Evaluation of short- and long-term results of Y-stent-assisted coiling with Leo stents in endovascular treatment of wide-necked intracranial bifurcation aneurysms.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of Y-stent-assisted coiling (Y-SAC) using LEO Baby® stents in treating of bifurcation aneurysms. METHODS: Patients who underwent Y-SAC using a braided stent (LEO Baby®, Montmorency, France) for wide-necked intracranial aneurysms between 2009 and 2019 and whose radiological and clinical follow-up data for at least 6 months could be obtained were evaluated. Data were obtained from patient records and analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: We evaluated 111 patients with a mean age of 56.0 ± 10.8 years (range, 25-88 years). Most of the aneurysms were detected incidentally. Three patients had ruptured aneurysms. LEO Baby deployment and coiling were successful in all patients. Immediate aneurysm occlusion rates were determined as modified Raymond-Roy classification (mRRC) I 95.5% (n = 106), mRRC II 3.6% (n = 4), mRRC IIIa 0.9% (n = 1). In the sixth month, aneurysm occlusion rates were found to be complete and nearly complete in all patients (mRRC I 94.6%, n = 105 and mRRC II 4.5%; n = 5, respectively). Follow-up data of 91 patients for > 2 years were obtained. Of these, 88 had MRRCI obstruction and 3 had MRRC II obstruction. The overall complication rate was 4.8%, and one patient died during the post-procedural follow-up. CONCLUSION: The long-term follow-up results of Y-stenting with LEO Baby revealed that it provides stable closure of the aneurysm sac while preserving the main arterial structures. Therefore, it is a safe, durable, and effective method for treating wide-necked and complex bifurcation aneurysms.

Safety and efficacy of flow diverter stents in the treatment of middle cerebral artery aneurysms: a single-center experience and follow-up data

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of flow diverters (FDs) in the treatment of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms and share the follow-up (F/U) results. METHODS: The treatment and F/U results of 76 MCA aneurysms treated with the flow re-direction endoluminal device (FRED), FRED Jr., and pipeline embolization device (PED) FD stents were evaluated retrospectively. The aneurysm occlusion rates were compared between FDs, and the integrated and jailed branches were evaluated through follow-ups. The oversizing of the stent was compared between occluded/non-occluded aneurysms and integrated branches. RESULTS: The mean F/U duration was 32 ± 6.3 months, and the mean aneurysm diameter was 4.45 mm. A total of 61 (80.3%) aneurysms were wide-necked; 73 (96.1%) were saccular; 52 (68.4%) were located at the M1 segment; and 36 (45.6%) FREDs, 23 (29.1%) FRED Jr.s, and 19 (24.1%) PEDs were used for treatment. The overall occlusion rates for the 6-, 12-, 24-, 36-, and 60-month digital subtraction angiographies were 43.8%, 63.5%, 73.3%, 85.7%, and 87.5% respectively. The last F/U occlusion rates were 67.6% for FRED, 66.7% for PED, and 60.6% for FRED Jr. (P = 0.863). An integrated branch was covered with an FD during the treatment of 63 (82.8%) aneurysms. A total of six (10%) of the integrated branches were occluded without any symptoms at the last F/U appointment. The median oversizing was 0.45 (0-1.30) for occluded aneurysms, and 0.50 (0-1.40) for non-occluded aneurysms (P = 0.323). The median oversizing was 0.70 (0.45-1.10) in occluded integrated branches and 0.50 (0-1.40) in non-occluded branches (P = 0.131). In-stent stenosis was seen in 22 (30.1%) of the stents at the 6-month F/U and in only 2 (4.7%) at the 24-month F/U. Thus, none of the patients had any neurological deficits because of the in-stent stenosis. Severe in-stent stenosis was seen in two stents. CONCLUSION: MCA aneurysms tend to be complex, with integrated branches and potentially wide necks. FD stents are safe and effective in the treatment of MCA aneurysms, and the patency of the side and jailed branches is preserved in most cases. Higher occlusion and lower in-stent stenosis rates are seen with longer F/U durations.

