Basilar Artery Occlusion Patients Research Articles

Abstract 108: Direct Aspiration First Pass Technique versus Stent Retriever Thrombectomy in Basilar Artery Occlusion

Background: Whether direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT) is associated with better clinical and procedural outcomes compared with stent retriever thrombectomy in basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is uncertain. We compared reperfusion and clinical outcomes between ADAPT and stent retriever thrombectomy (SR) in BAO. Methods: Clinical and procedural data of consecutive endovascular-treated stroke patients with BAO diagnosed on CT angiography from the multisite international Basilar Artery Treatment and MANagement (BATMAN) collaboration were retrospectively analysed. Good outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale≤3 at 3 months; successful reperfusion as mTICI 2b-3 and complete reperfusion as TICI 3. Results: We included 107 BAO patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy [31 treated with first-line ADAPT and 76 with stent retriever or combined approach (“Solumbra technique”)]. An additional SR was used in 3/28 (11%) patients in the ADAPT group. Mean age was 67 (SD 14), median NIHSS 18 (IQR 7-29.5), 36% of patients received intravenous thrombolysis prior to mechanical thrombectomy. Median procedural time was 91min (IQR 49-132). Successful reperfusion was achieved in 87/107 (81%) of patients and good outcome was observed in 42/100 (42%) patients. Although a greater proportion of patients achieved successful reperfusion in the ADAPT group, this was not significant (ADAPT 87% vs SR 79%, p=0.4). Similarly, complete reperfusion occurred in 67% ADAPT vs 51% SR (p=0.2).14% of patients were treated beyond 6 hours in the ADAPT group vs 38% in the SR group (p=0.02). Procedural times were significantly shorter in the ADAPT group [52min (IQR 29-103.5) vs SR 99.5min (IQR 72-143); p<0.001)]. Rates of good outcome were significantly higher in patients treated with ADAPT (64% vs 40%, p=0.04). In ordinal regression analysis adjusted for age, NIHSS and time to treatment>6 hours, ADAPT remained associated with good outcome (cOR 3.4, 95%CI 1.3-8.6, p=0.01). Conclusions: ADAPT is associated with shorter procedural times and improved outcomes in comparison with stent retriever thrombectomy in BAO. Rates of successful reperfusion were similar in the two groups. Randomized controlled trials to determine the optimal endovascular technique are warranted.

Mechanical thrombectomy in basilar artery occlusion: influence of reperfusion on clinical outcome and impact of the first-line strategy (ADAPT vs stent retriever).

OBJECTIVESeveral randomized trials have been focused on patients with anterior circulation stroke, whereas few data on posterior circulation stroke are available. Thus, new mechanical thrombectomy (MT) strategies, including a direct-aspiration first-pass technique (ADAPT), remain to be evaluated in basilar artery occlusion (BAO) patients. The authors here assessed the influence of reperfusion on outcome in BAO patients and examined whether ADAPT improves the reperfusion rate compared with stent retriever devices.METHODSThree comprehensive stroke centers prospectively collected individual data from BAO patients treated with MT. Baseline characteristics as well as radiographic and clinical outcomes were compared between the 2 MT strategies. The primary outcome measure was the rate of successful reperfusion, defined as a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grade of 2b-3. Favorable outcome was defined as a 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2.RESULTSAmong the 100 adult patients included in the study, 46 were treated with first-line ADAPT (median age 61 years, IQR 53-71 years; stent-retriever rescue therapy was secondarily used in 12 [26.1%]) and 54 were treated with a primary stent retriever (median age 67 years, IQR 53-78 years). There was no difference in baseline characteristics between the 2 treatment groups, except for the rate of diabetes (19.6% vs 5.7%, respectively, p = 0.035). Successful reperfusion was achieved in 79% of the overall study sample. Overall, the rate of favorable outcome was 36.8% and 90-day all-cause mortality was 44.2%. Successful reperfusion positively impacted favorable outcome (OR 4.57, 95% CI 1.24-16.87, p = 0.023). A nonsignificant trend toward a higher successful reperfusion rate (unadjusted OR 2.56, 95% CI 0.90-7.29, p = 0.071) and a significantly higher rate of complete reperfusion (mTICI grade 3; unadjusted OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.14-5.86, p = 0.021) was found in the ADAPT group. The procedure duration was also significantly lower in the ADAPT group (median 45 minutes, IQR 34 to 62 minutes vs 56 minutes, IQR 40 to 90 minutes; p = 0.05), as was the rate of periprocedural complications (4.3% vs 25.9%, p = 0.003). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (0.0% vs 4.0%, p = 0.51) and 90-day all-cause mortality (46.7% vs 42.0%, p = 0.65) were similar in the 2 groups.CONCLUSIONSAmong BAO patients, successful reperfusion is a strong predictor of a 90-day favorable outcome, and the choice of ADAPT as the first-line strategy achieves a significantly higher rate of complete reperfusion with a shorter procedure duration.

