Acute Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion Research Articles

Association of renal biomarkers with fast progressor phenotype and related outcomes in anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke

BackgroundRenal dysfunction is a known predictor of long-term functional dependency after anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (ACLVO) stroke. However, the impact of renal dysfunction on early infarct growth rate (IGR) has not been previously demonstrated. The objective of this study was to define the association of creatinine-based renal biomarkers with fast or slow progressor phenotypes and related clinical outcomes in ACLVO stroke.MethodsThis retrospective study examined patients with acute intracranial internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery-M1 occlusions admitted between 2014 and 2019. Patients were included if they received baseline CT perfusion (CTP) or MRI on presentation within 24 h of estimated stroke onset. Infarct growth rate (IGR) was determined by ischemic core volume on CTP or MRI divided by time from stroke onset to imaging. IGR was used to stratify fast progressor (IGR ≥10 mL/h) and slow progressor (IGR < 10 mL/h) status. Renal dysfunction was assessed based on serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on presenting laboratories. Logistic regression models, adjusted for significant covariates, identified independent associations between renal dysfunction biomarkers, progressor status, and clinical outcomes based on modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days.ResultsAmong 230 patients with ACLVO, 29% were fast progressors, with median serum creatinine levels higher than slow progressors (1.1 vs. 0.9 mg/dL, p < 0.05) and lower median eGFR (66.2 vs. 69.0 mL/min/1.73m2, p < 0.05). Elevated creatinine (≥1.2 mg/dL) was independently associated with fast progressor status (adjusted OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.18–4.77), worse 90-day mRS (adjusted OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.01–3.51) and mortality (adjusted OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.14–5.79). Reduced eGFR (<60 mL/min/1.73m2) was independently associated with fast progressor status (adjusted OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.14–4.94), but not with 90-day mRS or mortality.ConclusionSerum creatinine-based biomarkers of renal dysfunction were associated with fast progressor phenotype of ACLVO stroke, and worse clinical outcomes, which may help identify such patients earlier during emergency evaluation for expedited access to EVT. Future prospective studies are warranted to confirm and test implementation of these findings.

Endovascular therapy in patients with acute intracranial non-terminal internal carotid artery occlusion (ICA-I).

Acute intracranial occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) can be distinguished into (a) occlusion of the terminal ICA, involving the proximal segments of the middle or anterior cerebral artery (ICA-L/-T) and (b) non-terminal intracranial occlusions of the ICA with patent circle of Willis (ICA-I). While patients with ICA-L/-T occlusion were included in all randomized controlled trials on endovascular therapy (EVT) in anterior large vessel occlusion, data on EVT in ICA-I occlusion is scarce. We thus aimed to evaluate effectiveness and safety of EVT in ICA-I occlusions in comparison to ICA-L/-T occlusions. A large international multicentre cohort was searched for patients with intracranial ICA occlusion treated with EVT between 2014 and 2023. Patients were stratified by ICA occlusion pattern, differentiating ICA-I and ICA-L/-T occlusions. Baseline factors, technical (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) scale) and functional outcomes (modified Rankin scale [mRS] at 3 months) as well as rates of (symptomatic) intracranial hemorrhage ([s]ICH) were analyzed. Of 13,453 patients, 1825 (13.6%) had isolated ICA occlusion. ICA-occlusion pattern was ICA-I in 559 (4.2%) and ICA-L/-T in 1266 (9.4%) patients. Age (years: 74 vs 73), sex (female: 45.8% vs 49.0%) and pre-stroke functional independency (pre-mRS ⩽ 2: 89.9% vs 92.2%) did not differ between the groups. Stroke severity was lower in ICA-I patients (NIHSS at admission: 14 [7-19] vs 17 [13-21] points). EVT was similarly successful with respect to technical (mTICI2b/3: 76.1% (ICA-I) vs 76.6% (ICA-L/-T); aOR 1.01 [0.76-1.35]) and functional outcome (mRS ordinal shift cOR 1.01 [0.83-1.23] in adjusted analyses. Rates of ICH (18.9% vs 34.5%; aOR 0.47 [0.36-0.62] and sICH (4.7% vs 7.3%; aOR 0.58 [0.35-0.97] were lower in ICA-I patients. EVT might be performed safely and similarly successful in patients with ICA-I occlusions as in patients with ICA-L/-T occlusions.

