Do Outcomes between Women and Men Differ after Endovascular Thrombectomy? A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Research on the presence of sex-based differences in the outcomes of patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke has reached differing conclusions. PURPOSE: This review aimed to determine whether sex influences the outcome of patients with large-vessel occlusion stroke undergoing endovascular thrombectomy. STUDY SELECTION: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of endovascular thrombectomy studies with either stratified cohort outcomes according to sex (females versus males) or effect size reported for the consequence of sex versus outcomes. We included 33 articles with 7335 patients. DATA ANALYSIS: We pooled ORs for the 90-day mRS score, 90-day mortality, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and recanalization. DATA SYNTHESIS: Pooled 90-day good outcomes (mRS ≤ 2) were better for men than women (OR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.09-1.53; P = <.001, I2 = 56.95%). The odds of the other outcomes, recanalization (OR = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.77-1.15; P = .38, I2 = 0%), 90-day mortality (OR = 1.11; 95% CI, 0.89-1.38; P = .093, I2 = 0%), and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 1.40; 95% CI, 0.99-1.99; P = .069, I2 = 0%) were comparable between men and women. LIMITATIONS: Moderate heterogeneity was found. Most studies included were retrospective in nature. In addition, the randomized trials included were not specifically designed to compare outcomes between sexes. CONCLUSIONS: Women undergoing endovascular thrombectomy for large-vessel occlusion have inferior 90-day clinical outcomes. Sex-specific outcomes should be investigated further in future trials as well as pathophysiologic studies.

Prospective Multicenter Study of Changes in MTT after Aneurysmal SAH and Relationship to Delayed Cerebral Ischemia in Patients with Good- and Poor-Grade Admission Status.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with aneurysmal SAH and good clinical status at admission are considered at a lower risk for delayed cerebral ischemia. Prolonged MTT may be associated with an increased risk. It is unclear whether this is dependent on clinical status. Our purpose was to determine whether increased MTT within 3 days of aneurysmal SAH compared with baseline is associated with a higher risk of delayed cerebral ischemia in patients with good (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies I-III) versus poor (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies IV-V) admission status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prolonged MTT was a multicenter, prospective cohort investigation of 87 patients with aneurysmal SAH. MTT was measured at admission before aneurysm treatment (MTT1) and following repair (MTT2) within 3 days of admission; MTTdiff was calculated as the difference between MTT2 and MTT1. Changes in MTT across time were assessed with repeated measures analyses. Risk of delayed cerebral ischemia or death was determined with multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In patients with a good grade (n = 49), MTT was prolonged in patients who developed delayed cerebral ischemia, with MTTdiff significantly greater (0.82 ± 1.5) compared with those who did not develop delayed cerebral ischemia (-0.14 ± 0.98) (P = .03). Prolonged MTT was associated with a significantly higher risk of delayed cerebral ischemia or death (OR = 3.1; 95% CI, 1.3-7.4; P = .014) on multivariate analysis. In patients with poor grades (n = 38), MTTdiff was not greater in patients who developed delayed cerebral ischemia; MTT1 was significantly prolonged compared with patients with a good grade. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in good clinical condition following aneurysmal SAH but with increasing MTT in the first few days after aneurysmal SAH are at high risk of delayed cerebral ischemia and warrant close clinical monitoring.

Risk of Branch Occlusion and Ischemic Complications with the Pipeline Embolization Device in the Treatment of Posterior Circulation Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Flow diversion with the Pipeline Embolization Device is increasingly used for endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms due to high reported obliteration rates and low associated morbidity. While obliteration of covered branches in the anterior circulation is generally asymptomatic, this has not been studied within the posterior circulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between branch coverage and occlusion, as well as associated ischemic events in a cohort of patients with posterior circulation aneurysms treated with the Pipeline Embolization Device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively maintained databases at 8 academic institutions from 2009 to 2016 was performed to identify patients with posterior circulation aneurysms treated with the Pipeline Embolization Device. Branch coverage following placement was evaluated, including the posterior inferior cerebellar artery, anterior inferior cerebellar artery, superior cerebellar artery, and posterior cerebral artery. If the Pipeline Embolization Device crossed the ostia of the contralateral vertebral artery, its long-term patency was assessed as well. RESULTS: A cohort of 129 consecutive patients underwent treatment of 131 posterior circulation aneurysms with the Pipeline Embolization Device. Adjunctive coiling was used in 40 (31.0%) procedures. One or more branches were covered in 103 (79.8%) procedures. At a median follow-up of 11 months, 11% were occluded, most frequently the vertebral artery (34.8%). Branch obliteration was most common among asymptomatic aneurysms (P < .001). Ischemic complications occurred in 29 (22.5%) procedures. On multivariable analysis, there was no significant difference in ischemic complications in cases in which a branch was covered (P = .24) or occluded (P = .16). CONCLUSIONS: There was a low occlusion incidence in end arteries following branch coverage at last follow-up. The incidence was higher in the posterior cerebral artery and vertebral artery where collateral supply is high. Branch occlusion was not associated with a significant increase in ischemic complications.

