Sex-Related Differences after Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke in the 'Real World'.

BACKGROUND: Gender differences are often reported in the field of ischemic stroke, although most of such discrepancies were observed in randomized trials involving highly selected populations. We therefore explored gender differences regarding 90-day outcomes in large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes receiving endovascular treatment in a real world setting. METHODS: This prospective registry included anterior and/or posterior circulation LVO strokes admitted between January 2014 and December 2019 who received mechanical thrombectomy up to 24 hours from symptoms onset or last known to be well. We explored sex-related differences in rates of functional independence (modified Rankin Scale, mRS, ≤2) at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included "National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale" (NIHSS) at 24 hours, successful reperfusion defined as modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) scale 2b/3, death, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). RESULTS: A total of 288 LVO stroke patients comprised the study population, involving 148 (51.4%) women. Females were older (71.4±15.7 vs. 66.1±14.0 years, p=0.003) and had lower rates of coronary artery disease (15% vs. 24%, p=0.05). The median time from symptoms onset to hospital arrival was 315 min (IQR 139.5-495.0) in females and 255.0 (IQR 117.0-405.0) in males (p=0.052). Rates of mRS ≤2 at 90 days were comparable (females 46% vs. males 49%, p=0.50). Successful reperfusion was achieved in 82% of females and 89% of males (p=0.10). Rates of sICH (females 10% vs. males 13%, p=0.47) and death (females 18% vs. males 21%, p=0.50) at 90 days were similar. NIHSS at 24 hours was the strongest predictor of functional independence at 90 days (area under ROC curve 0.92 (95%CI 0.87; 0.95)]. CONCLUSIONS: Our prospective registry involving a real world setting suggests that females are equally likely to achieve good outcomes after endovascular treatment despite being older and having delayed hospital arrival compared to males. In addition, we found that NIHSS at 24 hours was the strongest predictor of functional independence at 90 days, sICH, and death.

Angiographic and clinical outcomes from 396 aneurysms treated with the pipeline flex embolization device with shield technology.

BACKGROUND: The PEDESTRIAN registry demonstrated high rates of complete long-term occlusion and good clinical outcomes among patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with the pipeline embolization device. The pipeline flex embolization device with shield technology was introduced to minimize thromboembolic complications. In this study, we investigated the safety and effectiveness of pipeline embolization device with shield technology among all patients treated for intracranial aneurysms at our center. METHODS: This was a single-arm retrospective study of prospectively collected data of patients treated with pipeline embolization device with shield technology at our high-volume center between January 2018-January 2021. The primary efficacy endpoint was complete occlusion as measured by a class 1 Raymond-Roy score at 1-year and 2-year follow-up. The primary safety endpoint was major morbidity and neurological mortality up to 1 year following intervention. RESULTS: A total of 328 patients (mean age 56.1 ± 14.7 years; 81.1% female), 80 of whom were previously included in PEDESTRIAN, with 396 aneurysms, were analyzed. A total of 378 devices were deployed, with 93.9% (372/396) of aneurysms requiring only one device. Follow-up angiography was available for 90.2% (296/328) of the procedures after a mean time of 14.0 ± 8.2 months. Complete occlusion was demonstrated for 78.5% (132/168) of aneurysms at 12 months and 90.7% (98/108) at 24 months. The overall rates of major morbidity and neurological mortality after 2 years were 1.5% (5/328) and 0.6% (2/328), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate high rates of complete long-term occlusion among patients treated with pipeline embolization device with shield technology. We also observed low rates of mortality and morbidity consistent with fewer thromboembolic complications with pipeline embolization devices with shield technology.

[Impact of artificial intelligence on therapeutic metrics of cerebrovascular attack during the COVID-19 pandemic]. / Impacto de la inteligencia artificial en las métricas terapéuticas del ataque cerebrovascular durante la pandemia COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: The start of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the implementation of changes in the emergency services care system. Concomitantly, at our institution, we implemented the artificial intelligence (AI) software, RAPID.AI, for image analysis in ischemic stroke (IS). Our objective was to evaluate the impact of the use of AI together with the changes in the triage during the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). METHODS: We included patients with IS due to LVO treated with intravenous reperfusion therapy plus endovascular or direct endovascular therapy. RESULTS: Two groups were created. Group 1: patients from January 2019 to June 2020; Group 2: patients from July 2020 to December 2021, studied with RAPID.AI. Clinical data and temporal metrics were analyzed. They were compared according to arrival time from 08:00 to 20:00 (daytime) vs 20:01 to 7:59 (night). RESULTS: We included 286 patients, 153 in group 1 and 133 in group 2. In group 2, door-image metric and image duration were lower, with shorter door-image onset and door-recanalization times; patients who arrived at night had higher NIHSS and longer time from onset-to-door with lower proportion of functional independence at 90 days (mRS = 2). CONCLUSIONS: The use of AI for image analysis along with a shorter door to end of image time allowed to reduce the interval to groin puncture. In the analysis by hours during the pandemic, patients admitted in daytime hours had significantly lower door to image, image time acquisition, and door to recanalization metrics.