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.).

Technical Challenges in Endovascular Treatment of Ruptured Aneurysm in a Patient with Body Mass Index >100.

BACKGROUND: Morbid obesity can pose unique challenges in the endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, particularly in the management of ruptured aneurysms. CASE DESCRIPTION: This technical report discusses the challenges faced during the treatment of a ruptured aneurysm in a morbidly obese patient with a body mass index of 101. The technical adaptations used included the utilization of Dyna CT for routine imaging, vacuum assist devices for patient transfer, and a transradial approach to avoid groin complications. The technical adaptations used in the management of the ruptured aneurysm in the morbidly obese patient were effective in overcoming the challenges posed by the patient's obesity. CONCLUSION: This technical report and literature review can serve as a guide for physicians treating morbidly obese patients with cerebrovascular diseases. Utilization of advanced technology and innovative approaches can aid in overcoming the challenges posed by obesity and improving patient outcomes.

Acute limb ischemia.

Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is an emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment. Although the traditional treating strategy for ALI includes open surgery, novel endovascular techniques have been introduced during the last decade. Additionally, many new cases of ALI have been reported due to infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The aim of this study was to present an updated overview of characteristics, diagnosis, and current treating strategies of patients with ALI.

Endovascular Treatment of Basilar Artery Occlusion: What Can We Learn from the Results?

Background and Objectives: Current guidelines lack specific endovascular treatment (EVT) recommendations for posterior circulation stroke (PCS). The results of earlier studies are controversial. We aimed to compare early hospital outcomes of stroke caused by large-vessel occlusion (LVO) treated with EVT or bridging therapy (BT) in anterior circulation stroke (ACS) versus PCS (middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and basilar artery occlusion (BAO), and establish the risk factors for poor outcome. Materials and Methods: we analyzed the data of 279 subjects treated with EVT due to LVO-caused stroke in a comprehensive stroke centre in 2015−2021. The primary outcome was hospital mortality, secondary outcomes were National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) after 24 h, early neurological deterioration, futile recanalization (FR), the ambulatory outcome at discharge, and complications. Results: BAO presented with higher baseline NIHSS scores (19 vs. 14, p < 0.001), and longer door-to-puncture time (93 vs. 82 min, p = 0.034), compared to MCAO. Hospital mortality and the percentage of FR were the same in BAO and almost two times higher than in MCAO (20.0% vs. 10.3%, p = 0.048), other outcomes did not differ. In BAO, unsuccessful recanalization was the only significant predictor of the lethal outcome, though there were trends for PAD and RF predicting lethal outcome. A trend for higher risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) was observed in the BAO group when BT was applied. Nevertheless, neither BT nor sICH predicted lethal outcomes in the BAO group. Conclusions: Compared to the modern gold standard of EVT in the ACS, early outcomes in BAO remain poor, there is a substantial amount of FR. Nevertheless, unsuccessful recanalization remains the strongest predictor of lethal outcomes. BT in PCS might pose a higher risk for sICH, but not the lethal outcome, although this finding requires further investigation in larger trials.

Hybrid Management of an Aortobronchial Fistula after Patch Aortoplasty for Aortic Coarctation in a Patient with SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Aortobronchial fistula is a rare cause of repeated hemoptysis and a potentially fatal condition if left untreated. We present the case of a 40-year-old man with repeated hemoptysis, excessive cough, and epistaxis ongoing for several days after SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia diagnosis. The patient had a history of patch aortoplasty for aortic coarctation and aortic valve replacement with a mechanical valve for aortic insufficiency due to bicuspid aortic valve at the age of 24. Computed tomography scan performed at presentation revealed a severely dilated ascending aorta, a thoracic aorta pseudoaneurysm at the site of the former coarctation, an aortobronchial fistula suggested by the thickened left lower lobe apical segmental bronchus in contact with the pseudoaneurysm and signs of alveolar hemorrhage in the respective segment. The patient was treated with thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) after prior hemi-aortic arch debranching and transposition of the left common carotid artery and subclavian artery through a closed-chest surgical approach. Our case report together with a systematic review of the literature highlight the importance of both considering an aortobronchial fistula in the differential diagnosis of hemoptysis in patients with prior history of thoracic aorta surgical intervention, regardless of associated pathology, and of taking into account endovascular and hybrid techniques as an alternative to open surgical repair, which carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality.

