Basilar Artery Occlusion Patients Research Articles

European Stroke Organisation (ESO) and European Society for Minimally Invasive Neurological Therapy (ESMINT) Guideline on Acute Management of Basilar Artery Occlusion.

The aim of the present European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations on the acute management of patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO). These guidelines were prepared following the Standard Operational Procedure of the ESO and according to the GRADE methodology.Although BAO accounts for only 1-2% of all strokes, it has very poor natural outcome. We identified 10 relevant clinical situations and formulated the corresponding Population Intervention Comparator Outcomes (PICO) questions, based on which a systematic literature search and review was performed. The working group consisted of 10 voting members (five representing ESO and five ESMINT) and three non-voting junior members. The certainty of evidence was generally very low. In many PICOs, available data were scarce or lacking, hence, we provided expert consensus statements.First, we compared intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) to no IVT, but specific BAO-related data do not exist. Yet, historically, IVT was standard of care for BAO patients who were also included (albeit in small numbers) in IVT trials. Non-randomised studies of IVT-only cohorts showed high proportion of favourable outcomes. Expert Consensus suggests using IVT up to 24 hours unless otherwise contraindicated. We further suggest IVT plus endovascular treatment (EVT) over direct EVT. EVT on top of best medical treatment (BMT) was compared to BMT alone within 6 and 6-24 hours from last seen well. In both time windows, we observed a different effect of treatment depending on a) the region where the patients were treated (Europe vs. Asia), b) on the proportion of IVT in the BMT arm, and c) on the initial stroke severity. In case of high proportion of IVT in the BMT group and in patients with NIHSS below 10, EVT plus BMT was not found better than BMT alone. Based on very low certainty of evidence, we suggest EVT+BMT over BMT alone (this is based on results of patients with at least 10 NIHSS points and a low proportion of IVT in BMT). For patients with an NIHSS below 10, we found no evidence to recommend EVT over BMT. In fact, BMT was non-significantly better and safer than EVT. Furthermore, we found a stronger treatment effect of EVT+BMT over BMT alone in proximal and middle locations of BAO compared to distal location. While recommendations for patients without extensive early ischaemic changes in the posterior fossa can, in general, follow those of other PICOs, we formulated an Expert Consensus Statement suggesting against reperfusion therapy in those with extensive bilateral and/or brainstem ischaemic changes. Another Expert Consensus suggests reperfusion therapy regardless of collateral scores. Based on limited evidence, we suggest direct aspiration over stent retriever as the first-line strategy of mechanical thrombectomy. As an Expert Consensus, we suggest rescue percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and/or stenting after a failed EVT procedure. Finally, based on very low certainty of evidence, we suggest add-on antithrombotic treatment during EVT or within 24 hours after EVT in patients with no concomitant IVT and in whom EVT was complicated (defined as failed or imminent re-occlusion, or need for additional stenting or angioplasty).

Influencing factors of futile recanalization after endovascular intervention in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion.

To explore the influence factors for futile recanalization following endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). Clinical data of patients with acute BAO, who underwent endovascular treatment within 24 h of onset from January 2017 to November 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. The futile recanalization was defined as modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) grade ≥2b or 3 after successful reperfusion, but the modified Rankin Scale score >2 at 3 months after EVT. Binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of futile recanalization. A total of 471 patients with a median age of 68 (57, 74) years were included and 68.9% were males, among whom 298 (63.27%) experienced futile recanalization. Multivariate analysis revealed that concomitant atrial fibrillation (OR=0.456, 95%CI: 0.282-0.737, P<0.01), bridging thrombolysis (OR=0.640, 95%CI: 0.416-0.985, P<0.05), achieving mTICI grade 3 (OR=0.554, 95%CI: 0.334-0.918, P<0.05), arterial occlusive lesion (AOL) grade 3 (OR=0.521, 95%CI: 0.326-0.834, P<0.01), and early postoperative statin therapy (OR=0.509, 95%CI: 0.273-0.948, P<0.05) were protective factors for futile recanalization after EVT in acute BAO patients. High baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR=1.068, 95%CI: 1.049-1.087, P<0.01), coexisting hypertension (OR=1.571, 95%CI: 1.017-2.427, P<0.05), multiple retrieval attempts (OR=1.237, 95%CI: 1.029-1.488, P<0.05) and postoperative hemorrhagic transformation (OR=8.497, 95%CI: 2.879-25.076, P<0.01) were risk factors. For trial of ORG 10172 in acute stroke treatment (TOAST) classification, cardiogenic embolism (OR=0.321, 95%CI: 0.193-0.534, P<0.01) and other types (OR=0.499, 95%CI: 0.260-0.961, P<0.05) were related to lower incidence of futile recanalization. The incidence of futile recanalization after EVT in patients with acute BAO is high. Bridging venous thrombolysis before operation and an early postoperative statin therapy may reduce the incidence of futile recanalization.

