VEGFR2 Expression Correlates with Postnatal Development of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations in a Mouse Model of Type I Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia.

Brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) are a critical concern in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) patients, carrying the risk of life-threatening intracranial hemorrhage. While traditionally seen as congenital, the debate continues due to documented de novo cases. Our primary goal was to identify the precise postnatal window in which deletion of the HHT gene Endoglin (Eng) triggers BAVM development. We employed SclCreER(+);Eng2f/2f mice, enabling timed Eng gene deletion in endothelial cells via tamoxifen. Tamoxifen was given during four postnatal periods: P1-3, P8-10, P15-17, and P22-24. BAVM development was assessed at 2-3 months using latex dye perfusion. We examined the angiogenic activity by assessing vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) expression via Western blotting and Flk1-LacZ reporter mice. Longitudinal magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was conducted up to 9 months. BAVMs emerged in 88% (P1-3), 86% (P8-10), and 55% (P15-17) of cases, with varying localization. Notably, the P22-24 group did not develop BAVMs but exhibited skin AVMs. VEGFR2 expression peaked in the initial 2 postnatal weeks, coinciding with BAVM onset. These findings support the "second hit" theory, highlighting the role of early postnatal angiogenesis in initiating BAVM development in HHT type I mice.

Residual and Recurrent Spinal Cord Cavernous Malformations: Outcomes and Techniques to Optimize Resection and a Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary spinal cord cavernous malformations (SCCMs) account for only 5% of overall cavernous malformations (CMs). The occurrence of recurrent or residual SCCMs has not been well discussed, nor have the technical nuances of resection. OBJECTIVE: To assess the characteristics of residual SCCMs and surgical outcomes and describe the techniques to avoid leaving lesion remnants during primary resection. METHODS: Demographic, radiologic, intraoperative findings and surgical outcomes data for a cohort of surgically managed intramedullary SCCMs were obtained from an institutional database and retrospectively analyzed. A systematic literature review was performed using PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Of 146 SCCM resections identified, 17 were for residual lesions (12%). Patients with residuals included 13 men and 4 women, with a mean age of 43 years (range 16-70). All patients with residual SCCMs had symptomatic presentations: sensory deficits, paraparesis, spasticity, and pain. Residuals occurred between 3 and 264 months after initial resection. Approaches for 136 cases included posterior midline myelotomy (28.7%, n = 39), pial surface entry (37.5%, n = 51), dorsal root entry zone (27.9%, n = 38), and lateral entry (5.9%, n = 8). Follow-up outcomes were similar for patients with primary and residual lesions, with the majority having no change in modified Rankin Scale score (63% [59/93] vs 75% [9/12], respectively, P = .98). CONCLUSION: SCCMs may cause significant symptoms. During primary resection, care should be taken to avoid leaving residual lesion remnants, which can lead to future hemorrhagic events and neurological morbidity. However, satisfactory results are achievable even with secondary or tertiary resections.

Cost Comparison of Microsurgery vs Endovascular Treatment for Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: A Propensity-Adjusted Analysis.

BACKGROUND: In specialized neurosurgical centers, open microsurgery is routinely performed for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). OBJECTIVE: To compare the cost of endovascular vs microsurgical treatment for aSAH at a single quaternary center. METHODS: All patients undergoing aSAH treatment from July 1, 2014, to July 31, 2019, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were grouped based on primary treatment (microsurgery vs endovascular treatment). The primary outcome was the difference in total cost (including hospital, discharge facility, and all follow-up) using a propensity-adjusted analysis. RESULTS: Of 384 patients treated for an aSAH, 234 (61%) were microsurgically treated and 150 (39%) were endovascularly treated. The mean cost of index hospitalization for these patients was marginally higher ($9504) for endovascularly treated patients ($103 980) than for microsurgically treated patients ($94 476) ( P = .047). For the subset of patients with follow-up data available, the mean total cost was $45 040 higher for endovascularly treated patients ($159 406, n = 59) than that for microsurgically treated patients ($114 366, n = 105) ( P < .001). After propensity scoring (adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities, Glasgow Coma Scale score, Hunt and Hess grade, Fisher grade, aneurysms, and type/size/location), linear regression analysis of patients with follow-up data available revealed that microsurgery was independently associated with healthcare costs that were $37 244 less than endovascular treatment costs ( P < .001). An itemized cost analysis suggested that this discrepancy was due to differences in the rates of aneurysm retreatment and long-term surveillance. CONCLUSION: Microsurgical treatment for aSAH is associated with lower total healthcare costs than endovascular therapy. Aneurysm surveillance after endovascular treatments, retreatment, and device costs warrants attention in future studies.