Treatments in Ischemic Stroke: Current and Future.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Despite progress made over the last 30 years, stroke is still a leading cause of disability and mortality; likewise, its burden is expected to increase over the next decades, due to population growth and aging. The development of drugs with better safety-efficacy profiles as well as strategies able to improve ischemic stroke management from the pre-hospital setting is needed. SUMMARY: The pathophysiology of ischemic stroke involves multiple pathways resulting in cerebral artery obstruction and brain tissue ischemia. To date, the only approved drug for acute ischemic stroke is intravenous thrombolytic alteplase. Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) can be administered alone or in combination with endovascular treatment (EVT) with mechanical thrombectomy, in case of large vessel occlusion and generally within 6 h from symptoms onset. The risk of potential bleeding complications, especially symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, is one of the reasons for the reluctance to administer IVT. Tenecteplase is a promising alternative fibrinolytic agent, having a better safety profile than alteplase. Moreover, recent evidences have allowed an extension of the IVT ± EVT time window for patients with unknown onset time and for those with a known onset time thanks to the new "tissue-window" approach guided by advanced neuroimaging techniques, which also helps in collateral circulation estimation. Regarding primary-secondary prevention, researchers are focused on improving the efficacy of antithrombotic drugs with a "hemostasis-sparing" approach. Neuroprotective agents are also under development, particularly stem cells. The COVID-19 pandemic has critically stressed global healthcare systems, with collateral damage resulting in access delivery of only emergency care, such as ischemic stroke. Regarding telemedicine, it has had a minor role in acute stroke management, and with the onset of COVID-19, this role will most likely be adopted to increase access and delivery in stroke assessment, but also in the follow-up.

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

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

Vertebral artery dissection managed by interventional radiology.

A 21-year-old patient presented with sudden-onset headache, visual disturbance and left hand incoordination. She was diagnosed with a left vertebral artery dissection of the V3 segment resulting in multiple cerebellar and cerebral infarcts. There were no risk factors for dissection other than recent COVID-19 infection. She was treated initially with antiplatelets, followed by anticoagulation, but experienced recurrent ischaemia. Although guidance suggests endovascular repair may be beneficial for patients with cerebral artery dissection (CAD) who experience recurrent strokes on medical therapy, evidence is limited. After multidisciplinary team consideration of the individual patient anatomy and risks and benefits of different endovascular techniques, the patient was treated with endovascular coiling. At 10 months follow-up, she had no further strokes and improving neurological symptoms. The case highlighted COVID-19 as a potential trigger for CAD and the use of endovascular coiling in preventing catastrophic cerebral ischaemia in CAD refractive to medical therapy.

