Abstract TP26: The Outcome of Patients With Tandem Occlusion Remains Poor Despite Mechanical Thrombectomy

Abstract

Introduction: Ischemic strokes with tandem occlusions are associated with a poor prognosis. Recent studies demonstrating the effectiveness of endovascular treatment for large vessel occlusions have shown less impressive results in patients with tandem occlusions than in those with isolated intracranial occlusions. Besides, the indications and effects of ICA stenting remain unclear. Hypothesis: To determine the factors associated with favorable outcome at 3-month in this subtype of AIS. Methods: From a prospectively gathered registry, we analyzed the data of 70 consecutive patients who underwent mechanical endovascular treatment for acute stroke with tandem occlusions from November 2011 to August 2014. Clinical (including demographics, NIHSS, and stroke etiology), imaging (including DWI-ASPECTS), and endovascular treatment data were assessed and reviewed in consensus by two observers. Good clinical outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of ≤2 at 3-month follow-up. The mRS at 3 months follow-up was available in 67 patients. Results: At 3-month follow-up, 33 of 67 (49.3%) patients had a good clinical outcome and 34 (50.8%) had a poor clinical outcome, including 9 deaths (13.4%). Lower NIHSS (initial, at day 1, and at discharge) and successful recanalization (TICI 2b-3) were associated with a good clinical outcome (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between patients with a good or poor clinical outcome in terms of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator use, delay between symptom onset and recanalization, and endovascular technique, including the ICA stenting. Conclusions: Despite the recent randomized control trials demonstrating the effectiveness of thrombectomy, there is still a research gap about tandem occlusions. This subtype of stroke, which usually responds poorly to intravenous thrombolysis, is also difficult to treat by endovascular means.