Vertebrobasilar recanalization modalities before the placement of stent-retrievers: Reopening is not synonymous with good outcome

Abstract

ObjectivesTo evaluate the recanalization rate and clinical outcome three months after endovascular treatment for vertebrobasilar occlusion before the placement of stentrievers. Materials and methodsWe reviewed all cases of basilar thrombosis treated with endovascular techniques at our center. We reviewed the clinical outcomes with the main objective of determining the recanalization rate and the secondary objective of evaluating the outcome using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) three months after treatment. We assessed clinical and angiographic variables and correlated them with outcome and complications. ResultsWe reviewed a total of 27 consecutive patients (mean age, 58.1±15.5years; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), 21, interquartile range, 18–29; median Glasgow coma score (GCS) 7, interquartile range, 4–9.5). The mean time between the onset of symptoms and endovascular treatment was 26.3±41.7h. Complete or partial recanalization was achieved in 23 (85.1%) patients. Three months after treatment, 16 (59.2%) had died and 6 (22.2%) had good outcome (mRS≤2). ConclusionEndovascular treatment achieved a high rate of recanalization of occlusions of the basilar artery. Nevertheless, a high percentage of the patients did not have a good outcome. New materials might improve the prognosis in these patients.