Introducción: El inicio de la pandemia COVID-19, obligó a implementar cambios en el sistema de atención de los servicios de emergencia. Coincidentemente, en nuestra institución, implementamos el software de inteligencia artificial (IA), RAPID.AI, para el análisis de imágenes en el ataque cerebrovascular isquémico (ACVi). Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el impacto del uso de la IA junto a los cambios en el triage durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en pacientes con ACVi por oclusión de gran vaso cerebral (OGVC). Métodos: Se crearon 2 grupos de pacientes con ACVi por OGVC tratados con terapia de reperfusión endovenosa más endovascular o terapia endovascular directa. Grupo 1: pacientes de enero 2019 a junio 2020; Grupo 2: pacientes de julio 2020 a diciembre de 2021, estudiados con RAPID.AI. Se analizaron datos clínicos, y métricas temporales. Se compararon según hora de arribo de 08:00 a 20:00 h (diurno) vs. 20:01 a 7:59 h (nocturno). Resultados: El grupo 1 comprendió 153 pacientes y el grupo 2 133. En el grupo 2 la métrica puerta-imagen y adquisición de la imagen fueron menores, con menor tiempo puerta-inicio de imagen y puerta-recanalización; los pacientes en horario nocturno presentaron mayor NIHSS y tiempos inicio-ingreso con menor proporción de independencia funcional a 90 días. Conclusiones: El uso de la IA para el análisis de imágenes junto a un menor tiempo puerta-fin de imagen, permitió acortar el intervalo hasta la punción inguinal. En el análisis por horarios durante la pandemia, los pacientes ingresados en horario diurno presentaron métricas puerta-imagen, tiempo de imagen y puertarecanalización significativamente menores.

Ophthalmic artery angioplasty for age-related macular degeneration.

BACKGROUND: There is considerable overlap of contributors to cardiovascular disease and the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Compromised ocular microcirculation due to aging and vascular disease contribute to retinal dysfunction and vision loss. Decreased choroidal perfusion is evident in eyes with dry AMD and is thought to play a role in retinal pigment epithelial dysfunction, the rate of development of geographic atrophy, and the development of neovascularization. The aim of the study was to demonstrate that AMD is correlated with a compromised blood flow in the ocular pathway and show OA angioplasty as a potential treatment of late-stage AMD. METHODS: Based on the potential for the ophthalmic artery (OA) to be an anatomical target for the treatment of AMD as outlined above, five patients were found to be eligible for compassionate use treatment, presenting clinically significant late-stage AMD with profound vision loss in one or both eyes, and are included in this retrospective study. RESULTS: OA narrowing, or significant calcium burden at the ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery compromising the origin of the OA was confirmed in all cases. Subsequent OA cannulation was achieved in all patients with some difficulty. Subjective patient reports indicated that all patients perceived a benefit following the procedure; however, improved postoperative visual acuity did not confirm that perceived benefit for one of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Feasibility and safety of the OA angioplasty were demonstrated, and a benefit perceived in five patients with profound vision loss and a desire to achieve improved quality of life. A clinical trial with controlled schedule, imaging, and methodologies is needed to confirm these results.

First-in-human endovascular treatment of hydrocephalus with a miniature biomimetic transdural shunt.

Surgical ventriculoperitoneal shunting remains standard treatment for communicating hydrocephalus, despite persistently elevated infection and revision rates. A novel minimally invasive endovascular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt was developed to mimic the function of the arachnoid granulation which passively filters CSF from the central nervous system back into the intracranial venous sinus network. The endovascular shunt is deployed via a femoral transvenous approach across the dura mater into the cerebellopontine angle cistern. An octogenarian with intractable hydrocephalus following subarachnoid hemorrhage underwent successful endovascular shunting, resulting in swift intracranial pressure reduction from 38 to <20 cmH2O (<90 min) and resolution of ventriculomegaly. This first successful development of a percutaneous transluminal venous access to the central nervous system offers a new pathway for non-invasive treatment of hydrocephalus and the potential for intervention against neurological disorders.

Hemorrhagic events associated with unfused or twig-like configuration of the Middle cerebral artery: A rare vascular anomaly with clinical relevance.