Early Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Brain Stem Score for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion Treated with Mechanical Thrombectomy

BackgroundThe diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) brain stem score (BSS) is an easy to use and can predict the clinical outcome of acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) who underwent endovascular thrombectomy. The purpose of the current study was to validate its performance in Chinese acute BAO patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy. MethodsFifty consecutive patients with acute BAO who received early magnetic resonance imaging and treated with mechanical thrombectomy in a single-center were included. Early ischemic damage on DWI was evaluated by applying BSS system. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the performance of the score system and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictor of clinical outcome. ResultsFavorable outcomes were achieved in 38% patients (19 of 50 patients). Recanalization was successful in 92% patients (46 of 50 patients). Mortality rate was 26% (n = 13/50). In ROC curve analysis, the area under ROC curve of BSS .864 (95% confidence interval [CI], .738-.945) to predict favorable and .769 (95% CI, .628-.877) to predictor mortality. In logistic regression adjusted for age, baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and time to puncture, DWI BSS ≤2 (odds ratio [OR], 12.416; 95% CI, 2.520-61.179; P = .002) and DWI BSS >3 (OR, 7.871; 95% CI, 1.353-45.797; P = .022) were the independent predictor for favorable outcome and mortality at 3 months respectively. ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that the DWI BSS can be used to predict clinical outcome in patients with acute BAO treated with mechanical thrombectomy at 3 months.

Predictors for Mortality after Mechanical Thrombectomy of Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion

Background: Modern endovascular thrombectomy (MET), using stent retrievers or large-bore distal aspiration catheters in stroke patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO), is routinely performed to date. However, more than 35% of BAO patients treated with MET die within 90 days despite high recanalization rates. The purpose of this study is to investigate the parameters associated with 90-day mortality in patients with BAO after MET. Methods: We analyzed 117 consecutive BAO patients included in the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke prospective clinical registry of consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients treated with MET (60 patients [51.3%] treated with a stent retriever as first-line technique) between March 2010 and April 2017. Successful recanalization was defined as modified thrombolysis In cerebral infarction scores 2b-3 at the end of MET, and mortality was defined as modified Rankin Scale 6 at 90 days. Associations of baseline characteristics (patient and treatment characteristics) and intermediate outcomes (recanalization, complications) with 90-day mortality were investigated in univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Overall successful recanalization rate was 79.5, and 41.9% (95% CI 32.8–51.0%) of patients died within 90 days after MET. Patients with successful recanalization had a lower mortality rate (32.9 vs. 74.4%; p < 0.001). Failure of successful recanalization was an independent predictor of mortality (OR 5.1; 95% CI 1.34–19.33). In multivariate analysis, age ≥60 years (OR 6.37; 95% CI 1.74–23.31), admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥13 (OR 4.62; 95% CI 1.42–15.03), lower posterior circulation-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS; OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.19–2.44), use of antithrombotic medication prior to stroke onset (OR 3.38; 95% CI 1.03–11.08), absence of intravenous thrombolysis (OR 3.36; 95% CI 1.12–10.03), and angioplasty/stenting of the basilar artery (OR 4.71; 95% CI 1.34–16.54) were independent predictors for mortality after MET. Conclusions: Failure of successful recanalization was a strong predictor for mortality. In the setting of recanalization, age, admission NIHSS, pc-ASPECTS, absence of intravenous thrombolysis, and angioplasty/stenting of the basilar artery were also independent predictors for mortality after MET of BAO patients.