Safe Endovascular Recanalization of Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion Using Retrograde Aspiration Angiography

ObjectsCerebral infarction, resulting from acute internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, typically manifests with a wide ischemic area and severe symptoms. Mechanical thrombectomy proves effective within 24 hours of disease onset and in less ischemic infarction core. However, in cases with well-developed collateral flow and mild symptoms, conservative treatment is initially selected. If symptoms worsen or ipsilateral hemisphere perfusion decreases, superficial temporal artery (STA) – middle cerebral artery (MCA) anastomosis is considered. Revascularization therapy may also be effective. Contralateral angiography allows for ipsilateral blood flow verification once complete revascularization is achieved, albeit with potential treatment-related complications. Here, we describe retrograde angiography using an intermediate catheter (IMC) and contralateral contrast injection to achieve safer revascularization. MethodsWe present ten acute ICA occlusion cases caused by thromboembolism, arteriosclerosis, carotid artery stent occlusion, or embolic stroke of undetermined source. Employing bilateral femoral artery puncture, one catheter was guided to the occluded ICA, while another was positioned for diagnostic purposes in the contralateral ICA or vertebral artery. The IMC was navigated through the occluded vessel, with contralateral imaging performed during aspiration. The catheter was gradually retracted to confirm the extent of occlusion and recognize recanalization. ResultsRecanalization was successfully achieved in all cases. Symptomatic ischemic complication and hyperperfuison was not seen in all cases. No cases were decreased modified Rankin scale after treatment. ConclusionAdvancements in IMC technology facilitate distal catheter guidance to the ICA, even in proximal occlusion. Combining this technique with contralateral imaging allows us to confirm the extent of occlusion and recanalization status without antegrade imaging, making recanalization therapy safer.

Differentiation of Acute Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion Etiology on Computed Tomography Angiography: Diagnostic Tree for Preparing Endovascular Treatment.

This study aimed to identify the imaging characteristics and discriminate the etiology of acute internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO) on computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy for acute ICAO. Contrast filling of the extracranial ICA in preprocedural CTA was considered apparent ICAO. Non-contrast filling of the extracranial ICA was evaluated according to the contrast-filled lumen configuration, lumen margin and location, Hounsfield units of the non-attenuating segment, and presence of calcification or an intimal flap. Digital subtraction angiography findings were the reference standard for ICAO etiology and the occlusion site. A diagnostic tree was derived using significant variables according to pseudo-occlusion, atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD), thrombotic occlusion, and dissection. A total of 114 patients showed apparent ICAO (n = 21), pseudo-occlusion (n = 51), ASVD (n = 27), thrombotic occlusion (n = 9), or dissection (n = 6). Most pseudo-occlusions (50/51, 98.0%) showed dependent locations with ill-defined contrast column margins and classic flame or beak shapes. The most common occlusion site of pseudo-occlusion was the petro-cavernous ICA (n = 32, 62.7%). Apparent ICAO mainly appeared in cases with occlusion distal to the posterior communicating artery orifice. ASVD showed beak or blunt shapes in the presence of low-density plaques or dense calcifications. Dissection revealed flame- or beak-shaped appearances with circumscribed margins. Thrombotic occlusions tended to appear blunt-shaped. The decision-tree model showed a 92.5% overall accuracy. CTA characteristics may help diagnose ICAO etiology. We provide a simple and easy decision-making model to inform endovascular thrombectomy.