INTRODUCTION: Twig-like middle cerebral artery configuration (Tw-MCA) is a rare and commonly misdiagnosed vascular anomaly characterized by a plexiform arterial network that replaces the normal M1 segment. The prevalence and clinical relevance of this anomaly is not fully established. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We sought to explore the prevalence of Tw-MCA in patients clinically referred to digital angiography in a single academic comprehensive endovascular center and evaluated the radiological and clinical findings among patients with hemorrhagic events. RESULTS: From 2011 to 2020, a total of 10,234 patients underwent a cerebral angiography at our institution. During this period, 9 (0.088%) Tw-MCAs were identified. Out of these, 5 patients (62.5%) were admitted due to an intracranial hemorrhage. Two patients had a ruptured intracranial aneurysm on the anterior communicating artery, one with multiple brain aneurysms; two patients presented an intraparenchymal hematoma (IPH) due to the presence of a periventricular anastomosis and one patient an intraventricular hemorrhage with unclear origin. CONCLUSION: Tw-MCA is a very rare vascular anomaly associated with hemorrhagic events. Adequate identification of this anomaly is essential in order to avoid misdiagnosis as steno-occlusive disorders.

Cardiovascular thrombotic complications in acute ischemic stroke assessed by chest spectral computed tomography during COVID-19.

During the pandemic context, diagnostic algorithms had to be adapted considering the decimated medical personnel, local technical resources, and the likelihood of contamination. Given the higher probability of thrombotic complications related to COVID-19 and the availability of a dual-layer spectral computed tomography (CT) scanner, we have recently adopted the use of low-dose, non-gated, chest CT scans performed five minutes after contrast administration among patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) undergoing cerebrovascular CT angiography. Dual-layer spectral CT comprises a single X-ray source and two-layer detector with different photon-absorption capabilities. In addition to conventional images, the two distinct energy datasets obtained enable multiparametric spectral analysis without need to change the original scanning protocol. The two spectral features that emerge as most useful for patients with AIS are virtual monoenergetic imaging and iodine-based results. Aside from the evaluation of lung parenchyma, this novel strategy enables ruling out cardioembolic sources and simultaneously providing evidence of pulmonary and myocardial injury in a single session and immediately after CT cerebrovascular angiography. Furthermore, it involves a non-invasive, seemingly accurate, unsophisticated, safer (very low radiation dose and no contrast administration), and cheaper tool for ruling out cardioembolic sources compared to transesophageal echocardiogram and cardiac CT. Accordingly, we sought to standardize the technical aspects and overview the usefulness of delayed-phase, low-dose chest spectral CT in patients admitted with AIS.

Pipeline Embolization Devices for the Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms, Single-Center Registry: Long-Term Angiographic and Clinical Outcomes from 1000 Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Prospective studies have established the safety and efficacy of the PipelineTM Embolization Device (PED; Medtronic) for treatment of intracranial aneurysms (IA). OBJECTIVE: To investigate long-term outcomes from the Pipeline Embolization Devices for the Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms (PEDESTRIAN) Registry. METHODS: The PEDESTRIAN Registry data were retrospectively reviewed, which included patients (March 2006 to July 2019) with complex IAs treated with PED. Patients with unfavorable anatomy and/or recurrence following previous treatment were included and excluded those with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. The primary angiographic endpoint was complete occlusion and long-term stability. Clinical and radiological follow-up was performed at 3 to 6 mo, 12 mo, and yearly thereafter. RESULTS: A total of 835 patients (mean age 55.9 ± 14.7 yr; 80.0% female) with 1000 aneurysms were included. Aneurysms varied in size: 64.6% were small (≤10 mm), 25.6% were large (11-24 mm), and 9.8% were giant (≥25 mm). A total of 1214 PEDs were deployed. Follow-up angiography was available for 85.1% of patients with 776 aneurysms at 24.6 ± 25.0 mo (mean). Complete occlusion was demonstrated in 75.8% of aneurysms at 12 mo, 92.9% at 2 to 4 yr, and 96.4% at >5 yr. During the postprocedural period, modified Rankin Scale scores remained stable or improved in 96.2% of patients, with stability or improvement in 99.1% of patients >5 yr. The overall major morbidity and neurological mortality rate was 5.8%. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated high rates of long-term complete aneurysm occlusion, stable or improved functional outcomes, and low rates of complications and mortality. Clinical and angiographic outcomes improved over long-term follow-up, demonstrating that endovascular treatment of IA with PED is safe and effective.

[Acute ischemic stroke in anterior territory: endovascular treatment]. / Ataque cerebrovascular isquémico agudo de territorio anterior. Tratamiento endovascular.