Microsurgical treatment of ruptured aneurysms beyond 72 hours after rupture: implications for advanced management.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients admitted to primary stroke centers are often transferred to neurosurgical and endovascular services at tertiary centers. The effect on microsurgical outcomes of the resultant delay in treatment is unknown. We evaluated microsurgical aSAH treatment > 72 h after the ictus. METHODS: All aSAH patients treated at a single tertiary center between August 1, 2007, and July 31, 2019, were retrospectively reviewed. The additional inclusion criterion was the availability of treatment data relative to time of bleed. Patients were grouped based on bleed-to-treatment time as having acute treatment (on or before postbleed day [PBD] 3) or delayed treatment (on or after PBD 4). Propensity adjustments were used to correct for statistically significant confounding covariables. RESULTS: Among 956 aSAH patients, 92 (10%) received delayed surgical treatment (delayed group), and 864 (90%) received acute endovascular or surgical treatment (acute group). Reruptures occurred in 3% (26/864) of the acute group and 1% (1/92) of the delayed group (p = 0.51). After propensity adjustments, the odds of residual aneurysm (OR = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.04-0.17; p < 0.001) or retreatment (OR = 0.14; 95% CI = 0.06-0.29; p < 0.001) was significantly lower among the delayed group. The OR was 0.50 for rerupture, after propensity adjustments, in the delayed setting (p = 0.03). Mean Glasgow Coma Scale scores at admission in the acute and delayed groups were 11.5 and 13.2, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Delayed microsurgical management of aSAH, if required for definitive treatment, appeared to be noninferior with respect to retreatment, residual, and rerupture events in our cohort after adjusting for initial disease severity and significant confounding variables.

The Times They Are a-Changin': Increasing Complexity of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhages in Patients Treated from 2004 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: Nationwide study results have suggested varying trends in the incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) over time. Herein, trends over time for aSAH treated at a quaternary care center are compared with low-volume hospitals. METHODS: Cases were retrospectively reviewed for patients with aSAH treated at our institution. Trend analyses were performed on the number of aSAH hospitalizations, treatment type, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Hunt and Hess grade, aneurysm location, aneurysm type, and in-hospital mortality. The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried to compare the CCI scores of our patients with those of patients in low-volume hospitals (<20 aSAH/year) in our census division. RESULTS: Some 1248 patients (321 during 2004-2006; 927 during 2008-2018) hospitalized with aSAH were treated with endovascular therapy (489, 39%) or microsurgery (759, 61%). A significant downtrend in the annual aSAH caseload occurred (123 patients in 2004, 75 in 2018, P < 0.001). A linear uptrend was observed for the mean CCI score of patients (R 2 = 0.539, P < 0.001), with no change to in-hospital mortality (R 2 = 0.220, P = 0.24). Mean (standard deviation) CCI for small-volume hospitals treating aSAH within our division was significantly lower than that of our patient population (1.8 [1.6] vs 2.1 [2.0]) for 2012-2015. CONCLUSIONS: A decreasing number of patients were hospitalized with aSAH throughout the study. Compared with patients with aSAH admitted in 2004, those admitted more recently were sicker in terms of preexisting comorbidity and neurologic complexity. These trends could be attributable to the increasing availability of neurointerventional services at smaller-volume hospitals capable of treating healthier patients.

Radiographic clearance of chronic subdural hematomas after middle meningeal artery embolization.

