Thromboembolic events associated with Neuroform stent in endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of thromboembolic events associated with Neuroform stent (Boston Scientific Target, Fremont, CA) is known from previous studies but there are uncertainties of scale. PURPOSE: To report our rate of ischemic events associated with Neuroform stent. METHODS: Consecutive patients treated with Neuroform stent for intracranial aneurysms were prospectively enrolled from January 2003 to August 2006. Thromboembolic events as well as clinical outcomes were measured. Mean follow-up was 12 months. RESULTS: Successful stent deployment was achieved in (65/67) 97% of patients without any ischemic event. However, postoperative thromboembolic events were observed in 3 patients despite being on clopidogrel and aspirin. These 3 patients demonstrated poor platelet inhibitions in platelet aggregation (aggregometry) studies, and were successfully treated with intravenous eptifibatide with good outcome. The majority of the patients had good outcomes [Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) 5 or National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) 0 in (63/67) 94%, GOS 4 or NIHSS 2 in 1 patient, and GOS 3 or NIHSS 4 was observed in 3 cases]. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals that the thromboembolic events associated with Neuroform stent may present in a delayed fashion. These events can be successfully treated with good outcome. Therefore, postoperative close follow-up is strongly recommended for all Neuroform stent-treated patients.

Prevalence and prediction of left atrial thrombus in patients with a recent cerebral ischemic event, who are in sinus rhythm: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial thrombus (LAT) is frequently present in patients with cerebral ischemic events (CIE) who are in atrial fibrillation. The prevalence and predictor of LAT in patients who are in sinus rhythm (SR) is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and identify predictors of LAT formation in patients with CIE who are in SR. METHODS: Consecutive patients with CIE who are in SR were evaluated by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) from July 2000 to August 2001. Patient demographics including cerebrovascular risk factors were recorded. RESULTS: LAT was present in 5.5%. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) was present in 25 (10%). Patients' mean age was 59 +/- 14 years and 119 (50%) were male. In the univariate analysis, LAT was associated with LVSD (odds ratio [OR] 9.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.8; 10.3) and male patients (OR 4.56, 95% CI: 1.6, 12.6) who had coronary artery disease (OR 3.4, 95% CI: 1.3, 8.4). In the multivariate analysis, LVSD (OR 10.6, CI 2.2-51.6) strongly predicted the development of LAT. CONCLUSIONS: LAT is not uncommon in patients CIE, who are in sinus rhythm, especially those with poor left ventricular functions. TEE should be considered in patients with CIE and LVSD for early detection and treatment of LAT.

Complications of Neuroform stent in endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The Neuroform stent can help in the treatment of difficult, wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. The objective of our study is to report some of the challenges associated with the Neuroform stent in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: From January 2003 to August 2006, consecutive patients treated with Neuroform stent for intracranial aneurysms were prospectively enrolled. Information on patient demographics, cerebrovascular risk factors, aneurysm size and location were collected. Technical and clinical complications as well as clinical outcomes were measured. Data were analyzed retrospectively using SPSS software version 11.5. RESULTS: Successful deployment of the stent, in the target artery, was achieved in 65/67 (97%) patients. Stent deployment failed in two cases and the migration of stent developed in one during coiling. Postoperative thromboembolic events developed in three patients. These three patients possessed hyperactive platelets, and were treated with intravenous eptifibatide. Intraoperative rupture of aneurysm developed in one patient, which was secured by subsequent coiling. Majority of the patients had good outcomes GOS (Glasgow Outcome Score) 1 or NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale) 0 in 63/67 (94%), GOS 2 or NIHSS 2 in one patient and GOS 3 or NIHSS 4 was observed in three cases. CONCLUSION: Despite a low rate of intraoperative complications, post-procedural thromboembolic events were common in Neuroform stent-treated patients, which might be associated with hyperactive platelets. Further studies are warranted to identify any potential relationship between post-stent hyperactive platelets and thromboembolism.

Sapphire platinum detachable coil experience in a tertiary-care facility.