Impact of prodromal symptoms on the prognosis of patients with basilar artery occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy.

Even with reperfusion therapies, the prognosis of patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) related stroke remains poor. We aimed to test the hypothesis that the presence of prodromal symptoms, an easily available anamnestic data, is a key determinant of poor functional outcome. Data from patients with BAO treated in Lille, France, with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) between 2015 and 2021 were prospectively collected. The presence of prodromal symptoms was defined by previous transient neurological deficit or gradual progressive clinical worsening preceding a secondary sudden clinical worsening. We compared the characteristics of patients with and without prodromal symptoms. We built multivariate logistic regression models to study the association between the presence of prodromal symptoms and functional (mRS 0-3 and mortality), and procedural (successful recanalization and early reocclusion) outcomes. Among the 180 patients, 63 (35%) had prodromal symptoms, most frequently a vertigo. Large artery atherosclerosis was the predominant cause of stroke (41.3%). The presence of prodromal symptoms was an independent predictor of worse 90-day functional outcome (mRS 0-3: 25.4% vs 47.0%, odds ratio (OR) 0.39; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.16-0.86) and 90-day mortality (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.02-4.65). Despite similar successful recanalization rate, the proportion of early basilar artery reocclusion was higher in patients with prodromal symptoms (23.8% vs 5.6%, p = 0.002). More than one third of BAO patients treated with MT had prodromal symptoms, especially patients with large-artery atherosclerosis. Clinicians should systematically screen for prodromal symptoms given the poor related functional outcome and increased risk of early basilar artery reocclusion.

Benefits of First Pass Recanalization in Basilar Strokes Based on Initial Clinical Severity.

Randomized trials demonstrating the benefits of thrombectomy for basilar artery occlusions have enrolled an insufficient number of patients with a National Institutes for Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score < 10 and shown discrepant results for patients with an NIHSS > 20. Achieving afirst pass recanalization (FPR) improves clinical outcomes in stroke. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the FPR on outcomes among basilar artery occlusion patients, characterized by prethrombectomy initial NIHSS score. We retrospectively analyzed the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) registry of 279 basilar artery occlusion patients treated with thrombectomy from 6 participating centers. We compared the 90-day clinical outcomes of achieving aFPR versus no FPR, categorized by initial clinical severity: mild (NIHSS < 10), moderate (NIHSS 10-20) and severe (NIHSS > 20). We used Poisson regression with robust error variance to determine the effect of the NIHSS score on the association between FPR and outcomes. The FPR patients with NIHSS < 10 or NIHSS 10-20 were more likely to have afavorable clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale, mRS 0-3) than non-FPR patients (relative risk, RR = 1.32, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.04, 1.66, p-value = 0.0213, and RR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.53, p-value = 0.0011, respectively). Asimilar benefit was not found in patients with severe symptoms. We found asignificantly lower risk of poor clinical outcome (mRS 4-6) in FPR patients with NIHSS 10-20, but not among patients with an NIHSS > 20. Achieving aFPR in basilar artery occlusion patients with mild (NIHSS < 10) or moderate (NIHSS 10-20) symptoms is associated with better clinical outcomes, but not in patients with severe symptoms. These results support the importance of further clinical trials on the benefits of thrombectomy in severe strokes.

