Revascularisation patterns and characteristics after erythropoietin pretreatment and multiple burr holes in patients who had acute stroke with perfusion impairment.

BACKGROUND: Transdural collaterals, originating mainly from the extracalvarial superficial temporal artery and intracalvarial middle meningeal artery via the external carotid artery (ECA), have been observed after revascularisation surgery. However, the origin of these collaterals in patients with stroke with perfusion insufficiency is not yet known. Therefore, we studied the revascularisation patterns and characteristics based on the origin of these collaterals. METHODS: We employed erythropoietin pretreatment and performed multiple burr holes under local anaesthesia to achieve transdural revascularisation in patients with acute stroke with perfusion insufficiency. After 6 months, we reassessed the transfemoral cerebral angiography to evaluate the revascularisation patterns. The collaterals were categorised into intracalvarial ECA-dominant (originating from the middle meningeal artery), extracalvarial ECA-dominant (originating from the superficial temporal or occipital artery) and balanced groups. We compared various imaging parameters among these groups. RESULTS: Overall, 87 patients with 103 treated hemispheres were involved. Among them, 57.3% were classified as intracalvarial ECA-dominant, 20.4% as extracalvarial ECA-dominant and 22.3% as balanced. Most of the hemispheres with intracalvarial or extracalvarial collaterals (vs balanced collaterals) showed successful revascularisation (78/80 (97.5%) vs 12/23 (52.1%)), p<0.001). In ultrasonographic haemodynamic changes according to revascularisation pattern, only the intracalvarial ECA-dominant revascularisation was significantly associated with specific changes in ECA blood flow, leading to the conversion to a low-resistance ECA Doppler sonography waveform. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that intracalvarial ECA-dominant revascularisation plays a crucial role in the formation of transdural collaterals following combined therapy. These distinct changes in ECA haemodynamics can be non-invasively identified through bedside ultrasound studies.

Behavior of Extracranial-to-Intracranial Extended Arterial Dissections of the Vertebral Artery.

BACKGROUND: Vertebral artery dissections (VADs) may extend from the extracranial to the intracranial vasculature (e+iVAD). We evaluated how the characteristics of e+iVAD differed from those of intracranial VAD (iVAD). METHODS AND RESULTS: From 2002 to 2019, among consecutive patients with cervicocephalic dissection, those with iVAD and e+iVAD were included, and their clinical characteristics were compared. In patients with unruptured dissections, a composite clinical outcome of subsequent ischemic events, subsequent hemorrhagic stroke, or mortality was evaluated. High-resolution magnetic resonance images were analyzed to evaluate intracranial remodeling index. Among 347 patients, 51 (14.7%) had e+iVAD and 296 (85.3%) had iVAD. The hemorrhagic presentation occurred solely in iVAD (0.0% versus 19.3%), whereas e+iVAD exhibited higher ischemic presentation (84.3% versus 27.4%; P<0.001). e+iVAD predominantly presented steno-occlusive morphology (88.2% versus 27.7%) compared with dilatation patterns (11.8% versus 72.3%; P<0.001) of iVAD. The ischemic presentation was significantly associated with e+iVAD (iVAD as a reference; adjusted odds ratio, 3.97 [95% CI, 1.67-9.45]; P=0.002]). Patients with unruptured VAD showed no differences in the rate of composite clinical outcome between the groups (log-rank, P=0.996). e+iVAD had a lower intracranial remodeling index (1.4±0.3 versus 1.6±0.4; P<0.032) and a shorter distance from dural entry to the maximal dissecting segment (6.9±8.4 versus 15.7±7.4; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: e+iVAD is associated with lower rates of hemorrhages and higher rates of ischemia than iVAD at the time of admission. This may be explained by a lower intracranial remodeling index and less deep intrusion of the dissecting segment into the intracranial space.

