Safety and efficacy of stent retrievers plus contact aspiration in patients with acute ischaemic anterior circulation stroke and positive susceptibility vessel sign in France (VECTOR): a randomised, single-blind trial.

BACKGROUND: Positive susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) in patients with acute ischaemic stroke has been associated with friable red blood cell-rich clots and more effective recanalisation using stent retrievers versus contact aspiration. We compared the safety and efficacy of stent retrievers plus contact aspiration (combined technique) versus contact aspiration alone as the first-line thrombectomy technique in patients with acute ischaemic anterior circulation stroke and SVS-positive occlusions. METHODS: Adaptive Endovascular Strategy to the Clot MRI in Large Intracranial Vessel Occlusion (VECTOR) was a prospective, randomised, open-label study with blinded evaluation. Patients with SVS-positive anterior circulation occlusions on pretreatment MRI and arterial puncture within 24 h of symptom onset were enrolled from 22 centres in France. A centralised web-based method was used by interventional neuroradiologists for dynamic randomisation by minimisation. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to the combined technique or contact aspiration alone. The primary outcome was expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) grade 2c or 3 reperfusion after three or fewer passes on post-treatment angiogram, adjudicated by a blinded independent central imaging core laboratory. The intention-to-treat population was used to assess the primary and secondary outcomes. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04139486) and is complete. FINDINGS: Between Nov 26, 2019, and Feb 14, 2022, 526 patients were enrolled, of whom 521 constituted the intention-to-treat population (combined technique, n=263; contact aspiration alone, n=258). The median age of participants was 74·9 years (IQR 64·4-83·3); 284 (55%) were female and 237 (45%) male. The primary outcome did not differ significantly between groups (152 [58%] of 263 patients for the combined technique vs 135 [52%] of 258 for contact aspiration; odds ratio [OR] 1·27; 95% CI 0·88-1·83; p=0·19). Procedure-related adverse events occurred in 32 (12%) of 263 patients in the combined technique group and 27 (11%) of 257 in the contact aspiration group (OR 1·14; 0·65-2·00; p=0·65). The most common adverse event was intracerebral haemorrhage (146 [56%] of 259 patients for the combined technique vs 123 [49%] of 251 for contact aspiration; OR 1·32; 0·91-1·90; p=0·13). All-cause mortality at 3 months occurred in 57 (23%) of 251 patients in the combined technique group and 48 (19%) of 247 in the contact aspiration group (OR 1·19; 0·76-1·86; p=0·45), none of which was treatment-related. INTERPRETATION: The results of the VECTOR trial do not show superiority of the combined stent retriever plus contact aspiration technique over contact aspiration alone in patients with SVS-positive occlusion with respect to achieving eTICI 2c-3 within three passes. These findings support the use of either the combined technique or contact aspiration alone as the initial thrombectomy strategy in patients with acute anterior circulation stroke with SVS on pretreatment MRI. FUNDING: Cerenovus.

Catheter navigation support for mechanical thrombectomy guidance: 3D/2D multimodal catheter-based registration with no contrast dye fluoroscopy.

PURPOSE: The fusion of pre-operative imaging and intra-operative fluoroscopy may support physicians during mechanical thrombectomy for catheter navigation from the aortic arch to carotids. Nevertheless, the aortic arch volume is too important for intra-operative contrast dye injection leading to a lack of common anatomical structure of interest that results in a challenging 3D/2D registration. The objective of this work is to propose a registration method between pre-operative 3D image and no contrast dye intra-operative fluoroscopy. METHODS: The registration method exploits successive 2D fluoroscopic images of the catheter navigating in the aortic arch. The similarity measure is defined as the normalized cross-correlation between a binary combination of catheter images and a pseudo-DRR resulting from the 2D binary projection of the pre-operative 3D image (MRA or CTA). The 3D/2D transformation is decomposed in out-plane and in-plane transformations to reduce computational complexity. The 3D/2D transformation is then obtained by maximizing the similarity measure through multiresolution exhaustive search. RESULTS: We evaluated the registration performance through dice score and mean landmark error. We evaluated the influence of parameters setting, aortic arch type and 2D navigation sequence duration. Results on a physical phantom and data from a patient who underwent a mechanical thrombectomy showed good registration accuracy with a dice score higher than 92% and a mean landmark error lower than the quarter of a carotid diameter (8-10 mm). CONCLUSION: A new registration method compatible with no contrast dye fluoroscopy has been proposed to guide the crossing from aortic arch to a carotid in mechanical thrombectomy. First evaluation showed the feasibility and accuracy of the method as well as its compatibility with clinical routine practice.