Orbital infarction syndrome following mechanical thrombectomy in internal carotid artery occlusion: a case report

BackgroundOrbital ischemic syndrome is a rare entity. The clinical signs typically demonstrate acute loss of visual acuity, chemosis, proptosis, ptosis, and total ophthalmoparesis. We report a case of a man who suffered an acute internal carotid artery occlusion and developed orbital ischemic syndrome after a mechanical thrombectomy.Case presentationA 57-year-old Vietnamese (Kinh ethnicity) man was brought to the emergency room with complaints of a speech disturbance, facial palsy, and severe weakness of the left arm and leg, which had started 4 hours earlier, after waking up. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 12 (NIHSS 12) revealed the neurological score at admission. A head computed tomography scan showed no intracranial bleeding and an Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) of 8 on the right brain. Computed tomography angiography showed an occlusion of the right internal carotid artery. After that, a mechanical thrombectomy was performed, and the internal carotid artery was completely reperfused. After 10 hours, he experienced orbital pain, proptosis, ptosis, chemosis, and ophthalmoplegia of the right orbit. He also had acute loss of visual acuity, and fundoscopic examination revealed papilledema, no retinal hemorrhage, and no bruit in orbital auscultation. Intraocular pressure in the right eye was measured at 50.5 mmHg. Computed tomography angiography showed no carotid–cavernous fistula, but slight enlargement of the right medial and lateral rectus muscles. He was treated with steroids and hyperosmolar agents and recovered 7 days later, but had persistent loss of visual acuity in the right eye.ConclusionOrbital ischemic syndrome is a rare complication after mechanical thrombectomy treatment in acute ischemic stroke that can lead to loss of visual acuity.

Acute concurrent bilateral internal carotid artery occlusion: a teaching clinical image

Acute bilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion is a rare stroke syndrome presenting with acute coma, and patients usually have preserved brainstem function on initial examination. In this clinical image, we report a case of acute concurrent bilateral ICA occlusion. Acute bilateral ICA occlusion is an unusual entity with a poor outcome. It can mimic metabolic encephalopathies and posterior circulation infarcts and can be differentiated by careful evaluation of brainstem functions.

The effect of asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after mechanical thrombectomy on clinical outcome

Background and objectiveWhether asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) affects the clinical outcomes in patients with acute large vessel occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) remains unclear. This study aimed to address this uncertainty. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed patients with acute ischemic stroke and internal carotid or middle cerebral (M1 segment) artery occlusion treated with MT between April 2011 and March 2021 at a single center. All patients had a premorbid modified Rankin scale (mRS) score ≤ 2 and an anterior circulation occlusion and underwent magnetic resonance imaging at admission. Asymptomatic ICH was defined as ICH without symptomatic ICH defined by the SITS-MOST criteria. A favorable outcome was defined as an mRS score ≤ 2 at 90 days after stroke onset. ResultsOur study included 349 patients; 62% were men, the median age was 76 [67–83] years, and the median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 15 [8–21]. As determined via computed tomography, 103 (30%) patients had ICH (20 symptomatic and 83 asymptomatic). The favorable outcome rate was significantly lower for asymptomatic vs. no ICH (30% vs. 67%, p < 0.01). In a multivariate regression analysis, a high NIHSS score (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.10; p < 0.01) and low Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.65–0.92; p < 0.01) were independent risk factors for ICH. ConclusionsAsymptomatic ICH is associated with poor clinical outcome at 90 days after stroke onset.

Acute internal carotid artery occlusion following administration of Andexanet alfa for the reversal of direct factor Xa inhibitors in patients with cerebral hemorrhage

An 87-year-old woman receiving aspirin and apixaban with a history of large artery atherosclerotic stroke, and pulmonary embolism presented to the hospital for aphasia and right hemiplegia. A head CT scan showed 18-ml hematoma in the left thalamus. Low-dose Andexanet alfa was administered 84 minutes after the onset of stroke, and 10 hours and 24 minutes after the last dose of apixaban. Three hours later after admission, she had flaccid hemiplegia and became comatose. CT and CT angiography revealed occlusion of left internal carotid artery (ICA) and no evidence of hematoma expansion. Although repetitive mechanical thrombectomy resulted in recanalization (modified TICI 2b), carotid ultrasound revealed the occlusion of left ICA on next day. On day 7, she died of brain herniation following extensive cerebral infarction. It has been reported that some patients did experience thrombotic events after administration of Andexanet alfa. Our case illustrates that even large vessel occlusion might occur after intravenous injection of Andexanet alfa. Thus, careful follow-up, including cerebrovascular imaging, is required immediately after administration of Andexanet alfa.