Endovascular treatment (EVT) has become the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with proximal large vessel occlusions (LVO). However, it is still unknown whether these results can be generalized to clinical practice. We aimed to perform a retrospective review of patients who received EVT up to 24 hours, and to assess safety and efficacy in everyday clinical practice. We performed a retrospective analysis, from January 2013 to December 2017, on 139 consecutive patients with AIS for anterior circulation LVO strokes up to 24 h from symptoms onset, who received EVT in our institution. The primary outcome measured was a modified Rankin scale (mRS) = 2 at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included successful reperfusion, defined as a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) scale 2b/3, mortality rate at 90 days and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). The mean age was 67.5 ± 15.0, with 51.8% female patients. Median baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 14 (IQR 8-18); median time from symptom onset to groin puncture was 331 min (IQR 212-503). Sixty-three patients (45.3%) were treated beyond 6 hours after symptoms onset. The rate of mRS = 2 was 47.5%. Successful reperfusion was achieved in 74.8 %. Mortality rate at 90 days was 18.7 % and sICH was 7.9 %. Our registry of real-life patients with AIS due to LVO who received EVT within 24 hours showed high reperfusion rates, and good functional results with few complications, according to international recommendations.

La terapia endovascular (TEV) es el tratamiento estándar del ataque cerebrovascular isquémico (ACVi) con oclusión de gran vaso (OGVC). Aún no se conoce si esos resultados pueden generalizarse a la práctica diaria. Se describen los resultados de la TEV en pacientes con ACVi por OGVC dentro de las 24 horas, en un análisis retrospectivo entre enero 2013 y diciembre 2017 que incluyó 139 casos consecutivos con ACVi y OGVC en arteria cerebral media (ACM), hasta 24 horas del inicio de los síntomas, que recibieron TEV en nuestra institución. El resultado primario medido fue la escala de Rankin modificada (mRS) = 2 a 90 días. Se evaluaron también: reperfusión exitosa, según la escala modificada de trombólisis en infarto cerebral (mTICI) 2b/3, hemorragia intracraneal sintomática (HIS) y mortalidad a 90 días. La edad media: 67.5 ± 15.0, siendo el 51.8% mujeres. La mediana basal de National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) fue 14 (IIC 8-18); la mediana del tiempo desde inicio de síntomas hasta punción inguinal: 331 min (IIC 212-503). El 45.3%, 63 pacientes, fueron tratados > 6 horas después del inicio de síntomas. La tasa de mRS = 2 fue 47.5%. Se logró una reperfusión exitosa en el 74.8%. La tasa de mortalidad a 90 días fue del 18.7% y la HIS del 7.9%. Nuestro registro de pacientes de la vida real con ACVi por OGVC tratados con TEV dentro de las 24 horas mostró altas tasas de reperfusión, buenos resultados funcionales y pocas complicaciones, acorde con las recomendaciones internacionales.

Impacto de la inteligencia artificial en las métricas terapéuticas del ataque cerebrovascular durante la pandemia COVID-19 / Impact of artificial intelligence on therapeutic metrics of cerebrovascular attack during the COVID-19 pandemic

Resumen Introducción : El inicio de la pandemia COVID-19, obligó a implementar cambios en el sistema de aten ción de los servicios de emergencia. Coincidentemente, en nuestra institución, implementamos el software de inteligencia artificial (IA), RAPID.AI, para el análisis de imágenes en el ataque cerebrovascular isquémico (ACVi). Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el impacto del uso de la IA junto a los cambios en el triage durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en pacientes con ACVi por oclusión de gran vaso cerebral (OGVC). Métodos : Se crearon 2 grupos de pacientes con ACVi por OGVC tratados con terapia de reperfusión endovenosa más endovascular o terapia endovascu lar directa. Grupo 1: pacientes de enero 2019 a junio 2020; Grupo 2: pacientes de julio 2020 a diciembre de 2021, estudiados con RAPID.AI. Se analizaron datos clínicos, y métricas temporales. Se compararon según hora de arribo de 08:00 a 20:00 h (diurno) vs. 20:01 a 7:59 h (nocturno). Resultados : El grupo 1 comprendió 153 pacientes y el grupo 2 133. En el grupo 2 la métrica puerta-imagen y adquisición de la imagen fueron menores, con menor tiempo puerta-inicio de imagen y puerta-recanalización; los pacientes en horario nocturno presentaron mayor NIHSS y tiempos inicio-ingreso con menor proporción de independencia funcional a 90 días. Conclusiones : El uso de la IA para el análisis de imá genes junto a un menor tiempo puerta-fin de imagen, permitió acortar el intervalo hasta la punción inguinal. En el análisis por horarios durante la pandemia, los pacientes ingresados en horario diurno presentaron métricas puerta-imagen, tiempo de imagen y puerta-recanalización significativamente menores.

