Clinical relevance of intracranial hemorrhage after thrombectomy versus medical management for large core infarct: a secondary analysis of the SELECT2 randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and its effect on the outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for patients with large core infarcts have not been well-characterized. METHODS: SELECT2 trial follow-up imaging was evaluated using the Heidelberg Bleeding Classification (HBC) to define hemorrhage grade. The association of ICH with clinical outcomes and treatment effect was examined. RESULTS: Of 351 included patients, 194 (55%) and 189 (54%) demonstrated intracranial and intracerebral hemorrhage, respectively, with a higher incidence in EVT (134 (75%) and 130 (73%)) versus medical management (MM) (60 (35%) and 59 (34%), both P<0.001). Hemorrhagic infarction type 1 (HBC=1a) and type 2 (HBC=1b) accounted for 93% of all hemorrhages. Parenchymal hematoma (PH) type 1 (HBC=1c) and type 2 (HBC=2) were observed in 1 (0.6%) EVT-treated and 4 (2.2%) MM patients. Symptomatic ICH (sICH) (SITS-MOST definition) was seen in 0.6% EVT patients and 1.2% MM patients. No trend for ICH with core volumes (P=0.10) or Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) (P=0.74) was observed. Among EVT patients, the presence of any ICH did not worsen clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days: 4 (3-6) vs 4 (3-6); adjusted generalized OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.47, P>0.99) or modify EVT treatment effect (Pinteraction=0.77). CONCLUSIONS: ICH was present in 75% of the EVT population, but PH or sICH were infrequent. The presence of any ICH did not worsen functional outcomes or modify EVT treatment effect at 90-day follow-up. The high rate of hemorrhages overall still represents an opportunity for adjunctive therapies in EVT patients with a large ischemic core.

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

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

Endovascular Thrombectomy for Large Ischemic Stroke Across Ischemic Injury and Penumbra Profiles.

Importance: Whether endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) efficacy for patients with acute ischemic stroke and large cores varies depending on the extent of ischemic injury is uncertain. Objective: To describe the relationship between imaging estimates of irreversibly injured brain (core) and at-risk regions (mismatch) and clinical outcomes and EVT treatment effect. Design, Setting, and Participants: An exploratory analysis of the SELECT2 trial, which randomized 352 adults (18-85 years) with acute ischemic stroke due to occlusion of the internal carotid or middle cerebral artery (M1 segment) and large ischemic core to EVT vs medical management (MM), across 31 global centers between October 2019 and September 2022. Intervention: EVT vs MM. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcome was functional outcome-90-day mRS score (0, no symptoms, to 6, death) assessed by adjusted generalized OR (aGenOR; values >1 represent more favorable outcomes). Benefit of EVT vs MM was assessed across levels of ischemic injury defined by noncontrast CT using ASPECTS score and by the volume of brain with severely reduced blood flow on CT perfusion or restricted diffusion on MRI. Results: Among 352 patients randomized, 336 were analyzed (median age, 67 years; 139 [41.4%] female); of these, 168 (50%) were randomized to EVT, and 2 additional crossover MM patients received EVT. In an ordinal analysis of mRS at 90 days, EVT improved functional outcomes compared with MM within ASPECTS categories of 3 (aGenOR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.04-2.81]), 4 (aGenOR, 2.01 [95% CI, 1.19-3.40]), and 5 (aGenOR, 1.85 [95% CI, 1.22-2.79]). Across strata for CT perfusion/MRI ischemic core volumes, aGenOR for EVT vs MM was 1.63 (95% CI, 1.23-2.16) for volumes ≥70 mL, 1.41 (95% CI, 0.99-2.02) for ≥100 mL, and 1.47 (95% CI, 0.84-2.56) for ≥150 mL. In the EVT group, outcomes worsened as ASPECTS decreased (aGenOR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.82-1.00] per 1-point decrease) and as CT perfusion/MRI ischemic core volume increased (aGenOR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.89-0.95] per 10-mL increase). No heterogeneity of EVT treatment effect was observed with or without mismatch, although few patients without mismatch were enrolled. Conclusion and Relevance: In this exploratory analysis of a randomized clinical trial of patients with extensive ischemic stroke, EVT improved clinical outcomes across a wide spectrum of infarct volumes, although enrollment of patients with minimal penumbra volume was low. In EVT-treated patients, clinical outcomes worsened as presenting ischemic injury estimates increased. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03876457.