Impact of the first COVID-19 pandemic peak and lockdown on the interventional management of carotid artery stenosis in France.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the trends of carotid revascularization (endarterectomy [CEA], transfemoral carotid artery stenting [TFCAS]) for symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis before, during, and after the end of the first lockdown in 2020 in France. METHODS: Nationwide data were provided by the French National Hospital Discharge database (Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Information). We retrospectively analyzed patients admitted for CEA or TFCAS in all French public and private hospitals during a 9-month period (January-September) in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. Procedures were identified using the French Common Classification of Medical Procedures. Stenoses were considered symptomatic in the presence of stroke and/or transient ischemic attack codes (according to the International Classification of Diseases-Tenth Revision) during the stay, and asymptomatic in the absence of these codes. Hospitalization rates in 2020 were compared with the rates in the same period in the 3 previous years. RESULTS: Between January and September 2020, 12,546 patients were hospitalized for carotid artery surgery (CEA and TFCAS) in France. Compared with the 3 previous years, there was a decrease in hospitalization rates for asymptomatic (-68.9%) and symptomatic (-12.6%) CEA procedures in April, starting at the pandemic peak concomitant with the first national lockdown. This decrease was significant for asymptomatic CEA (P < .001). After the lockdown, while CEA for asymptomatic stenosis returned to usual activity, CEA for symptomatic stenosis presented a significant rebound, up 18.52% in August compared with previous years. Lockdown also had consequences on TFCAS procedures, with fewer interventions for both asymptomatic (-60.53%) and symptomatic stenosis (-16.67%) in April. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a severe decrease for all interventions during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in France. However, the trends in the postlockdown period were different for the various procedures. These data can be used to anticipate future decisions and organization for cardiovascular care.

Pipeline Embolization Device Versus Stent-Assisted Coiling for Intracranial Aneurysm Treatment: A Retrospective Propensity Score-Matched Study.

BACKGROUND: Pipeline embolization device (PED; Medtronic) and stent-assisted coiling (SAC) are established modalities for treatment of intracranial aneurysms. OBJECTIVE: To comparatively assess the efficacy of these techniques. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with aneurysms treated at our institution with either PED from 2013 to 2017 or SAC from 2009 to 2015. All large (>10 mm), ruptured, fusiform, anterior communicating artery, posterior circulation aneurysms, and patients with no available follow-up imaging were eliminated before running the propensity score matching (PSM). Patients were matched using nearest neighbor controlling for: age, gender, smoking, exact location, maximal diameter, and presence of multiple aneurysms. Total hospital costs for equipment and implants were calculated from procedure product and hospital billing records, and compared between the propensity-matched pairs. RESULTS: Out of 165 patients harboring 202 aneurysms; 170 (84.2%) were treated with the PED, and 32 (15.8%) were treated using SAC. PSM resulted in 23 matched pairs; with significantly longer follow up in the SAC group (mean 29.8 vs 14.1 mo; P = .0002). Complete occlusion rates were not different (82.6 vs 87%; P = .68), with no difference between the groups for modified Rankin Scale on last clinical follow-up, procedural complications or retreatment rates. Average total costs calculated from the hospital records, including equipment and implants, were not different between propensity-score matched pairs (P = .48). CONCLUSION: PED placement and SAC offer equally efficacious occlusion rates, functional outcomes, procedural complication rates, and cost profiles for small unruptured anterior circulation saccular aneurysms which do not involve the anterior communicating artery.

Aortic thrombosis after DVT and PE in a young COVID-19 patient.

A rare case of aortic thrombosis in a young COVID-19 positive patient is presented in this case report. Arterial thrombosis developed despite the administration of anticoagulants for treating DVT and PE. The patient underwent axillobifemoral bypass surgery. Limited surgical surveillance, administered steroids and critical health status resulted in wound site infection and consequent graft removal. Aortic endarterectomy and autovenous-patch plasty were performed after the patient's condition improved. Etiopathogenesis of arterial events in the setting of COVID-19 is not entirely understood. It has been suggested that SARS-CoV-2 infection strongly affects vascular endothelial glycocalyx (VEGLX), causes systemic inflammation - reactive microvascular endotheliosis (SIRME), and consequently results in arterial thrombosis.

Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke During the COVID-19 Pandemic at a Single Institution in Beijing, China: A Brief Report.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is currently a major challenge for health care systems around the world. For a time-sensitive emergency such as acute ischemic stroke (AIS), streamlined workflow times are essential to ensure good clinical outcomes. METHODS: The aim of this single-center, retrospective, observational study was to describe changes in stroke workflow patterns and clinical care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from AIS patients undergoing emergent endovascular treatment (EVT) between 23 January and 8 April 2020 were retrospectively collected and compared with data from patients admitted during a similar period in 2019. The primary outcome was difference in time from symptom onset to recanalization. Secondary outcomes included workflow times, clinical management, discharge outcomes, and health-economic data. RESULTS: In all, 21 AIS patients were admitted for emergent EVT during the 77-day study period, compared with 42 cases in 2019. Median time from symptom onset to recanalization was 132 minutes longer during the pandemic compared with the previous year (672 vs. 540 min, P=0.049). Patients admitted during the pandemic had a higher likelihood of endotracheal intubation (84.6% vs. 42.4%, P<0.05) and a higher incidence of delayed extubation after EVT (69.2% vs. 45.5%, P<0.05). National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at hospital discharge was similar in the 2 cohorts, whereas neurointensive care unit stay was longer in patients admitted during the pandemic (10 vs. 7 days, P=0.013) and hospitalization costs were higher (123.9 vs. 95.2 thousand Chinese Yuan, P=0.052). CONCLUSION: Disruptions to medical services during the COVID-19 pandemic has particularly impacted AIS patients undergoing emergent EVT, resulting in increased workflow times. A structured and multidisciplinary protocol should be implemented to minimize treatment delays and maximize patient outcomes.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and post-epidemic periods on the process of endovascular treatment for acute anterior circulation ischaemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to analyse endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients presenting acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke with large-vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO) during the pandemic and post-epidemic periods. METHODS: Patients with AIS-LVO of the anterior circulation who underwent EVT were enrolled. According to the times of Wuhan closure and reopening, patients were divided into a pre-pandemic group (from November 8, 2019, to January 22, 2020), pandemic group (from January 23, 2020, to April 8, 2020) and post-epidemic group (from April 9, 2020, to June 24, 2020). The primary endpoints were the time delay among symptom onset to arriving hospital door, to groining puncture and to vascular reperfusion. Secondary endpoints were the functional outcomes evaluated by 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) score. RESULTS: In total, the times from onset to reperfusion (OTR, median 356 min vs. 310 min, p = 0.041) and onset to door (OTD, median 238 min vs. 167 min, p = 0.017) were prolonged in the pandemic group compared to the pre-pandemic group, and the delay continue in the post-epidemic period. In the subgroup analysis, the time from door to imaging (DTI) was significantly prolonged during the pandemic period. Interestingly, the prolonged DTI was corrected in the directly admitted subgroup during post-epidemic period. In addition, the functional outcomes showed no significant differences across the three periods. CONCLUSIONS: Total time and prehospital time were prolonged during the pandemic and post-epidemic periods. Urgent public education and improved in-hospital screening processes are necessary to decrease time delays.

North American lower-extremity revascularization and amputation during COVID-19: Observations from the Vascular Quality Initiative.

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's impact on vascular procedural volumes and outcomes has not been fully characterized. METHODS: Volume and outcome data before (1/2019 - 2/2020), during (3/2020 - 4/2020), and following (5/2020 - 6/2020) the initial pandemic surge were obtained from the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI). Volume changes were determined using interrupted Poisson time series regression. Adjusted mortality was estimated using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The final cohort comprised 57,181 patients from 147 US and Canadian sites. Overall procedure volumes fell 35.2% (95% CI 31.9%, 38.4%, p < 0.001) during and 19.8% (95% CI 16.8%, 22.9%, p < 0.001) following the surge, compared with presurge months. Procedure volumes fell 71.1% for claudication (95% CI 55.6%, 86.4%, p < 0.001) and 15.9% for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) (95% CI 11.9%, 19.8%, p < 0.001) but remained unchanged for acute limb ischemia (ALI) when comparing surge to presurge months. Adjusted mortality was significantly higher among those with claudication (0.5% vs 0.1%; OR 4.38 [95% CI 1.42, 13.5], p = 0.01) and ALI (6.4% vs 4.4%; OR 2.63 [95% CI 1.39, 4.98], p = 0.003) when comparing postsurge with presurge periods. CONCLUSION: The first North American COVID-19 pandemic surge was associated with a significant and sustained decline in both elective and nonelective lower-extremity vascular procedural volumes. When compared with presurge patients, in-hospital mortality increased for those with claudication and ALI following the surge.

