Abstract WP23: Is There Increased Incidence of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage With Use of Stentrievers in Distal Circulation?

Abstract

Background: Multiple recent positive endovascular trials have proven mechanical thrombectomy as standard of care for large vessel occlusion (LVO) of the Anterior Circulation (AC). Post-thrombectomy subarachnoid hemorrhage (PT-SAH) is a known complication of this procedure. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of SAH in proximal (ICA terminus and MCA M1) versus distal (MCA M2 and beyond) LVOs with use of stentrievers. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke interventions (AISI) at a community based, university affiliated comprehensive stroke center during a 5 year period (2014-2019) was done. AISI using stentrievers were separated in 2 groups based on location of LVO (Proximal and Distal). Post procedure CT heads were reviewed for SAH in location of stent deployment. Results: 2980 patients presented with acute ischemic stroke during the pre-specified time period. Of those, 2,682 were anterior circulation strokes. Of those, 373 received AISI. Stentrievers were used in 193 patients. Proximal occlusions (ICA terminus and MCA M1) were placed into Group A (n=150). Distal occlusions (MCA M2 and beyond) were placed into Group B (n=43). Group A had 6% SAH (n=9); Group B had 16% SAH (n=7) (p value <0.05). Conclusion: This study reveals an increased incidence of PT-SAH for distal LVOs. Main limitation of the study is the small sample size. Next generation stentrievers with smaller stent size and different design may decrease incidence of PT-SAH. Larger prospective RCTs are warranted to validate these results.