BACKGROUND: Few reports discuss variables associated with improved outcomes after middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization for chronic subdural hematomas (cSDHs). We analyzed radiographic evidence of cSDH clearance after MMA embolization to elucidate optimal techniques, hematoma clearance rates, and suitable length of follow-up. METHODS: Patients who underwent MMA embolization for cSDH from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020 were analyzed. Patient characteristics, demographics, and technical procedural details were examined. Outcomes for cSDHs analyzed included complete or near-complete resolution at 30, 90, and 180 days following embolization. A multivariable logistic regression analysis identified variables predictive of rapid clearance and resolution of hematomas at 90 days. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 66 patients with 84 treated cSDHs. The mean (SD) cSDH size differed significantly at 30-day (8.8 (4.3) mm), 90-day (3.4 (3.0) mm), and 180-day (1.0 (1.7) mm) follow-up (p<0.001). More cSDHs had complete or near-complete resolution at 180 days (92%, 67/73) than at 90 (63%, 45/72) and 30 days (18%, 15/84) post-embolization (p<0.001). Only distal embolysate penetration was independently associated with rapid clearance (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.4 to 11.1; p=0.01) and resolution of cSDHs at 90 days (OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.7 to 14.6; p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Although 63% of cSDHs with MMA embolization had complete or near-complete resolution by 90 days post-procedure, 92% reached this stage by 180 days. Therefore, 90-day follow-up may be insufficient to determine the effectiveness of MMA embolization for cSDHs, particularly compared with surgical evacuation alone. Also, distal MMA penetration may be associated with more rapid hematoma clearance.

Endovascular treatment of vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms : a 20-year institutional experience.

BACKGROUND: The ideal treatment for unruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (VADAs) and ruptured dominant VADAs remains controversial. We report our experience in the management and endovascular treatment of patients with VADAs. METHODS: Patients treated endovascularly for intradural VADAs at a single institution from January 1, 1999, to December 31, 2019, were retrospectively reviewed. Primary neurological outcomes were assessed using modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, with mRS >2 considered a poor neurological outcome. Additionally, any worsening (increase) in the mRS score from the preoperative neurological examination was considered a poor outcome. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients of mean (SD) age 53 (11.6) years (48 (53%) men) underwent endovascular treatment for VADAs. Fifty-four patients (59%) presented with ruptured VADAs and 44 VADAs (48%) involved the dominant vertebral artery. Forty-seven patients (51%) were treated with vessel sacrifice of the parent artery, 29 (32%) with flow diversion devices (FDDs), and 15 (17%) with stent-assisted coil embolization (stent/coil). Rates of procedural complications and retreatment were significantly higher with stent/coil treatment (complications 4/15; retreatment 6/15) than with vessel sacrifice (complications 1/47; retreatment 2/47) or FDD (complications 2/29; retreatment 4/29) (p=0.008 and p=0.002, respectively). Of 37 patients with unruptured VADAs treated, only two (5%) had mRS scores >2 on follow-up. CONCLUSION: Endovascular FDD treatment of VADAs appears to be associated with lower retreatment and complication rates than stenting/coiling, although further study is required for confirmation. Endovascular treatment of unruptured VADAs was safe and was associated with favorable angiographic and neurological outcomes.