Abstract WMP90: Outcomes of Endovascular Treatment versus Best Medical Treatment for Acute Basilar-Artery Occlusion: Impacts of Etiology in the ATTENTION Randomized Trial

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment versus best medical treatment strategies in acute basilar artery occlusion with different stroke etiologies. Methods: The study was a post-hoc analysis of the Trial of Endovascular Treatment of Acute Basilar-artery Occlusion (ATTENTION), which was a multicenter, randomized trial at 36 centers in China from February 2021 to September 2022. Patients with acute basilar artery occlusion were classified into three groups according to stroke etiology: large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA), cardioembolism (CE), and undetermined/other determined cause (UC/ODC). The primary outcome was favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale 0-3) at 90 days. Safety outcomes included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 90-day mortality. Results: A total of 340 patients were included. Compared with best medical treatment, endovascular treatment was associated with higher rates of favorable outcome at 90 days in the LAA group (49.1% vs 23.8%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16-6.71), CE group (52.2% vs 30.8%; aOR 3.68; 95%CI 1.04-12.97), and UC/ODC group (37.5% vs 17.4%; aOR 5.73, 95%CI 1.99-16.48). The rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in patients receiving endovascular treatment with LAA, CE and UC/ODC was 8.3%, 2.2%, and 3.2%, respectively, and none of the best medical treatment patients. Endovascular treatment led to lower 90-day mortality than best medical treatment in LAA patients (33.3% vs 57.1%; aOR 0.41; 95% CI 0.19-0.91). Among patients receiving endovascular treatment, a better functional outcomes of CE etiology was found than the UC/ODC etiology (52.2% vs 37.5%; aOR 2.68; 95% CI 1.07-6.70); there was no differences in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 90-day mortality among the three etiology subtypes. Conclusion: Endovascular treatment was associated with better outcomes than the best medical treatment in acute basilar artery occlusion patients regardless of stroke etiologies, but the benefits-risk ratios were different among etiologies. The stroke etiology might be an important factor in predicting the prognosis of thrombectomy in acute basilar artery occlusion.

Effects of admission hyperglycemia and intravenous thrombolysis allocation in acute basilar artery occlusion after endovascular treatment: Analysis of the ATTENTION registry

This study was to investigate the admission hyperglycemia and modified effect of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) on clinical outcomes in acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) patients receiving endovascular treatment (EVT). We prospectively recruited acute BAO patients from 48 stroke centers across 22 Chinese provinces in the ATTENTION registry from 2017 to 2021. Hyperglycemia on admission was defined as glucose ≥7.8 ​mmol/L. We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to evaluate the correlation of hyperglycemia on admission with the primary outcome defined as a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of <4 ​at 90 days, and the secondary outcomes defined as successful recanalization, mRS 0–1 and 0–2 ​at 90 days. Safety outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and mortality within 90 days. There were 1195 patients with acute BAO treated with EVT of whom 519 had hyperglycemia on admission. Hyperglycemia on admission was inversely associated with favorable neurological outcomes (mRS 0–3: adjusted odd ratio [aOR] 0.69, 95 ​% confidence intervals [CI] 0.54–0.89, P ​= ​0.004; mRS 0–1: aOR 0.67, 95 ​% CI 0.50–0.90, P ​= ​0.008; mRS 0–2: aOR 0.73, 95 ​% CI 0.56–0.95; P ​= ​0.02). Hyperglycemia on admission was not correlated to sICH nor successful recanalization. In the subgroup of BAO patients treated with direct EVT, those with hyperglycemia on admission had a higher mortality rate, and overall worse clinical outcomes at 90 days than patients without hyperglycemia. A significant interaction was observed between IVT and hyperglycemia on admission (Pinteraction ​= ​0.017). In patients with acute BAO treated with EVT, hyperglycemia on admission was associated with worse functional outcomes at 90 days but was not correlated with sICH nor successful recanalization. The effect of admission hyperglycemia appears to be modified by IVT allocation. Unique identifier: ChiCTR2000041117.