Influence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on working flow, safety and efficacy outcome of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion.

AIM: The epidemic of COVID-19 has greatly affect the world health care system, particular measures have been taken not only to provide safety for health care providers but also to maintain the treatment quality. We evaluate the effect of COVID-19 epidemic to acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) received endovascular treatment (EVT) in our institution. METHODS: AIS patients with LVO who underwent EVT in the period of January 1st to April 30th between 2015 and 2020 from our stroke center. The baseline characteristics, working flow time, safety and efficacy outcome and the hospitalization status were retrospectively reviewed, compared and analyzed. RESULTS: There is significant decline in the number of AIS patients with LVO treated compared with the previous year (36 Vs 72 patients) during the epidemic period. The door to puncture time was significantly prolong (225 minutes versus 115 minutes) as well as the length of hospital stay with increase of the hospitalization costs (P < 0.05 for all). There is no significant difference on the safety and efficacy outcome, such recanalization rate, incidence of intracranial hemorrhage, functional independence and mortality during the epidemic (P > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Prolongation of the working time flow during the COVID-19 epidemic did not influence the safety and efficacy of EVT in AIS patients with LVO. However, special policy and particular measures in this circumstances is still need to evolve to improve the treatment quality.

Acute Ischemic Stroke During the Convalescent Phase of Asymptomatic COVID-2019 Infection in Men.

Importance: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a known neurological complication in patients with respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 infection. However, AIS has not been described as a late sequelae in patients without respiratory symptoms of COVID-19. Objective: To assess AIS experienced by adults 50 years or younger in the convalescent phase of asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. Design, Setting, and Participants: This case series prospectively identified consecutive male patients who received care for AIS from public health hospitals in Singapore between May 21, 2020, and October 14, 2020. All of these patients had laboratory-confirmed asymptomatic COVID-19 infection based on a positive SARS-CoV-2 serological (antibodies) test result. These patients were individuals from South Asian countries (India and Bangladesh) who were working in Singapore and living in dormitories. The total number of COVID-19 cases (54 485) in the worker dormitory population was the population at risk. Patients with ongoing respiratory symptoms or positive SARS-CoV-2 serological test results confirmed through reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction nasopharyngeal swabs were excluded. Main Outcomes and Measures: Clinical course, imaging, and laboratory findings were retrieved from the electronic medical records of each participating hospital. The incidence rate of AIS in the case series was compared with that of a historical age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched national cohort. Results: A total of 18 male patients, with a median (range) age of 41 (35-50) years and South Asian ethnicity, were included. The median (range) time from a positive serological test result to AIS was 54.5 (0-130) days. The median (range) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 5 (1-25). Ten patients (56%) presented with a large vessel occlusion, of whom 6 patients underwent intravenous thrombolysis and/or endovascular therapy. Only 3 patients (17%) had a possible cardiac source of embolus. The estimated annual incidence rate of AIS was 82.6 cases per 100 000 people in this study compared with 38.2 cases per 100 000 people in the historical age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched cohort (rate ratio, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.36-3.48; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: This case series suggests that the risk for AIS is higher in adults 50 years or younger during the convalescent period of a COVID-19 infection without respiratory symptoms. Acute ischemic stroke could be part of the next wave of complications of COVID-19, and stroke units should be on alert and use serological testing, especially in younger patients or in the absence of traditional risk factors.