Endovascular thrombectomy plus medical care versus medical care alone for large ischaemic stroke: 1-year outcomes of the SELECT2 trial.

BACKGROUND: Multiple randomised trials have shown efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with large ischaemic stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term (ie, at 1 year) evidence of benefit of thrombectomy for these patients. METHODS: SELECT2 was a phase 3, open-label, international, randomised controlled trial with blinded endpoint assessment, conducted at 31 hospitals in the USA, Canada, Spain, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand. Patients aged 18-85 years with ischaemic stroke due to proximal occlusion of the internal carotid artery or of the first segment of the middle cerebral artery, showing large ischaemic core on non-contrast CT (Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomographic Score of 3-5 [range 0-10, with lower values indicating larger infarctions]) or measuring 50 mL or more on CT perfusion and MRI, were randomly assigned, within 24 h of ischaemic stroke onset, to thrombectomy plus medical care or to medical care alone. The primary outcome for this analysis was the ordinal modified Rankin Scale (range 0-6, with higher scores indicating greater disability) at 1-year follow-up in an intention-to-treat population. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03876457) and is completed. FINDINGS: The trial was terminated early for efficacy at the 90-day follow-up after 352 patients had been randomly assigned (178 to thrombectomy and 174 to medical care only) between Oct 11, 2019, and Sept 9, 2022. Thrombectomy significantly improved the 1-year modified Rankin Scale score distribution versus medical care alone (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney probability of superiority 0·59 [95% CI 0·53-0·64]; p=0·0019; generalised odds ratio 1·43 [95% CI 1·14-1·78]). At the 1-year follow-up, 77 (45%) of 170 patients receiving thrombectomy had died, compared with 83 (52%) of 159 patients receiving medical care only (1-year mortality relative risk 0·89 [95% CI 0·71-1·11]). INTERPRETATION: In patients with ischaemic stroke due to a proximal occlusion and large core, thrombectomy plus medical care provided a significant functional outcome benefit compared with medical care alone at 1-year follow-up. FUNDING: Stryker Neurovascular.

Thrombectomy versus Medical Management in Mild Strokes due to Large Vessel Occlusion: Exploratory Analysis from the EXTEND-IA Trials and a Pooled International Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate functional and safety outcomes for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) versus medical management (MM) in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) and mild neurological deficits, stratified by perfusion imaging mismatch. METHODS: The pooled cohort consisted of patients with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) < 6 and internal carotid artery (ICA), M1, or M2 occlusions from the Extending the Time for Thrombolysis in Emergecy Neurological Deficits - Intra-Arterial (EXTEND-IA) Trial,  Tenecteplase vs Alteplase before Endovascular Thrombectomy in Ischemic Stroke (EXTEND-IA TNK) trials Part I/II and prospective data from 15 EVT centers from October 2010 to April 2020. RAPID software estimated ischemic core and mismatch. Patients receiving primary EVT (EVTpri ) were compared to those who received primary MM (MMpri ), including those who deteriorated and received rescue EVT, in overall and propensity score (PS)-matched cohorts. Patients were stratified by target mismatch (mismatch ratio ≥ 1.8 and mismatch volume ≥ 15ml). Primary outcome was functional independence (90-day modified Rankin Scale = 0-2). Secondary outcomes included safety (symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage [sICH], neurological worsening, and mortality). RESULTS: Of 540 patients, 286 (53%) received EVTpri and demonstrated larger critically hypoperfused tissue (Tmax > 6 seconds) volumes (median [IQR]: 64 [26-96] ml vs MMpri : 40 [14-76] ml, p < 0.001) and higher presentation NIHSS (median [IQR]: 4 [2-5] vs MMpri : 3 [2-4], p < 0.001). Functional independence was similar (EVTpri : 77.4% vs MMpri : 75.6%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.82-2.03, p = 0.27). EVT had worse safety regarding sICH (EVTpri : 16.3% vs MMpri : 1.3%, p < 0.001) and neurological worsening (EVTpri : 19.6% vs MMpri : 6.7%, p < 0.001). In 414 subjects (76.7%) with target mismatch, EVT was associated with improved functional independence (EVTpri : 77.4% vs MMpri : 72.7%, aOR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.01-2.81, p = 0.048), whereas there was a trend toward less favorable outcomes with primary EVT (EVTpri : 77.4% vs MMpri : 83.3%, aOR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.12-1.34, p = 0.13) without target mismatch (pinteraction  = 0.06). Similar findings were observed in a propensity score-matched subpopulation. INTERPRETATION: Overall, EVT was not associated with improved clinical outcomes in mild strokes due to LVO, and sICH was increased. However, in patients with target mismatch profile, EVT was associated with increased functional independence. Perfusion imaging may be helpful to select mild stroke patients for EVT. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:364-378.