Prediction of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease-Related Large-Vessel Occlusion Stroke on the Basis of Novel Cerebral Blood Volume Parameters.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical thrombectomy is an effective treatment method for large-vessel occlusion stroke (LVOS); however, it has limited efficacy for intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD)-related LVOS. We investigated the use of cerebral blood volume (CBV) maps for identifying ICAD as the underlying cause of LVOS before the initiation of endovascular treatment (EVT). METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed clinical and imaging data from patients who presented with LVOS and underwent endovascular treatment between January 2011 and May 2021. The CBV patterns were analyzed to identify an increase in CBV within the hypoperfused area and estimate infarct patterns within the area of decreased CBV. Comparisons were made between the patients with an increase in CBV and those without, and among the estimated infarct patterns: territorial, cortical wedge, basal ganglia-only, subcortical, and normal CBV. Overall, 243 patients were included. CBV increase in the hypoperfused area was observed in 23.5% of patients. A significantly higher proportion of ICAD was observed in those with increased CBV than in those without (56.4% versus 19.8%; P<0.001). Regarding the estimated infarct patterns on the CBV, ICAD was most frequently observed in the normal CBV group (territorial, 14.9%; cortical wedge, 10.0%; basal ganglia-only, 43.8%; subcortical, 35.7%; normal, 61.7%). CBV parameters, including "an increase in CBV," "normal CBV infarct pattern," and "an increase in CBV or normal CBV infarct pattern composite," were independently associated with ICAD. CONCLUSIONS: An increased CBV or normal CBV pattern may be associated with ICAD LVOS on the pretreatment perfusion imaging.

A retrospective comparative study of maxillofacial injury patterns caused by electric scooters and bicycles.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The emergence of shared stand-up electric scooters has led to an increase in their usage and, subsequently, an increase in the incidence of maxillofacial trauma. This study aimed to investigate the trauma pattern associated with the use of stand-up electric scooters compared with that related to the use of bicycles, which was a popular mode of personal mobility before the emergence of stand-up electric scooters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study investigated the medical records of patients who visited Wonju Christian Hospital for maxillofacial trauma due to the use of stand-up electric scooter and bicycles between November 1, 2017 and October 31, 2022. Maxillofacial trauma was analyzed based on medical records, including those in the evaluation results of teeth, maxillofacial bones, and soft tissues. RESULTS: Crown fractures and tooth avulsions were observed more frequently with the use of stand-up electric scooters than with the use of bicycles. In contrast, crown-root fractures, tooth subluxation, and extrusive luxation were more commonly observed in bicycle riders. Additionally, the proportion of root fractures was similar between the two groups. However, no vertical root fractures were observed in patients who rode bicycles. The maxillofacial bone fracture rates between the two groups were similar, although the fracture patterns were different. CONCLUSION: The number of patients using stand-up electric scooters is increasing, and they are likely to have a worse prognosis compared with those using existing personal mobility devices.

Significance of headache in intracranial vertebrobasilar artery dissections: an observational study.

Headache may represent acute phase of intracranial vertebrobasilar artery dissection (iVBAD). We aimed to evaluate its clinical significance in iVBAD. Consecutive acute iVBAD patients were grouped into ruptured iVBAD, unruptured iVBAD with no headache, isolated headache, or concurrent headache with neurological symptoms. Composite hemorrhagic/ischemic endpoints, and dynamic arterial changes were graded. Clinical characteristics of the four groups, and association between headache and composite outcomes was evaluated. Headaches were precedent in 79% of the ruptured iVBAD patients (maximal delay, 10D). In unruptured iVBAD, when patients with no headache (N = 69), concurrent headache (N = 111), and isolated headache (N = 126) were compared, concurrent headache was associated with ischemic endpoints (isolated headache as reference, adjusted odds ratio: 6.40, 95% confidence interval [2.03-20.19]). While there were no differences in hemorrhagic endpoints, dynamic arterial changes were higher in the isolated headache group (aOR: 3.98, 95% CI [1.72-9.18]) but not for the concurrent headache group (aOR: 1.59 [0.75-3.38]) compared to no headache group. Headache was more commonly severe (48.4% vs. 17.3%, p < 0.001) and ipsilateral (59.7% vs. 45.5%, p = 0.03) for isolated headache compared to concurrent headache, indicating a higher causal relationship. In iVBAD, isolated headache may be considered an acute-phase biomarker, associated with dynamic arterial changes.

Clinical evaluation of a deep-learning model for automatic scoring of the Alberta stroke program early CT score on non-contrast CT.