Surface modification of neurovascular stents: from bench to patient.

Flow-diverting stents (FDs) for the treatment of cerebrovascular aneurysms are revolutionary. However, these devices require systemic dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) to reduce thromboembolic complications. Given the risk of ischemic complications as well as morbidity and contraindications associated with DAPT, demonstrating safety and efficacy for FDs either without DAPT or reducing the duration of DAPT is a priority. The former may be achieved by surface modifications that decrease device thrombogenicity, and the latter by using coatings that expedite endothelial growth. Biomimetics, commonly achieved by grafting hydrophilic and non-interacting polymers to surfaces, can mask the device surface with nature-derived coatings from circulating factors that normally activate coagulation and inflammation. One strategy is to mimic the surfaces of innocuous circulatory system components. Phosphorylcholine and glycan coatings are naturally inspired and present on the surface of all eukaryotic cell membranes. Another strategy involves linking synthetic biocompatible polymer brushes to the surface of a device that disrupts normal interaction with circulating proteins and cells. Finally, drug immobilization can also impart antithrombotic effects that counteract normal foreign body reactions in the circulatory system without systemic effects. Heparin coatings have been explored since the 1960s and used on a variety of blood contacting surfaces. This concept is now being explored for neurovascular devices. Coatings that improve endothelialization are not as clinically mature as anti-thrombogenic coatings. Coronary stents have used an anti-CD34 antibody coating to capture circulating endothelial progenitor cells on the surface, potentially accelerating endothelial integration. Similarly, coatings with CD31 analogs are being explored for neurovascular implants.

Balloon assisted Woven endobridge deployment (BAWD): A safety and efficacy study.

BACKGROUND: Balloon-assisted deployment/remodelling is a proven adjunctive technique for coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms, and it may be a helpful adjunct in delivering the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety, efficacy and feasibility of balloon-assisted WEB deployment in both ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms in both typical and atypical locations. METHODS: Patients who underwent treatment of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms with the BAWD technique were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained database at two neurointerventional centres. Patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, technical procedure details, clinical and imaging outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Thirty-three aneurysms (23 women) were identified with a median age of 58 years. There were 15 (45.5%) ruptured aneurysms, 25 (64.3%) in the anterior circulation and 12 (36.4%) aneurysms having an atypical location for WEB treatment. The average aneurysm size was 6.8 mm (greatest dimension), 4.6 mm (height) and 4.5 mm (width), and 25 (75.8%) aneurysms had a wide neck morphology. One patient died (3.0%) secondary to a procedure-related complication, and there was no procedure-related permanent morbidity. Complete and adequate aneurysm occlusion on mid-term follow-up DSA was 85.2% and 92%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Balloon-assisted WEB deployment appears to be a safe and effective technique that may increase the utility of the WEB device. Further prospective studies on BAWD should be considered.

Prior anticoagulation and bridging thrombolysis improve outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing endovascular thrombectomy for anterior circulation stroke.