BACKGROUND: The Guglielmi Detachable Coil introduced by the Boston Scientific Corporation has been widely used for endovascular coiling of aneurysm. Recently, Sapphire platinum detachable coils (eV3, Irvine, CA) have been introduced for aneurysm coiling. Herein, we report our clinical experience with the Sapphire coil to evaluate the incidence of coil related complications and the rate of aneurysm occlusion. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent embolization with Sapphire detachable coils were prospectively enrolled from January 2004 to September 2004 and the data were retrospectively analyzed. Patient demographics, including age, gender, presenting symptoms, Hunt and Hess grade, Fisher grade and locations of the vascular anomalies were collected. Additionally, complications associated with the coils and rates of aneurysm occlusion were observed and the data compiled. RESULTS: 29 patients underwent Sapphire coil embolization for intracranial aneurysms. Mean age was 50 +/- 18 (mean +/- SD) years with 81% being females. Aneurysm neck reconstruction was required in 7 cases, 6 with Neuroform stent (5 unruptured aneurysms) and 1 with balloon assistance (ruptured aneurysm). In 7 cases, Sapphire coils were used along with other coils. There were no events of thromboembolism or ruptures of aneurysms during coil embolization. However, multi-diameter coils demonstrated stretching in 4 stent-assisted cases without any adverse consequences. Complete occlusion of the aneurysm was achieved in 79.31% of the patients, neck remnant in 6.89, and partial coiling was achieved in 13.79%. CONCLUSION: The Sapphire coil could safely be used in the treatment of both ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. However, multi-diameter non-stretch resistant coils may be associated with coil stretching when used in conjunction with a stent. Further study is still required for definitive results.

The safety and feasibility of continuous intravenous magnesium sulfate for prevention of cerebral vasospasm in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral vasospasm in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with poor outcome. The safety and feasibility of continuous high-dose intravenous magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) for the prevention of cerebral vasospasm and ischemic cerebral injury has not been well studied. METHODS: Patients presenting to our center within 72 hours of aneurysmalSAH (confirmed by computed tomography [CT] scanning and cerebral angiography) between June 2001 and October 2002 were enrolled in a prospective pilot study in which they received MgSO4 as an adjunct to standard SAH management. Study patients received an intravenous infusion of 12 g of MgSO4 in a 500-mL solution of 0.9% NaCl administered at a rate of 4.06 mM (or 0.5 g) every hour over a 24-hour period for 10 days to achieve a target predetermined serum Mg range of more than 1.5 to less than 4.0 mM/L. The effect of MgSO4 on clinical examination, heart rate, and blood pressure was measured every 2 hours; serum glucose and phenytoin levels were monitored daily. Outcome measures included evidence of vasospasm on clinical examination, transcranial Doppler study ((TCD); velocity >or=100 cm/s), or repeat cerebral angiogram obtained within 10 days of SAH; and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score assessment and CT scan evidence of ischemic infarction at 30 days. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (mean age: 55 years; range: 39-84 years; 11 males, 8 females) were enrolled in the study. Presenting Hunt Hess grade was II or higher; mean Fisher grade was 3. Vasospasm was observed in nine patients (by clinical examination in two, TCD in five, and angiogram in nine). The mean serum Mg level was 2.7 mM/L (standard deviation: +/- 0.37) and was maintained during the infusion period. No clinical adverse effects, hemodynamic changes, or fluctuations in serum glucose or phenytoin levels were observed. None of the patients died; no CT evidence of ischemic infarction was present; and most had good outcomes (GOS 5 in 10 patients; GOS 4 in 8 patients). CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed the safety and feasibility of a continuous infusion of high-dose intravenous MgSO4 in patients with aneurysmal SAH. Randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the promising results.

A prospective multicenter study to evaluate the feasibility and safety of aggressive antihypertensive treatment in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

The authors performed a multicenter prospective observational study to evaluate the feasibility and safety of intravenous antihypertensive protocol for acute hypertension in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Twenty-seven patients with ICH and acute hypertension (mean age 61.37 +/- 14.27; 10 were men) were treated to maintain the systolic blood pressure (BP) below 160 mm Hg and diastolic BP below 90 mm Hg within 24 hours of symptom onset. Neurological deterioration (defined as a decrease in initial Glasgow Coma Scale score > or = 2) was observed in 2 (7.4%) of 27 patients during treatment. Among patients who underwent follow-up computed tomography, hematoma expansion (more than 33% increase in hematoma size at 24 hours) was observed in 2 (9.1%) of 22 patients. Patients treated within 6 hours of symptom onset were more likely to be functionally independent (modified Rankin scale < or = 2) at 1 month compared with patients who were treated between 6 and 24 hours (8 of 18 versus 0 of 9,P = .03). Aggressive pharmacological treatment of acute hypertension in patients with ICH can be initiated early with a low rate of neurological deterioration and hematoma expansion.

