Early and late infarct growth rate in ischemic stroke patients after successful endovascular treatment in early time window: correlation of imaging and clinical factors with clinical outcome.

Background: The prospective study assessed infarct growth rate (IGR) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion (LVO) after recanalization in early time window. Early IGR (EIGR) and late IGR (LIGR) were correlated with imaging and clinical data; we searched for outcome predictors. Methods: We included 71 consecutive patients. Subjects underwent computed tomography perfusion (CTP) for ischemic core volume assessment at 99.0 minutes (median) from stroke onset, recanalization was performed at 78.0 minutes (median) from CTP. Final infarct volume (FIV) was measured on 24±2 hours imaging follow-up. EIGR was calculated as the core volume/time between stroke onset and CTP; LIGR was calculated as FIV/time between CTP and imaging follow-up. Twenty-two subjects were assessed as poor outcome, 49 as good outcome. Group differences were tested by Mann-Whitney test and χ2 test. Bayesian logistic regression models were used to predict clinical outcome, Pearson correlations for the log-transformed predictors. Results: Subjects with poor outcome were older, median age 78.0 [interquartile range (IQR): 71.8, 83.8] versus 68.0 (IQR: 57.0, 73.0) years; 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.00 to 16.00; P<0.001. Their stroke severity scale was higher, median 19.0 (IQR: 16.0, 20.0) versus 15.5 (IQR: 10.8, 18.0); 95% CI: 1.00 to 6.00; P<0.001. They had higher EIGR, median 23.9 (IQR: 6.4, 104.0) versus 6.7 (IQR: 1.7, 13.0) mL/h; 95% CI: 3.26 to 53.68; P=0.002; and larger core, median 52.5 (IQR: 13.1, 148.5) versus 10.0 (IQR: 1.4, 20.0) mL; 95% CI: 11.00 to 81.00; P<0.001. In subjects with poor outcome, infarct growth continued after thrombectomy with LIGR 2.0 (IQR: 1.2, 9.7) versus 0.3 (IQR: 0.0, 0.7) mL/h; 95% CI: 1.10 to 6.10; P<0.001; resulting in larger FIV, median 186.5 (IQR: 49.3, 280.8) versus 18.5 (IQR: 8.0, 34.0) mL; 95% CI: 55.30 to 214.00; P<0.001. Strong correlations among predictors were found e.g., core and EIGR (r=0.942), LIGR and FIV (r=0.779), core and FIV (r=0.761). Clinical outcome was best predicted using data from later measurements as FIV and LIGR. Conclusions: Data from later measurements were more predictive, there was no major benefit to use growth over volume data.

Clinical and radiological factors predicting stroke outcome after successful mechanical intervention in anterior circulation.

The recanalization effect of large-vessel occlusion (LVO) in anterior circulation is well documented but only some patients benefit from endovascular treatment. We analysed clinical and radiological factors determining clinical outcome after successful mechanical intervention. We included 146 patients from the Prague 16 study enrolled from September 2012 to December 2020, who had initial CT/CTA examination and achieved good recanalization status after mechanical intervention (TICI 2b-3). One hundred and six (73%) patients achieved a good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0-2 in 3 months). It was associated with age, leptomeningeal collaterals (LC), onset to intervention time, ASPECTS, initial NIHSS, and leukoaraiosis (LA) in univariate analysis. The regression model identified good collateral status [odds ratio (OR) 5.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.91-13.08], late thrombectomy (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.09-0.65), LA (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.19-1.00), ASPECTS (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.08-1.95), and NIHSS score (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.78-0.95) as independent outcome determinants. In the late thrombectomy subgroup, 14 out of 33 patients (42%) achieved a favourable clinical outcome, none of whom with poor collateral status. The presence of LC and absence of LA predicts a good outcome in acute stroke patients after successful recanalization of LVO in anterior circulation. Late thrombectomy was associated with higher rate of unfavourable clinical outcome. Nevertheless, collateral status in this subgroup was validated as a reliable selection criterion.

Direct transfer of acute stroke patients to angiography suites equipped with flat-detector computed tomography: literature review and initial single-centre experience.