First-Pass Contrast-Enhanced MR Angiography in Evaluation of Treated Spinal Arteriovenous Fistulas: Is Catheter Angiography Necessary?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Catheter angiography is typically used for follow-up of treated spinal AVFs. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic performance and utility of first-pass contrast-enhanced MRA in the posttreatment evaluation of spinal AVFs compared with DSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all patients at our tertiary referral hospital (from January 2000 to April 2015) who underwent spine MR imaging, first-pass contrast-enhanced MRA, and DSA after surgical and/or endovascular treatment of a spinal AVF. Presence of recurrent or residual fistula on MRA, including vertebral level of the recurrent/residual fistula, was evaluated by 2 experienced neuroradiologists blinded to DSA findings. Posttreatment conventional MR imaging findings were also evaluated, including presence of intramedullary T2 hyperintensity, perimedullary serpentine flow voids, and cord enhancement. The performance of MRA and MR imaging findings for diagnosis of recurrent/residual fistula was determined by using DSA as the criterion standard. RESULTS: In total, 28 posttreatment paired MR imaging/MRA and DSA studies were evaluated in 22 patients with prior spinal AVF and 1 patient with intracranial AVF with prior cervical perimedullary venous drainage. Six image sets of 5 patients demonstrated recurrent/residual disease at DSA. MRA correctly identified all cases with recurrent/residual disease with 1 false-positive (sensitivity, 100%; specificity 95%; P < .001), with correct localization in all cases without interobserver disagreement. Conventional MR imaging parameters were not significantly associated with recurrent/residual spinal AVF. CONCLUSIONS: First-pass MRA demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for identifying recurrent/residual spinal AVFs and may potentially substitute for DSA in the posttreatment follow-up of patients with spinal AVFs.

Small pipes: preliminary experience with 3-mm or smaller pipeline flow-diverting stents for aneurysm repair prior to regulatory approval.

Flow diversion has become an established treatment option for challenging intracranial aneurysms. The use of small devices of ≤3-mm diameter remains unapproved by major regulatory bodies. A retrospective review of patients treated with Pipeline Embolization Devices of ≤3-mm diameter at 3 Canadian institutions was conducted. Clinical and radiologic follow-up data were collected and reported. Twelve cases were treated with ≥1 Pipeline Embolization Device of ≤3-mm diameter, including 2 with adjunctive coiling, with a median follow-up of 18 months (range, 4-42 months). One patient experienced a posttreatment minor complication (8%) due to an embolic infarct. No posttreatment hemorrhage or delayed complications such as in-stent stenosis/thrombosis were observed. Radiologic occlusion was seen in 9/12 cases (75%) and near-occlusion in 2/12 cases (17%). Intracranial aneurysm treatment with small-diameter flow-diverting stents provided safe and effective aneurysm closure in this small selected sample. These devices should be further studied and considered for regulatory approval.

Observer variability of an angiographic grading scale used for the assessment of intracranial aneurysms treated with flow-diverting stents.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Novel angiographic grading scales for the assessment of intracranial aneurysms treated with flow-diverting stents have been recently developed because previous angiographic grading scales cannot be applied to these aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter- and intraobserver variability of the novel O'Kelly Marotta grading scale, which was developed specifically for the angiographic assessment of aneurysms treated with flow-diverting stents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multiple raters (n = 31) from the disciplines of neuroradiology and neurosurgery were presented with pre- and posttreatment angiographic images of 14 aneurysms treated with intraluminal flow diverters. Raters were asked to classify pre- and posttreatment angiograms by using the OKM grading scale. Statistical analyses were subsequently performed with calculation of a generalized multirater κ statistic for assessment of inter- and intraobserver variability and by performing a Wilcoxon signed rank sum test for assessment of group differences. RESULTS: Variability analysis of the OKM grading scale yielded substantial (κ = 0.74) and almost perfect (κ = 0.99) inter- and intraobserver agreement, respectively, with no statistically significant differences between raters with a background of neuroradiology versus neurosurgery or attending physician versus trainee. CONCLUSIONS: The OKM grading scale for the assessment of intracranial aneurysms treated with flow-diverting stents is a reliable grading scale that can be used equally well by users of varying backgrounds and levels of training. Comparison with interobserver variability of pre-existing angiographic grading scales shows equal or better performance.