A comparative propensity-adjusted analysis of microsurgical versus endovascular treatment of unruptured ophthalmic artery aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Ophthalmic artery (OA) aneurysms are surgically challenging lesions that are now mostly treated using endovascular procedures. However, in specialized tertiary care centers with experienced neurosurgeons, controversy remains regarding the optimal treatment of these lesions. This study used propensity adjustment to compare microsurgical and endovascular treatment of unruptured OA aneurysms in experienced tertiary and quaternary settings. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent microsurgical treatment of an unruptured OA aneurysm at the University of California, San Francisco, from 1997 to 2017 and either microsurgical or endovascular treatment at Barrow Neurological Institute from 2011 to 2019. Patients were categorized into two cohorts for comparison: those who underwent open microsurgical clipping, and those who underwent endovascular flow diversion or coil embolization. Outcomes included neurological or visual outcomes, residual or recurrent aneurysms, retreatment, and severe complications. RESULTS: A total of 345 procedures were analyzed: 247 open microsurgical clipping procedures (72%) and 98 endovascular procedures (28%). Of the 98 endovascular procedures, 16 (16%) were treated with primary coil embolization and 82 (84%) with flow diversion. After propensity adjustment, microsurgical treatment was associated with higher odds of a visual deficit (OR 8.5, 95% CI 1.1-64.9, p = 0.04) but lower odds of residual aneurysm (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01-0.28, p < 0.001) or retreatment (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02-0.58, p = 0.008) than endovascular therapy. No difference was found between the two cohorts with regard to worse modified Rankin Scale score, modified Rankin Scale score greater than 2, or severe complications. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with endovascular therapy, microsurgical clipping of unruptured OA aneurysms is associated with a higher rate of visual deficits but a lower rate of residual and recurrent aneurysms. In centers experienced with both open microsurgical and endovascular treatment of these lesions, the treatment choice should be based on patient preference and aneurysm morphology.

Intermediate-grade brain arteriovenous malformations and the boundary of operability using the supplemented Spetzler-Martin grading system.

OBJECTIVE: Supplemented Spetzler-Martin grading (Supp-SM), which is the combination of Spetzler-Martin and Lawton-Young grades, was validated as being more accurate than stand-alone Spetzler-Martin grading, but an operability cutoff was not established. In this study, the authors surgically treated intermediate-grade AVMs to provide prognostic factors for neurological outcomes and to define AVMs at the boundary of operability. METHODS: Surgically treated Supp-SM intermediate-grade (5, 6, and 7) AVMs were analyzed from 2011 to 2018 at two medical centers. Worsened neurological outcomes were defined as increased modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores on postoperative examinations. A second analysis of 2000-2011 data for Supp-SM grade 6 and 7 AVMs was performed to determine the subtypes with improved or unchanged outcomes. Patients were separated into three groups based on nidus size (S1: < 3 cm, S2: 3-6 cm, S3: > 6 cm) and age (A1: < 20 years, A2: 20-40 years, A3: > 40 years), followed by any combination of the combined supplemented grade: low risk (S1A1, S1A2, S2A1), intermediate risk (S2A2, S1A3, S3A1, or high risk (S3A3, S3A2, S2A3). RESULTS: Two hundred forty-six patients had intermediate Supp-SM grade AVMs. Of these patients, 102 had Supp-SM grade 5 (41.5%), 99 had Supp-SM grade 6 (40.2%), and 45 had Supp-SM grade 7 (18.3%). Significant differences in the proportions of patients with worse mRS scores at follow-up were found between the groups, with 24.5% (25/102) of patients in Supp-SM grade 5, 29.3% (29/99) in Supp-SM grade 6, and 57.8% (26/45) in Supp-SM grade 7 (p < 0.001). Patients with Supp-SM grade 7 AVMs had significantly increased odds of worse postoperative mRS scores (p < 0.001; OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.9-7.3). In the expanded cohort of 349 Supp-SM grade 6 AVM patients, a significantly higher proportion of older patients with larger Supp-SM grade 6 AVMs (grade 6+, 38.6%) had neurological deterioration than the others with Supp-SM grade 6 AVMs (22.9%, p = 0.02). Conversely, in an expanded cohort of 197 Supp-SM grade 7 AVM patients, a significantly lower proportion of younger patients with smaller Supp-SM grade 7 AVMs (grade 7-, 19%) had neurological deterioration than the others with Supp-SM grade 7 AVMs (44.9%, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Supp-SM grade 7 AVMs are at increased risk of worse postoperative neurological outcomes, making Supp-SM grade 6 an appropriate operability cutoff. However, young patients with small niduses in the low-risk Supp-SM grade 7 group (grade 7-) have favorable postoperative outcomes. Outcomes in Supp-SM grade 7 patients did not improve with surgeon experience, indicating that the operability boundary is a hard limit reflecting the complexity of high-grade AVMs.

Length of hospital stay in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients without vasospasm on angiography: potential for a fast-track discharge cohort.