BACKGROUND: Automated measurement of the Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) can support clinical decision making. Based on a deep learning algorithm, we developed an automated ASPECTS scoring system (Heuron ASPECTS) and validated its performance in a prespecified clinical trial. METHODS: For model training, we used non-contrast computed tomography images of 487 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). For the clinical trial, 326 patients (87 with AIS, 56 with other acute brain diseases, and 183 with no brain disease) were enrolled. The results of Heuron ASPECTS were compared with the consensus generated by two stroke experts using the Bland-Altman agreement. A mean difference of less than 0.35 and a maximum allowed difference of less than 3.8 were considered the primary outcome target. The sensitivity and specificity of the model for the 10 regions of interest and dichotomized ASPECTS were calculated. RESULTS: The Bland-Altman agreement had a mean difference of 0.03 [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.08 to 0.14], and the upper and lower limits of agreement were 2.80 [95% CI: 2.62 to 2.99] and -2.74 [95% CI: -2.92 to -2.55], respectively. For ASPECTS calculation, sensitivity and specificity to detect the early ischemic change for 10 ASPECTS regions were 62.78% [95% CI: 58.50 to 67.07] and 96.63% [95% CI: 96.18 to 97.09], respectively. Furthermore, in a dichotomized analysis (ASPECTS >4 vs. ≤4), the sensitivity and specificity were 94.01% [95% CI: 91.26 to 96.77] and 61.90% [95% CI: 47.22 to 76.59], respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The current trial results show that Heuron ASPECTS reliably measures the ASPECTS for use in clinical practice.

Influence of endothelial function and arterial stiffness on the behavior of cervicocephalic arterial dissections: An observational study.

Background: The mechanical and physiological properties of the arterial wall might affect the behavior of spontaneous cervicocephalic arterial dissections (CCAD). We aimed to determine the effects of endothelial function and arterial stiffness on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of CCAD using brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV). Methods: From a single-center database, we identified patients admitted from April 2011 to December 2021 with a diagnosis of CCAD who underwent both FMD and PWV. FMD was classified as normal and decreased according to institutional thresholds. PWV was categorized into tertiles. Comparative and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the effects of FMD and PWV values on major clinical outcomes. Results: A total of 146 patients (age: 47 ± 11 years; men: 77.4%) were included. The main presentation was ischemic stroke in 76.7% of the patients, while 23.3% presented with headache or other symptoms. Healing of the dissection was observed in 55.8%. In multivariable analysis, Normal FMD levels (vs. decreased; adjusted OR: 4.52, 95% CI [1.95 -10.52]) were associated with spontaneous healing of the dissection. Highest PWV tertile (vs. lowest; adjusted OR: 17.05, 95% CI [3.07-94.82]) was associated with ischemic presentation. There was a higher ischemic stroke recurrence in the 3rd PWV tertile, and more frequent aneurysmal enlargement in the lowest PWV tertile, but their frequency was low, precluding multivariable analysis. Conclusion: In spontaneous CCAD, preserved endothelial function was associated with spontaneous arterial healing. Arterial stiffness is associated with ischemic presentation.

Endovascular Treatment for Posterior Circulation Stroke: Ways to Maximize Therapeutic Efficacy.

The efficacy of endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with posterior circulation stroke has not been proven. Two recent randomized controlled trials failed to show improved functional outcomes after EVT for posterior circulation stroke (PC-EVT). However, promising results for two additional randomized controlled trials have also been presented at a recent conference. Studies have shown that patients undergoing PC-EVT had a higher rate of futile recanalization than those undergoing EVT for anterior circulation stroke. These findings call for further identification of prognostic factors beyond recanalization. The significance of baseline clinical severity, infarct volume, collaterals, time metrics, core-penumbra mismatch, and methods to accurately measure these parameters are discussed. Furthermore, their interplay on EVT outcomes and the potential to individualize patient selection for PC-EVT are reviewed. We also discuss technical considerations for improving the treatment efficacy of PC-EVT.

Significance of Vertigo, Imbalance, and Other Minor Symptoms in Hyperacute Treatment of Posterior Circulation Stroke.