Repeat Flow Diversion for Cerebral Aneurysms Failing Prior Flow Diversion: Safety and Feasibility From Multicenter Experience.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysmal persistence after flow diversion (FD) occurs in 5% to 25% of aneurysms, which may necessitate retreatment. There are limited data on safety/efficacy of repeat FD-a frequently utilized strategy in such cases. METHODS: A series of consecutive patients undergoing FD retreatment from 15 centers were reviewed (2011-2019), with inclusion criteria of repeat FD for the same aneurysm at least 6 months after initial treatment, with minimum of 6 months post-retreatment imaging. The primary outcome was aneurysmal occlusion, and secondary outcome was safety. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to identify predictors of incomplete occlusion (90%-99% and <90% occlusion) versus complete occlusion (100%) after retreatment. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients (median age, 57 years; 81% women) harboring 95 aneurysms underwent 198 treatment procedures. Majority of aneurysms were unruptured (87.4%), saccular (74.7%), and located in the internal carotid artery (79%; median size, 9 mm). Median elapsed time between the first and second treatment was 12.2 months. Last available follow-up was at median 12.8 months after retreatment, and median 30.6 months after the initial treatment, showing complete occlusion in 46.2% and near-complete occlusion (90%-99%) in 20.4% of aneurysms. There was no difference in ischemic complications following initial treatment and retreatment (4.2% versus 4.2%; P>0.99). On multivariable regression, fusiform morphology had higher nonocclusion odds after retreatment (odds ratio [OR], 7.2 [95% CI, 1.97-20.8]). Family history of aneurysms was associated with lower odds of nonocclusion (OR, 0.18 [95% CI, 0.04-0.78]). Likewise, positive smoking history was associated with lower odds of nonocclusion (OR, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.1-0.86]). History of hypertension trended toward incomplete occlusion (OR, 3.10 [95% CI, 0.98-6.3]), similar to incorporated branch into aneurysms (OR, 2.78 [95% CI, 0.98-6.8]). CONCLUSIONS: Repeat FD for persistent aneurysms carries a reasonable success/safety profile. Satisfactory occlusion (100% and 90%-99% occlusion) was encountered in two-thirds of patients, with similar complications between the initial and subsequent retreatments. Fusiform morphology was the strongest predictor of retreatment failure.

Bridging May Increase the Risk of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage in Thrombectomy Patients With Low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Whether intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) increases the risk for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) in patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a matter of debate. Purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent of early ischemia as a possible factor influencing the risk for sICH after IVT+MT versus direct MT. METHODS: An explorative analysis of the BEYOND-SWIFT (Bernese-European Registry for Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated Outside Current Guidelines With Neurothrombectomy Devices Using the SOLITAIRE FR With the Intention for Thrombectomy) multicenter cohort was performed. We hypothesized that the sICH risk between IVT+MT versus direct MT differs across the strata of Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scores (ASPECTS). For this purpose, all patients with ICA, M1, and M2 vessel occlusions and available noncontrast computed tomography or diffusion-weighed imaging ASPECTS (n=2002) were analyzed. We used logistic regression analysis in subgroups, as well as interaction terms, to address the risk of sICH in IVT+MT versus direct MT patients across the ASPECTS strata. RESULTS: In 2002 patients (median age, 73.7 years; 50.7% women; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 16), the overall rate of sICH was 6.5% (95% CI, 5.5%-7.7%). Risk of sICH differed across ASPECTS groups (9-10: 6.3%; 6-8: 5.6% and ≤5 9.8%; P=0.042). With decreasing ASPECTS, the risks of sICH in the IVT+MT versus the direct MT group increased from adjusted odds ratio of 0.61 ([95% CI, 0.24-1.60] ASPECTS 9-10), to 1.72 ([95% CI, 0.69-4.24] ASPECTS 6-8) and 6.31 ([95% CI, 1.87-21.29] ASPECTS ≤5), yielding a positive interaction term (1.91 [95% CI, 1.01-3.63]). Sensitivity analyses regarding diffusion-weighed imaging versus noncontrast computed tomography ASPECTS did not alter the primary observations. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of early ischemia may influence relative risks of sICH in IVT+MT versus direct MT patients, with an excess sICH risk in IVT+MT patients with low ASPECTS. If confirmed in post hoc analyses of randomized controlled trial data, IVT may be administered more carefully in patients with low ASPECTS eligible for and with direct access to MT.