Combined Technique for Internal Carotid Artery Terminus or Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusions in the ASTER2 Trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to report the results of a subgroup analysis of the ASTER2 trial (Effect of Thrombectomy With Combined Contact Aspiration and Stent Retriever vs Stent Retriever Alone on Revascularization in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke and Large Vessel Occlusion) comparing the safety and efficacy of the combined technique (CoT) and stent retriever as a first-line approach in internal carotid artery (ICA) terminus±M1-middle cerebral artery (M1-MCA) and isolated M1-MCA occlusions. METHODS: Patients enrolled in the ASTER2 trial with ICA terminus±M1-MCA and isolated M1-MCA occlusions were included in this subgroup analysis. The effect of first-line CoT versus stent retriever according to the occlusion site was assessed on angiographic (first-pass effect, expanded Treatment in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2b50, and expanded Treatment in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2c grades at the end of the first-line strategy and at the end of the procedure) and clinicoradiological outcomes (24-hour National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, ECASS-III [European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study] grades, and 3-month modified Rankin Scale). RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-two patients were included in the postsubgroup analysis according to the occlusion site: 299 were treated for isolated M1-MCA occlusion (150 with first-line CoT) and 63 were treated for ICA terminus±M1-MCA occlusion (30 with first-line CoT). Expanded Treatment in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2b50 (odds ratio, 11.83 [95% CI, 2.32-60.12]) and expanded Treatment in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2c (odds ratio, 4.09 [95% CI, 1.39-11.94]) were significantly higher in first-line CoT compared with first-line stent retriever in patients with ICA terminus±M1-MCA occlusion but not in patients with isolated M1-MCA. CONCLUSIONS: First-line CoT was associated with higher reperfusion grades in patients with ICA terminus±M1-MCA at the end of the procedure. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03290885.

ASPECTS evolution after endovascular successful reperfusion in the early and extended time window.

BACKGROUND: The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT scan Score (ASPECTS) is a reliable imaging biomarker of infarct extent on admission but the value of 24-hour ASPECTS evolution in day-to-day practice is not well studied, especially after successful reperfusion. We aimed to assess the association between ASPECTS evolution after successful reperfusion with functional and safety outcomes, as well as to identify the predictors of ASPECTS evolution. METHODS: We used data from an ongoing prospective multicenter registry. Stroke patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion treated with endovascular therapy (EVT) and achieved successful reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia (mTICI) 2b-3) were included. ASPECTS evolution was defined as one or more point decrease in ASPECTS at 24 hours. RESULTS: A total of 2366 patients were enrolled. In a fully adjusted model, ASPECTS evolution was associated with lower odds of favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-2) at 90 days (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.46; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.37-0.57). In addition, ASPECTS evolution was a predictor of excellent outcome (90-day mRS 0-1) (aOR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.49-0.57), early neurological improvement (aOR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.35-0.51), and parenchymal hemorrhage (aOR = 2.64; 95% CI, 2.03-3.44). Stroke severity, admission ASPECTS, total number of passes, complete reperfusion (mTICI 3 vs. mTICI 2b-2c) and good collaterals emerged as predictors of ASPECTS evolution. CONCLUSION: ASPECTS evolution is a strong predictor of functional and safety outcomes after successful endovascular therapy. Higher number of EVT attempts and incomplete reperfusion are associated with ASPECTS evolution at day 1.

Longitudinal radiological follow-up of individual level non-ischemic cerebral enhancing lesions following endovascular aneurysm treatment.