Background: Time is brain! This paradigm is forcing the development of strategies with potential to shorten the time from symptom onset to recanalization. One of these strategies is to transport select patients with acute ischaemic stroke directly to an angio-suite equipped with flat-detector computed tomography (FD-CT) to exclude intracranial haemorrhage, followed directly by invasive angiography and mechanical thrombectomy if large-vessel occlusion (LVO) is confirmed. Aim: To present existing published data about the direct transfer (DT) of stroke patients to angio-suites and to describe our initial experience with this stroke pathway. Methods: We performed a systematic PubMed search of trials that described DT of stroke patients to angio-suites and summarized the results of these trials. In January 2020, we implemented a new algorithm for acute ischaemic stroke care in our stroke centre. Select patients suitable for DT (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score ≥10, time from symptom onset to door <4.5 h) were referred by neurologists directly to an angio-suite equipped with FD-CT. Patients treated using this algorithm were analysed and compared with patients treated using the standard protocol including CT and CT angiography in our centre. Results: We identified seven trials comparing the DT protocol with the standard protocol in stroke patients. Among the 628 patients treated using the DT protocol, 104 (16.5%) did not have LVO and did not undergo endovascular treatment (EVT). All the trials demonstrated a significant reduction in door-to-groin time with DT, compared with the standard protocol. This reduction ranged from 22 min (DT protocol: 33 min; standard protocol: 55 min) to 59 min (DT protocol: 22 min; standard protocol: 81 min). In three of five trials comparing the 90-day modified Rankin scale scores between the DT and standard imaging groups, this reduction in ischaemic time translated into better clinical outcomes, whereas the two other trials reported no such difference in scores. Between January 2020 and October 2021, 116 patients underwent EVT for acute ischaemic stroke in our centre. Among these patients, 65 (56%) met the criteria for DT (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score >10, symptom onset-to-door time <4.5 h), but only 7 (10.8%) were transported directly to the angio-suite. The reasons that many patients who met the criteria were not transported directly to the angio-suite were lack of personnel trained in FD-CT acquisition outside of working hours, ongoing procedures in the angio-suite, contraindication to the DT protocol due to atypical clinical presentation, and neurologist's decision for obtain complete neurological imaging. All seven patients who were transported directly to the angio-suite had LVOs. The median time from door-to-groin-puncture was significantly lower with the DT protocol compared with the standard protocol {29 min [interquartile range (IQR): 25-31 min] vs. 71 min [IQR: 55-94 min]; P < 0.001}. None of the patients had symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage in the DT protocol group, compared with 7 (6.4%) patients in the standard protocol group. Direct transfer of acute ischaemic stroke patients to the angio-suite equipped with FD-CT seems to reduce the time from patient arrival in the hospital to groin puncture. This reduction in the ischaemic time translates into better clinical outcomes. However, more data are needed to confirm these results.

Stable Clinical Outcomes When a Stroke Thrombectomy Program Is Started in an Experienced Cardiology Cath Lab.

OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed the learning curve effect when a new stroke thrombectomy program was initiated in a cardiac cath lab in close cooperation with neurologists and radiologists. BACKGROUND: Mechanical thrombectomy has proven to be the best treatment option for ischemic stroke patients, but this method is not widely available. METHODS: An endovascular treatment program for acute ischemic strokes was established in the cardiac cath lab of a tertiary university hospital in 2012. The decision to perform catheter-based thrombectomy was made by a neurologist and was based on acute stroke clinical symptoms and computed tomography angiographic findings. Patients with a large vessel occlusion of either anterior or posterior circulation were enrolled. The primary endpoint was the functional neurological outcome (Modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score) of the patient at 3 months. A total of 333 patients were enrolled between October 2012 and December 2019. RESULTS: The clinical (mRS) outcomes did not vary significantly across years 2012 to 2019 (mRS 0 to 2 was achieved in 47.9% of patients). Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 19 patients (5.7%). Embolization in a new vascular territory occurred in 6 patients (1.8%). CONCLUSIONS: When a catheter-based thrombectomy program was initiated in an experienced cardiac cath lab in close cooperation between cardiologists, neurologists, and radiologists, outcomes were comparable to those of neuroradiology centers. The desired clinical results were achieved from the onset of the program, without any signs of a learning curve effect. These findings support the potential role of interventional cardiac cath labs in the treatment of acute stroke in regions where this therapy is not readily available due to the lack of neurointerventionalists.