Abstract Introduction : The start of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the implementation of changes in the emergency services care system. Concomitantly, at our institution, we implemented the artificial intelligence (AI) software, RAPID.AI, for image analysis in ischemic stroke (IS). Our objective was to evaluate the impact of the use of AI together with the changes in the triage during the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). Methods : We included patients with IS due to LVO treated with intravenous reperfusion therapy plus en dovascular or direct endovascular therapy. Results : Two groups were created. Group 1: patients from January 2019 to June 2020; Group 2: patients from July 2020 to December 2021, studied with RAPID.AI. Clini cal data and temporal metrics were analyzed. They were compared according to arrival time from 08:00 to 20:00 (daytime) vs 20:01 to 7:59 (night). Results: We included 286 patients, 153 in group 1 and 133 in group 2. In group 2, door-image metric and image duration were lower, with shorter door-image onset and door-recanalization times; patients who arrived at night had higher NIHSS and longer time from onset-to-door with lower propor tion of functional independence at 90 days (mRS ≤ 2). Conclusions : The use of AI for image analysis along with a shorter door to end of image time allowed to reduce the interval to groin puncture. In the analysis by hours during the pandemic, patients admitted in daytime hours had significantly lower door to image, image time acquisition, and door to recanalization metrics.

Tratamiento endovascular de aneurismas de arterias viscerales. Experiencia de 10 años en un solo centro / Endovascular treatment of visceral artery aneurysms. A single center 10-year experience

RESUMEN Antecedentes : los aneurismas de arterias viscerales (AAV) tienen una frecuencia baja (0,1 a 2%). Hasta un 25% puede presentarse como rotura, con una alta mortalidad (hasta 70%). La terapia endovascular ha ganado terreno y se recomienda como primera opción según las últimas guías. Hoy en día, es posible adaptarse a casi cualquier anatomía utilizando tecnología cerebral. Objetivo : describir la experiencia y enfoque en el manejo endovascular de AAV, con resultados a corto, mediano y largo plazo. Material y métodos : llevamos a cabo una evaluación retrospectiva de pacientes tratados por AAV verdaderos por vía endovascular en un solo centro entre 2010 y 2020, con un seguimiento mínimo de 6 meses. Resultados : analizamos 19 procedimientos en 18 pacientes (9 hombres y 9 mujeres). La edad promedio fue 61,9 años; el promedio de tiempo de internación fue 1,94 días y el promedio de seguimiento de 40 meses. La arteria más involucrada fue la esplénica (n = 9, 50%). El tamaño aneurismático promedio fue 30,1 mm. La estrategia terapéutica más utilizada fue colocación de diversor de flujo (n = 8, 42,1%). Dos pacientes fueron reintervenidos (11,1%). Las tasas de exclusión completa fueron del 47,4%, 68,4% y 94,7% a los 3, 6 y 12 meses, respectivamente. No hubo casos de mortalidad a 30 días ni mortalidad relacionada con el aneurisma durante el seguimiento. Conclusión : el tratamiento endovascular de los AAV es seguro y eficaz. Sin embargo, se debe contar con la tecnología adecuada, para la planificación preoperatoria y el tratamiento.

ABSTRACT Background : the prevalence of visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) is low (0.1 to 2%). Up to 25% may present as rupture which is associated with high mortality (up to 70%). Endovascular treatment has gained ground and is even considered the first option according to the most recent recommendations. Nowadays, almost any anatomy can be approached with endovascular techniques used to treat intracranial aneurysms. Objective : the aim of our study was to describe the experience and approach for the endovascular management of VAAs with short-, mid-, and long-term results. Material and methods : we conducted a retrospective evaluation of patients with true VAAs undergoing endovascular treatment in a single center between 2010 and 2020 who were followed up for a minimum of 6 months. Results : we analyzed 19 procedures in 18 patients (9 men and 9 women). Mean age was 61.9 years; mean length of hospital stay was 1.94 days and mean follow-up was 40 months. The splenic artery was the vessel most affected (n = 9, 50%). Mean aneurysm size was 30.1 mm. Flow diversion was the strategy most used (n = 8, 42.1%). Two patients required reintervention (11%). Complete exclusion rate was 38.4%, 47.4%, 68.4% and 94.7% at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. There were no cases of mortality within the first 30 days and no aneurysm-related mortality during the follow-up period. Conclusion : endovascular treatment of VAAs is a safe and efficient strategy but requires adequate technology for preoperative planning and treatment.