Background: This study aimed to determine the clinical significance of acute vestibular syndrome (AVS)/acute imbalance syndrome (AIS) in posterior circulation stroke (PCS) and how it should be addressed in the thrombolysis code. Methods: Our institution has recently changed its thrombolysis code from one that is generous to AVS/AIS to one that is exclusive. The subjects in this study were patients with PCS who presented before this transition (May 2016 to April 2018, period 1) and those who presented after (January 2019 to December 2020, period 2) with an onset-to-door time of 4.5 h. Hyperacute stroke treatment was compared between the two periods. The clinical significance of AVS/AIS was evaluated by dichotomizing the patients' clinical severity to minor or major deficits, then evaluating the significance of AVS/AIS in each group. Presenting symptoms of decreased mental alertness, hemiparesis, aphasia (anarthria), or hemianopsia were considered major PCS symptoms, and patients who did not present with these symptoms were considered minor PCS. Results: In total, 114 patients presented in period 1 and 114 in period 2. Although the code activation rate was significantly lower in period 2 (72.8% vs. 59.7%), p = 0.04, there were no between-group differences in functional outcomes (mRS score at 3 months; 1 [0-3] vs. 0 [0-3], p = 0.18). In 77 patients with PCS and AVS/AIS, the difference in code activation rate was not significant according to changes in thrombolysis code. In minor PCS, AVS/AIS was associated with lower NIHSS scores, lower early neurological deterioration rates, and favorable outcomes. In major PCS, while AVS/AIS was not associated with outcomes, the majority of cases were prodromal AVS/AIS which simple vertigo and imbalance symptoms were followed by a major PCS symptom. Conclusions: This study failed to show differences in outcome in patients with PCS according to how AVS/AIS is addressed in the stroke thrombolysis code. In patients with minor PCS, AVS/AIS was associated with a benign clinical course. Prompt identification of prodromal AVS/AIS is essential.

Transdural Revascularization by Multiple Burrhole After Erythropoietin in Stroke Patients With Cerebral Hypoperfusion: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: In patients with acute symptomatic stroke, reinforcement of transdural angiogenesis using multiple burr hole (MBH) procedures after EPO (erythropoietin) treatment has rarely been addressed. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of cranial MBH procedures under local anesthesia for augmenting transdural revascularization after EPO treatment in patients with stroke with perfusion impairments. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, blinded-end point trial recruited patients with acute ischemic stroke with a perfusion impairment of grade ≥2 within 14 days of symptom onset, steno-occlusive mechanisms on imaging examinations, and absence of transdural collaterals on transfemoral cerebral angiography. Patients were randomly assigned to receive MBH + EPO or MBH alone. The primary and secondary outcomes were revascularization success (trans-hemispheric and trans-burr hole) at 6 months and adverse events, respectively. RESULTS: We evaluated 42 of the 44 targeted patients, with 2 patients lost to follow-up. The combined and MBH-only (n=21 each) groups showed no differences in demographic characteristics and baseline perfusion parameters. Significantly, more cases of trans-hemispheric (19/21 [90.5%] versus 12/21 [57.1%]) and trans-burr hole (42/58 [72.4%] versus 30/58 [51.7%]) revascularization and significant improvements in perfusion parameters were observed in the combined group relative to the MBH-only group. No differences in treatment-related complications were observed between groups. Even after adjustment for potential covariates, EPO usage was an independent factor of successful hemispheric revascularization in this study (odds ratio, 6.41 [95% CI, 1.08-38.02]). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of MBH and EPO is safe and feasible for reinforcing transdural revascularization in acute steno-occlusive patients with perfusion impairments. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT02603406.

Evaluating the Risk of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Noncardioembolic Ischemic Stroke Using Artificial Intelligence-Enabled ECG Algorithm.

Background: The identification of latent atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with ischemic stroke (IS) attributed to noncardioembolic etiology may have therapeutic implications. An artificial intelligence (AI) model identifying the electrocardiographic signature of AF present during normal sinus rhythm (NSR; AI-ECG-AF) can identify individuals with a high likelihood of paroxysmal AF (PAF) with NSR electrocardiogram (ECG). Objectives: Using AI-ECG-AF, we aimed to compare the PAF risk between noncardioembolic IS subgroups and general patients of a university hospital after controlling for confounders. Further, we sought to compare the risk of PAF among noncardioembolic IS subgroups. Methods: After training AI-ECG-AF with ECG data of university hospital patients, model inference outputs were obtained for the control group (i.e., general patient population) and NSRs of noncardioembolic IS patients. We conducted multiple linear regression (MLiR) and multiple logistic regression (MLoR) analyses with inference outputs (for MLiR) or their binary form (set at threshold = 0.5 for MLoR) used as dependent variables and patient subgroups and potential confounders (age and sex) set as independent variables. Results: The number of NSRs inferenced for the control group, cryptogenic, large artery atherosclerosis (LAA), and small artery occlusion (SAO) strokes were 133,340, 133, 276, and 290, respectively. The regression analyses indicated that patients with noncardioembolic IS had a higher PAF risk based on AI-ECG-AF relative to the control group, after controlling for confounders with the "cryptogenic" subgroup having the highest risk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.974, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.371-2.863) followed by the "LAA" (OR = 1.592, 95% CI: 1.238-2.056) and "SAO" subgroups (OR = 1.400, 95% CI: 1.101-1.782). Subsequent regression analyses failed to illustrate the differences in PAF risk based on AI-ECG-AF among noncardioembolic IS subgroups. Conclusion: Using AI-ECG-AF, we found that noncardioembolic IS patients had a higher PAF risk relative to the general patient population. The results from our study imply the need for more vigorous cardiac monitoring in noncardioembolic IS patients. AI-ECG-AF can be a cost-effective screening tool to identify high-risk noncardioembolic IS patients of PAF on-the-spot to be candidates for receiving additional prolonged cardiac monitoring. Our study highlights the potential of AI in clinical practice.