BACKGROUND: Non-ischemic cerebral enhancing (NICE) lesions following aneurysm endovascular therapy are exceptionally rare, with unknown longitudinal evolution. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the radiological behavior of individual NICE lesions over time. METHODS: Patients included in a retrospective national multicentric inception cohort were analyzed. NICE lesions were defined, using MRI, as delayed onset punctate, nodular, or annular foci enhancements with peri-lesion edema, distributed in the vascular territory of the aneurysm treatment, with no other confounding disease. Lesion burden and the longitudinal behavior of individual lesions were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included, with a median initial lesion burden of 36 (IQR 17-54) on the first MRI scan. Of the 22 patients with at least one follow-up MRI scan, 16 (73%) had new lesions occurring mainly within the first 200 weeks after the date of the procedure. The median number of new lesions per MRI was 6 (IQR 2-16). Among the same 22 patients, 7 (32%) had recurrent lesions. The median persistent enhancement of a NICE lesion was 13 weeks (IQR 6-30). No factor was predictive of early regression of enhancement activity with lesion regression kinetics mainly being patient-dependent. CONCLUSIONS: The behavior of individual NICE lesions was found to be highly variable with an overall patient-dependent regression velocity.

"National survey for preliminary evaluation of neuroradiological protocols in patients with infective endocarditis".

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify imaging protocols in patients with infective endocarditis through a nationwide survey. METHODS: An electronic evolutionary survey was sent to interventional Neuroradiologists among neuroradiological centers, under the aegis of the Société Française de Neuroradiologie. Among 33 contacted centers, 25 completed the survey (21 universitary hospitals and 4 peripheric hospitals). RESULTS: Most of the centers (88%) used systematic imaging screening in IE patients. MRI was the first imaging method used in 66% of cases, while CT was used in 44%. When no IIA was detectable in CT-scan screening, 6 (54,54%) stopped investigations, while 9 (81,81%) continued with MRI exploration in case of hemorrhage, ischemia or enhancement. Sulcal hemorrhage on MRI was an indication of complementary DSA in 25 centers (100%). Regarding IIA characterization, 12 centers (48%) used systematic DSA, whereas for 10 centers (40%), DSA was conditioned by hemorrhage or patient status. CONCLUSION: We highlighted large variations in Neuroimaging exploration and follow-up of IE patients in real-world practices. Expert guidelines able to standardize practices are warranted to improve the management of this serious and often misdiagnosed pathology.

Rehearsals using patient-specific 3D-printed aneurysm models for simulation of endovascular embolization of complex intracranial aneurysms: 3D SIM study.

BACKGROUND: In neurovascular treatment planning, endovascular devices to manage complex intracranial aneurysms requiring intervention are often selected based on conventional measurements and interventional neuroradiologist experience. A recently developed technology allows a patient-specific 3D-printed model to mimic the navigation experience. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of pre-procedure 3D simulation on procedural and clinical outcomes for wide-neck aneurysm embolization. MATERIALS & METHODS: In this unblinded, non-randomized, prospective, multicenter study conducted from November 18 through December 20, patients with complex intracranial aneurysms (neck > 4 mm or ratio < 21) were treated by WEB or flow diverter stents (FDS). The primary endpoint was concordance between simulation and procedure, 3D-printed model accuracy as well as embolization outcomes including complications, procedure times, and radiation dose were also assessed. Secondary endpoint was to compare versus a retrospective WEB cohort. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were treated, 76% of cases by WEB and 24% by FDS. Concordance between post-simulation and real procedure efficiency was 0.85 [0.69 - 1.00] for size device selection and 0.93 [0.79 - 1.00] for wall-apposition/aneurysm neck closure. Geometrical accuracy of the 3D-printed model showed a mean absolute shift of 0.11 mm. Two complications without major clinical impact were reported with a post-operative mRS similar to pre-procedure mRS for all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Rehearsal using accurate 3D-printed patient-specific aneurysm models enabled optimization of embolization strategy, resulting in reduced procedure duration and cumulative fluoroscopy time which translated to reduced radiation exposure compared to procedures performed without simulation.

Antithrombotic therapies for neurointerventional surgery: a 2021 French comprehensive national survey.