Predictors of futile recanalization in basilar artery occlusion patients undergoing endovascular treatment: a post hoc analysis of the ATTENTION trial.

Few studies have focused on factors associated with futile recanalization in patients with an acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) that was treated with modern endovascular therapy (EVT). The aim of this study was to explore the factors associated with futile recanalization in patients with an acute BAO presented within 12 h. This is a post-hoc analysis of the ATTENTION trial (The Trial of Endovascular Treatment of Acute Basilar-Artery Occlusion, ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04751708). Demographics, clinical characteristics, acute stroke workflow interval times, and imaging characteristics were compared between the futile recanalization and favorable recanalization groups. The favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 0-3 at 90 days, successful reperfusion was defined as thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 2b and 3 on the final angiogram, and futile recanalization was defined as failure to achieve a favorable outcome despite successful reperfusion. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify the predictors of futile recanalization. In total, 185 patients were included in the final analysis: 89 (48.1%) patients had futile recanalization and 96 (51.9%) patients had favorable recanalization. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, older age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.08, p = 0.01) and diabetes mellitus (OR 3.35, 95% CI 1.40 to 8.01, p = 0.007) were independent predictors of futile recanalization. Futile recanalization occurred in nearly half of patients with acute BAO following endovascular treatment. Old age and diabetes mellitus were identified as independent predictors of futile recanalization after endovascular therapy for acute BAO.

Basilar artery occlusion: drip-and-ship versus direct-to-center for mechanical thrombectomy within the Neurovascular Network of Southwest Bavaria (NEVAS).

Recent clinical trials revealed a substantial clinical benefit for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO). While urban areas are sufficiently covered with comprehensive stroke centers and MT expertise, rural areas lack such resources. Structured telemedical stroke networks offer rural hospitals instant consultation by stroke experts, enabling swift administration of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) on-site and transportation for MT. For BAO patients, data on performance and clinical outcomes in telemedical stroke networks are lacking. We retrospectively analyzed data from patients with acute BAO eligible for MT: those treated directly in our comprehensive stroke center (direct-to-center/DC) and those treated in rural hospitals that were telemedically consulted by the Neurovascular Network of Southwest Bavaria (NEVAS) and transferred to our center for MT (drip-and-ship, DS). Key time intervals, stroke management performance and functional outcome after 90days were compared. Baseline characteristics, including premorbid status and stroke severity, were comparable. Time from symptom onset to IVT was identical in both groups (118min). There was a delay of 180min until recanalization in DS patients, mainly due to patient transport for MT. Procedural treatment time intervals, success of recanalization and complications were comparable. Clinical outcome at 3 months follow-up of DS patients was not inferior to DC patients. We show for the first time that patients with BAO in rural areas benefit from a structured telemedicine network such as NEVAS, regarding both on-site processing and drip-and-ship for MT. Clinical outcomes are comparable among DS and DC patients.

Dynamic and visual nomograms to online predict unfavorable outcome of mechanical thrombectomy for acute basilar artery occlusion.

The evidence of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in basilar artery occlusion (BAO) was limited. This study aimed to develop dynamic and visual nomogram models to predict the unfavorable outcome of MT in BAO online. BAO patients treated with MT were screened. Preoperative and postoperative nomogram models were developed based on clinical parameters and imaging features. An independent dataset was collected to perform external validation. Web-based calculators were constructed to provide convenient access. A total of 127 patients were included in the study, and 117 of them were eventually included in the analysis. The nomogram models showed robust discrimination, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of 0.841 (preoperative) and 0.916 (postoperative). The calibration curves showed good agreement. The preoperative predictors of an unfavorable outcome were previous stroke, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission, and the posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (pc-ASPECTS). The postoperative predictors were previous stroke, NIHSS at 24h, and pc-ASPECTS. Dynamic and visual nomograms were constructed and validated for the first time for BAO patients treated with MT, which provided precise predictions for the risk of an unfavorable outcome. The preoperative model may assist clinicians in selecting eligible patients, and the postoperative model may facilitate individualized poststroke management.