Influence of cerebral microbleeds on mechanical thrombectomy outcomes.

In ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment (EVT), we aimed to test the hypothesis that cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are associated with clinical outcomes, while estimating the mediating effects of hemorrhagic transformation (HT), small-vessel disease burden (white matter hyperintensities, WMH), and procedural success. From a multicenter EVT registry, patients who underwent pretreatment MR imaging were analyzed. They were trichotomized according to presence of CMBs (none vs. 1-4 vs. ≥ 5). The association between CMB burden and 3-month mRS was evaluated using multivariable ordinal logistic regression, and mediation analyses were conducted to estimate percent mediation. Of 577 patients, CMBs were present in 91 (15.8%); 67 (11.6%) had 1-4 CMBs, and 24 (4.2%) had ≥ 5. Increases in CMBs were associated with hemorrhagic complications (ß = 0.27 [0.06-0.047], p = 0.010) in multivariable analysis. The CMB effect on outcome was partially mediated by post-procedural HT degree (percent mediation, 14% [0-42]), WMH (23% [7-57]) and lower rates of successful reperfusion (6% [0-25]). In conclusion, the influence of CMBs on clinical outcomes is mediated by small-vessel disease burden, post-procedural HT, and lower reperfusion rates, listed in order of percent mediation size.

Endovascular Treatment of Large Vessel Occlusion Strokes Due to Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease.

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become the gold-standard for patients with acute large vessel occlusion strokes (LVOS). MT is highly effective in the treatment of embolic occlusions; however, underlying intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) represents a therapeutic challenge, often requiring pharmacological and/or mechanical rescue treatment. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors have been suggested as the best initial approach, if reperfusion can be achieved after thrombectomy, with angioplasty and/or stenting being reserved for the more refractory cases. In this review, we focus on the therapeutic considerations surrounding the endovascular treatment of ICAD-related acute LVOS.

Intracranial non-occlusive intraluminal thrombus may indicate underlying etiology of large vessel occlusion in patients undergoing endovascular therapy.

BACKGROUND: The underlying etiology of intracranial non-occlusive intraluminal thrombus (iNOT) remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether the presence of iNOT can indicate the underlying etiology of large vessel occlusion (LVO) in patients undergoing endovascular therapy (EVT). METHODS: Among patients who underwent EVT at three comprehensive stroke centers, we included those with intracranial LVO in the anterior circulation. The presence of iNOT was determined by pretreatment DSA. We investigated the association between iNOT and intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) related LVO. RESULTS: Of 546 patients, 44 (8.1%) had iNOT. Patients with iNOT were younger, had less hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and a history of antiplatelet use. In addition, the involvement of the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) was more frequent. However, they had a lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission and longer onset to recanalization time compared with patients with no iNOT. In a logistic regression model adjusting for age, sex, atrial fibrillation, smoking, prior antiplatelet and anticoagulant use, intravenous tissue plasminogen activator, NIHSS on admission, number of technical trials, intraprocedural re-occlusion, and the location of LVO (p<0.10 in the univariate analysis), the presence of iNOT was significantly associated with ICAS related LVO (adjusted OR 3.04; 95% CI 1.33 to 6.90; p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of iNOT may reflect an underlying ICAS related LVO in patients undergoing EVT.

Effects of co-administration of metformin and evogliptin on cerebral infarct volume in the diabetic rat.