An Update on Myasthenic Crisis.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most common disorder of the neuromuscular junction. Myasthenia crisis, defined as respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation in MG, is a common life-threatening complication that occurs in approximately 15% to 20% of patients with MG during their life time. The advent of effective mechanical ventilation, specialized neurointensive care units and the widespread use of immunotherapies have substantially altered the prognosis of myasthenic crisis. Early intubation and mechanical ventilation is perhaps the most important step in the management of myasthenic crisis. The authors favor an orotracheal approach for intubation, and placement of small bore duodenal tubes that may help decrease the risk of aspiration and may be more comfortable than regular nasogastric tubes for the patient. Plasma exchange may be more effective than the intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of myasthenic crisis involving respiratory failure. A randomized trial is required to confirm the superior efficacy of plasma exchange compared with intravenous immunoglobulin. In the acute setting, the role of immunosuppression and intravenous/intramuscular pyridostigmine and the newer agents such as tacrolimus remains limited and at times controversial. The therapy should be tailored at an individual basis using best clinical judgment.

Treatable potential cardiac sources of embolism in patients with cerebral ischemic events: a selective transesophageal echocardiographic study.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize cardiac sources of emboli detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients without recognizable cause of transient ischemic attack (TIA) and/or ischemic stroke and TIA. METHODS: We examined a prospective registry that included all patients with TIA and/or stroke evaluated by TEE between July 2000 and August 2001 at our medical center. Ischemic events were classified according to clinical and neuroimaging findings as cortical, lacunar, or vertebrobasilar circulation. Demographic, clinical, neuroimaging, and echocardiographic characteristics were studied. RESULTS: TEE was performed in 237 patients without recognized cause of TIA and/or stroke, of which 105 (44%) events were cortical, 35 (15%) were lacunar, 32 (14%) were vertebrobasilar, and 65 (27%) were in multiple distributions. Mean age of patients was 59 +/- 14 years (range, 21 to 93 years); 119 (51%) were men. Potential treatable cardioembolic sources were detected in 146 (61%) patients: patent foramen ovale with right-to-left shunt (n = 59), left atrial clot (n = 6), left atrial appendage clot (n = 8), and severe thoracic aortic atherosclerotic plaque disease (plaque thickness >4 mm) (n = 79 patients [33%], 56 had an ulcerated plaque and 4 had mobile plaque). Patient age and topography of the ischemic event did not correlate with TEE-defined cardioembolic sources. CONCLUSIONS: TEE identified high frequencies of potential treatable cardioembolic sources in patients with ischemic events. TEE should be considered in all patients who do not have identified cause of TIA and/or stroke for early treatment and prevention of recurrent events.

Respiratory failure as a first presentation of myasthenia gravis.

BACKGROUND: Although respiratory failure commonly occurs during the course of myasthenia gravis (MG), it is rarely described at presentation in patients with previously unrecognized MG. MATERIAL/METHODS: We determined the prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients with respiratory failure associated with undiagnosed MG by review of the medical records of all patients who were diagnosed with MG related respiratory failure at four University hospitals. Respiratory failure was defined on the basis of a forced vital capacity < or =1 liter, negative inspiratory force < or =20 cm H2O, or requirement of mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: Out of 51 MG patients with respiratory failure, 7(14%) patients had no previous diagnosis of MG. Another patient was identified after the review. The mean age of these 8 patients was 56 years (range 23-76 years); six were women. Five had previous episodes of unexplained respiratory failure. On initial evaluation, ocular or bulbar signs were present in 7 patients. The diagnosis of MG was made by edrophonium test (n=3), edrophonium test with positive acetylcholine antibody levels or repetitive nerve stimulation (n=2), repetitive nerve stimulation with positive acetylcholine antibody levels (n=2), and positive acetylcholine antibody levels alone (n=1). Seven patients required mechanical ventilation. Plasma exchange (n=7) or intravenous immunoglobulins (n=1) resulted in successful extubation or resolution of symptoms in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory failure can occur at presentation in MG. A high index of suspicion should be maintained in patients with previous history of unexplained respiratory failures.

Age is not a predictor of patent foramen ovale with right-to-left shunt in patients with cerebral ischemic events.