Posterior circulation cerebral infarction: A review of clinical, imaging features, management, and outcomes

ObjectiveThis narrative review discusses posterior circulation cerebral infarcts (PCCI) and provides an update given recent randomized trials in the management of basilar artery occlusion (BAO). We examine clinical characteristics, imaging protocols, management updates, and outcomes of PCCI. MethodsThe following databases were searched: MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science for articles on PCCI. We included randomized trials and observational studies in humans. We also reviewed relevant references from the literature identified. ResultsPCCI and BAO is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early assessment and accurate diagnosis of PCCI remains a clinical challenge. Neuroimaging advances have improved early detection, but barriers remain due to costs and availability. Recent randomized trials provide new insights for BAO patients and support the efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy. DiscussionPCCI requires specific diagnostic and management that is distinct from anterior circulation stroke. While further studies are needed in varied populations and in the subset of BAO patients presenting with milder deficits, growing randomized data support the treatment of BAO patients with endovascular thrombectomy.

Effect of endovascular treatment on patients with basilar artery occlusion presenting with different pathologic mechanisms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to summarize the clinical outcomes of endovascular treatment in patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) with different pathologic mechanisms. Two independent reviewers searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library database up to December 2022, patients with different BAO pathological mechanisms (BAO with in situ atherosclerosis vs. embolism alone without vertebral artery steno-occlusion vs. embolism from tandem vertebral artery steno-occlusion) were collected and analyzed. We calculated the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the associations between clinical outcomes and BAO pathological mechanisms. A total of 1163 participants from 12 studies were identified. Compared with embolism alone, patients with in situ atherosclerotic BAO had a lower favorable outcome rate (modified Rankin score [mRS] 0-2: 34.5% vs. 41.2%; OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70-0.98; P = 0.03) and moderate outcome rate (mRS 0-3: 45.8% vs. 55.4%; OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.47-0.90; P = 0.01) at 3 months and a higher risk of mortality (29.9% vs. 27.2%; OR 1.31, 95% CI 0.96-1.79, P = 0.09; adjusted OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.08-1.96). Tandem BAO had a comparable mortality risk to that of in situ atherosclerotic BAO (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.84-2.22; P = 0.48) or embolism alone (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.65-3.21; P = 0.43), and there were no significant differences in favorable or moderate outcomes between tandem BAO and each of the other two BAO mechanisms. Among BAO patients with endovascular treatment, embolism mechanism had better clinical outcomes than in situ atherosclerosis, and atherosclerotic mechanism was associated with a higher mortality at 3 months. RCTs are needed to further confirm clinical outcomes of BAO by different mechanisms.

Misdiagnosis of acute basilar artery occlusion (BAOs) in the emergency department in vietnam: A single-center, retrospective, cross-sectional study

BackgroundIschemic stroke caused by basilar artery occlusions (BAOs) poses a risk for misdiagnosis, leading to an increase the rates of mortality and disability, particularly in low-, and middle-income countries. Methods: A retrospective and cross-sectional study evaluated 21 patients with an initial misdiagnosis of BAO among 110 BAO patients from 7 district hospitals who were subsequently admitted to the stroke center at the 103 Military Hospital from June 2021 to September 2022 in Ha Noi city, Vietnam. Patient data collected were age, sex, medical history, initial diagnosis, neuroradiologic findings, and treatment outcome at 1 month after hospital discharge. Results: The rate for misdiagnosis for BAOs in the initial emergency department (ED) was 19.1%. The average patient age was 68.9 (63–81) years. The most common symptom at the disease onset was dizziness, followed by altered consciousness, seizures, quadriplegia, hemiplegia, functional swallowing disorder, and breathing disorders. Vestibular disorder was the most common misdiagnosis of BAOs, followed by epilepsy, hypoglycemia, and delirium tremens, impaired consciousness with unknown cause, polyneuritis, and aspiration pneumonia. Cerebral infarction was not detected in all brain computed tomography images, but was detected in brain magnetic resonance images. The average score of the Modified Rankin Scale was 5.4 ± 0.5, and 47.6% of the patients who died after 1 month from the hospital discharge. Conclusion: Misdiagnosis of BAOs at the initial ED visit resulted in serious consequences. We highly recommend the use of brain magnetic resonance imaging as the preferred imaging method for patients with suspected BAOs who present to the ED.All authors certify that they have participated sufficiently in the work to take public responsibility for the content, including participation in the concept, design, analysis, writing, or revision of the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final submitted revised manuscript.

