Utilization of CT perfusion patient selection for mechanical thrombectomy irrespective of time: a comparison of functional outcomes and complications.

BACKGROUND: Patient selection for acute ischemic stroke has been largely driven by time-based criteria, although emerging data suggest that image-based criteria may be useful. The purpose of this study was to directly compare outcomes of patients treated within a traditional time window with those treated beyond this benchmark when CT perfusion (CTP) imaging was used as the primary selection tool. METHODS: A prospectively collected database of all patients with acute ischemic stroke who received intra-arterial therapy at the Medical University of South Carolina was retrospectively analyzed, regardless of time from symptom onset. At presentation, CTP maps were qualitatively assessed. Selected patients underwent intra-arterial therapy. Functional outcome according to the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at about 90 days was documented. RESULTS: 140 patients were included in the study. The median time from symptom onset to groin access was 7.0 h. Overall, 28 patients (20%) had bleeding complications, but only 10 (7.1%) were symptomatic. The average National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score for patients treated ≤ 7 h from symptom onset was 17.3 and 30.2% had a mRS score of 0-2 at 90 days. Patients treated >7 h from symptom onset had an average NIHSS score of 15.1 and 45.5% achieved a mRS score of 0-2 at 90 days (p=0.104). Patients in the two groups had similar rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (8.5% and 5.8%, respectively; p=0.745). CONCLUSIONS: No difference was found in the rates of good functional outcome between patients treated ≤ 7 h and those treated >7 h from symptom onset. These data suggest that imaging-based patient selection is a safe and viable methodology.

Initial experience with distal guide catheter placement in the treatment of cerebrovascular disease: clinical safety and efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Advancements in technology have created a current generation of guide catheters that not only provide stable access but also allow navigation of tortuous portions of the carotid siphon facilitating more distal access. Clinical experience since the release of the current generation of guide catheters was reviewed to determine their safety and efficacy. METHODS: Between October 2007 and November 2011, all neurointerventional procedures requiring access to the intracranial arterial circulation performed at our institution were reviewed. Clinical performance and complication rates of current generation guide catheters were compared with conventional guide catheters. RESULTS: 1188 neurointerventional procedures were performed, of which 659 were eligible for this study. When navigating the anterior circulation, intracranial purchase was achieved significantly more often with current generation 0.070 inch and 0.053 inch guide catheters compared with conventional guide catheters. Similarly, current generation 0.070 inch and 0.053 inch catheters navigated at least one sharp 90° turn significantly more often than conventional guide catheters. Guide catheter related complications were encountered in 1.4% of cases with both catheter generations and differences were not significant although more complications were found when guide catheter tip position was cervical rather than intracranial. CONCLUSION: Current generation guide catheters allow distal access with a high rate of success while maintaining a low rate of complications. When intracranial location of the guide catheter was obtained, fewer complications occurred.

Transient cranial neuropathies as sequelae of Onyx embolization of arteriovenous shunt lesions near the skull base: possible axonotmetic traction injuries.

INTRODUCTION: Transarterial embolization with Onyx is a relatively safe and increasingly common method of treating cranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) and arteriovenous malformations (AVM). Cranial neuropathy resulting from this procedure has been reported. CASE REPORTS: Three case histories are presented in two patients treated for a DAVF and an AVM near the skull base with heavily parasitized supply from external carotid artery branches. Transarterial embolization resulted in transient cranial neuropathies including two cases of lower facial nerve palsy and one case of trigeminal nerve mandibular segment (V3) neuralgia which resolved spontaneously over a few months. Treatment of the DAVF and AVM was otherwise successful. DISCUSSION: The most common cranial neuropathies following transarterial Onyx embolization procedures are facial nerve palsy and V3 neuralgia. The middle meningeal and internal maxillary arteries are common conduits used in dural-based and facial arteriovenous shunt lesions and are in proximity to the facial nerve and maxillary segment of the trigeminal nerve as they exit the skull base. Based on their relative frequency and anatomic proximity, it is surmised that these facial neuropathies are traction-type injuries related to microcatheter extraction from the Onyx cast. CONCLUSIONS: Cranial neuropathies, specifically facial nerve palsy and V3 neuralgia, following transarterial Onyx embolizations are probably axonotmetic traction injuries related to microcatheter extraction. These appear to be self-limiting and resolve over a few months.

Novel use of the pipeline embolization device for reperfusion of the middle cerebral artery post surgical aneurysm clipping.

We describe a case in which elective surgical clipping of an internal carotid artery terminus aneurysm resulted in compromised flow through the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA). Reperfusion was salvaged the following day with novel use of the pipeline embolization device to buttress open the MCA. We believe that mechanical properties unique to the pipeline device facilitated the success of the procedure.

Report of two cases of a rare cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage including unusual presentation and an emerging and effective treatment option.

PURPOSE: To report two cases of a rare cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), including unusual presentation and an emerging and effective treatment option. CASE REPORTS: Ruptured basilar perforator artery aneurysm is a rare cause of SAH. Catheter angiography in the immediate post hemorrhage period may be unrevealing. We report two cases of ruptured basilar pontine perforator aneurysms. In one of these cases the perforator aneurysm was not apparent on the initial or the 1 week follow-up angiograms. Both patients returned for follow-up angiography 2 months later by which time aneurysmal filling and conspicuity had increased. Both patients were treated solely with two overlapping Neuroform stents. Follow-up angiograms demonstrated complete resolution of the aneurysms in both patients. CONCLUSIONS: Rupture of aneurysms arising from basilar artery perforators is a rare cause of SAH and attention to this area should be part of an interventionist's search pattern. Aneurysms in this area may not be apparent in the immediate post rupture setting and delayed post hemorrhage angiography has a role in detecting this entity. Stent monotherapy may be effective in treating these lesions.