Long-term outcomes of thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke by occluded artery and stroke aetiology: a PRAGUE-16 substudy.

BACKGROUND: Thrombectomy is an effective treatment for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes with intracranial artery occlusion site among AIS patients treated in the setting of a cardiology cath lab. METHODS: This was a single-centre, prospective registry of 214 consecutive patients with AIS enrolled between 2012 and 2018. All thrombectomy procedures were performed in a cardiology cath lab with stent retrievers or aspiration systems. The functional outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) after three months. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients (44%) had middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, 28 patients (13%) had proximal internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, 27 patients (13%) had tandem (ICA+MCA) occlusion, 39 patients (18%) had terminal ICA (T-type) occlusion, and 26 patients (12%) had vertebrobasilar (VB) stroke. Favourable clinical outcome (mRS ≤2) was reached in 58% of MCA occlusions and in 56% of isolated ICA occlusions, but in only 31% of T-type occlusions and in 27% of VB stroke. Poor clinical outcome in T-type occlusions and VB strokes was influenced by the lower recanalisation success (mTICI 2b-3 flow) rates: 56% (T-type) and 50% (VB) compared to 82% in MCA occlusions, 89% in isolated ICA occlusions and 96% in tandem occlusions. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter-based thrombectomy achieved significantly better clinical results in patients with isolated MCA occlusion, isolated ICA occlusions or tight stenosis and tandem occlusions compared to patients with T-type occlusion and posterior strokes. Visual summary. Endovascular intervention of isolated MCA or ICA occlusions provides greatest clinical benefit, while interventions in posterior circulation have lower chance for clinical success.

A contemporary approach to a young female patient with Loeys-Dietz syndrome and an uncomplicated type B aortic dissection: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Aortic dissection is a relatively uncommon, but often catastrophic disease that requires early and accurate diagnosis. It often presents in patients with congenital connective tissue disorders. The current aortic surgical techniques are related with serious early and late complications. This case report emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis of aortic root dilatation and the risk of dissection, especially in patients with congenital connective tissue disorders. We present an alternative, contemporary and multidisciplinary approach based on the present state of knowledge. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a rare case of a young female patient with Loeys-Dietz syndrome who was admitted with an uncomplicated aortic dissection (Stanford type B / DeBakey type III) and a dilated aortic root. After a period of close surveillance and extensive vascular imaging, thoracic endovascular aortic repair was deemed to be technically not possible. Medical treatment was optimized and our patient successfully underwent a personalised external aortic root support procedure (PEARS) as a contemporary alternative to existing aortic root surgical techniques. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approach, close follow-up and multimodality imaging. The decision to intervene in a chronic type B aortic dissection is still challenging and should be made in experienced centers by an interdisciplinary team. However, if an acute complication occurs, thoracic endovascular aortic repair TEVAR is the method of choice. In all cases optimal medical treatment is important. There is increasing evidence that personalized external aortic root support procedure PEARS is effective in stabilizing the aortic root and preventing its dilatation and dissection not only in patients with Marfan syndrome, but also in other cases of aortic root dilation of other etiologies. Moreover, many publications have reported the additional benefit of reduction or even eradication of aortic regurgitation by improving coaptation of the aortic valve leaflets in dilated aortas.