Association between hemodynamic conditions and occlusion times after flow diversion in cerebral aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of flow diversion treatment of intracranial aneurysms is difficult owing to lack of knowledge of the target hemodynamic environment. OBJECTIVE: To identify hemodynamic conditions created after flow diversion that induce fast aneurysm occlusion. METHODS: Two groups of aneurysms treated with flow diverters alone were selected: (a) aneurysms completely occluded at 3 months (fast occlusion), and (b) aneurysms patent or incompletely occluded at 6 months (slow occlusion). A total of 23 aneurysms were included in the study. Patient-specific computational fluid dynamics models were constructed and used to characterize the hemodynamic environment immediately before and after treatment. Average post-treatment hemodynamic conditions between the fast and slow occlusion groups were statistically compared. RESULTS: Aneurysms in the fast occlusion group had significantly lower post-treatment mean velocity (fast=1.13 cm/s, slow=3.11 cm/s, p=0.02), inflow rate (fast=0.47 mL/s, slow=1.89 mL/s, p=0.004) and shear rate (fast=20.52 1/s, slow=32.37 1/s, p=0.02) than aneurysms in the slow occlusion group. Receiver operating characteristics analysis showed that mean post-treatment velocity, inflow rate, and shear rate below a certain threshold could discriminate between aneurysms of the fast and slow occlusion groups with good accuracy (84%, 77%, and 76%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The occlusion time of cerebral aneurysms treated with flow diverters can be predicted by the hemodynamic conditions created immediately after device implantation. Specifically, low post-implantation flow velocity, inflow rate, and shear rate are associated with fast occlusion times.

Analysis of hemodynamics and wall mechanics at sites of cerebral aneurysm rupture.

BACKGROUND: It is thought that aneurysms evolve as the result of progressive degradation of the wall in response to abnormal hemodynamics characterized by either high or low wall shear stress (WSS). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of these two different hemodynamic pathways in a series of cerebral aneurysms with known rupture sites. METHODS: Nine aneurysms in which the rupture site could be identified in three-dimensional images were analyzed. The WSS distribution was obtained from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Internal wall stresses were computed using structural wall models under hemodynamic loads determined by the CFD models. Wall properties (thickness and stiffness) were modulated with the WSS distribution (increased or decreased in regions of high or low WSS) to test possible wall degradation pathways. Rupture probability indices (RPI) were calculated to compare different wall models. RESULTS: Most rupture sites aligned with the intrasaccular flow stream and downstream of the primary impaction zone. The model that best explained the rupture site (produced higher RPI) in eight of the nine aneurysms (89%) had thinner and stiffer walls in regions of abnormally high WSS. The remaining case (11%) was best explained by a model with thinner and stiffer walls in regions of abnormally low WSS. CONCLUSIONS: Aneurysm rupture seems to be caused by localized degradation and weakening of the wall in response to abnormal hemodynamics. Image-based computational models assuming wall thinning and stiffening in regions of abnormally high WSS were able to explain most of the observed rupture sites.

Ataque cerebrovascular isquémico agudo de territorio anterior: Tratamiento endovascular / Acute ischemic stroke in anterior territory: endovascular treatment

La terapia endovascular (TEV) es el tratamiento estándar del ataque cerebrovascular isquémico (ACVi) con oclusión de gran vaso (OGVC). Aún no se conoce si esos resultados pueden generalizarse a la práctica diaria. Se describen los resultados de la TEV en pacientes con ACVi por OGVC dentro de las 24 horas, en un análisis retrospectivo entre enero 2013 y diciembre 2017 que incluyó 139 casos consecutivos con ACVi y OGVC en arteria cerebral media (ACM), hasta 24 horas del inicio de los síntomas, que recibieron TEV en nuestra institución. El resultado primario medido fue la escala de Rankin modificada (mRS) ≤ 2 a 90 días. Se evaluaron también: reperfusión exitosa, según la escala modificada de trombólisis en infarto cerebral (mTICI) 2b/3, hemorragia intracraneal sintomática (HIS) y mortalidad a 90 días. La edad media: 67.5 ± 15.0, siendo el 51.8% mujeres. La mediana basal de National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) fue 14 (IIC 8-18); la mediana del tiempo desde inicio de síntomas hasta punción inguinal: 331 min (IIC 212-503). El 45.3%, 63 pacientes, fueron tratados > 6 horas después del inicio de síntomas. La tasa de mRS ≤ 2 fue 47.5%. Se logró una reperfusión exitosa en el 74.8%. La tasa de mortalidad a 90 días fue del 18.7% y la HIS del 7.9%. Nuestro registro de pacientes de la vida real con ACVi por OGVC tratados con TEV dentro de las 24 horas mostró altas tasas de reperfusión, buenos resultados funcionales y pocas complicaciones, acorde con las recomendaciones internacionales.