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Cardiogenic Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion with Cross-Flow through the Communicating Artery.

To report mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion with cross-flow through the communicating artery ("with" group), and to compare it with ICA or middle cerebral artery occlusion without cross-flow ("without" group). This study included 10 and 57 cases of the "with" and "without" groups, respectively. Cases analyzed by rapid processing of perfusion and diffusion (RAPID) since October 2020 were included. Puncture-to-reperfusion time was 78.5 and 39 min (p=0.0155), the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at discharge was 10.5 and 4 (p=0.0166), decline from pre to post Diffusion-Weighted Image-Alberta Stroke Program Early computed tomography (CT) Score was 0.5 and 0 (p=0.0495), and the modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days was 4 and 2 (p=0.0195) in the "with" and "without" groups, respectively. Furthermore, Tmax values of > 6 s (50 cc vs. 164 cc; p=0.0277) and Tmax > 4 s/Tmax > 6 s ratio (3.23 vs. 1.55) (p=0.0074) were significantly different between the "with" and "without" groups. The "with" group may have been affected by the longer treatment time and being at high risk of distal migration of thrombus due to poor prognosis. Although the region with a Tmax of > 6 s tends to be small in patients of the "with" group, it indicates a low-perfusion state that can lead to cerebral infarction, and MT should be performed.

Single vs. Multiphase Computed Tomography angiography in acute internal carotid artery occlusion: An accuracy and interobserver agreement study

ObjectiveAccurate differentiation between the intracranial and extracranial location of the acute internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion is essential for guiding treatment decisions and mechanical thrombectomy planning. Multiphase Computed Tomography angiography (mCTA) appears to be superior to Single-phase Computed Tomography angiography (sCTA) in the evaluation of acute ICA occlusions. The main objective of our research is to study the accuracy of mCTA compared to sCTA in distinguishing isolated acute intracranial ICA occlusion from extracranial or tandem occlusion. MethodsTwo observers independently analyzed sCTA and mCTA of patients with acute ICA occlusion at two different time points. The location of the occlusion was categorized as intracranial or extracranial for both imaging techniques and then compared with digital subtraction angiography (gold standard). Sensitivity and specificity rates for isolated intracranial ICA occlusion on sCTA and mCTA were calculated. Kappa statistics were used to assess interobserver agreement. ResultsThe sensitivity of sCTA and mCTA was 48.28% (28.36%–68.19%) and 79.31% (62.84%–95.78%) respectively for the diagnosis of isolated intracranial ICA occlusion, with an almost perfect interobserver agreement between both observers (p < 0.001). ConclusionsOur research suggests that mCTA is more accurate than sCTA in distinguishing isolated intracranial occlusions from extracranial or tandem occlusions.

A feasibility and safety study of afamelanotide in acute stroke patients – an open label, proof of concept, phase iia clinical trial

BackgroundNeuroprotective agents have the potential to improve the outcomes of revascularisation therapies in acute ischemic stroke patients (AIS) and in those unable to receive revascularisation. Afamelanotide, a synthetic α-melanocyte stimulating hormone analogue, is a potential novel neuroprotective agent. We set out to assess the feasibility and safety of afamelanotide for the first time in AIS patients.MethodsAIS patients within 24 h of onset, with perfusion abnormality on imaging (Tmax) and otherwise ineligible for revascularisation therapies were enrolled. Afamelanotide 16 mg implants were administered subcutaneously on Day 0 (D0, day of recruitment), D1 and repeated on D7 and D8, if not well recovered. Treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and neurological assessments were recorded regularly up to D42. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with FLAIR sequences were also performed on D3 and D9.ResultsSix patients (5 women, median age 81, median NIHSS 6) were recruited. Two patients received 4 doses and four patients received 2. One patient (who received 2 doses), suffered a fatal recurrent stroke on D9 due to a known complete acute internal carotid artery occlusion, assessed as unrelated to the study drug. There were no other local or major systemic TEAEs recorded. In all surviving patients, the median NIHSS improved from 6 to 2 on D7. The median Tmax volume on D0 was 23 mL which was reduced to a FLAIR volume of 10 mL on D3 and 4 mL on D9.ConclusionsAfamelanotide was well tolerated and safe in our small sample of AIS patients. It also appears to be associated with good recovery and radiological improvement of salvageable tissue which needs to be tested in randomized studies.ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT04962503, First posted 15/07/2021.