Incidence and Outcome of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: The Swiss Study on Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (Swiss SOS).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess nationwide incidence and outcomes of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The Swiss SOS (Swiss Study on Subarachnoid Hemorrhage) was established in 2008 and offers the unique opportunity to provide this data from the point of care on a nationwide level. METHODS: All patients with confirmed aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage admitted between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2014, within Switzerland were recorded in a prospective registry. Incidence rates were calculated based on time-matched population data. Admission parameters and outcomes at discharge and at 1 year were recorded. RESULTS: We recorded data of 1787 consecutive patients. The incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in Switzerland was 3.7 per 100 000 persons/y. The number of female patients was 1170 (65.5%). With a follow-up rate of 91.3% at 1 year, 1042 patients (58.8%) led an independent life according to the modified Rankin Scale (0-2). About 1 in 10 patients survived in a dependent state (modified Rankin Scale, 3-5; n=185; 10.4%). Case fatality was 20.1% (n=356) at discharge and 22.1% (n=391) after 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: The current incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in Switzerland is lower than expected and an indication of a global trend toward decreasing admissions for ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT03245866.

Somatic Activating KRAS Mutations in Arteriovenous Malformations of the Brain.

BACKGROUND: Sporadic arteriovenous malformations of the brain, which are morphologically abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the brain vasculature, are a leading cause of hemorrhagic stroke in young adults and children. The genetic cause of this rare focal disorder is unknown. METHODS: We analyzed tissue and blood samples from patients with arteriovenous malformations of the brain to detect somatic mutations. We performed exome DNA sequencing of tissue samples of arteriovenous malformations of the brain from 26 patients in the main study group and of paired blood samples from 17 of those patients. To confirm our findings, we performed droplet digital polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) analysis of tissue samples from 39 patients in the main study group (21 with matching blood samples) and from 33 patients in an independent validation group. We interrogated the downstream signaling pathways, changes in gene expression, and cellular phenotype that were induced by activating KRAS mutations, which we had discovered in tissue samples. RESULTS: We detected somatic activating KRAS mutations in tissue samples from 45 of the 72 patients and in none of the 21 paired blood samples. In endothelial cell-enriched cultures derived from arteriovenous malformations of the brain, we detected KRAS mutations and observed that expression of mutant KRAS (KRASG12V) in endothelial cells in vitro induced increased ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) activity, increased expression of genes related to angiogenesis and Notch signaling, and enhanced migratory behavior. These processes were reversed by inhibition of MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)-ERK signaling. CONCLUSIONS: We identified activating KRAS mutations in the majority of tissue samples of arteriovenous malformations of the brain that we analyzed. We propose that these malformations develop as a result of KRAS-induced activation of the MAPK-ERK signaling pathway in brain endothelial cells. (Funded by the Swiss Cancer League and others.).

