reperfusion as Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grades 2b/3. The associations between baseline clinical parameters and good outcomes were evaluated with logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients with pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging were included in this cohort. The baseline PMT score (median [interquartile range], 3 [1-5] versus 7 [5-9]; P<0.001) and Brain Stem Score (median [interquartile range], 2 [1-4] versus 3 [2-5]; P=0.001) were significantly lower in good outcome group; the posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early Computed Tomography Score was higher in good outcome group without statistical significance. As a result of receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, the posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early Computed Tomography Score showed poor prognostic accuracy for good outcome (area under the curve, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.49-0.71]; P=0.081); The baseline PMT score showed significantly better prognostic accuracy for 90-day good outcome than the Brain Stem Score and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (area under the curve, 0.80 versus 0.68 versus 0.78, P=0.003). In addition, favorable PMT score <7 (odds ratio, 22.0 [95% CI, 6.0-80.8], P<0.001), Brain Stem Score <3 (odds ratio, 4.65 [95% CI, 2.05-10.55], P<0.001) and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale <23 (odds ratio, 8.0 [95% CI, 2.5-25.6], P<0.001) were associated with improved good outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute basilar artery occlusion following endovascular treatment, the pretreatment diffusion-weighted imaging based PMT score showed good prognostic value for clinical outcome.

Thrombectomy Versus Combined Thrombolysis and Thrombectomy in Patients With Acute Stroke: A Matched-Control Study.

A recent randomized controlled trial DIRECT-MT (Direct Intra-Arterial Thrombectomy to Revascularize AIS Patients With Large Vessel Occlusion Efficiently in Chinese Tertiary Hospitals) compared the safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) versus combined intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and MT for acute large vessel occlusion. The current study utilized a prospective, nationwide registry to validate the results of the DIRECT-MT trial in a real-world practice setting. Subjects were selected from a prospective cohort of acute large vessel occlusion patients undergoing endovascular treatment at 111 hospitals from 26 provinces in China (ANGEL-ACT registry [Endovascular Treatment Key Technique and Emergency Work Flow Improvement of Acute Ischemic Stroke]) between November 2017 and March 2019. All patients eligible for IVT and receiving MT were reviewed and then grouped according to whether prior IVT or not (MT and combined IVT+MT). After a 1:1 propensity score matching, the outcome measures including the 90-day modified Rankin Scale, successful recanalization, door-to-puncture time, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and intraprocedural embolization were compared. A total of 1026 patients, 600 in the MT group and 426 in the combined group, were included. Among 788 patients identified after matching, there were no significant differences in the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (median, 3 versus 3 points; P=0.82) and successful recanalization (86.6% versus 89.3%; P=0.23) between the two groups; however, patients of the MT group had a shorter door-to-puncture time (median, 112 versus 136 minutes; ß=−45.02 [95% CI, −68.31 to −21.74]), lower rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (5.5% versus 10.1%; odds ratio, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.30­0.91]), and embolization (4.6% versus 8.1%; odds ratio, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.30­0.98]) than those of the combined group. This matched-control study largely confirmed the findings of the DIRECT-MT trial in a real-world practice setting, suggesting that MT may carry similar effectiveness to combined IVT+MT for acute large vessel occlusion patients, despite MT alone seems to be associated with a shorter in-hospital delay until procedure, lower risks of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and embolization. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03370939