BACKGROUND: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) with or without atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) is highly associated with cerebral ischemic events in young patients. The prevalence of PFO and ASA in elderly patients with cerebral ischemic events is not well described. OBJECTIVE: Our study is to evaluate the frequencies of PFO with right-to-left shunt (RLS) and ASA in elderly patients and to determine whether age is a predictor of flow-reversed PFO with RLS in cerebral ischemic events. METHODS: A prospective registry for all consecutive patients with cerebral ischemic events who were evaluated by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for the detection of possible cardiac source of embolization was established and maintained in a university hospital. Patients' demographics including age, gender, ethnic origin, cerebrovascular risk factors, and all positive TEE data were collected from July 2000 to August 2001 for statistical analysis. A univariate and multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: In older patients the prevalence of PFO with RLS, PFO, and ASA was 25/118 (20%), 28/118 (24%), and 38/118 (32%), respectively, as opposed to younger patients, in whom it was 35/119 (30%), 39/119 (33%), and 38/119 (32%), respectively. Older patients had higher frequencies of hypertension (59; 69%), CAD (25; 21%), and prior history of stroke (23; 20%) as opposed to younger patients. Younger age (<60 years), gender, smoking history, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, CAD, and prior history of stroke were not associated with higher prevalence of PFO with RLS. Patent foramen ovale was associated with ASA (P < 0.001) and LVH (P < 0.019) in patients with TIA and stroke. In multivariate analysis only ASA (P < 0.001) remained significant with PFO, with RLS controlling for age, gender, and LVH. CONCLUSIONS: PFO with RLS and ASA are frequently present in elderly stroke and/or TIA patients and age is not a predictor for PFO. Transesophageal echocardiography should be considered for all stroke and/or TIA patients irrespective of their age.

Characteristics and predictors of aortic plaques in patients with transient ischemic attacks and strokes.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence and characteristics of aortic atherosclerotic plaque disease and its association with cerebrovascular risk factors in patients with cerebral ischemic events. BACKGROUND: Aortic atheroma is associated with ischemic stroke. Its characteristics, including morphology and distribution among different stroke subtypes, are not well described. METHOD: From July 2000 to August 2001, all patients evaluated by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with diagnoses of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and strokes were prospectively studied. Demographics, including age, gender, ethnicity, cerebrovascular risk factors, and stroke subtypes, were collected. RESULTS: Thoracic aortic atheromas (TAAs) were present in 141 of 237 patients (59%) (mean age = 59 +/- 14, 119 [50%] male). Mild plaque (< 2 mm) was present in 13 of 237 (5%), moderate plaque (2-4 mm) in 49 (21%), severe plaque (> or = 4 mm) in 79 (33%), and complex plaque in 64 (27%). Patients' ages (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.08, P < .001), coronary artery disease (OR = 2.2, CI 1.02-4.8, P < .042), and patent foramen ovale (PFO) (OR = 0.39, CI 0.22-0.70, P < .002) were associated with the severity and complexity of aortic plaque. In multivariate analysis, age (OR = 1.06, CI 1.03-1.08, P < .001) and the presence of PFO (OR = 0.35, CI 0.18-0.65, P < .001) continued to be significant to the severity and complexity of aortic atheroma. Gender, history of stroke, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and history of smoking were not associated with TAA. CONCLUSION: One third of TAA plaques are severe and complex in nature and more frequently present in the descending aorta and the arch of the aorta than in the ascending aorta. TEE should be considered for the early detection and treatment of TAA in patients without identified causes of stroke.

Myasthenic Crisis.

Myasthenia gravis is the most common disorder of the neuromuscular junction. Myasthenia crisis, defined as respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation in myasthenia gravis, is a common life-threatening complication that occurs in approximately 15% to 20% of patients with myasthenia gravis. The advent of effective mechanical ventilation, specialized neurointensive care units, and the widespread use of immunotherapies have substantially altered the prognosis of myasthenic crisis. The authors recommend more liberal intubation of patients with myasthenia gravis crisis; early intubation and mechanical ventilation is perhaps the most important step in the management of myasthenia gravis crisis. The authors favor an orotracheal approach for intubation, and placement of small bore duodenal tubes that may help decrease the risk of aspiration and may be more comfortable than regular nasogastric tubes for the patient. Plasma exchange is more effective than intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of myasthenia gravis involving respiratory failure. A randomized trial is required to confirm the superior efficacy of plasma exchange compared with intravenous immunoglobulin. In the acute setting, the role of immunosuppression and intravenous or intramuscular pyridostigmine remains limited and at times controversial. The therapy should be tailored on an individual basis using the best clinical judgment.