Feasibility and safety of direct catheter-based thrombectomy in the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke. Cooperation among cardiologists, neurologists and radiologists. Prospective registry PRAGUE-16.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of direct catheter-based thrombectomy (d-CBT, without thrombolysis) and the feasibility and safety of d-CBT performed in an interventional cardiology centre. METHODS AND RESULTS: This single-centre, prospective observational registry based on the pre-specified protocol included three months of follow-up. The decision to perform acute stroke intervention was made by a neurologist based on the clinical and imaging findings. Inclusion criteria were moderate-to-severe acute ischaemic stroke (NIHSS ≥6), <6 hours from symptom onset, no large ischaemia on the admission CT scan and CT evidence for an occluded large artery. The primary outcome was functional neurologic recovery (mRS 0-2) at three months. Key secondary outcomes were the angiographic recanalisation rate and symptomatic intracranial bleeding. A total of 115 consecutive patients (mean age 66 years) were enrolled during a period of four years: 84 patients underwent d-CBT and 31 patients bridging thrombolysis with immediate catheter intervention (TL-CBT). The annual number of procedures increased from 13 (initial 12 months) to 41 (last 12 months). Angiographic success (TICI flow 2b-3) was 69% after d-CBT and 81% after TL-CBT. It was higher in isolated occlusions of the middle cerebral artery (MCA, 74% and 100%) or of the proximal internal carotid artery (ICA, 80% and 100%), while it was lower in combined ICA+MCA occlusions (63% and 70%) and in basilar or vertebral occlusions (57% and 50%). Neurologic recovery (mRS ≤2 after 90 days) was achieved in 40% of patients. It was higher (43%) in anterior circulation strokes than in posterior circulation strokes (25%). Direct CBT led to neurologic recovery in 36%, while in TL-CBT this was 52%. Best clinical outcomes (51% and 71% neurologic recovery rates) were achieved among patients with isolated MCA occlusion. Any symptomatic intracranial bleeding was present in 3.6% (d-CBT) and 6.5% (TL-CBT). Vessel perforation or major dissection occurred in 5.2% overall, and distal embolisation to other territory in 3.5% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Direct catheter-based thrombectomy may be considered in patients with contraindications for thrombolysis or in patients with very short CT-groin puncture times. A randomised trial is needed to evaluate better the role of direct catheter-based thrombectomy. Acute stroke interventions performed in close cooperation among cardiologists, neurologists and radiologists are feasible and safe.

Acute stroke therapy: A review.

This review summarizes the modern early diagnosis and acute phase treatment of acute stroke. The guidelines for treatment of acute ischemic stroke underwent major changes in 2015 and endovascular therapy (catheter-based mechanical thrombectomy with a stent retriever) became the class IA indication for patients presenting within less than 6h from symptom onset who have proven occlusion of large intracerebral artery in anterior circulation. Acute stroke care organization should enable to perform effective revascularization therapy as soon as possible after the initial brain imaging whenever this examination provides indication for the procedure.

Direct catheter-based thrombectomy in acute ischaemic stroke performed collaboratively by cardiologists, neurologists and radiologists: the single-centre pilot experience (PRAGUE-16 study).

AIMS: To assess the feasibility of direct catheter-based thrombectomy (d-CBT) performed jointly by cardiologists, neurologists and radiologists. METHODS AND RESULTS: Computed tomography (CT) was completed within <6 hours from onset of acute ischaemic stroke and excluded bleeding or developed ischaemia in 23 patients who fulfilled pre-specified entry criteria. The mean NIHSS was 17 (8-24). Mechanical recanalisation was successful in 19/23 patients (83%). The mean symptom onset ­ CT time was 81 min, CT ­ sheath insertion 47 min, sheath ­ reperfusion 46 min. Three patients died within 30 days, two others within 90 days (overall three-month mortality 22%). The mean mRs at 90 days for the entire group was 3.19, among survivors 2.31 and among survivors treated within <120 minutes 1.17. Favourable functional outcome (mRs ≤2) was achieved in 48% of patients. Five patients (22%) had full (mRs=0) or nearly full (mRs=1) neurologic recovery. Seven patients were able to be discharged from neurology ICU directly home after a short (<7 days) hospital stay. Two patients had symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Acute stroke treatment by d-CBT jointly by neurologists, cardiologists and radiologists provided promising results especially in patients reaching the cathlab within <2 hours from stroke onset.

[Modern treatment of acute ischemic stroke]. / Moderní lécba akutních iktu: príklad multidisciplinární spolupráce.