Endovascular treatment (EVT) has become the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with proximal large vessel occlusions (LVO). However, it is still unknown whether these results can be generalized to clinical practice. We aimed to perform a retrospective review of patients who received EVT up to 24 hours, and to assess safety and efficacy in everyday clinical practice. We performed a retrospective analysis, from January 2013 to December 2017, on 139 consecutive patients with AIS for anterior circulation LVO strokes up to 24 h from symptoms onset, who received EVT in our institution. The primary outcome measured was a modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≤ 2 at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included successful reperfusion, defined as a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) scale 2b/3, mortality rate at 90 days and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). The mean age was 67.5 ± 15.0, with 51.8% female patients. Median baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 14 (IQR 8-18); median time from symptom onset to groin puncture was 331 min (IQR 212-503). Sixty-three patients (45.3%) were treated beyond 6 hours after symptoms onset. The rate of mRS ≤ 2 was 47.5%. Successful reperfusion was achieved in 74.8 %. Mortality rate at 90 days was 18.7 % and sICH was 7.9 %. Our registry of real-life patients with AIS due to LVO who received EVT within 24 hours showed high reperfusion rates, and good functional results with few complications, according to international recommendations.

Hemodynamics in two tandem aneurysms treated with flow diverters.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the occlusion time of cerebral aneurysms treated with flow diverters depends on the hemodynamic conditions created immediately after treatment. A case study of a pair of tandem intracranial aneurysms that were treated with flow-diverting devices and occluded at different times was carried out. A patient-specific computational fluid dynamics model was constructed from 3D rotational angiography images. Blood flow simulations were carried out under pulsatile physiologic conditions, and hemodynamic variables before and after deployment of the flow-diverting devices were quantified and compared. The flow-diverting devices reduced aneurysm inflow rates, intra-aneurysmal flow velocities, shear rates, and wall shear stresses. The flow patterns after flow modulation by the flow diverters were smoother and with less swirling. The reductions in hemodynamic quantities depended on the aneurysm and parent artery and were larger in the aneurysm that occluded faster. The results of this case study suggest that the larger the reduction in the hemodynamic variables considered, the shorter the time it takes for the aneurysm to thrombose. This result can help us better define the goal of these interventions.

Curative endovascular reconstruction of cerebral aneurysms with the pipeline embolization device: the Buenos Aires experience.

OBJECTIVES: The Pipeline embolization device (PED) (Chestnut Medical Technologies, Inc., Menlo Park, CA) is a new microcatheter-delivered endovascular construct designed to achieve the curative reconstruction of the parent arteries giving rise to wide-necked and fusiform intracranial aneurysms. We present our initial periprocedural experience with the PED and midterm follow-up results for a series of 53 patients. METHODS: Patients harboring large and giant wide-necked, nonsaccular, and recurrent intracranial aneurysms were selected for treatment. All patients were pretreated with dual antiplatelet medications for at least 72 hours before surgery and continued taking both agents for at least 6 months after treatment. A control digital subtraction angiogram was typically performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients (age range, 11-77 years; average age, 55.2 years; 48 female) with 63 intracranial aneurysms were treated with the PED. Small (n = 33), large (n = 22), and giant (n = 8) wide-necked aneurysms were included. A total of 72 PEDs were used. Treatment was achieved with a single PED in 44 aneurysms, with 2 overlapping PEDs in 17 aneurysms, and with 3 overlapping PEDs in 2 aneurysms. The mean time between the treatment and last follow-up digital subtraction angiogram was 5.9 months (range, 1-22 months). Complete angiographic occlusion was achieved in 56%, 93%, and 95% of aneurysms at 3 (n = 42), 6 (n = 28), and 12 (n = 18) months, respectively. The only aneurysm that remained patent at the time of the 12-month follow-up examination had been treated previously with stent-supported coiling. The presence of a preexisting endoluminal stent may have limited the efficacy of the PED reconstruction in this aneurysm. No aneurysms demonstrated a deterioration of angiographic occlusion during the follow-up period (i.e., no recanalizations). No major complications (stroke or death) were encountered during the study period. Three patients (5%), all with giant aneurysms, experienced transient exacerbations of preexisting cranial neuropathies and headache after the PED treatment. All 3 were treated with corticosteroids, and these symptoms resolved within 1 month. CONCLUSION: Endovascular reconstruction with the PED represents a safe, durable, and curative treatment of selected wide-necked, large and giant cerebral aneurysms. The rate of complete occlusion at the time of the 12-month follow-up examination approached 100% in the present study. To date, no angiographic recurrences have been observed during serial angiographic follow-up.