BACKGROUND: Where stroke occurs with pre-existing atrial fibrillation (AF)studies validating the safety and efficacy of bridging thrombolysis, and the use of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in the setting of prior anticoagulation, are limited to single-center reports. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis, AF patients undergoing EVT for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke enrolled in a prospectively-maintained, international multicenter database (International Stroke Perfusion Imaging Registry (INSPIRE)) between 2016 and 2019 were studied. Patients were categorized by anticoagulation status: anticoagulated (warfarin/non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants) versus not anticoagulated. Patients not anticoagulated were further divided into intravenous thrombolysis versus no thrombolysis. Outcomes compared between groups included 90-day modified Rankin Scale, 90-day mortality, rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and good reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b-3). RESULTS: Of 563 AF patients, 118 (21%) were on anticoagulation. AF patients on anticoagulation showed improved 90-day functional outcomes (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.68, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.00 to 2.82). Mortality (26.3% vs 23.8%), sICH (4.5% vs 3.9%), and rates of good reperfusion (91.3% vs 88.0%) were similar between those anticoagulated and those not anticoagulated. Thrombolysis before EVT in AF patients was independently associated with improved 90-day functional outcomes (aOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.79) and reduced mortality (aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.84), with similar sICH rates (3.4% vs 4.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Anticoagulated patients with AF who underwent EVT had improved 90-day functional outcomes and similar sICH rates. Thrombolysis before EVT in AF patients was associated with improved 90-day functional outcomes and reduced mortality.

Trial of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Large Ischemic Strokes.

BACKGROUND: Trials of the efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with large ischemic strokes have been carried out in limited populations. METHODS: We performed a prospective, randomized, open-label, adaptive, international trial involving patients with stroke due to occlusion of the internal carotid artery or the first segment of the middle cerebral artery to assess endovascular thrombectomy within 24 hours after onset. Patients had a large ischemic-core volume, defined as an Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score of 3 to 5 (range, 0 to 10, with lower scores indicating larger infarction) or a core volume of at least 50 ml on computed tomography perfusion or diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to endovascular thrombectomy plus medical care or to medical care alone. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin scale score at 90 days (range, 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating greater disability). Functional independence was a secondary outcome. RESULTS: The trial was stopped early for efficacy; 178 patients had been assigned to the thrombectomy group and 174 to the medical-care group. The generalized odds ratio for a shift in the distribution of modified Rankin scale scores toward better outcomes in favor of thrombectomy was 1.51 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20 to 1.89; P<0.001). A total of 20% of the patients in the thrombectomy group and 7% in the medical-care group had functional independence (relative risk, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.60 to 5.51). Mortality was similar in the two groups. In the thrombectomy group, arterial access-site complications occurred in 5 patients, dissection in 10, cerebral-vessel perforation in 7, and transient vasospasm in 11. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 1 patient in the thrombectomy group and in 2 in the medical-care group. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with large ischemic strokes, endovascular thrombectomy resulted in better functional outcomes than medical care but was associated with vascular complications. Cerebral hemorrhages were infrequent in both groups. (Funded by Stryker Neurovascular; SELECT2 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03876457.).

CT vascular territory mapping: a novel method to identify large vessel occlusion collateral.

INTRODUCTION: This descriptive study explores typical patterns of vascular territory mapping (VTM) in ischaemic stroke patients with proximal vessel occlusion. VTM is a novel process using CT perfusion that can identify the source and extent of collateral blood flow in patients with vessel occlusion. It functions by determining which vessel provides dominant blood flow to a brain voxel. METHODS: A total of 167 consecutive patients were analysed from INSPIRE (International Stroke Perfusion Imaging Registry) with their CT perfusion reprocessed through VTM software. We explored the typical territory maps generated by this software relating to common large vessel occlusion location sites (ACA/MCA/PCA). RESULTS/CONCLUSION: In the presence of occlusion, VTM demonstrated a reciprocal increase in collateral vessel territories.

Association of Endovascular Thrombectomy vs Medical Management With Functional and Safety Outcomes in Patients Treated Beyond 24 Hours of Last Known Well: The SELECT Late Study.