Abstract WP22: Collateral Score and Outcome After Endovascular Treatment for Basilar Occlusion

Introduction: Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a rare stroke subtype with high morbidity and mortality rates. Best reperfusion strategy is still somewhat controversial and is currently under investigation in multicenter randomized trials. We aim to describe outcomes of BAO patients submitted to mechanical thrombectomy in a comprehensive stroke center in Brazil and analyze which previous published computed tomography angiography (CTA) collateral score better predicts functional outcomes. Methods: Retrospective analysis of consecutive BAO patients from a prospective stroke registry. BAO was diagnosed through CTAs, which were also used to evaluate the Posterior Circulation Collateral Score (PC-CS), the Basilar Artery on Computed Tomography Angiography (BATMAN) scores and also for the presence of both posterior communicating arteries. A favorable outcome was defined as a mRS ≤3 at 90 days. After univariate analyses, multivariate logistic regression was used to identify if any collateral score independently predicts a favorable outcome. We also used ROC curves and C-statistics for score comparisons. Results: Between January/2011 and April/2017, 27 (85% male) BAO patients with median NIHSS of 26 (IQR:15-32) were identified. Twenty-five (93%) patients were treated with a stent-retriever or an aspiration device, and only 2 (7%) patients were treated with basilar artery angioplasty and stenting. Recanalization rate was 85% and only 1 (3.7%) patient had a symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation. Favorable outcomes were reached in 10 (37%) patients at 90-days and mortality rate was 37%. In univariate analysis, female sex, NIHSS, onset-to-groin time and PC-CS predict favorable outcomes. In multivariate analysis, only PC-CS (OR=1.69;95%CI:1.10-2.60;p=0.016) and the baseline NIHSS (OR=0.84;95%CI:0.77-0.93;p=0.001) remained as independent predictors of favorable outcomes. The PC-CS AUC for favorable outcome was 0.80 (95%CI:0.62-0.98;p=0.012). Conclusions: Mechanical thrombectomy seems to be a promising strategy for patients with acute BAO. Collateral flow assessment using the PC-CS is an independent predictor of favorable outcomes among acute BAO patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy.

Abstract WMP17: Time to Treatment, Collaterals and Recanalization in Basilar Artery Occlusion: Which Factors Determine Prognosis?