Accuracy of Computed Tomography Angiography for Diagnosing Extracranial Mural Lesions in Patients with Acute Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion: Correlation with Digital Subtraction Angiography.

Extracranial carotid mural lesions (CML), caused by atherosclerosis or dissection, are frequently observed in acute internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, often requiring angioplasty or stenting. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography angiography (CTA) in differentiating extracranial CML from thromboembolic etiology in acute ICA occlusion in patients eligible for endovascular treatment. Two neuroradiologists retrospectively studied patients with apparent extracranial ICA occlusion on CTA. Patients were divided into two groups: thromboembolism and CML, based on findings from CTA and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). CTA sensitivity and specificity were calculated using DSA as the gold standard. Occlusive patterns and cervical segment widening were evaluated for atherosclerosis, dissection, and thromboembolism etiologies. CTA had a sensitivity of 84.91% (74.32-95.49%) and a specificity of 95.12% (87.31-100%) in detecting extracranial CML. Atherosclerosis was the most common cause, distinguishable with high accuracy using CTA (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in occlusive patterns between dissection and thromboembolism (p = 0.568). Cervical segment widening was only observed in dissection cases due to mural hematoma. Conclusions: CTA accurately differentiates extracranial CML from thromboembolic etiology in acute ICA occlusion. The pattern of the occlusion and the artery widening help to establish the location and the etiology of the occlusion.

The relationship between occlusion patterns and outcomes after thrombectomy in patients with acute internal carotid artery occlusion

Background and purposesIschemic stroke caused by acute internal carotid artery occlusions (AICO) is usually associated with high disability and mortality. We aimed to investigate whether occlusion patterns significantly influence clinical outcome in patients receiving endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Patients and methodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of databases from two comprehensive stroke centers and consecutively investigated patients who had underwent EVT. AICO was defined as acute internal carotid artery occlusions (cervical segment to terminal segment). The clinical characteristics, intervention parameters, and prognosis data were collected. Leptomeningeal collaterals (LMC) were assessed with the American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology/Society of Interventional Radiology scale (ASITN/SIRs), graded on a 5-point scale. The occlusion patterns based on Willisian collaterals were categorized into I-type, L-type, and T-type by contralateral carotid artery injections at digital subtraction angiography. Multivariate regression models were applied to evaluate the relationship between occlusion patterns and the prognosis of patients at 90 days after stroke. ResultsA total of 213 patients were included in the study. Of those,142 (66.7%) achieved successful reperfusion and 64 (30.0%) achieved favorable outcomes at 90 days. Overall, 26 (12.2%), 117 (54.9%), and 70 (32.9%) cases respectively suffered from I-type, L-type, and T-type occlusion. In addition, patients with I-type occlusions had a higher percentage of complete LMC compared with L-type or T-type occlusions (88.5% versus 30.8% versus 27.1%, P< 0.0167). In multivariable logistic regression, we found T-type occlusion was no longer an independent predictor of poor functional outcomes in AICO after adjusting LMC (T versus I, OR, 2.555, 95%CI: 0.717–9.103, P = 0.148; L versus I, OR, 0.815, 95%CI: 0.258–2.574, P = 0.727). ConclusionsFor ACIO, occlusion patterns are still a topic that needs attention. Furthermore, compensatory LMC may affect the association between occlusion patterns and functional prognosis in AICO. Occlusion patterns and LMC status distinguish the nature and impact of AICO on expected EVT and subsequent clinical outcomes.