Importance: The role of endovascular thrombectomy is uncertain for patients presenting beyond 24 hours of the time they were last known well. Objective: To evaluate functional and safety outcomes for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) vs medical management in patients with large-vessel occlusion beyond 24 hours of last known well. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective observational cohort study enrolled patients between July 2012 and December 2021 at 17 centers across the United States, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand. Eligible patients had occlusions in the internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery (M1 or M2 segment) and were treated with EVT or medical management beyond 24 hours of last known well. Interventions: Endovascular thrombectomy or medical management (control). Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcome was functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2). Mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) were safety outcomes. Propensity score (PS)-weighted multivariable logistic regression analyses were adjusted for prespecified clinical characteristics, perfusion parameters, and/or Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) and were repeated in subsequent 1:1 PS-matched cohorts. Results: Of 301 patients (median [IQR] age, 69 years [59-81]; 149 female), 185 patients (61%) received EVT and 116 (39%) received medical management. In adjusted analyses, EVT was associated with better functional independence (38% vs control, 10%; inverse probability treatment weighting adjusted odds ratio [IPTW aOR], 4.56; 95% CI, 2.28-9.09; P < .001) despite increased odds of sICH (10.1% for EVT vs 1.7% for control; IPTW aOR, 10.65; 95% CI, 2.19-51.69; P = .003). This association persisted after PS-based matching on (1) clinical characteristics and ASPECTS (EVT, 35%, vs control, 19%; aOR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.02-9.72; P = .047); (2) clinical characteristics and perfusion parameters (EVT, 35%, vs control, 17%; aOR, 4.17; 95% CI, 1.15-15.17; P = .03); and (3) clinical characteristics, ASPECTS, and perfusion parameters (EVT, 45%, vs control, 21%; aOR, 4.39; 95% CI, 1.04-18.53; P = .04). Patients receiving EVT had lower odds of mortality (26%) compared with those in the control group (41%; IPTW aOR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.27-0.89; P = .02). Conclusions and Relevance: In this study of treatment beyond 24 hours of last known well, EVT was associated with higher odds of functional independence compared with medical management, with consistent results obtained in PS-matched subpopulations and patients with presence of mismatch, despite increased odds of sICH. Our findings support EVT feasibility in selected patients beyond 24 hours. Prospective studies are warranted for confirmation.

Intravenous Thrombolysis Is Associated with Less Disabling Stroke and Lower Mortality in Multiple-Pass Endovascular Thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The benefit of bridging intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in acute ischaemic stroke patients eligible for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is unclear. This may be particularly relevant where reperfusion is achieved with multiple thrombectomy passes. We aimed to determine the benefit of bridging IVT in first and multiple-pass patients undergoing EVT ≤6 h from stroke onset to groin puncture. METHODS: We compared 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) outcomes in 187 consecutive patients with large vessel occlusions (LVOs) of the anterior cerebral circulation who underwent EVT ≤6 h from symptom onset and who achieved modified thrombolysis in cerebral ischaemia (mTICI) 2c/3 reperfusion with the first pass to those patients who required multiple passes to achieve reperfusion. The effect of bridging IVT on outcomes was examined. RESULTS: Significantly more first-pass patients had favourable (mRS 0-2) 90-day outcomes (68 vs. 42%, p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed an association between first-pass reperfusion and favourable outcomes (OR 2.25; 95% CI 1.08-4.68; p = 0.03). IVT provided no additional benefit in first-pass patients (OR 1.17; CI 0.42-3.20; p = 0.76); however, in multiple-pass patients, it reduced the risk of disabling stroke (mRS ≥4) (OR 0.30; CI 0.10-0.88; p = 0.02) and mortality (OR 0.07; CI 0.01-0.36; p = 0.002) at 90 days. CONCLUSION: Bridging IVT may benefit patients with anterior circulation stroke with LVO who qualify for EVT and who require multiple passes to achieve reperfusion.

Pipeline shield with single antiplatelet therapy in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: multicentre experience.