Background: Whether radiological factors influence the effect of time to recanalization on outcome in basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is uncertain. We evaluated the association between onset time to treatment (OTT), radiological prognostic factors (presence of collaterals and extent of the occlusion) and clinical outcome in endovascular BAO patients. Methods: Clinical and radiological data of consecutive endovascular-treated stroke patients with BAO diagnosed on CT angiography at Royal Melbourne Hospital (Australia), Royal Adelaide Hospital (Australia), University Hospital of Tor Vergata (Rome, Italy) and from the international BASICS registry were retrospectively analysed. The Basilar Artery on Computed Tomography Angiography (BATMAN) score and Posterior Circulation Collateral Score (PC-CS) were assessed by two investigators blinded to clinical outcome. Previously validated dichotomies for favorable BATMAN score (≥7) or PC-CS (≥6) were used. Good outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale≤3 within 3 months; successful reperfusion as mTICI 2b-3 (or TIMI 2-3 in BASICS). Results: We included 155 BAO patients treated with intra-arterial urokinase and/or mechanical thrombectomy (86 with mechanical thrombectomy): mean(SD) age 65(14), median NIHSS 22 (IQR 12-30), median OTT 348.5 min [(IQR 246-480), 37% treated beyond 6hours]. In logistic regression adjusted for age and NIHSS, OTT&gt;6h was associated with poor outcome (OR 3.0, 95%CI 1.4-6.6, p=0.006) but this association was only present in the subgroup with unfavourable BATMAN score (adjusted OR 4.6, 95%CI 1.7-12, p=0.002) or PC-CS (3.7, 95%CI 1.3-11, p=0.02) and not in those with favorable BATMAN score (adjusted OR 0.7, 95%CI 0.2-3.6, p=0.7) or PC-CS (2.7, 95%CI 0.6-12, p=0.2). When successful reperfusion was added to the model with age and NIHSS, OTT&gt;6h remained significantly associated with poor outcome in patients with unfavorable BATMAN score (OR 5.0, 95%CI 1.8-14, p=0.002) or PC-CS (4.5, 95%CI 1.4-14, p=0.01), but not in patients with favorable BATMAN score (OR 1.6, 95%CI 0.2-13, p=0.6) or PC-CS (3.2, 95%CI 0.6-17, p=0.2). Conclusions: BAO patients with good collaterals and less extensive occlusion may have good outcome if recanalization is achieved even in a delayed time window.

Abstract WP12: Mechanical Thrombectomy for Basilar Artery Occlusion

Background and Purpose: Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is an infrequent cause of stroke, accounting for 1.1% of acute ischemic stroke cases. The natural history of patients with BAO is devastating, with morbidity rates of up to 80%. No previous randomized controlled studies on the efficacy of recanalization therapy have been reported. Methods: In the present single-center study, consecutive BAO patients were treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) using the stent retriever and the Penumbra system. Computed tomography perfusion was used for patient evaluation. Clinical outcomes were correlated with demographic, clinical, and radiographic findings. Results: Between October 2011 and March 2017, MT was performed in 37 patients with BAO (mean age 70.1±10.9). Mean baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 23±11. Recanalization rate (≧thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b) was 100%. Mean onset to recanalization time (OTR) was 226.3±117.8minutes. Favorable outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin scale≦2) was 60.6%. Mortality rate at 90 days was 10.8%. In an univariate analysis, IV rt-PA use, and OTR were significantly associated with favorable outcomes. In a multivariate logistic regression model, IV rt-PA use and lower NIHSS score were significantly related to favorable outcomes. Conclusions: Multimodal endovascular therapy using the Penumbra system and/or stent retriever demonstrated high recanalization rates and improved outcomes in BAO. Both devices were feasible and effective in the treatment of BAO. An approach combining MT with IV thrombolysis provided better recanalization rates and improved clinical outcomes.

Effectiveness and Safety of Mechanical Thrombectomy with Stent Retrievers in Basilar Artery Occlusion: Comparison with Anterior Circulation Occlusions.

ObjectiveAcute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is associated with severe neurological dysfunction and high mortality rates. The benefits of mechanical thrombectomy in BAO have not been explored in recent clinical trials. Therefore, we analyzed outcomes of stent retriever mechanical thrombectomy for BAO, and compared with anterior circulation occlusions (ACO).MethodsIn total, 161 consecutive patients (24 BAO, 137 ACO) who underwent mechanical thrombectomy with the stent retriever between January 2013 and August 2016 enrolled in our study. All patients underwent clinical assessment with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin scale (mRS). Radiological results were used to evaluate thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) scores and successful recanalization was defined by TICI 2b or 3.ResultsMean NIHSS scores at 24 hours and 30 days were significantly higher in the BAO group than the ACO group (p=0.021, p=0.001). mRS at 90 days was significantly higher in the BAO group (4.2) compared with the ACO group (3.0) (p=0.003). The BAO group (2.0) performed fewer stent retriever passages than the ACO group (2.7) (p=0.049). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of complications, but the BAO patients experienced a higher mortality (16.6%) rate than ACO patients (5.8%) (p=0.001). In subgroup analysis of BAO, patients with short procedure times achieved successful recanalization (p=0.001) and successfully recanalized patients exhibited more favorable mRS at 90 days (p=0.027).ConclusionIn our study, mechanical thrombectomy of BAO patients showed worse clinical outcome and higher mortality rate than ACO patients. However, mechanical thrombectomy with a stent retriever in BAO is an effective treatment, because successfully recanalized patients showed good clinical outcome in BAO patients.