Acute ischemic stroke is a frequent cause of death and disability. Therepautic scepticism persists both among doctors and lay people. However, modern reperfusion therapy improved outcomes of acute stroke patients - at least of those presenting early after symptom onset. This review presents multidisciplinary approach to acute stroke - cooperation of neurologists, cardiologists and radiologists. Both reperfusion strategies are discussed: catheter-based thrombectomy and thrombolysis.

PTA of infrapopliteal arteries: long-term clinical follow-up and analysis of factors influencing clinical outcome.

This study was a retrospective analysis of patients with CLI who underwent infrapopliteal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). The main goal was to evaluate clinical and morphological factors that influence the clinical outcome of PTA in long-term follow-up. A total of 1,445 PTA procedures were performed in 1,268 patients. Main indications for PTA included gangrene, nonhealing ulcers, or rest pain. The mean number of treated arteries was 1.77 artery/limb, and the majority of lesions were type TASC D. The technical success rate of PTA was 89% of intended-to-treat arteries. The main criterion of clinical success was functional limb salvage (LS). One-year follow-up involved 1,069 limbs. Primary and secondary 1-year LS rates were 76.1 and 84.4%, respectively. The effect of clinical and morphological parameters on the 1-year LS was that the only associated disease with an adverse effect on LS rate was DM combined with dialysis. Regarding limb preprocedural status, gangrene was clearly a negative predictor. The most important factor affecting LS was the number of patent arteries post-PTA: patients with 0, 1, 2, and 3 patent arteries had 1-year primary LS rates of 56.4, 73.1, 80.4, and 83%, respectively. Long-term follow-up of LS rates demonstrated secondary LS rates of 84.4, 78.8, and 73.3% at 1, 5, and 10 years. Every effort should be made to perform PTA for as many arteries as possible, even if TASC D type, to improve clinical outcome. Our study shows that repeat PTA is capable of keeping the long-term LS rate close to 75%.

Celiac axis stenosis and lethal liver ischemia after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Celiac axis stenosis can lead to a fatal hepatic ischemia after pancreaticoduodenectomy unless a simultaneous revascularisation of the celiac circulation is performed. In the present study are reported three cases of celiac axis stenosis, all of which had histologically confirmed periampullary cancer. Case 1: a 50-year-old male with a history of myocardial infarction and liver steatosis; visceral arteriography prior to the surgery demonstrated a celiac axis stenosis. Whipple operation was performed. After removing the specimen, no signs of liver ischemia were found (liver was cholestatic) and pulsation of the hepatic artery was strong. The patient died on the second postoperative day after an abrupt irreversible cardiac arrest. Autopsy proved acute severe hepatic ischemia. Case 2: a 64-year-old female. Preoperative visceral angiography showed significant celiac axis stenosis. As a first step of surgery the root of the celiac trunk was exposed, a fibrotic ring around it was divided. Standard D1 pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. Case 3: a 58-year-old female without preoperative angiography, indicated for surgery. After an occlusion test of the gastroduodenal artery the liver became ischemic. Division of the fibrotic ring around celiac axis was performed together with a standard D1 pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. No postoperative complications were reported in both case 2 and 3.

Combined infrainguinal reconstruction and infrapopliteal intraluminal angioplasty for limb salvage in critical limb ischemia.

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the success rates of limb salvage, and the primary and secondary patency rates of reconstructions of critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients undergoing combined infrainguinal reconstruction and intraluminal angioplasty of crural arteries. In 2000-2005, infrainguinal reconstruction with concomitant intraluminal angioplasty of crural arteries was performed in 30 patients with CLI, mean age was 63 years (S.D.=10); according to the Fontaine classification, 28 (93%) patients had stage IV and 2 (7%) stage III ischemia. During mean follow-up of 12.9 (S.D.=16.9) months, primary 1-year patency of vascular reconstruction was seen in 16 (52.6%) patients of our group. Secondary 1-year patency over the same follow-up period was documented in 17 (56.2%) patients and 1-year limb salvage was obtained in 25 (82.6%) patients. Based on this finding, we consider a combined surgical and endovascular procedure to be the method of choice in limb salvage in patients with CLI not allowing for an isolated endovascular procedure.