Parallel stent retriever mechanical thrombectomy of an acute internal carotid artery occlusion refractory to standard techniques: A case report

Although mechanical thrombectomy for acute large vessel occlusion is generally effective, some occlusions are refractory. We report a patient in whom the parallel stent retriever technique using two Trevo stent retrievers (Stryker Neurovascular, Fremont, California, USA) was required to treat an intracranial and epidural internal carotid artery occlusion after other techniques had failed. A 68-year-old woman presented with an acute left internal carotid artery occlusion 4 days after mechanical thrombectomy of a left middle cerebral artery occlusion. She was not a candidate for intravenous thrombolysis because of a recent cerebral infarction. Attempts at mechanical thrombectomy using a stent retriever, contact aspiration, or combined contact aspiration and stent retriever were unsuccessful. The parallel stent retriever technique using two 6 × 25-mm Trevo stent retrievers enabled coverage of the entire thrombus, and successful reperfusion was achieved (extended Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade 2b). After the procedure, the patient was able to walk without assistance. Her modified Rankin Scale score was 2 at 90 days follow-up. Microscopic examination of the retrieved thrombi demonstrated red blood cells, fibrin, and partial endothelialization. The parallel Trevo stent retriever technique has the potential as rescue therapy for refractory large-vessel occlusion. However, complications arising from this technique remain uncertain. Further studies are needed to determine the effect of this technique in terms of recanalization and clinical safety.

Factors associated with favorable outcome of patients with acute internal carotid artery occlusion and patent middle cerebral artery treated by endovascular therapy

Factors associated with favorable outcome of patients with acute internal carotid artery occlusion and patent middle cerebral artery treated by endovascular therapy

Early Stent Patency After Endovascular Therapy for Tandem or Isolated Carotid Steno-Occlusive Disease

Early Stent Patency After Endovascular Therapy for Tandem or Isolated Carotid Steno-Occlusive Disease

Acute intracranial internal carotid artery occlusion: Extension and location of the thrombus as an influencing factor in Computed Tomography angiography findings

PurposeAcute intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion can mimic an extracranial affectation on Computed Tomography angiography (CTA). This fact could be explained by the extension of the thrombus in the ICA concerning its arterial branches. This study aims to determine how this factor may influence imaging findings. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted from a single-center database of patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy due to ICA occlusion between October 2017 and March 2022 (n = 77). Patients with acute intracranial ICA occlusion were included (n = 29) and divided into two groups, according to ICA opacification on CTA: the discernible extracranial ICA or group D, and the pseudo-occlusion or group P. Patency of posterior communicating, anterior choroidal, and ophthalmic arteries on digital subtraction angiography were collected to determine thrombus extension. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for CTA. ResultsSignificant differences were found in DSA between group P (n = 17) and group D (n = 12) in the frequency of patency of major artery branches: the presence of posterior communicating (PCOM) and anterior choroidal arteries (AChA) was observed in 2 patients in group P vs. 10 in group D (p < 0.001); whereas the patency of the ophthalmic artery (OA) was visualized in 10 patients in group P vs. 12 in group D, p = 0.023). For the diagnosis of isolated intracranial ICA occlusion, CTA had a sensitivity of 43.5% and a specificity of 97.2%. ConclusionsThe location and extent of the thrombus in the intracranial ICA concerning major artery branches may influence CTA findings.

Impact of Patency of the Carotid Terminus and Middle Cerebral Artery on Early Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Acute Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion and Mild Symptoms

Introduction: Both collateral flow via the internal carotid artery (ICA) terminus (ICT) and initial mild symptoms might be associated with favorable outcomes in patients with acute ICA occlusion (ICAO). This study aimed to address the association between early clinical outcomes and patency of the ICT and middle cerebral artery (MCA) in patients with acute ICAO with mild symptoms. Methods: Of 1,214 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack due to large vessel occlusion, patients with ipsilateral ICAO and initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤5 were retrospectively enrolled. We examined the associations between clinical factors including patency of the ICT and MCA and recurrence of stroke or early neurological deterioration (REND). Significant early neurological deterioration was defined as increment in NIHSS score ≥1 during hospital stay. Results: Thirteen of the 35 patients who were finally enrolled had REND (37%), and median modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at discharge was 1 (interquartile range, 0–4). Initial NIHSS score (4 vs. 1, p < 0.001) and rates of diabetes mellitus (61.5% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.007), intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) (30.9% vs. 0%, p = 0.014), and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) (23.1% vs. 0%, p = 0.044) were significantly higher in patients with REND rather than in those without. The rate of patent ICT and MCA was comparable between groups. Except for 1 patient who underwent MT promptly after IVT immediately after REND, 3 patients initially treated with IVT deteriorated after the procedure. One patient without patent ICT and MCA did not meet the indications for MT. In 2 other patients with patent ICT and MCA, MT was not initially performed, but was eventually performed because of REND due to thrombus migration, and both were discharged with an mRS score of 5. Conclusion: The overall clinical outcomes of patients with acute ICAO with mild symptoms were not depending on the patency of the ICT and MCA, but initial treatment with IVT alone might risk unfavorable outcomes due to thrombus migration in patients with patent ICT and MCA.