BACKGROUND: Neurointerventionists lack guidelines for the use of antithrombotic therapies in their clinical practice; consequently, there is likely to be significant heterogeneity in antithrombotic use between centers. Through a nationwide survey, we aimed to obtain an exhaustive cross-sectional overview of antithrombotic use in neurointerventional procedures in France. METHODS: In April 2021, French neurointerventional surgery centers were invited to participate in a nationwide 51-question survey disseminated through an active trainee-led research collaborative network (the JENI-RC). RESULTS: All 40 centers answered the survey. Fifty-one percent of centers reported using ticagrelor and 43% used clopidogrel as premedication before intracranial stenting. For flow diversion treatment, dual antiplatelet therapy was maintained for 3 or 6 months in 39% and 53% of centers, respectively, and aspirin was prescribed for 12 months or more than 12 months in 63% and 26% of centers, respectively. For unruptured aneurysms, the most common heparin bolus dose was 50 IU/kg (59%), and only 35% of centers monitored heparin activity for dose adjustment. Tirofiban was used in 64% of centers to treat thromboembolic complications. Fifteen percent of these comprehensive stroke centers reported using tenecteplase to treat acute ischemic strokes. Cangrelor appeared as an emergent drug in specific indications. CONCLUSION: This nationwide survey highlights the important heterogeneity in clinical practices across centers. There is a pressing need for trials and guidelines to further evaluate and harmonize antithrombotic regimens in the neurointerventional field.

Effect of intravenous thrombolysis before endovascular therapy on outcome according to collateral status: insight from the ETIS Registry.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether collateral status modifies the effect of pretreatment intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) on the outcomes of patients with large vessel occlusions treated with endovascular therapy (EVT). We aimed to assess whether collateral status modifies the effect of IVT on the outcomes of EVT in clinical practice. METHODS: We used data from the ongoing prospective multicentric Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) Registry in France. Patients with anterior circulation proximal large vessel occlusions treated with EVT within 6 hours of symptom onset were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups based on pretreatment with IVT. The two groups were matched based on baseline characteristics. We tested the interaction between collateral status and IVT in unadjusted and adjusted models. RESULTS: A total of 1589 patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 55% received IVT. Using a propensity score matching method, 724 no IVT patients were matched to 549 IVT patients. In propensity score weighted analysis, IVT was associated with higher odds of early neurological improvement (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.33 to 2.26), favorable functional outcome (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.23 to 2.24), excellent functional outcome (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.47 to 2.83), and successful reperfusion (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.51 to 3.16). IVT was not associated with mortality or hemorrhagic complications. There was no interaction between collateral status and IVT association with any of the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Collateral status does not modify the effect of pretreatment IVT on the efficacy and safety outcomes of EVT.

Thrombectomy in basilar artery occlusions: impact of number of passes and futile reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: The number of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) passes is strongly associated with angiographic reperfusion as well as clinical outcomes in patients with anterior circulation ischemic stroke. However, these associations have not been analyzed in patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO). We investigated the influence of the number of MT passes on the degree of reperfusion and clinical outcomes, and compared outcome after ≤3 passes versus >3 passes. METHODS: We used data from the prospective multicentric Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) Registry at 18 sites in France. Patients with BAO treated with MT were included. The primary outcome was a favorable outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-3 at 90 days. We fit mixed multiple regression models, with center as a random effect. RESULTS: We included 275 patients. Successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b-3) was achieved in 88.4%, and 41.8% had a favorable outcome. The odds ratio for favorable outcome with each pass above 1 was 0.41 (95% CI 0.23 to 0.73) and for recanalization (mTICI 2b-3) it was 0.70 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.87). In patients with ≤3 passes, the rate of favorable outcome in recanalized versus non-recanalized patients was 50.5% versus 10.0% (p=0.001), while in those with >3 passes it was 16.7% versus 15.2% (p=0.901). CONCLUSIONS: We found that BAO patients had a significant relationship between the number of MT passes and both recanalization and favorable functional outcome. We further found that the benefit of recanalization in BAO patients was significant only when recanalization was achieved within three passes, encouraging at least three passes before stopping the procedure.