Patients with diabetes suffer more severe ischemic stroke. A combination of metformin and dipeptidyl peptide-4 inhibitors is commonly prescribed to treat diabetes. Therefore, we aimed to determine if pretreatment with a combination of metformin and evogliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, could reduce cerebral infarct volume in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. After confirming diabetes induction, the rats were treated with vehicle, evogliptin, metformin, or evogliptin/metformin combination for 30 days. Then, stroke was induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Infarct volume, oxidative stress, levels of methylglyoxal-modified protein, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), AMPK, and Akt/PI3K pathway-related proteins, and post-stroke pancreatic islet cell volume were evaluated. Compared to vehicle, only the co-administration group had significantly reduced infarct volume from the effects of tMCAO; the regimen also improved glycemic control, whereas the individual treatments did not. Co-administration also significantly reduced methylglyoxal-modified protein level in the core of the brain cortex, and the expression of 4-HNE and 8-OHdG was reduced. Co-administration increased p-Akt levels in the ischemic core and mitigated the suppression of Bcl-2 expression. Plasma GLP-1 and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 levels and brain GLP-1R expression remained unaltered. In the pancreas, islet cell damage was reduced by co-administration. These results reveal that metformin and evogliptin co-administration ameliorates cerebral infarction associated with prolonged glycemic control and pancreatic beta cell sparing. Other potential protective mechanisms may be upregulation of insulin receptor signaling or reduction of methylglyoxal-induced neurotoxicity. The combination of metformin and evogliptin should be tested further for its potential against focal cerebral ischemia in diabetes patients.

Predictors of Early Neurological Deterioration in Stroke Due to Vertebrobasilar Occlusion.

Background and Aims: This study explores the predictors of early neurological deterioration (END) in patients with vertebrobasilar occlusion (VBO) in both primary endovascular therapy (EVT) and medical management (MM) groups. Methods: Patients diagnosed with VBO from 2010 to 2018 were included. Comparative and multivariate analyses were used to identify predictors of all-cause END in the EVT group, and END due to ischemia progression (END-IP) in the MM group. Results: In 174 patients with VBO, 43 had END. In the primary EVT group (N = 66), 17 all-cause END occurred. Distal basilar occlusion (odds ratio (OR), 14.5 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.4-154.4]) and reperfusion failure (eTICI < 2b67 (OR, 5.0 [95% CI, 1.3-19.9]) were predictive of END in multivariable analysis. In the MM group (N=108), 17 END-IP occurred. Higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) at presentation (per 10 mmHg increase, OR, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.1-2.0]), stroke onset-to-door time <24 h (OR, 5.3 [95% CI, 1.1-2.0]), near-total occlusions (OR, 4.9 [95% CI, 1.2-19.6]), lower posterior circulation-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT scores (OR, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.0-2.5]), and lower BATMAN collateral scores (OR, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.1-2.2]) were predictive of END-IP. Conclusions: In patients with stroke due to VBO, potential predictors of END can be identified. In the primary EVT group, failure to achieve reperfusion and distal basilar occlusion were associated with all-cause END. In the MM group, higher SBP at presentation, onset-to-door time less than 24 h, incomplete occlusions, larger infarct cores, and poorer collaterals were associated with END-IP.

Prognostic Effects of Vasomotor Reactivity during Targeted Temperature Management in Post-Cardiac Arrest Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Early and precise neurological prognostication without self-fulfilling prophecy is challenging in post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS), particularly during the targeted temperature management (TTM) period. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of vasomotor reactivity (VMR) using transcranial Doppler (TCD) to determine whether final outcomes of patients with comatose PCAS are predicted. This study included patients who had out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in a tertiary referral hospital over 4 years. The eligible criteria included age ≥18 years, successful return of spontaneous circulation, TTM application, and bedside TCD examination within 72 h. Baseline demographics and multimodal prognostic parameters, including imaging findings, electrophysiological studies, and TCD-VMR parameters, were assessed. The final outcome parameter was cerebral performance category scale (CPC) at 1 month. Potential determinants were compared between good (CPC 1-2) and poor (CPC 3-5) outcome groups. The good outcome group (n = 41) (vs. poor (n = 117)) showed a higher VMR value (54.4% ± 33.0% vs. 25.1% ± 35.8%, p < 0.001). The addition of VMR to conventional prognostic parameters significantly improved the prediction power of good outcomes. This study suggests that TCD-VMR is a useful tool at the bedside to evaluate outcomes of patients with comatose PCAS during the TTM.