BACKGROUND: The Pipeline Embolisation Device with Shield technology (PED-Shield) is suggested to have reduced thrombogenicity. This reduced thrombogenicity may make it possible to use safely in the acute treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) on single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the off-label use of PED-Shield with SAPT for the acute treatment of aSAH. METHODS: Patients who underwent acute treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms with the PED-Shield with SAPT were retrospectively identified from prospectively maintained databases at three Australian neurointerventional centres. Patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, clinical and imaging outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were identified (12 women), median age 64 (IQR 21.5) years. Aneurysm morphology was saccular in seven, fusiform in five, and blister in two. Aneurysms arose from the anterior circulation in eight patients (57.1%). Six (42.9%) patients were poor grade (World Federation of Neurological Societies grade ≥IV) SAH. Median time to treatment was 1 (IQR 0.5) day. Complete or near complete aneurysm occlusion (Raymond-Roy <3) was achieved in 12 (85.7%) patients at the end of early-acute follow-up (median day 7 after SAH). Permanent, treatment-related morbidity occurred in one (7.1%) patient and one (7.1%) treatment-related death occurred. The use of a postoperative heparin infusion (n=5) was associated with a higher rate of all complications (80.0% vs 11.1%, p=0.023) and symptomatic complications (60% vs 0.0%, p=0.028). No symptomatic ischaemic or haemorrhagic complications were observed in the patients who did not receive a post-operative heparin infusion. Nine (64.3%) patients were functionally independent on discharge from the treatment centre. CONCLUSION: The PED-Shield may be safe to use in the acute treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms with SAPT. Further investigation with a formal treatment registry is needed.

Endovascular Thrombectomy >24-hr From Stroke Symptom Onset.

Background: Trials have demonstrated efficacy for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for anterior circulation acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) up to 24-h from symptom onset. The magnitude of effect suggests benefit may exist beyond 24-h. Objectives: To perform a retrospective review of all patients undergoing EVT for anterior circulation LVO stroke beyond 24-h from symptom onset and assess safety and efficacy. Methods:A prospectively maintained database of EVT patients treated at two comprehensive stroke centers between January 2016 and December 2017 was retrospectively screened. Patients undergoing EVT for anterior circulation AIS >24-h from symptom onset were selected. Results: A total of 429 AIS patient underwent EVT in the study period. Five patients treated >24-h from symptom onset were identified. The median age was 72 (range 42-84); median ASPECTS 8 (range 6-8); median baseline-NIHSS 9 (range 4-17); and median time from symptom onset to groin puncture 44 h and 55 min (range 25:07-90:10). One patient underwent CT perfusion imaging. The remaining four patients were selected based on non-contrast CT brain and CT-angiography. Two patients had tandem cervical carotid lesions and underwent acute stenting. Modified thrombolysis in cerebral ischaemia (mTICI) 3 reperfusion was achieved in four patients. No hemorrhagic transformation occurred. All patients were alive at 90-day follow-up. Four patients achieved functional independence at 90-days (mRS 0-2). Conclusion: Endovascular thrombectomy for AIS patients beyond 24-h from symptom onset appears to be safe and effective in this limited study. There is a need for further evidence-based trials of benefit vs. risk in very prolonged time windows.

Reperfusion and Clinical Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Stent-Retriever-Based, Early Window Endovascular Stroke Trials.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of reperfusion grade rates on clinical outcomes in the setting of stent-retriever-based reperfusion therapy for anterior circulation stroke in early time windows. METHODS: Systematic searching of Medline and Embase databases was performed to identify stroke trials of stent-retriever-based therapy versus standard care. Mixed effects meta-regression was used to analyze the trial-level association between reperfusion rates and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of five trials met the inclusion criteria (n = 1,287). Rates of successful reperfusion [modified thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia grade 2b/3] demonstrated strong evidence for an association with good functional outcomes [modified Rankin scale score (mRS) 0-2] OR 1.59 (95% CI 1.16, 2.19) p = 0.019 and very strong evidence for an association with excellent functional outcomes (mRS 0-1) OR 2.10 (95% CI 1.46, 3.01) p = 0.007. In addition, there was weak evidence for an association with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage OR 0.54 (95% CI 0.28, 1.04) p = 0.057 and mortality OR 0.69 (95% CI 0.69, 1.01) p = 0.053. CONCLUSION: In early, stent-retriever-based acute ischemic stroke treatment, reperfusion appears to be a major predictor of outcomes. Every 10% increase in the rates of successful reperfusion is associated with an 11% increase in the probability of achieving good and 17% increase in the probability of achieving excellent outcomes. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality may be decreased as reperfusion rates are improved.