Poor clinical outcome despite successful basilar occlusion recanalization in the early time window: incidence and predictors.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment (EVT) for basilar artery occlusions (BAO) is associated with a higher rate of futile recanalization compared with anterior circulation procedures. We aimed to identify the incidence and predictors of poor clinical outcome despite successful reperfusion in current clinical practice. METHODS: We used data from the ETIS (Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke) registry, a prospective multicenter observational registry of stroke treated with EVT in France. Patients undergoing EVT for acute BAO from January 2014 to May 2019 successfully treated within 8 hours from onset were included. Predictors of 90-day poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 4-6) were researched within patients with successful (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI 2b-3)) and excellent (mTICI 2c-3) reperfusion. RESULTS: Among 242 patients treated within 8 hours, successful reperfusion was achieved in 195 (80.5%) and excellent reperfusion in 120 (49.5%). Poor outcome was observed in 107 (54.8%) and 60 (50%) patients, respectively. In patients with successful early reperfusion, age, higher initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, lower posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS), and absence of prior intravenous thrombolysis were independent predictors of poor outcome. The only treatment factor with an independent predictive value was first-pass mTICI 2b-3 reperfusion (adjusted OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.37, p<0.001). In patients with excellent early reperfusion, independent predictors were age, initial NIHSS score, first-pass mTICI 2c-3 reperfusion, and hemorrhagic transformation on post-interventional imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Early successful reperfusion with EVT occurred in 80.5% of patients, and the only treatment-related factor predictive of clinical outcome was first pass mTICI 2b-3 reperfusion. Further research is warranted to identify the optimal techniques and devices associated with first pass reperfusion in the posterior circulation.

Influence of prior intravenous thrombolysis in patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy for M2 occlusions: insight from the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) registry.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for proximal occlusions has recently been questioned through randomized trials. However, few patients with M2 occlusions were included. We investigated the influence of prior IVT for patients presenting M2 occlusions treated with MT in comparison with MT alone. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) registry, a multicenter observational study. Data from consecutive patients treated with MT for M2 occlusions between January 2015 and January 2022 at 26 comprehensive stroke centers were analyzed. The primary endpoint was 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2. Outcomes were compared using propensity score approaches. We also performed sensitivity analysis in relevant subgroups of patients. RESULTS: Among 1132 patients with M2 occlusions treated with MT, 570 received prior IVT. The two groups were comparable after propensity analysis. The rate of favorable functional outcome was significantly higher in the IVT+MT group compared with the MT alone group (59.8% vs 44.7%; adjusted OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.75, P=0.008). Hemorrhagic and procedural complications were similar in both groups. In sensitivity analysis excluding patients with anticoagulation treatment, favorable recanalization was more frequent in the IVT+MT group (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.70, P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: In cases of M2 occlusions, prior IVT combined with MT resulted in better functional outcome than MT alone, without increasing the rate of hemorrhagic or procedural complications. These results suggest the benefit of IVT in patients undergoing MT for M2 occlusions.

Recanalization Treatments for Pediatric Acute Ischemic Stroke in France.

Importance: There is to date limited evidence that revascularization strategies are associated with improved functional outcome in children with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Objectives: To report clinical outcomes and provide estimates of revascularization strategy safety and efficacy profiles of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and/or endovascular treatment (EVT) in children with AIS. Design, Setting, and Participants: The KidClot multicenter nationwide cohort study retrospectively collected data of children (neonates excluded) with AIS and recanalization treatment between January 1, 2015, and May 31, 2018. Data analysis was performed from January 1, 2015, to May 31, 2019. Exposure: IVT and/or EVT. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcome was day 90 favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRs] 0-2, with 0 indicating no symptoms and 6 indicating death). Secondary end points included 1-year favorable outcome (mRs, 0-2), mortality, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Other measures included the Pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (pedNIHSS), with pedNIHSS 0 indicating no symptoms, 1 to 4 corresponding to a minor stroke, 5 to 15 corresponding to a mild stroke, greater than 15 to 20: severe stroke, and the adult Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS), which provides segmental assessment of the vascular territory, with 1 point deducted from the initial score of 10 for every region involved (from 10 [no lesion] to 0 [maximum lesions]). Results: Overall, 68 children were included in 30 centers (IVT [n = 44]; EVT [n = 40]; 44 boys [64.7%]; median [IQR] age, 11 [4-16] years; anterior circulation involvement, 57 [83.8%]). Median (IQR) pedNIHSS score at admission was 13 (7-19), higher in the EVT group at 16 (IQR, 10-20) vs 9 (6-17) in the IVT only group (P < .01). Median time from stroke onset to imaging was higher in the EVT group at 3 hours and 7 minutes (IQR, 2 hours and 3 minutes to 6 hours and 24 minutes) vs 2 hours and 39 minutes (IQR, 1 hour and 51 minutes to 4 hours and 13 minutes) (P = .04). Median admission ASPECTS score was 8 (IQR, 6-9). The main stroke etiologies were cardioembolic (21 [30.9%]) and focal cerebral arteriopathy (17 [25.0%]). Median (IQR) time from stroke onset to IVT was 3 hours and 30 minutes (IQR, 2 hours and 33 minutes to 4 hours and 28 minutes). In the EVT group, the rate of postprocedure successful reperfusion (≥modified Treatment in Cerebral Infarction 2b) was 80.0% (32 of 40). Persistent proximal arterial stenosis was more frequent in focal cerebral arteriopathy (P < .01). Death occurred in 3 patients (4.4%). Median pedNIHSS reduction at 24 hours was 4 (IQR, 0-9) points. Intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 4 patients and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 1 patient, all in the EVT group. The median mRS was 2 (IQR, 0-3) at day 90 and 1 (IQR, 0-2) at 1 year, which was not significantly different between EVT and IVT only groups, although different in initial severity. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this cohort study suggest that use of EVT and/or IVT is safe in children with AIS.