BACKGROUND: Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) frequently suffer from vasospasm. We analyzed the association between absence of early angiographic vasospasm and early discharge. METHODS: All aSAH patients treated from August 1, 2007, to July 31, 2019, at a single tertiary center were reviewed. Patients undergoing diagnostic digital subtraction angiography (DSA) on post-aSAH days 5 to 7 were analyzed; cohorts with and without angiographic vasospasm (angiographic reports by attending neurovascular surgeons) were compared. Primary outcome was hospital length of stay; secondary outcomes were intensive care unit length of stay, 30 day return to the emergency department (ED), and poor neurologic outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score >2. RESULTS: A total of 298 patients underwent DSA on post-aSAH day 5, 6, or 7. Most patients (n=188, 63%) had angiographic vasospasm; 110 patients (37%) did not. Patients without vasospasm had a significantly lower mean length of hospital stay than vasospasm patients (18.0±7.1 days vs 22.4±8.6 days; p<0.001). The two cohorts did not differ significantly in the proportion of patients with mRS scores >2 at last follow-up or those returning to the ED before 30 days. After adjustment for Hunt and Hess scores, Fisher grade, admission Glasgow Coma Scale score, and age, logistic regression analysis showed that the absence of vasospasm on post-aSAH days 5-7 predicted discharge on or before hospital day 14 (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.8 to 6.4, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Lack of angiographic vasospasm 5 to 7 days after aSAH is associated with shorter hospitalization, with no increase in 30 day ED visits or poor neurologic outcome.

Vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms: microsurgical management in 42 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Vertebrobasilar dissecting (VBD) aneurysms are rare, and patients with these aneurysms often present with thromboembolic infarcts or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The morphological nature of VBD aneurysms often precludes conventional clip reconstruction or coil placement and encourages parent artery exclusion or endovascular stenting. Treatment considerations include aneurysm location along the vertebral artery (VA), the involvement of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA), and collateral blood flow. Outcomes after endovascular treatment have been well described in the neurosurgical literature, but microsurgical outcomes have not been detailed. Patient outcomes from a large, single-surgeon, consecutive series of microsurgically managed VBD aneurysms are presented, and 3 illustrative case examples are provided. METHODS: The medical records of patients with dissecting aneurysms affecting the intracranial VA (V4), basilar artery, and PICA that were treated microsurgically over a 19-year period were reviewed. Patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, surgical procedures, and clinical outcomes (according to modified Rankin Scale [mRS] scores at last follow-up) were analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-two patients with 42 VBD aneurysms were identified. Twenty-six aneurysms (62%) involved the PICA, 14 (33%) were distinct from the PICA origin on the V4 segment of the VA, and 2 (5%) were located at the vertebrobasilar junction. Thirty-four patients (81%) presented with SAH with a mean Hunt and Hess grade of 3.2 at presentation. Six (14%) of the 42 patients had been previously treated using endovascular techniques. Nineteen aneurysms (45%) underwent clip wrapping, 17 (40%) were treated with bypass trapping, and 6 (14%) underwent parent artery sacrifice. The complete aneurysm obliteration rate was 95% (n = 40), and the surgical complication rate was 7% (n = 3). The 8 patients with unruptured VBD aneurysms were significantly more likely to be discharged home (n = 6, 75%) compared with 34 patients with ruptured aneurysms (n = 9, 27%; p = 0.01). Good outcomes (mRS score ≤ 2) were observed in 20 patients (48%). Eight patients (19%) died. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that patients with VBD aneurysms often present after a rupture in poor neurological condition, but favorable results can be achieved with open microsurgical repair in almost half of such cases. Microsurgery remains a viable treatment option, with the choice between bypass trapping and clip wrapping largely dictated by the specific location of the aneurysm and its relationship to the PICA.

Novel experimental model of brain arteriovenous malformations using conditional Alk1 gene deletion in transgenic mice.