Effect of Pre- and In-Hospital Delay on Reperfusion in Acute Ischemic Stroke Mechanical Thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Post hoc analyses of randomized controlled clinical trials evaluating mechanical thrombectomy have suggested that admission-to-groin-puncture (ATG) delays are associated with reduced reperfusion rates. Purpose of this analysis was to validate this association in a real-world cohort and to find associated factors and confounders for prolonged ATG intervals. METHODS: Patients included into the BEYOND-SWIFT cohort (Bernese-European Registry for Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated Outside Current Guidelines With Neurothrombectomy Devices Using the Solitaire FR With the Intention for Thrombectomy; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03496064) were analyzed (n=2386). Association between baseline characteristics and ATG was evaluated using mixed linear regression analysis. The effect of increasing symptom-onset-to-admission and ATG intervals on successful reperfusion (defined as Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [TICI] 2b-3) was evaluated using logistic regression analysis adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: Median ATG was 73 minutes. Prolonged ATG intervals were associated with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (+19.1 [95% CI, +9.1 to +29.1] minutes), general anesthesia (+12.1 [95% CI, +3.7 to +20.4] minutes), and borderline indication criteria, such as lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, late presentations, or not meeting top-tier early time window eligibility criteria (+13.8 [95% CI, +6.1 to +21.6] minutes). There was a 13% relative odds reduction for TICI 2b-3 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.87 [95% CI, 0.79-0.96]) and TICI 2c/3 (aOR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.79-0.95]) per hour ATG delay, while the reduction of TICI 2b-3 per hour increase symptom-onset-to-admission was minor (aOR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.94-0.99]) and inconsistent regarding TICI 2c/3 (aOR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.97-1.02]). After adjusting for identified factors associated with prolonged ATG intervals, the association of ATG delay and lower rates of TICI 2b-3 remained tangible (aOR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.76-0.99]). CONCLUSIONS: There is a great potential to reduce ATG, and potential targets for improvement can be deduced from observational data. The association between in-hospital delay and reduced reperfusion rates is evident in real-world clinical data, underscoring the need to optimize in-hospital workflows. Given the only minor association between symptom-onset-to-admission intervals and reperfusion rates, the causal relationship of this association warrants further research. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT03496064.

Mechanical Thrombectomy in Ischemic Stroke Patients With Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score 0-5.

Background and Purpose- If anterior circulation large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke patients presenting with ASPECTS 0-5 (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score) should be treated with mechanical thrombectomy remains unclear. Purpose of this study was to report on the outcome of patients with ASPECTS 0-5 treated with mechanical thrombectomy and to provide data regarding the effect of successful reperfusion on clinical outcomes and safety measures in these patients. Methods- Multicenter, pooled analysis of 7 institutional prospective registries: Bernese-European Registry for Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated Outside Current Guidelines With Neurothrombectomy Devices Using the SOLITAIRE FR With the Intention for Thrombectomy (Clinical Trial Registration-URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT03496064). Primary outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale 0-3 at day 90 (favorable outcome). Secondary outcomes included rates of day 90 modified Rankin Scale 0-2 (functional independence), day 90 mortality and occurrence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association of successful reperfusion with clinical outcomes. Outputs are displayed as adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR) and 95% CI. Results- Two hundred thirty-seven of 2046 patients included in this registry presented with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion and ASPECTS 0-5. In this subgroup, the overall rates of favorable outcome and mortality at day 90 were 40.1% and 40.9%. Achieving successful reperfusion was independently associated with favorable outcome (aOR, 5.534; 95% CI, 2.363-12.961), functional independence (aOR, 5.583; 95% CI, 1.964-15.873), reduced mortality (aOR, 0.180; 95% CI, 0.083-0.390), and lower rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (aOR, 0.235; 95% CI, 0.062-0.887). The mortality-reducing effect remained in patients with ASPECTS 0-4 (aOR, 0.167; 95% CI, 0.056-0.499). Sensitivity analyses did not change the primary results. Conclusions- In patients presenting with ASPECTS 0-5, who were treated with mechanical thrombectomy, successful reperfusion was beneficial without increasing the risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Although the results do not allow for general treatment recommendations, formal testing of mechanical thrombectomy versus best medical treatment in these patients in a randomized controlled trial is warranted.