Pipeline embolization device in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The PED is an FDS designed for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Data regarding the use of this device in acute or subacute aSAH is limited to a few case reports or small series. We aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of using an FDS, the PED, for the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms with challenging morphologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all known patients treated with the PED for aSAH at 4 institutions between June 2008 and January 2012. Pertinent clinical and radiologic information was submitted by individual centers for central collation. The decision to treat with the PED was made on a case-by-case basis by a multidisciplinary team under compassionate use. RESULTS: Twenty patients (15 women; median age, 54.5 years; IQR, 8.0 years) were found. There were 8 blister, 8 dissecting or dysplastic, 2 saccular, and 2 giant aneurysms. Median time to treatment was 4 days (range, 1-90 days; IQR, 12.75 days) from rupture. Three patients had previous failed treatment. Procedure-related symptomatic morbidity and mortality were 15%, with 1 (5%) procedure-related death. Two patients died relative to medical complications, and 1 patient was lost to follow-up. Sixteen patients were available for follow-up, 81% had a GOS of 5, and 13% had a GOS of 4 attributed to a poorer initial clinical presentation. One patient died of urosepsis at 4 months. Occlusion rates were 75% and 94% at 6 months and 12 months, respectively. There were 3 delayed complications (1 silent perforator infarct, 2 moderate asymptomatic in-stent stenoses). No symptomatic delayed complications or rehemorrhages occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The FDS may be a feasible treatment option in the acute or subacute setting of selected ruptured aneurysms, especially blister aneurysms. Ruptured giant aneurysms remain challenging for both surgical and endovascular techniques; at this stage, FDSs should be used with caution in this aneurysm subtype.

Canadian experience with the pipeline embolization device for repair of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Flow-diverting stents, such as the PED, have emerged as a novel means of treating complex intracranial aneurysms. This retrospective analysis of the initial Canadian experience provides insight into technical challenges, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and complication rates after the use of flow-diverting stents for unruptured aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases were compiled from 7 Canadian centers between July 2008 and December 2010. Each center prospectively tracked their initial experience; these data were retrospectively updated and pooled for analysis. RESULTS: During the defined study period, 97 cases of unruptured aneurysm were treated with the PED, with successful stent deployment in 94 cases. The overall complete or near-complete occlusion rate was 83%, with a median follow-up at 1.25 years (range 0.25-2.5 years). Progressive occlusion was witnessed over time, with complete or near-complete occlusion in 65% of aneurysms followed through 6 months, and 90% of aneurysms followed through 1 year. Multivariate analysis found previous aneurysm treatment and female sex predictive of persistent aneurysm filling. Most patients were stable or improved (88%), with the most favorable outcomes observed in patients with cavernous carotid aneurysms. The overall mortality rate was 6%. Postprocedural aneurysm hemorrhage occurred in 3 patients (3%), while ipsilateral distal territory hemorrhage was observed in 4 patients (3.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Flow-diverting stents represent an important tool in the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms. The relative efficacy and morbidity of this treatment must be considered in the context of available alternate interventions.

Vascular wall imaging of vulnerable atherosclerotic carotid plaques: current state of the art and potential future of endovascular optical coherence tomography.

As stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term morbidity worldwide, the research community has studied cardiac embolic sources, as well as vessel wall pathologies. For the latter, attention has been focused on defining morphologic tissue features associated with catastrophic events stemming from the carotid artery. Multiple noninvasive imaging modalities are currently being used to image and classify carotid atherosclerotic plaques, such as MR imaging, CT, and sonography, in an effort to provide clinically relevant predictive metrics for use in patient risk stratification and to define appropriate treatment options. This article compares and contrasts these existing clinical imaging modalities along with discussion of a new endovascular technique originally developed for cardiology, OCT, with which 3D comprehensive high-resolution images of the arterial wall can be acquired.

A novel grading scale for the angiographic assessment of intracranial aneurysms treated using flow diverting stents.

Flow diverting stents are emerging as a treatment option for difficult intracranial aneurysms. Current grading scales for assessment of angiographic outcomes following aneurysm treatment do not apply to aneurysms treated by flow diversion. We propose a novel grading scale based on the degree of angiographic filling and contrast stasis. This scale will facilitate communication and standardize reporting of outcomes following flow diversion treatments.