Mechanical thrombectomy failure in anterior circulation strokes: Outcomes and predictors of favorable outcome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Despite continuous improvement and growing knowledge in the endovascular therapy of large vessel occlusion stroke (LVOS), mechanical thrombectomy (MT) still fails to obtain satisfying intracranial recanalization in 10% to 15% of cases. However, little is known regarding clinical and radiological outcomes among this singularly underexplored subpopulation undergoing failed MT. We aimed to investigate the outcome after failed MT and identify predictive factors of favorable outcome despite recanalization failure. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients prospectively included in the ongoing observational multicenter Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke registry from January 2015 to September 2020. Patients presenting with anterior circulation LVOS treated with MT but experiencing failed intracranial recanalization defined as final modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score of 0, 1 and 2a were included. Clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed along with the exploration of predictive factors of Day-90 favorable outcome. RESULTS: The study population comprised 533 patients. Mean age was 68.8 ± 16 years, and median admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) were 17 (IQR 12-21) and 7 (IQR 5-8), respectively. Favorable outcomes were observed in 85 patients (18.2%) and 186 died (39.0%). The rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was 14.1%. In multivariable analysis, younger age (odds ratio [OR] 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.98, p < 0.001), a lower admission NIHSS (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.83-0.91, p < 0.001), a lower number of MT passes (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.77-0.87, p < 0.001), a lower delta ASPECTS between initial and Day-1 imaging (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.71-0.98, p = 0.026) and stroke etiology [significant difference among etiological subtypes (p = 0.024) with a tendency toward more favorable outcomes for dissection (OR 2.01, 95% CI 0.71-5.67)] were significantly associated with a 90-day favorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In this large retrospective analysis of a multicenter registry, we quantified the poor outcome after MT failure. We also identified factors associated with favorable outcome despite recanalization failure that might influence therapeutic management.

Clinical Impact and Predictors of Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) Reversal in Stroke Patients with Diffusion Weighted Imaging Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score 0-5 Treated by Thrombectomy : Diffusion Weighted Imaging Reversal in Large Volume Stroke.

PURPOSE: To determine whether reversal of DWI lesions (DWIr) on the DWI-ASPECTS (diffusion weighted imaging Alberta Stroke Program CT Score) template should serve as a predictor of 90-day clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with pretreatment diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)-ASPECTS 0-5 treated with thrombectomy, and to determine its predictors in current practice. METHODS: We analyzed data of all consecutive patients included in the prospective multicenter national Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke Registry between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2020 with a premorbid mRS ≤ 2, who presented with a pretreatment DWI-ASPECTS 0-5 score, underwent thrombectomy and had an available 24 h post-interventional MRI follow-up. Multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate the clinical impact of DWIr on early neurological improvement (ENI), 3­month modified Rankin scale (mRS) score distribution (shift analysis) and to define independent predictors of DWIr. RESULTS: Early neurological improvement was detected in 82/211 (41.7%) of patients while 3­month functional independence was achieved by 75 (35.5%) patients. The DWI reversal (39/211, 18.9%) resulted an independent predictor of both ENI (aOR 3.6, 95% CI 1.2-7.7; p 0.018) and 3­month clinical outcome (aOR for mRS shift: 2.2, 95% CI 1-4.6; p 0.030). Only successful recanalization (mTICI 2c-3) independently predicted DWIr in the studied population (aOR 3.3, 95% CI 1.3-7.9; p 0.009). CONCLUSION: The DWI reversal occurs in a non-negligible proportion of DWI-ASPECTS 0-5 patients subjected to thrombectomy and significantly influences clinical outcome. The mTICI 2c-3 recanalization emerged as an independent DWIr predictor.