Evolución de la angiografía digital cerebral / Evolution of th digital cerebral angiography

Premio Nobel que fue reconocido por sus trabajos en tratamientos radicales en enfermedades mentales, pero no por la intervención de la angiografía, Antonio Caetano de Abreu Freire Egaz Moniz, se le acredita la inción de la angiografía. Sin embargo el impacto importante que tuvo en el desarrollo de este campo de la Medicina, que sobresali+o en sus trabajos, se le negó el Premio Nobel por circunstancias de la época. Por muchos años fue olvidada por parecer una técnica misteriosa. Hoy en día continúa cumpliendo un importante rol en el campo de la medicina vascular. La radiología se inicia como disciplina en los años treinta del siglo veinte, cuando se crea la Sociedad Norteamericana de Radiología, la cuál impulsa la relación entre enfermedad e imagen. La neurorradiología, inexistente como disciplina independiente, pertenecía a los clínicos, unos pocos la adoptaron como una discilplina comenzando con el estudio sistematizado de la anatomía y procesos patológicos del sistema nervioso a través de la imagen. Ésta se desarrolla vertiginosamente en Suecia, particularmente en en Instituto Karolinska de Estocolmo, y en Nueva York. La neurorradiología atribuible a Word en los albores de los años cincuenta, se concreta por el Dr. Juan M. Taveras en 1955, en la Universidad de Nueva York. Este artículo, refleja el comienzo de la angiografía, con Egas Moniz, y su evolución en el tiempo.

Cementoplastia de malformaciones arteriovenosas maxilofaciales con compromiso óseo / Cementoplastia of maxilofaciales arteriovenosas malformations with bony commitment

Propósito: El objetivo del trabajo es describir este tipo de abordaje terapéutico en pacientes con malformaciones arterio-venosas de la región maxilofacial con compromiso óseo. Material y Métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de 3 pacientes portadores de malformaciones arteriovenosas de alto flujo con compromiso maxilofacial, tratados en nuestro servicio mediante embolización superselectiva vía arterial, percutánea y punción ósea con inyección de Metilmetacrilato. Resultados: La edad de los pacientes fue 8, 12 y 19 años, 2 eran de sexo masculino y uno femenino. Todos presentaron historia de homorragias a repetición que requirieron transfudiones y reiteradas sesiones de embolización intraarterial previas. El estudio angiográfico mostró complejas malformaciones de alto flujo de la región maxilofacial con compromiso óseo evidente en exámenes radiológicos (radiografía simple, tomografía computada y resonancia magnética). Se realizó punción percutánea de la lesión bajo radioscopia e inyección de Metilmetacrilato como tratamiento complementario a la embolización superselectiva vía arterial. En los casos de hemorragia aguda severa el tratamiento produjo rápida hemostasia. En el seguimiento a seis meses no se registraron nuevos episodios de sangrado. Conclusión: En nuestra experiencia, la reconstrucción ósea mediante cementoplastia con inyección de Metilmetacrilato en malformaciones arterio-venosas maxilofaciales es un procedimiento seguro y eficaz como complemento del abordaje terapéutico de estas complejas lesiones.

Reconstrucción endovascular con stents en el tratamiento de aneurismas cerebrales / Reconstruction endovascular stents in the treatment of brain aneurysms

Obejtivo: Presentamos nuestra experiencia clínica y los resultados del seguimiento a mediano plazo de las lesiones aneurismáticas complejas tratadas mediante stenting intracraneal. Material y Métodos: Entre junio de 1996 y junio del 2004, 259 pacientes con aneurisma complejos de la circulación cerebral fueron tratados mediante técnica de stenting intracraneal. Los pacientes se dividieron en dos grupos: 1.- Pacientes tratados con stents balón expandibles (SBE), 2.- Pacientes con stents auto-expandibles (SAE). Resultados: Grupo 1: fueron implantados 172 stents. El 50.5% de los casos fueron aneurismas pequeños; 32.5% grandes y 18.6% gigantes. El 33% se trató solo con stent, el 66% con stent y coils y el 1% con stent y Onyx. La morbilidad del procedimiento fue de 4.3% y la mortalidad del 2.1%. Grupo2: el 102 stents implantados: 55.8% pequeños, 31.3% grandes y 12.7% gigantes. En el 29.4% fueron tratados exclusivamente con stent y en el 70.5% con stent y coils. La morbilidad del procedimiento fue de 2.8% con una mortalidad del 2.7%. Conclusión: los resultados de nuestra serie indican que el tratamiento con stents es una técnica segura, factible y efectiva para la reconstrucción endovascular de lesiones aneurismáticas complejas, y defectos arteriales segmentarios, pudiéndose utilizar como único tratamiento o combinado con coils. La disponibilidad de stent diseñados para uso neurológico permite realizar satisfactoriamente el tratamiento endovascular sin importar la tortuosidad vascular.