Analysis of Workflow and Time to Treatment and the Effects on Outcome in Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: Results from the SWIFT PRIME Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose To study the relationship between functional independence and time to reperfusion in the Solitaire with the Intention for Thrombectomy as Primary Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke (SWIFT PRIME) trial in patients with disabling acute ischemic stroke who underwent endovascular therapy plus intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) administration versus tPA administration alone and to investigate variables that affect time spent during discrete steps. Materials and Methods Data were analyzed from the SWIFT PRIME trial, a global, multicenter, prospective study in which outcomes were compared in patients treated with intravenous tPA alone or in combination with the Solitaire device (Covidien, Irvine, Calif). Between December 2012 and November 2014, 196 patients were enrolled. The relation between time from (a) symptom onset to reperfusion and (b) imaging to reperfusion and clinical outcome was analyzed, along with patient and health system characteristics that affect discrete steps in patient workflow. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess relationships between time and outcome; negative binomial regression was used to evaluate effects on workflow. The institutional review board at each site approved the trial. Patients provided written informed consent, or, at select sites, there was an exception from having to acquire explicit informed consent in emergency circumstances. Results In the stent retriever arm of the study, symptom onset to reperfusion time of 150 minutes led to 91% estimated probability of functional independence, which decreased by 10% over the next hour and by 20% with every subsequent hour of delay. Time from arrival at the emergency department to arterial access was 90 minutes (interquartile range, 69-120 minutes), and time to reperfusion was 129 minutes (interquartile range, 108-169 minutes). Patients who initially arrived at a referring facility had longer symptom onset to groin puncture times compared with patients who presented directly to the endovascular-capable center (275 vs 179.5 minutes, P < .001). Conclusion Fast reperfusion leads to improved functional outcome among patients with acute stroke treated with stent retrievers. Detailed attention to workflow with iterative feedback and aggressive time goals may have contributed to efficient workflow environments. (©) RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Unruptured intracranial aneurysm follow-up and treatment after morphological change is safe: observational study and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The management of small unruptured incidentally discovered intracranial aneurysms (SUIAs) is still controversial. The aim of this study is to assess the safety of a management protocol of SUIAs, where selected cases with SUIAs are observed and secured only if signs of instability (growth) are documented. METHODS: A prospective consecutive cohort of 292 patients (2006-2014) and 368 SUIAs (anterior circulation aneurysms (ACs) smaller than 7 mm and posterior circulation aneurysms smaller than 4 mm without previous subarachnoid haemorrhage) was observed (mean follow-up time of 3.2 years and 1177.6 aneurysm years). Factors associated with aneurysm growth were systematically reviewed from the literature. RESULTS: The aneurysm growth probability was 2.6±0.1% per year. The rate of unexpected aneurysm rupture before treatment was 0.24% per year (95% CI 0.17% to 2.40%). The calculated rate of aneurysm rupture after growth was 6.3% per aneurysm-year (95% CI 1% to 22%). Aneurysms located in the posterior circulation and aneurysms with lobulation were more likely to grow. Females or patients suffering hypertension were more likely to have an aneurysm growing. The probability of aneurysms growth increased with the size of the dome and was proportional to the number of aneurysms diagnosed in a patient. CONCLUSIONS: It is safe to observe patients diagnosed with SUIAs using periodic imaging. Intervention to secure the aneurysm should be performed after growth is observed.

Imaging of acute stroke: CT and/or MRI.

Acute ischemic stroke is now clearly recognized as a medical emergency. As such diagnosis has to be done quickly and in a precise way during the therapeutic window. Both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are tools that can adequately demonstrate ischemia really very early on. MRI using diffusion techniques has a much higher sensitivity for acute lesions but its implementation has not been unproblematic due to initial resistance and some technical problems. Thus, very often CT is still preferred with MR used for situations where the answer given is not sufficient as well as for follow-up of lesions. However, the parallel development of new therapeutic strategies have rendered the precision of the tools more and more sophisticated and their combined use can help to improve patient outcomes in ways never imagined previously. No matter which technique is used, be it alone or in combination, the idea is to speed up and optimize management in order to provide early revascularization and reperfusion.

Telestroke network to robotic telestroke network: How to upgrade regional stroke care to include remote robotics?