OBJECTIVE: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is the only condition associated with multiple inherited brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Therefore, a mouse model was developed with a genetics-based approach that conditionally deleted the causative activin receptor-like kinase 1 (Acvrl1 or Alk1) gene. Radiographic and histopathological findings were correlated, and AVM stability and hemorrhagic behavior over time were examined. METHODS: Alk1-floxed mice were crossed with deleter mice to generate offspring in which both copies of the Alk1 gene were deleted by Tagln-Cre to form brain AVMs in the mice. AVMs were characterized using MRI, MRA, and DSA. Brain AVMs were characterized histopathologically with latex dye perfusion, immunofluorescence, and Prussian blue staining. RESULTS: Brains of 55 Tagln-Cre+;Alk12f/2f mutant mice were categorized into three groups: no detectable vascular lesions (group 1; 23 of 55, 42%), arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) with no nidus (group 2; 10 of 55, 18%), and nidal AVMs (group 3; 22 of 55, 40%). Microhemorrhage was observed on MRI or MRA in 11 AVMs (50%). AVMs had the angiographic hallmarks of early nidus opacification, a tangle of arteries and dilated draining veins, and rapid shunting of blood flow. Latex dye perfusion confirmed arteriovenous shunting in all AVMs and AVFs. Microhemorrhages were detected adjacent to AVFs and AVMs, visualized by iron deposition, Prussian blue staining, and macrophage infiltration using CD68 immunostaining. Brain AVMs were stable on serial MRI and MRA in group 3 mice (mean age at initial imaging 2.9 months; mean age at last imaging 9.5 months). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 40% of transgenic mice satisfied the requirements of a stable experimental AVM model by replicating nidal anatomy, arteriovenous hemodynamics, and microhemorrhagic behavior. Transgenic mice with AVFs had a recognizable phenotype of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia but were less suitable for experimental modeling. AVM pathogenesis can be understood as the combination of conditional Alk1 gene deletion during embryogenesis and angiogenesis that is hyperactive in developing and newborn mice, which translates to a congenital origin in most patients but an acquired condition in patients with a confluence of genetic and angiogenic events later in life. This study offers a novel experimental brain AVM model for future studies of AVM pathophysiology, growth, rupture, and therapeutic regression.

Saccular aneurysms in the post-Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial era.

OBJECTIVE: The Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial (BRAT) was a single-center trial that compared endovascular coiling to microsurgical clipping in patients treated for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). However, because patients in the BRAT were treated more than 15 years ago, and because there have been advances since then-particularly in endovascular techniques-the relevance of the BRAT today remains controversial. Some hypothesize that these technical advances may reduce retreatment rates for endovascular intervention. In this study, the authors analyzed data for the post-BRAT (PBRAT) era to compare microsurgical clipping with endovascular embolization (coiling and flow diverters) in the two time periods and to examine how the results of the original BRAT have influenced the practice of neurosurgeons at the study institution. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, the authors evaluated patients with saccular aSAHs who were treated at a single quaternary center from August 1, 2007, to July 31, 2019. The saccular aSAH diagnoses were confirmed by cerebrovascular experts. Patients were separated into two cohorts for comparison on the basis of having undergone microsurgery or endovascular intervention. The primary outcome analyzed for comparison was poor neurological outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score > 2. The secondary outcomes that were compared included retreatment rates for both therapies. RESULTS: Of the 1014 patients with aSAH during the study period, 798 (79%) were confirmed to have saccular aneurysms. Neurological outcomes at ≥ 1-year follow-up did not differ between patients treated with microsurgery (n = 451) and those who received endovascular (n = 347) treatment (p = 0.51). The number of retreatments was significantly higher among patients treated endovascularly (32/347, 9%) than among patients treated microsurgically (6/451, 1%) (p < 0.001). The retreatment rate after endovascular treatment was lower in the PBRAT era (9%) than in the BRAT (18%). CONCLUSIONS: Similar to results from the BRAT, results from the PBRAT era showed equivalent neurological outcomes and increased rates of retreatment among patients undergoing endovascular embolization compared with those undergoing microsurgery. However, the rate of retreatment after endovascular intervention was much lower in the PBRAT era than in the BRAT.