Effect of endovascular treatment on headaches in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms often present with headaches. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of endovascular treatment on the character and frequency of headaches in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent endovascular treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms within a 9.5-year period. These patients were mailed a standard questionnaire in which they were asked about the frequency and character of any headache experienced before or after (or both) endovascular treatment. They were also asked to grade improvement or worsening of headaches after the procedure as mild (activities of daily living were not affected), moderate (activities of daily living were affected), or significant (the change resulted in an ability to perform new activities of daily living or an inability to perform previous activities of daily living). RESULTS: Forty-seven patients with unruptured aneurysms who underwent Guglielmi detachable coil embolization responded to the questionnaire. Of these, 32 patients (mean age, 52.7 years [SD, 13.4]; 22 were women) had experienced headaches before the procedure. Nineteen patients (59%) reported improvement in severity of headaches after embolization. Improvement was graded as significant by 7 patients, moderate by 8, and mild by 4. Two patients (6%) reported worsening severity of headaches graded as moderate. Five of 15 patients without headaches before embolization reported onset of mild (n = 4) or severe (n = 1) headaches after treatment. CONCLUSION: Guglielmi detachable coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms was associated with reduction in severity of headaches in the majority of patients who had experienced preprocedural headaches.

Neuroimaging of stroke: a review.

Advances in neuroimaging technology during the past 30 years have resulted in a virtual explosion in the amount of pathologic information that can be obtained in the clinical stroke setting. This neuroimaging revolution has led to a much better understanding of cerebrovascular and tissue pathology, creating a wide array of opportunities for acute treatment and secondary prevention. Advances include early and accurate detection of ischemic and infarcted tissue and the ability to reveal hypoperfused tissue at risk. Clinicians are increasingly able to noninvasively detect embolic and atherothrombotic intravascular lesions. Vascular lesions associated with stroke can be characterized through endovascular neuroimaging techniques and repaired by various means. In this article, we provide an overview and update on the various techniques used in the neuroimaging of stroke and intracranial hemorrhage, including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and catheter angiography. We outline the specific role of each modality in clinical practice.

Intracranial stent placement for the treatment of a carotid-cavernous fistula associated with intracranial angioplasty. Case report.

The authors report a case of an iatrogenic carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) associated with intracranial angioplasty. Angioplasty was performed using a 3 x 10-mm Open Sail coronary balloon in a patient with high-grade stenosis of the left cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA). After angioplasty, a perforation developed in the cavernous ICA, resulting in a CCF. A 3.5 x 9-mm S670 coronary stent was used to treat the fistula. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case in which a CCF developed after angioplasty was performed using a coronary balloon. Long-term angiographic and clinical evaluation is needed to test the suitability and durability of intracranial angioplasty and stent placement in the treatment of symptomatic intracranial stenosis.

Use of intravenous abciximab as adjunctive therapy for carotid angioplasty and stent placement.

The benefit of intravenous abciximab as an adjunctive to percutaneous coronary intervention has been demonstrated in large-scale randomized studies. The role of intravenous abciximab is being defined in carotid angioplasty and stent placement as the procedure is gaining popularity for the treatment of high-grade carotid stenosis in patients considered high-risk for carotid endarterectomy. This paper summarizes the pathophysiological basis and the available data for the use of abciximab as an adjunct to carotid artery stenting.

Clinical potential of intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute ischaemic stroke.

Acute ischaemic stroke is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity around the world. An arterial occlusive lesion is found in the majority of patients with acute ischaemic stroke, and recanalisation has been shown to result in a better clinical outcome. The only widely approved recanalisation strategy is the use of intravenous alteplase (recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator; tPA) within 3 hours of stroke onset. However, this therapy has limitations, and alternative or supplemental recanalisation strategies need to be considered in a large number of patients with acute ischaemic stroke. One such promising strategy is intra-arterial thrombolysis. This article reviews the pharmacology of the various drugs used for intra-arterial thrombolysis in the setting of acute ischaemic stroke and the results of the clinical trials that have studied their benefit. Three generations of thrombolytic agents have been available for clinical use so far. The first-generation agents such as streptokinase and urokinase were the first to be studied in acute stroke, and a number of positive case reports and series of their intra-arterial use have been reported from around the world. Second-generation products include alteplase and pro-urokinase. The clinical benefits of intra-arterial pro-urokinase were recently proven in a randomised, placebo-controlled study. Third-generation agents, such as reteplase, lanoteplase and tenecteplase, offer superior recanalisation rates with limited systemic adverse effects and might prove to be the agents of choice for intra-arterial acute stroke thrombolysis in the future. The exact administration regimens as well as the identification of patient sub-populations most likely to benefit from intra-arterial thrombolysis are subjects of current investigations, and hopefully firmer guidelines will be established in the next few years, once the results of the clinical trials are available.