Stent Retriever or Aspiration Catheter Alone vs Their Combination as the First-Line Thrombectomy in Acute Stroke.

The single-device simplicity for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is now challenged by the complementary efficacy of dual-device first-line with a stent retriever and an aspiration catheter. To compare the outcomes after MT initiated with a single device vs dual devices in acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Patients who underwent MT for acute internal carotid artery (ICA) or M1 occlusion between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. We divided patients into 2 groups: single-device first-line, defined as patients who underwent first-device pass with either a stent retriever or aspiration catheter, and dual-device first-line, defined as first-device pass with both devices. One hundred forty-one patients were in the single-device group, and 119 were in the dual-device group. In the dual-device group, coiling or kinking of the extracranial ICA was more frequent ( P = .07) and the guide catheters were less frequently navigated to the ICA ( P < .001). 37% of the single-device group was converted to dual-device use. The proportions of mTICI ≥ 2c after the first pass were similar (33% vs 32%. adjusted odds ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.51-1.62). An mRS score of 0 to 2 at 3 months was achieved similarly (53% vs 48%, P = .46). The total cost for thrombectomy devices was lower in the single-device group ( P < .001). The proportions of first-pass mTICI ≥ 2c were not different between the 2 groups with similar functional outcomes, although the dual-device group more likely to have unfavorable vascular conditions.

Assessment of Primary Collateral Grades Based on the Integrity of Willis' Circle: Predicting the Prognosis of Acute Intracranial Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion Before Thrombectomy

Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EVMT) has shown significant efficacy in improving neurological functions in patients with intracranial internal carotid artery occlusion (IICAO), but its clinical outcomes are variable. We examined the relationship between favorable clinical outcomes after EVMT in IICAO and a set of predictors. In this retrospective study, 189 patients with IICAO treated by EVMT at 3 centers from November 2015 to December 2020 were included and analyzed. Non-contrast computed tomography and computed tomography angiography were evaluated on admission. The morphology of IICAO was categorized into Ia, Ib, L, or T types, depending on the involvement of the posterior communicating artery origin, proximal anterior cerebral artery, and middle cerebral artery. The Willis' circle was categorized as integrated or compromised Willis' circle. In combination with the involvement of the IICAO and the integrity of Willis' circle, we used the primary collateral grade (PCG) to describe the presence of functional Willisian collaterals. Baseline data including demographics, characteristics, vascular risk factors, and initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores were collected. Hemorrhagic transformation was evaluated using the 24-hour non-contrast computed tomography after EVMT. Favorable outcomes based on modified Rankin scale, were defined as 0-2 at 90days. A total of 189 patients were included (median age, 69years; 126 male [66.7%]). 104 patients [55.0%] showed reperfusion after EVMT, but 72 patients [38.1%] achieved favorable outcomes at 90days. The mortality rate of type Ib was significantly higher than that with type Ia (χ2=14.21, P= 0.001). The outcome with different structure of Willis' circle was not statistically different between the 2 groups. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that IICAO T-type (odds ratio, 0.028 [95% confidence interval: 0.323-3.829], P= 0.042) and PCG 2 (odds ratio 9.427[95% confidence interval:1.863-47.698], P= 0.007) were predictors of favorable outcomes. Evaluation of PCG by determining the type of IICAO and the integrity of Willis' circle may serve as a valuable indicator for the prognosis and as an essential reference for screening patients before EVMT.