Treatment of octogenarians and nonagenarians with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a 17-year institutional analysis.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes for octogenarians and nonagenarians after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are particularly ominous, with mortality rates well above 50%. The present analysis examines the neurologic outcomes of patients ≥ 80 years of age treated for aSAH. METHOD: A retrospective review was performed of all aSAH patients treated at Barrow Neurological Institute from January 1, 2003, to July 31, 2019. Patients were placed in 2 groups by age, < 80 vs ≥ 80 years. The ≥ 80-year-old group of octogenarians and nonagenarians was subsequently analyzed to compare treatment modalities. Poor neurologic outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of > 2. RESULTS: During the study period, 1418 patients were treated for aSAH. The mean (standard deviation) age was 55.1 (13.6) years, the mean follow-up was 24.6 (40.0) months, and the rate of functional independence (mRS 0-2) at follow-up was 54% (751/1395). Logistic regression analysis found increasing age strongly associated with declining functional independence (R2 = 0.929, p < 0.001). Forty-three patients ≥ 80 years old were significantly more likely to be managed endovascularly than with open microsurgery (67% [n = 29] vs 33% [n = 14], p < 0.001). Compared with younger patients, those ≥ 80 years old had an increased risk of mortality and poor neurologic outcomes at follow-up. In the ≥ 80-year-old group, only 4 patients had good outcomes; none of the 4 had preexisting comorbidities, and all 4 were treated endovascularly. CONCLUSIONS: Age is a significant prognostic indicator of functional outcomes and mortality after aSAH. Most octogenarians and nonagenarians with aSAH will become severely disabled or die.

Decompressive Craniectomy and Risk of Wound Infection After Microsurgical Treatment of Ruptured Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Owing to prolonged hospitalization and the complexity of care required for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), these patients have a high risk of complications. The risk for wound infection after microsurgical treatment for aSAH was analyzed. METHODS: All patients who underwent microsurgical treatment for aSAH between August 1, 2007, and July 31, 2019, and were recorded in the Post-Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial database were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were analyzed for risk factors for wound infection after treatment. RESULTS: Of 594 patients who underwent microsurgical treatment for aSAH, 23 (3.9%) had wound infections. There was no significant difference in age between patients with wound infection and patients without infection (mean, 52.6 ± 12.2 years vs. 54.2 ± 4.0 years; P = 0.45). The presence of multiple comorbidities (including diabetes, tobacco use, and obesity), external ventricular drain, ventriculoperitoneal shunt, pneumonia, or urinary tract infection was not associated with an increased risk for wound infection. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in mean operative time between patients with wound infection and those without infection (280 ± 112 minutes vs. 260 ± 92 minutes; P = 0.38). Patients who required decompressive craniectomy (DC) were at increased risk of wound infection (odds ratio, 5.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-14.1; P = 0.002). Among the 23 total infections, 9 were diagnosed following cranioplasty after DC. CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgical treatment for aSAH is associated with a relatively low risk of wound infection. However, patients undergoing DC may be at an increased risk for infection. Additional attention and comprehensive wound care are warranted for these patients.

Delays in presentation and mortality among Black patients with mechanical thrombectomy after large-vessel stroke at a US hospital.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence and severity of stroke are disproportionately greater among Black patients. In this study, the authors sought to examine clinical outcomes among Black versus White patients after mechanical thrombectomy for stroke at a single US institution. METHODS: All patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy at a single center from January 1, 2014, through March 31, 2020, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were grouped based on race, and demographic characteristics, preexisting conditions, clinical presentation, treatment, and stroke outcomes were compared. The association of race with mortality was analyzed in multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: In total, 401 patients (233 males) with a reported race of Black (n = 28) or White (n = 373) underwent mechanical thrombectomy during the study period. Tobacco use was more prevalent among Black patients (43% vs 24%, p = 0.04), but there were no significant differences between the groups with respect to insurance, coronary artery disease, diabetes, illicit drug use, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia. The mean time from stroke onset to hospital presentation was significantly greater among Black patients (604.6 vs 333.4 minutes) (p = 0.007). There were no differences in fluoroscopy time, procedural success (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade 2b or 3), hospital length of stay, or prevalence of hemicraniectomy. In multivariable analysis, Black race was strongly associated with higher mortality (32.1% vs 14.5%, p = 0.01). The disparity in mortality rates resolved after adjusting for the average time from stroke onset to presentation (p = 0.14). CONCLUSIONS: Black race was associated with an increased risk of death after mechanical thrombectomy for stroke. The increased risk may be associated with access-related factors, including delayed presentation to stroke centers.