Clinical outcome prediction after thrombectomy of proximal middle cerebral artery occlusions by the appearance of lenticulostriate arteries on magnetic resonance angiography: A retrospective analysis.

Post-ischemic vasodynamic changes in infarcted brain parenchyma are common and range from hypo- to hyperperfusion. In the present study, appearance of the lenticulostriate arteries (LSAs) on postinterventional 3T time-of-flight (TOF)-MRA suggestive for altered post-stroke vasodynamics following thrombectomy was investigated. Patients who underwent thrombectomy for a proximal MCA occlusion and for whom postinterventional 3T TOF-MRA (median at day 3) was available, were included in this retrospective analysis (n=98). LSA appearance was categorized into presence (LSA-sign+) or absence (LSA-sign-) of vasodilatation in the ischemic hemisphere. Functional outcome was determined using the modified Rankin scale (mRS). LSA-sign+ was observed in 64/98 patients. Hypertension (adjusted OR: 0.171, 95% CI: 0.046-0.645) and preinterventional IV rtPA (adjusted OR: 0.265, 95% CI: 0.088-0.798) were associated with absence of the LSA-sign+. In multivariate logistic regression, LSA-sign+ was associated with substantial neurologic improvement (adjusted OR: 10.18, 95% CI: 2.69-38.57) and good functional outcome (discharge-mRS ≤ 2, adjusted OR: 7.127, 95% CI: 1.913-26.551 and day 90 mRS ≤ 2, adjusted OR: 3.786, 95% CI: 1.026-13.973) after correcting for relevant confounders. For all clinical endpoints, model fit improved when including the LSA-sign term (p<0.05). Asymmetrical dilatation of LSAs following successful thrombectomy indicates favorable neurologic and mid-term functional outcomes. This may indicate preserved cerebral blood flow regulatory mechanisms.

Isolated Striatocapsular Infarcts after Endovascular Treatment of Acute Proximal Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusions: Prevalence, Enabling Factors, and Clinical Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Striatocapsular infarcts (SCIs) are defined as large subcortical infarcts involving the territory of more than one lenticulostriate artery. SCI without concomitant ischemia in the more distal middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory [isolated SCI (iSCI)] has been described as a rare infarct pattern. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of iSCI in patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy (ET), to evaluate baseline and procedural parameters associated with this condition, and to describe the clinical course of iSCI patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 206 consecutive patients with an isolated MCA occlusion involving the lenticulostriate arteries and treated with ET was performed. Baseline patient and procedural characteristics and ischemic involvement of the striatocapsular and distal MCA territory [iSCI, as opposed to non-isolated SCI (niSCI)] were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models. Prevalence of iSCI was assessed, and clinical course was determined with the rates of substantial neurological improvement and good functional short- and mid-term outcome (discharge/day 90 Modified Rankin Scale ≤2). RESULTS: iSCI was detected in 53 patients (25.7%), and niSCI was detected in 153 patients (74.3%). Successful reperfusion [thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 2b/3] [adjusted odds ration (aOR) 8.730, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.069-71.308] and good collaterals (aOR 2.100, 95% CI 1.119-3.944) were associated with iSCI. In successfully reperfused patients, TICI 3 was found to be an additional factor associated with iSCI (aOR 5.282, 1.759-15.859). Patients with iSCI had higher rates of substantial neurological improvement (71.7 vs. 37.9%, p < 0.001) and higher rates of good functional short- and mid-term outcome (58.3 vs. 23.7%, p < 0.001 and 71.4 vs. 41.7%, p < 0.001). However, while iSCI patients, in general, had a more favorable outcome, considerable heterogeneity in outcome was observed. CONCLUSION: High rates of successful reperfusion (TICI 2b/3) and in particular, complete reperfusion (TICI 3) are associated with iSCIs. The high prevalence of iSCI in successfully reperfused patients with good collaterals corroborates previous concepts of iSCI pathogenesis. iSCI, once considered a rare pattern of cerebral ischemia, is likely to become more prevalent with increases in endovascular stroke therapy. This may have implications for patient rehabilitation and pathophysiological analyses of ischemic damage confined to subcortical regions of the MCA territory.