Objective: Selected patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes can benefit from endovascular therapy (EVT). However, the effectiveness of EVT is largely dependent on how quickly the patient receives treatment. Recent technological developments have led to the first neurointerventional treatments using robotic assistance, opening up the possibility of performing remote stroke interventions. Existing telestroke networks provide acute stroke care, including remote administration of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). Therefore, the introduction of remote EVT in distant stroke centers requires an adaptation of the existing telestroke networks. The aim of this work was to propose a framework for centers that are potential candidates for telerobotics according to the resources currently available in these centers. Methods: In this paper, we highlight the future challenges for including remote robotics in telestroke networks. A literature review provides potential solutions. Results: Existing telestroke networks need to determine which centers to prioritize for remote robotic technologies based on objective criteria and cost-effectiveness analysis. Organizational challenges include regional coordination and specific protocols. Technological challenges mainly concern telecommunication networks. Conclusions: Specific adaptations will be necessary if regional telestroke networks are to include remote robotics. Some of these can already be put in place, which could greatly help the future implementation of the technology.

Traumatic occipital artery pseudoaneurysm: Case report, anatomical considerations, and literature review.

We describe a case of a 22-year-old man with a traumatic occipital artery pseudoaneurysm revealed by a painful expanding neck hematoma after a penetrating knife injury. A neuroendovascular consultation was requested after a computed tomography angiogram showed active pseudoaneurysm bleeding. Anatomical considerations of the upper cervical region including dangerous anastomosis between the vertebral and internal carotid artery are discussed, illustrating how this impacted our treatment strategy. We also discuss other treatment modalities after a thorough literature review of traumatic occipital artery pseudoaneurysms.

Deep learning-based cerebral aneurysm segmentation and morphological analysis with three-dimensional rotational angiography.

BACKGROUND: The morphological assessment of cerebral aneurysms based on cerebral angiography is an essential step when planning strategy and device selection in endovascular treatment, but manual evaluation by human raters only has moderate interrater/intrarater reliability. METHODS: We collected data for 889 cerebral angiograms from consecutive patients with suspected cerebral aneurysms at our institution from January 2017 to October 2021. The automatic morphological analysis model was developed on the derivation cohort dataset consisting of 388 scans with 437 aneurysms, and the performance of the model was tested on the validation cohort dataset consisting of 96 scans with 124 aneurysms. Five clinically important parameters were automatically calculated by the model: aneurysm volume, maximum aneurysm size, neck size, aneurysm height, and aspect ratio. RESULTS: On the validation cohort dataset the average aneurysm size was 7.9±4.6 mm. The proposed model displayed high segmentation accuracy with a mean Dice similarity index of 0.87 (median 0.93). All the morphological parameters were significantly correlated with the reference standard (all P<0.0001; Pearson correlation analysis). The difference in the maximum aneurysm size between the model prediction and reference standard was 0.5±0.7 mm (mean±SD). The difference in neck size between the model prediction and reference standard was 0.8±1.7 mm (mean±SD). CONCLUSION: The automatic aneurysm analysis model based on angiography data exhibited high accuracy for evaluating the morphological characteristics of cerebral aneurysms.

Long-term neuropsychiatric complications of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a narrative review.

This review focuses on the often-neglected long-term neuropsychiatric consequences of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), beyond traditional randomized trial outcomes of mortality and retreatment. While current guidelines recommend screening for these sequalae, it may not be routinely practiced. This review will underscore the prevalence and management of common neuropsychiatric sequalae, including anxiety, depression, cognitive dysfunction, headaches, seizures, and sexual dysfunction, all of which can significantly impact the quality of life of survivors of aSAH. We emphasize the critical role neurointerventionalists can play by going beyond the customary practice of radiological monitoring for treated aneurysms by screening for and helping guide management of these common neuropsychiatric complications.

Stent-assisted Woven EndoBridge embolization for the treatment of pulsatile tinnitus caused by an ipsilateral high-riding jugular bulb.