Guidewire Tip Detachment during Stent-Assisted Coiling of an Intracranial Aneurysm. A Case Report.

SUMMARY: Endovascular treatment of complex intracranial lesions often requires use of two different microcatheters or micro-guidewires. A basilar artery aneurysm was treated with microstent-assisted coiling. During the procedure a microwire severed and the distal platinum portion of the wire was left after unsuccessful attempts to retrieve it. The patient remains asymptomatic. The proximal part of the microwire was analyzed and additional experiments indicate that it may have detached by electrolytic corrosion.

Intraorbital rupture of a cavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm: therapeutic options.

PURPOSE: To describe the use of an endovascular therapeutic technique in the management of a giant carotid cavernous aneurysm. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical and neuroradiologic findings of a patient with an unusual case of carotid cavernous aneurysm and intraorbital rupture. The medical literature was searched for similar cases and to review the use of endovascular techniques. RESULTS: The patient was treated by balloon occlusion of the left internal carotid artery. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular techniques can be used to treat complex giant cranioorbital cavernous aneurysms.

Distensible venous malformations of the orbit: clinical and hemodynamic features and a new technique of management.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate distensible venous malformations of the orbit (DVMO) as part of a spectrum of orbital vascular malformations, including some that involved periorbital skin, extraorbital sites (central nervous system or nasal sinuses), or combinations of these. The authors also investigated the effectiveness of a new technique of management for selected cases. DESIGN: Retrospective noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty patients had distensible venous anomalies, of which four were combined distensible venous-lymphatic vascular malformations. Distensible lesions were defined as those showing clinical or radiographic expansion with Valsalva maneuver or when the head was placed in a dependent position. These lesions were then classified as superficial (anterior to the equator of the globe), deep (posterior to the globe's equator), combined (deep and superficial), or complex (with intracranial or major extraorbital involvement). INTERVENTION: Surgery was performed on 15 patients (50%), mainly for pain or for cosmetic indications. Six patients underwent this new technique, which involved intraoperative direct venography with control of outflow via pressure at the superior or inferior orbital fissure. The venous malformation was then embolized (by use of cyanoacrylate glue) and excised. RESULTS: The mean age at presentation was 28.2 years (range, 8 months to 75 years). Sixty-six percent of cases involved the left orbit. Superior and medial orbital involvement was most common. Three cases (10%) were classified as superficial, and 13 (43%) as deep. Six patients (20%) had combined superficial and deep components. Eight (27%) had major extraorbital involvement (4 intracranial, 2 facial, and 2 paranasal sinus). Direct venography demonstrated complex multichannel anomalies draining to various sites, including the face and pterygopalatine fossa, without necessarily having a direct connection to the major orbital venous circulation. CONCLUSIONS: Distensible venous malformations of the orbit are part of a spectrum of developmental venous malformations that may be localized to the orbit or involve it as part of a more extensive lesion. The authors describe their clinical and radiologic features and report a new technique of management for selected cases. This method of vascular isolation and embolization of lesions may greatly facilitate excision.

Vasa vasorum: another cause of the carotid string sign.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Our purpose was to describe a variant of the carotid string sign that may be associated with a completely occluded vessel and to consider possible pathophysiological mechanisms for this observation. METHODS: Carotid angiography was performed in three patients with suspected carotid stenosis and in a fourth with carotid dissection. Surgery was performed in one of the patients with carotid stenosis. RESULTS: On all angiograms, instead of a single linear or curvilinear contrast "string," either single or multiple serpiginous channels were seen. In one case, such a channel was seen emanating from below the origin of an occluded internal carotid stump, reconstituting the distal portion of the vessel. Surgery revealed a completely occluded lumen with a small intramural vessel bypassing the obstruction. CONCLUSION: We propose that these channels are either atherosclerotically induced neovessels connecting bridging vasa vasorum or recanalized luminal thrombus. We review the literature associated with this subject.

Predictive ability of duplex ultrasonography for internal carotid artery stenosis of 70%-99%: a comparative study.