General Anesthesia versus Sedation, Both with Hemodynamic Control, during Intraarterial Treatment for Stroke: The GASS Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: It is speculated that the anesthetic strategy during endovascular therapy for stroke may have an impact on the outcome of the patients. The authors hypothesized that conscious sedation is associated with a better functional outcome 3 months after endovascular therapy for the treatment of stroke compared with general anesthesia. METHODS: In this single-blind, randomized trial, patients received either a standardized general anesthesia or a standardized conscious sedation. Blood pressure control was also standardized in both groups. The primary outcome measure was a modified Rankin score less than or equal to 2 (0 = no symptoms; 5 = severe disability) assessed 3 months after treatment. The main secondary outcomes were complications, mortality, reperfusion results, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scores at days 1 and 7. RESULTS: Of 351 randomized patients, 345 were included in the analysis. The primary outcome occurred in 129 of 341 (38%) of the patients: 63 (36%) in the conscious sedation group and 66 (40%) in the general anesthesia group (relative risk, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.69 to 1.19]; P = 0.474). Patients in the general anesthesia group experienced more intraoperative hypo- or hypertensive episodes, while the cumulative duration was not different (mean ± SD, 36 ± 31 vs. 39 ± 25 min; P = 0.079). The time from onset and from arrival to puncture were longer in the general anesthesia group (mean difference, 19 min [i.e., -00:19] [95% CI, -0:38 to 0] and mean difference, 9 min [95% CI, -0:18 to -0:01], respectively), while the time from onset to recanalization was similar in both groups. Recanalization was more often successful in the general anesthesia group (144 of 169 [85%] vs. 131 of 174 [75%]; P = 0.021). The incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The functional outcomes 3 months after endovascular treatment for stroke were similar with general anesthesia and sedation. Our results, therefore, suggest that clinicians can use either approach.

Benefit of mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke related to calcified cerebral embolus.

PURPOSE: Mechanical thrombectomies (MT) in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) related to calcified cerebral embolus (CCE) have been reported, through small case series, being associated with low reperfusion rate and worse outcome, compared to regular MT. The purpose of the MASC (Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke Related to Calcified Cerebral Embolus) study was to evaluate the incidence of CCEs treated by MT and the effectiveness of MT in this indication. METHODS: The MASC study is a retrospective multicentric (n = 37) national study gathering the cases of adult patients who underwent MT for acute ischemic stroke with LVO related to a CCE in France from January 2015 to November 2019. Reperfusion rate (mTICI ≥ 2B), complication rate and 90-day mRS were systematically collected. We then conducted a systematic review by searching for articles in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Google Scholar from January 2015 to March 2020. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate clinical outcome at 90 days, reperfusion rate and complications. RESULTS: We gathered data from 35 patients. Reperfusion was obtained in 57% of the cases. Good clinical outcome was observed in 28% of the patients. The meta-analysis retrieved 136 patients. Reperfusion and good clinical outcome were obtained in 50% and 29% of the cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: The MASC study found worse angiographic and clinical outcomes compared to regular thrombectomies. Individual patient-based meta-analysis including the MASC findings shows a 50% reperfusion rate and a 29% of good clinical outcome.

First-line thrombectomy strategy for anterior large vessel occlusions: results of the prospective ETIS egistry.