The predictors of prognosis in endovascular treatment of basilar artery occlusion

Background &amp; Objective: Data about outcomes of endovascular treatment (EVT) in basilar artery occlusion (BAO) are limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate the predictors of functional outcome and to investigate the benefit of bridging intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and the impact of first-pass effect (FPE) on prognosis. Methods: A total of 57 consecutive BAO patients who received EVT at our tertiary stroke center between January 2018 and March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome was to evaluate excellent prognosis (mRS 0-1) and mortality (mRS 6) at day 90. The secondary outcome was to define the benefit of bridging IVT and the impact of FPE on prognosis. The safety outcome was symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission and at 24 hours, collateral scores, successful recanalization, asymptomatic ICH, embolization, malignant infarction and decompression were also evaluated. Results: The mean age of the patients was 64.1 ± 14.5 years. Male-to-female ratio was 1.7. Hypertension (HT) was the most common risk factor. Bridging IVT was performed in nine patients (15.8%). The FPE rate was 56.1%. NIHSS scores at admission and at 24 hours were found to be statistically significant predictors of prognosis (P=0.023 and P&lt;0.001, respectively). Bridging IVT, FPE, successful recanalization and collateral status did not significantly predict outcome. Conclusion: Lower NIHSS scores at admission and at 24 hours were significantly associated with excellent prognosis. NIHSS scores at admission and at 24 hours were significantly higher in mortality group. sICH did not predict mortality.

Effect of routine inflammatory markers on clinical outcomes in acute basilar artery occlusion after endovascular thrombectomy: Results from ATTENTION registry.

To investigate the relationship between clinical routine inflammatory markers, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets with clinical outcomes in acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) patients receiving endovascular treatment (EVT). We recruited 2134 acute BAO patients from 48 stroke centers across 22 Chinese provinces in the ATTENTION registry from 2017 to 2021. Blood samples were drawn at admission. An unfavorable functional outcome was defined using a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 4-6 at 90 days. Safety outcomes included mortality within 90 days and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage within 3 days. A total of 1044 patients were included in the final study. After adjusting for confounding factors, the upper quartiles of WBC and NLR were related to 90-day unfavorable functional outcome (mRS = 4-6) compared with those in the lowest quartile (WBC: quartile 4, odds ratio (OR) = 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.22-2.80; NLR: quartile 4, OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.34-3.06). The higher quartiles of WBC and NLR were also related to the increased risk of mortality at 90 days. Restricted cubic spline regression analysis showed an incremental trend between NLR and 90-day unfavorable functional outcome (Pnonlinearity = 0.055). In subgroup analysis, a significant interaction was found between NLR and bridging therapy for predicting unfavorable functional outcome (P = 0.006). Higher WBC and NLR on admission are significantly related to unfavorable functional outcome and mortality at 90 days in acute BAO patients receiving EVT. Significant interaction was found between increased NLR and bridging therapy on these outcome measures.

Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis Associated with Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage in Acute Basilar Artery Thrombectomy, PC-SEARCH Registry Analysis (P8-5.008)

Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis Associated with Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage in Acute Basilar Artery Thrombectomy, PC-SEARCH Registry Analysis (P8-5.008)

Trends in Thrombectomy Utilization in Stroke: Basilar Artery versus ICA/MCA (P7-5.003)

<h3>Objective:</h3> In the current analysis, we compared the annual utilization of thrombectomy for Basilar Artery Occlusion (BAO) with internal carotid and middle cerebral artery (ICA/MCA) occlusion strokes. <h3>Background:</h3> Although the BAOCHE and ATTENTION trials have only recently demonstrated the effectiveness of thrombectomy for BAO stroke, the poor prognosis of acute BAO has encouraged providers to aggressively treat BAO in the absence of randomized trial data. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> Stroke patients who presented to the emergency department between 2015 and 2019 were identified using the National Emergency Department Sample database. Patients were grouped by primary diagnosis of BAO or ICA/MCA to assess for thrombectomy likelihoods. Odds of thrombectomy were determined by multivariate logistic regression to account for hospital type, geographic location, and patient demographics. <h3>Results:</h3> Between 2015–2019 we identified a total of 1,721,207 stroke patients, of whom 12,620 patients had a BAO and 137,118 had ICA/MCA occlusions. Of the included patients 15.7% of BAO patients (95%CI 13.6%–17.9%) and 14.5% (95%CI 12.9%–16.1%) of ICA/MCA occlusions were treated with a thrombectomy. Within this time frame, thrombectomy usage increased from 1.5% (95% CI: 1.2%–1.9%) to 2.5% (95% CI: 2.1%–3.0%) for all stroke types. There was no difference in odds of thrombectomy between stroke types (OR: 0.86, 95% CI:0.70–1.06). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Despite a lack of clinical trial data supporting thrombectomy in BAO, it is used just as frequently in US patients with BAO as patients with ICA/MCA occlusion stroke. These data suggest a lack of perceived equipoise in randomizing patients with BAO to thrombectomy in the US, and may be helpful in the design of future randomized trials in this population. <b>Disclosure:</b> Karan Patel has nothing to disclose. Mr. Taneja has nothing to disclose. Mr. Diaz has nothing to disclose. Mr. Mohamed has nothing to disclose. Mr. Batchu has nothing to disclose. An immediate family member of Dr. Thon has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Horizon. An immediate family member of Dr. Thon has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Genentech. An immediate family member of Dr. Thon has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Genentech. Dr. Thon has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Focus group participant with Alexion. Dr. Siegler has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Ceribell. Dr. Siegler has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for AstraZeneca.

Real-World Outcomes of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Basilar Artery Occlusion: Results of the BArONIS Study.

To evaluate clinical outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) using population-level data from the United States. Weighted discharge data from the National Inpatient Sample were queried to identify adult patients with acute BAO during the period of 2015 to 2019 treated with EVT or medical management only. Complex samples statistical methods and propensity-score adjustment using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were performed to assess clinical endpoints. Among 3,950 BAO patients identified, 1,425 (36.1%) were treated with EVT [mean age 66.7 years, median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score 22]. On unadjusted analysis, 155 (10.9%) EVT patients achieved favorable functional outcomes (discharge disposition to home without services), while 515 (36.1%) experienced in-hospital mortality, and 20 (1.4%) developed symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Following propensity-score adjustment by IPTW accounting for age, stroke severity, and comorbidity burden, EVT was independently associated with favorable functional outcome [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07, 1.46; p=0.004], but not with in-hospital mortality or sICH. In an IPTW-adjusted sub-group analysis of patients with NIHSS scores >20, EVT was associated with both favorable functional outcome (discharge disposition to home or to acute rehabilitation) (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.24, 1.94; p < 0.001) and decreased mortality (aOR 0.78, 95% CI 0.69, 0.89; p < 0.001), but not with sICH. This retrospective population-based analysis using a large national registry provides real-world evidence of a potential benefit of EVT in acute BAO patients. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:55-60.