Stroke-free survival and its determinants in patients with symptomatic vertebrobasilar stenosis: a multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the long-term stroke-free survival of patients who present with ischemic events related to intracranial vertebrobasilar stenosis. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of patients diagnosed with symptomatic vertebrobasilar stenosis on the basis of magnetic resonance angiography and/or conventional angiography was identified at four academic medical centers. Patients' clinical and follow-up information was obtained through hospitalization records, clinic visits, and telephone interviews. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to determine the rate of stroke-free survival for a 5-year period. Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to determine the effect of demographic and clinical factors on stroke-free survival. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients were included, whose mean age was 64 +/- 12 years. Fifty-five (54%) of the patients were men. The mean follow-up period was 15 +/- 15.9 months (range, 1-60 mo). During the follow-up period, 14 (14%) of the patients experienced recurrent stroke. The overall mortality rate was 21% (n = 21). Stroke-free survival, calculated by using the Kaplan-Meier curve, was 76% at 12 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 66-83%) and 48% at 5 years (95% CI, 27-65%). The risk of recurrent stroke was 10.9 per 100 patient-years, and the rate of recurrent stroke and/or death was 24.2 per 100 patient-years. Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that increasing age (hazards ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.00-1.09) decreased stroke-free survival. Treatment with either antiplatelet agents or warfarin (hazards ratio, 0.018; 95% CI, 0.003-0.11) had a protective effect on stroke-free survival after adjusting for age, sex, race, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, hyperlipidemia, and lesion location. CONCLUSION: A low rate of stroke-free survival is observed in patients with symptomatic vertebrobasilar stenosis. Further studies are required to evaluate new medical and endovascular treatment options for this group of patients to improve long-term stroke-free survival.

Management of carotid artery stenosis: comparing endarterectomy and stenting.

Stroke ranks as the third leading cause of death, behind diseases of the heart and cancer. It is also the most important cause of disability. Approximately 750,000 people experience a stroke annually, costing an estimated $40 billion in direct and indirect costs. Approximately 25% of these ischemic events are related to occlusive disease of the cervical internal carotid artery. Carotid atherovascular stenosis increases the risk of ischemic stroke by acting as an embolic source, and causing hypoperfusion of the ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere. With some limitations, the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET), European Carotid Surgery Trialists' Collaborative Group (ECST), and Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study (ACAS) have shown that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) substantially reduces the risk of stroke associated with certain grades of carotid stenosis. During the past few years, carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) has evolved as an alternative to CEA, particularly in patients who are known to have a higher complication rate with CEA.

Timing of neurologic deterioration in massive middle cerebral artery infarction: a multicenter review.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the time interval between symptom onset and neurologic deterioration related to cerebral edema in patients with massive middle cerebral artery infarction. The time period between onset and neurologic deterioration represents the window for surgical intervention. DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective chart review. SETTINGS: Five university-affiliated medical centers. PATIENTS: Fifty-three patients with massive middle cerebral artery infarction who experienced neurologic deterioration defined by a decrease in the Glasgow Coma Scale score of two or more points attributable to mass effect. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 53 patients (mean age, 62 +/- 18 yrs; 25 [47%] were men) with neurologic deterioration were identified by using International Classification of Diseases (9th revision) codes and local registries. Medical records and neuroimaging studies were reviewed by a stroke neurologist or neurointensivist to identify the time of neurologic deterioration. Thrombolytics were used at presentation in 19 (35%) patients. A total of 19 (36%) patients had neurologic deterioration within 24 hrs of symptom onset. By 48 hrs, 36 (68%) patients had manifested clinical deterioration. A few patients had later neurologic deterioration on day 3 (n = 10), day 4 (n = 2), day 5 (n = 2), and day 6 or after (n = 3). A total of 25 (47%) of the 53 patients died during hospitalization. The highest frequency of deaths occurred on day 3. CONCLUSIONS: Neurologic deteriorations related to cerebral edema after massive middle cerebral artery infarction occur in most patients within 48 hrs of symptom onset.