BACKGROUND: The best recanalization strategy for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) remains unknown as no randomized controlled trial has simultaneously evaluated first-line stent retriever (SR) versus contact aspiration (CA) versus the combined approach (SR+CA). OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety profiles of SR, CA, and SR+CA in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated by MT. METHODS: We analyzed data of the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) Registry, a prospective, multicenter, observational study of patients with AIS treated by MT. Patients with M1 and intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusions between January 2015 and March 2020 in 15 comprehensive stroke centers were included. We assessed the association of first-line strategy with favorable outcomes at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2), successful recanalization rates (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b/3), and safety outcomes. RESULTS: We included 2643 patients, 406 treated with SR, 1126 with CA, and 1111 with SR+CA. CA or SR+CA achieved more successful recanalization than SR for M1 occlusions (aOR=2.09, (95% CI 1.39 to 3.13) and aOR=1.69 (95% CI 1.12 to 2.53), respectively). For intracranial ICA, SR+CA achieved more recanalization than SR (aOR=2.52 (95% CI 1.32 to 4.81)), no differences were observed between CA and SR+CA. SR+CA was associated with lower odds of favorable outcomes compared with SR (aOR=0.63 (95% CI 0.44 to 0.90)) and CA (aOR=0.71 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.92)), higher odds of mortality at 3 months (aOR=1.56 (95% CI 1.22 to 2.0)) compared with CA, and higher odds of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (aOR=1.59 (95% CI 1.1 to 2.3)) compared with CA. CONCLUSIONS: Despite high recanalization rates, our results question the safety of the combined approach, which was associated with disability and mortality. Randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these techniques.

Influence of prior intravenous thrombolysis on outcome after failed mechanical thrombectomy: ETIS registry analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite constant improvements in recent years, sufficient reperfusion after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is not reached in up to 15% of patients with large vessel occlusion stroke (LVOS). The outcome of patients with unsuccessful reperfusion after MT especially after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) use is not known. We investigated the influence of initial IVT in this particular group of patients with failed intracranial recanalization. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) registry from January 2015 to December 2019. Patients presenting with LVOS of the anterior circulation and final modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score (mTICI) of 0, 1 or 2a were included. Posterior circulation, isolated cervical carotid occlusions and successful reperfusions (mTICI 2b, 2c or 3) were excluded. The primary endpoint was favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2) after 3 months. Secondary endpoints were safety outcomes including mortality, any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), parenchymal hematoma (PH) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) rates. RESULTS: Among 5076 patients with LVOS treated with MT, 524 patients with insufficient recanalization met inclusion criteria, of which 242 received IVT and 282 did not. Functional outcome was improved in the MT+IVT group compared with the MT alone group, although the difference did not reach statistical significance (23.0% vs 12.9%; adjusted OR=1.82; 95% CI 0.98 to 3.38; p=0.058). However, 3 month mRS shift analysis showed a significant benefit of IVT (adjusted OR=1.68; 95% CI 1.56 to 6.54). ICH and sICH rates were similar in both groups, although PH rate was higher in the MT+IVT group (adjusted OR=3.20; 95% CI 1.56 to 6.54). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with LVOS in the anterior circulation and unsuccessful MT, IVT was associated with improved functional outcome even after unsuccessful MT. Despite recent trials questioning the place of IVT in the LVOS reperfusion strategy, these findings emphasize a subgroup of patients still benefiting from IVT.

Non-ischemic cerebral enhancing lesions after intracranial aneurysm endovascular repair: a retrospective French national registry.

BACKGROUND: Non-ischemic cerebral enhancing (NICE) lesions are exceptionally rare following aneurysm endovascular therapy (EVT). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presenting features and longitudinal follow-up of patients with NICE lesions following aneurysm EVT. METHODS: Patients included in a retrospective national multicentre inception cohort were analysed. NICE lesions were defined, using MRI, as delayed onset punctate, nodular or annular foci enhancements with peri-lesion edema, distributed in the vascular territory of the aneurysm EVT, with no other confounding disease. RESULTS: From a pool of 58 815 aneurysm endovascular treatment procedures during the study sampling period (2006-2019), 21/37 centres identified 31 patients with 32 aneurysms of the anterior circulation who developed NICE lesions (mean age 45±10 years). Mean delay to diagnosis was 5±9 months, with onset occurring a month or less after the index EVT procedure in 10 out of 31 patients (32%). NICE lesions were symptomatic at time of onset in 23 of 31 patients (74%). After a mean follow-up of 25±26 months, 25 patients (81%) were asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic without disability (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-1) at last follow-up while 4 (13%) presented with mild disability (mRS score 2). Clinical follow-up data were unavailable for two patients. Follow-up MRI (available in 27 patients; mean time interval after onset of 22±22 months) demonstrated persistent enhancement in 71% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical spectrum of NICE lesions following aneurysm EVT therapy spans a wide range of neurological symptoms. Clinical course is most commonly benign, although persistent long-term enhancement is frequent.