Development and validation of machine learning-based model for mortality prediction in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion receiving endovascular treatment: multicentric cohort analysis

BackgroundPredicting mortality in stroke patients using information available before endovascular treatment (EVT) is an essential component for supporting clinical decision-making. Although the mortality rate of acute basilar artery occlusion (ABAO)...

Patterns of Care in Patients with Basilar Artery Occlusion (BAO): A Population-Based Study

Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Endovascular therapy (EVT) has been shown to be beneficial in acute BAO patients. This retrospective observational study used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to identify BAO patients using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Multivariable models were used to evaluate the association of risk factors, comorbidities, length of stay (LOS) in hospital, total cost, disposition, and transfer status. A total of 1120 (447 females, 39.95%) patients were identified, with a higher proportion of White individuals (66.8% vs. 57.6%), atrial fibrillation (31.5% vs. 17.2%; p < 0.0001), and peripheral vascular disease (21.2% vs. 13.7%; p = 0.009). A lower proportion of individuals with diabetes mellitus (32.1% vs. 39.5%; p = 0.05) was found in the EVT group. Majority of the patients (924/1120, 82.5%) were treated at the urban teaching facility, which also performed most of the EVT procedures (164, 89.13%), followed by non-academic urban (166, 14.8%) and rural (30, 2.7%) hospitals. Most patients (19/30, 63%) admitted to rural hospitals were transferred to other facilities. Urban academic hospitals also had the highest median LOS (8.9 days), cost of hospitalization (USD 117,261), and disposition to home (32.6%). This study observed distinct patterns and geographical disparities in the acute treatment of BAO patients. There is a need for national- and state-level strategies to improve access to stroke care.

Abstract Number: LBA6 Mechanical Thrombectomy for Basilar Artery Occlusion: Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Introduction Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is known to be associated with high rates of mortality and lifelong disability. In the past few years, two clinical trials (the BEST and the BASICS trials) investigated the benefits and safety of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for BAO and did not provide evidence to support the efficacy of MT in BAO patients. Given the recent positive results from the ATTENTION and the BAOCHE clinical trials, we conducted this meta‐analysis to provide updated collective evidence regarding the benefits of MT in patients with BAO. Methods We searched for eligible papers till June 1st, 2021, in five databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases using keywords and/or medical subject (MeSH) terms. We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with no restrictions on publication date, data, or language of the included studies to avoid missing any relevant papers. All data were analyzed using R software. We computed the pooled risk ratios (RRs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), using a random‐effect model or fixed‐effect model depending on heterogeneity among the included studies. Heterogeneity was assessed with Q statistics and the I2 test considering it significant with I2 value &gt; 50% or P‐value &lt; 0.05. Results Four trials were included in this meta‐analysis, namely the BEST, the BASICS, the BAOCHE, and the ATTENTION trials. The four trials recruited a total of 988 patients. The MT group achieved a significantly higher rate of modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 0–3 was as compared to the best medical treatment (BMT) one (RR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.16‐2.04; P‐value = 0.002). Similarly, the mRS 0–2 rate was significantly higher in the MT group as compared to the BMT group (RR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.09‐2.95; P‐value = 0.022). Nevertheless, heterogeneity was noticed amongst the included studies. Moreover, there was a significant reduction in the 90‐day mortality in the MT group as compared to the BMT group (RR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.65‐0.89; P‐value = 0.002). On the other hand, there was a significantly higher rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) in the MT group compared to the BMT group (RR = 7.48; 95% CI = 2.27‐24.61; P‐value&lt; 0.001). There with no heterogeneity observed in both outcomes of mortality and sICH. Noted that there were no significant differences in overall parenchymal hemorrhage (PH) and type I PH rates, yet type II PH was more prevalent in the MT group compared to the BMT one (RR = 5.53; 95% CI = 1.47‐20.84; P‐value = 0.011). Conclusions The current evidence favors MT for basilar artery occlusions over the conservative approach in terms of achieving higher rates of good functional outcomes and decreasing mortality rates. Further large‐scale trials of different populations are needed to corroborate these results and also to ensure generalizability.