Corrigendum: Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.557233.].

A propensity-adjusted comparison of middle meningeal artery embolization versus conventional therapy for chronic subdural hematomas.

OBJECTIVE: Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization is a promising treatment strategy for chronic subdural hematomas (cSDHs). However, studies comparing MMA embolization and conventional therapy (surgical intervention and conservative management) are limited. The authors aimed to compare MMA embolization versus conventional therapy for cSDHs using a propensity-adjusted analysis. METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients with cSDH who presented to a large tertiary center over a 2-year period was performed. MMA embolization was compared with surgical intervention and conservative management. Neurological outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). A propensity-adjusted analysis compared MMA embolization versus surgery and conservative management for all individual cSDHs. Primary outcomes included change in hematoma diameter, treatment failure, and complete resolution at last follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 231 patients with cSDH met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 35 (15%) were treated using MMA embolization, and 196 (85%) were treated with conventional treatment. On the latest follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences between groups in the percentage of patients with worsening mRS scores. Of the 323 total cSDHs found in 231 patients, 41 (13%) were treated with MMA embolization, 159 (49%) were treated conservatively, and 123 (38%) were treated with surgical evacuation. After propensity adjustment, both surgery (OR 12, 95% CI 1.5-90; p = 0.02) and conservative therapy (OR 13, 95% CI 1.7-99; p = 0.01) were predictors of treatment failure and incomplete resolution on follow-up imaging (OR 6.1, 95% CI 2.8-13; p < 0.001 and OR 5.4, 95% CI 2.5-12; p < 0.001, respectively) when compared with MMA embolization. Additionally, MMA embolization was associated with a significant decrease in cSDH diameter on follow-up relative to conservative management (mean -8.3 mm, 95% CI -10.4 to -6.3 mm, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This propensity-adjusted analysis suggests that MMA embolization for cSDH is associated with a greater extent of hematoma volume reduction with fewer treatment failures than conventional therapy.

Spetzler-Martin Grade III Arteriovenous Malformations: A Comparison of Modified and Supplemented Spetzler-Martin Grading Systems.

BACKGROUND: The modified Spetzler-Martin (SM) grading system proposes that grade III arteriovenous malformation (AVM) subtypes are associated with variable microsurgical risks, with small AVMs (III-) having lower risk and medium/eloquent AVMs (III+) having higher risk. Adding patient age and AVM bleeding status and compactness to the SM grade produces a score - the supplemented SM (Supp-SM) grade - to more accurately assess preoperative risk. OBJECTIVE: To compare the predictive power of the modified SM and Supp-SM grades for risk assessment in patients with grade III AVMs. METHODS: Patients with SM grade III AVMs treated between 2011 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Good outcomes were defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores ≤ 2 or unchanged/improved mRS scores (pre- vs postsurgery). RESULTS: Of 102 patients with SM grade III AVMs, 59% had grade III- and 24% had grade III+ AVMs. Supp SM grade 6 and grade 7 AVMs accounted for 44% and 24%, respectively. Overall, 33% of patients worsened but outcomes did not significantly differ by SM III subtype. Neurological outcomes were associated with Supp-SM grade, with proportions of patients with worsening increasing from 0% with Supp-SM grade 4 AVMs to 54% with Supp-SM grade 7 AVMs. Analyses of factors associated with neurological worsening identified age > 60 yr and Supp-SM grade 7 as significant. CONCLUSION: Supp-SM grades were more predictive of microsurgical outcomes than modified SM grades for grade III AVMs, with a hard cutoff for acceptable surgical risk at Supp-SM grade 6. Supp-SM grading is a better decision-making tool than subtyping with the modified SM scale.