Emergent carotid stenting and intra-arterial abciximab in acute ischemic stroke due to tandem occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: Acute occlusions of the extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) and a major intracranial artery respond poorly to intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and present an endovascular challenge. The aim of our study was to retrospectively delineate the feasibility of the combined use of emergent carotid stenting and intra-arterial (IA) Abciximab with intracranial revascularization in the setting of acute ischemic stroke and carotid occlusions at our institution. METHODS: Eleven patients with complete cervical carotid occlusion with or without concomitant intracranial ICA and/or MCA occlusion were identified from a single center, retrospective review of patients admitted to the Stroke unit. We evaluated all cases for complications of emergent cervical ICA recanalization employing carotid stenting and IA Abciximab. RESULTS: All patients had complete cervical carotid occlusion with (n = 8) or without (n = 3) concomitant intracranial ICA and/or MCA occlusion. Successful emergent cervical ICA recanalization was achieved in all cases. All patients were administered IA Abciximab (dose range 6-17 mg, average 11.4 mg) immediately following the cervical carotid stenting. There was complete recanalization in all patients with no procedural morbidity or mortality. A single case (1/11, 9%) developed asymptomatic hemorrhagic transformation. Upon discharge, 9 patients (9/11, 82%) had a mRS of 0-2 and 2 patients (2/11, 18%) had a mRS of 3. CONCLUSIONS: In acute ICA-MCA/distal ICA occlusions, extracranial stenting followed by intracranial IA Abciximab and thrombectomy appears feasible, effective, and safe. Further evaluation of this treatment strategy is warranted.

Endovascular Stroke Management: Key Elements of Success.

BACKGROUND: In the last 12 months, treatment of acute ischaemic stroke secondary to large vessel occlusion has undergone a paradigm shift. The success of endovascular surgery, and in particular, the use of stent-retrievers, is remarkable. SUMMARY: Beyond percentages and p values, the endovascular trials demonstrated, in their similarities and their differences, the critical elements of successful intervention in acute ischaemic stroke. Patient selection based on non-invasive neuroimaging has emerged as a critical step in acute ischaemic stroke management. The more sophisticated imaging-based selection, those assessing collateral blood flow or ischaemic penumbra appear to be associated with better outcomes and possibly fewer complications. The importance of achieving effective, quality reperfusion is also demonstrated, in a remarkably linear fashion, across the 5 published trials. This may emerge as the single most important determinant of functional outcomes. While reperfusion may succeed time as the preeminent modifiable variable, it remains clear that achieving quality reperfusion in a timely manner should remain the goal of all acute stroke programs. KEY MESSAGE: Comparing the recent successful endovascular stroke trials, both between one another, and to their unsuccessful predecessors, emphasizes the importance of patient selection, time and reperfusion. Highlighting these factors allows for a better understanding of the challenges facing clinicians and the changes required to be made in hospital systems in order to achieve a new standard of care in treating acute ischaemic stroke.