This study prospectively compared the accuracy of published duplex ultrasonographic criteria for 70%-99% internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis according to the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) method to determine angiographic stenosis. From March 1, 1995 to December 1, 1995, all patients considered for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) were studied with carotid duplex ultrasound and carotid angiography within 1 month of the ultrasound study. Duplex measurements of ICA peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and ratio of the ICA to common carotid artery (CCA) PSVs were recorded. Degree of stenosis on angiography was determined using NASCET criteria. A MEDLINE search to identify duplex ultrasound criteria to predict NASCET defined 70%-99% ICA stenosis was carried out. In addition, the original University of Washington criteria for critical stenosis (> or = 80%) was also examined. The accuracy of these criteria was determined with angiographic results and the positive predictive value (PPV) of each criterion were compared. Ninety-nine patients with 185 carotid bifurcations were available for comparison. The different duplex criteria for determining NASCET defined 70%-99% ICA stenosis were: ICA PSV > 175 cm/sec or PSV < 40 cm/sec, PSV > 230 cm/sec, ratio of ICA to CCA PSVs > 4, PSV > 130 cm/sec plus EDV > 100 cm/sec, and PSV > 270 cm/sec plus EDV > 110 cm/sec. When compared with angiography, the calculated PPVs for these criteria were 71% (73/103), 81% (71/88), 86% (67/78), 88% (62/70), and 90% (57/63), respectively. The University of Washington criteria for critical stenosis (PSV > 125 cm/sec plus EDV > 135 cm/sec) had the highest PPV at 91.6% (55/60). The University of Washington criteria for critical stenosis had the highest PPV to predict a 70%-99% angiographic stenosis.

Autologous vein-covered stent repair of a cervical internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm: technical case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Stenting of a cervical internal carotid pseudoaneurysm is presented using a stent covered with saphenous vein. This procedure resulted in immediate exclusion of the aneurysm and maintained patency of the carotid artery. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A gunshot to the neck resulted in airway obstruction and respiratory arrest with neurological injury in a male patient. Angiographic investigation revealed an enlarging cervical internal carotid pseudoaneurysm, possibly the source of a cerebral embolism. Anticoagulation had to be stopped because of bleeding complications. A decision was made to conduct definitive percutaneous treatment of the pseudoaneurysm. TECHNIQUE: A Palmaz stent (JJIS, Warren, NJ) was covered with saphenous vein harvested from the patient's leg. Using standard technique and a simple innovation for stent construct introduction into the sheath, the vein-covered stent was placed across the opening of the aneurysm and dilated into position with a balloon. CONCLUSION: Immediate exclusion of a cervical internal carotid pseudoaneurysm was performed using an autologous vein-covered stent. One-month follow-up confirmed continued exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm and carotid patency without stenosis.

Can duplex ultrasonography select appropriate patients for carotid endarterectomy?

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the reliability of carotid duplex ultrasound (DUS) to identify appropriate candidates for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) according to a panel of vascular specialists. DESIGN: Prospective study. MATERIAL: 102 patients with 145 carotid bifurcation stenosis or occlusions. METHODS: All patients who required a carotid angiogram were evaluated using DUS followed by carotid angiography. A blinded panel of four vascular specialists individually decided whether CEA would be appropriate for each patient based on pre-angiographic information. Angiograms were then shown to panelists to see if their management decision was altered by the angiogram. RESULTS: For stenosis > or = 80% on DUS (n = 60), panelists unanimously agreed on CEA without angiography in 57 lesions. In 50 lesions (87.7%), angiography showed > or = 70% stenosis and the management plan remained unchanged. For the other seven lesions, intracranial aneurysms (n = 2), tandem intracranial lesion (n = 1), unsuspected proximal common carotid lesion (n = 1), a 40% stenotic lesion (n = 1), and high carotid bifurcations (n = 2) were seen. In lesions with 50-79% stenosis on DUS (n = 66), none of the panelists recommended CEA without prior angiography. Eighteen (27%) of these lesions were > or = 70% stenosed on angiogram. Complications of angiograms included one stroke, one haematoma, and one severe allergic reaction. CONCLUSION: Carotid duplex ultrasonography without angiography can reliably select lesions appropriate for surgery only when critical stenosis > or = 80% is chosen. Routine angiography is recommended for carotid stenosis of 50-79% when CEA is considered.

Superficial siderosis--a cause of audiovestibular failure.

Bilateral vestibular end organ failure in adult life is a rare condition with some specific known causes, such as relapsing polychondritis, autoimmune inner ear disease, Lues venerium, and an acute effect of gentamicin. This case report draws attention to a rare condition that is potentially recognizable early in its development. The patient has superficial siderosis, which is iron deposits over the cerebrum, resulting in progressive neurologic failure involving all of the systems. Early in its course before other symptoms appear, there is development of progressive hearing loss and vestibular failure. This case report and literature review are given, including a potential for attempts at therapy if the disorder is recognized early.