PURPOSE: Pulsatile tinnitus can be caused by a high-riding jugular bulb (HRJB), characterized by the superior position of the jugular bulb in the petrous temporal bone. The anatomical position and morphology of this entity make it challenging for endovascular treatment. We report our experience with two patients successfully treated with a stent-assisted Woven EndoBridge (WEB; Microvention, Tustin, CA, USA) device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We describe two cases of HRJB in patients presenting with disabling pulsatile tinnitus. Temporary balloon occlusion of the jugular bulb prior to the intervention reduced tinnitus intensity. Both patients were subsequently treated under general anesthesia with the WEB device deployed in the HRJB which was held by a stent deployed in the sigmoid sinus. RESULTS: Both procedures were successful with good positioning of the WEB device and no procedural complications. Both patients had complete resolution of pulsatile tinnitus immediately after the procedure. Follow-up imaging showed successful occlusion of the venous cavity with a widely patent stent. CONCLUSION: Among patients with pulsatile tinnitus caused by an ipsilateral HRJB, a stent-assisted WEB device seems to be a viable endovascular option with angiographic and clinical success.

Evaluation of effectiveness and safety of the CorPath GRX robotic system in endovascular embolization procedures of cerebral aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted neurointervention was recently introduced, with implications that it could be used to treat neurovascular diseases. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the robotic-assisted platform CorPath GRX for treating cerebral aneurysms. METHODS: This prospective, international, multicenter study enrolled patients with brain aneurysms that required endovascular coiling and/or stent-assisted coiling. The primary effectiveness endpoint was defined as successful completion of the robotic-assisted endovascular procedure without any unplanned conversion to manual treatment with guidewire or microcatheter navigation, embolization coil(s) or intracranial stent(s) deployment, or an inability to navigate vessel anatomy. The primary safety endpoint included intraprocedural and periprocedural events. RESULTS: The study enrolled 117 patients (74.4% female) with mean age of 56.6 years from 10 international sites,. Headache was the most common presenting symptom in 40/117 (34.2%) subjects. Internal carotid artery was the most common location (34/122, 27.9%), and the mean aneurysm height and neck width were 5.7±2.6 mm and 3.5±1.4 mm, respectively. The overall procedure time was 117.3±47.3 min with 59.4±32.6 min robotic procedure time. Primary effectiveness was achieved in 110/117 (94%) subjects with seven subjects requiring conversion to manual for procedure completion. Only four primary safety events were recorded with two intraprocedural aneurysm ruptures and two strokes. A Raymond-Roy Classification Scale score of 1 was achieved in 71/110 (64.5%) subjects, and all subjects were discharged with a modified Rankin Scale score of ≤2. CONCLUSIONS: This first-of-its-kind robotic-assisted neurovascular trial demonstrates the effectiveness and safety of the CorPath GRX System for endovascular embolization of cerebral aneurysm procedures. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04236856.

The Impact of Preprocedural Platelet Function Testing on Periprocedural Complication Rates Associated With Pipeline Flow Diversion: An International Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is necessary to minimize the risk of periprocedural thromboembolic complications associated with aneurysm embolization using pipeline embolization device (PED). We aimed to assess the impact of platelet function testing (PFT) on reducing periprocedural thromboembolic complications associated with PED flow diversion in patients receiving aspirin and clopidogrel. METHODS: Patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms requiring PED flow diversion were identified from 13 centers for retrospective evaluation. Clinical variables including the results of PFT before treatment, periprocedural DAPT regimen, and intracranial complications occurring within 72 h of embolization were identified. Complication rates were compared between PFT and non-PFT groups. Differences between groups were tested for statistical significance using the Wilcoxon rank sum, Fisher exact, or χ 2 tests. A P -value <.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: 580 patients underwent PED embolization with 262 patients dichotomized to the PFT group and 318 patients to the non-PFT group. 13.7% of PFT group patients were clopidogrel nonresponders requiring changes in their pre-embolization DAPT regimen. Five percentage of PFT group [2.8%, 8.5%] patients experienced thromboembolic complications vs 1.6% of patients in the non-PFT group [0.6%, 3.8%] ( P = .019). Two (15.4%) PFT group patients with thromboembolic complications experienced permanent neurological disability vs 4 (80%) non-PFT group patients. 3.7% of PFT group patients [1.5%, 8.2%] and 3.5% [1.8%, 6.3%] of non-PFT group patients experienced hemorrhagic intracranial complications ( P > .9). CONCLUSION: Preprocedural PFT before PED treatment of intracranial aneurysms in patients premedicated with an aspirin and clopidogrel DAPT regimen may not be necessary to significantly reduce the risk of procedure-related intracranial complications.