Basilar artery occlusion patients with revascularization therapies: Have their prognosis changed over the years?

Basilar artery occlusion patients with revascularization therapies: Have their prognosis changed over the years?

Abstract WP53: The prognostic value of Posterior Circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early Ct Score (pcaspects) on CT perfusion in patients with basilar artery occlusion

Background: CT perfusion (CTP) increases diagnostic confidence in ischaemic stroke. Despite bone-related artefacts, CTP has been shown to improve diagnostic sensitivity compared to non contrast-CT (NCCT) and Computed Tomography Angiography source images (CTA-SI) in posterior circulation strokes. The posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT score (pcASPECTS) on CTA-SI predicts clinical outcome in patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO). We assessed the prognostic value of pcASPECTS on CTP in BAO patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with BAO diagnosed on CT angiography was performed. pcASPECTS was assessed as evident hypoattenuation on CTA-SI, focally reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) or cerebral blood volume (CBV), focally increased time to peak of the residue function (Tmax) or mean transit time (MTT). Two investigators independently reviewed the images blinded to clinical outcome. Reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Good outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale≤3 at 3 months. Results: We included 43 BAO patients with whole-brain CTP images. In receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analysis, the area-under-curve (AUC) was 0.79 (95% CI 0.6-0.9) for pcASPECTS on CBF, 0.77 (95% CI 0.6-0.9) on Tmax, 0.73 (95% CI 0.6-0.9) on MTT, 0.72 (95% CI 0.6-0.9) on CBV, 0.67 (95% CI 0.5-0.8) on CTA-SI. In logistic regression adjusted for age and clinical severity, pcASPECTS&lt;8 was associated with poor outcome on Tmax (OR 14.6, 95% CI 2.3-115; p=0.007) and CBF (OR 15.1, 95% CI 1.3-121; p=0.02). Although CTP AUC did not show higher accuracy in comparison with CTA-SI AUC (p=0.2), in logistic regression, CTA-SI pcASPECTS was not significantly associated with clinical outcome (OR 6.9, 95% CI 0.7-70; p=0.1, adjusted for age, NHSS). Higher pcASPECTS on CBF (OR 0.5 95%CI 0.2-0.9, p=0.04) and Tmax (OR 0.5 95% 0.3-0.9; p=0.02) were associated with lower mortality. Interrater reliability was good for CTP maps (ICC between 0.74 and 0.86 95% CI 0.6-0.9 versus 0.66 for CTA-SI 95% CI 0.4-0.8). Conclusions: The CTP pcASPECTS may identify BAO patients at higher risk of disability and mortality.

Abstract WMP20: The Basilar Artery on Computed Tomography Angiography (batman) Prognostic Score for Basilar Artery Occlusion

Background: Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is associated with high risk of disability and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of a new radiological score: the “Basilar Artery on Computed Tomography Angiography score (BATMANs)”. Methods: A retrospective analysis of consecutive stroke patients with a diagnosis of BAO on CT angiography (CTA) was performed. BATMANs is a 10 point CTA-based grading system. We allocated 1 point for each patent segment (proximal, middle and distal) of the basilar artery, 1 point for any patent intracranial vertebral arteries (VA), 1 point for each posterior cerebral artery (PCA) and 2 points for each posterior communicating artery (PcoM) or 1 point for hypoplastic PcoM (&lt;1 mm diameter). Two investigators reviewed the CTA images blinded to clinical outcome. Reliability was assessed with intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC). Good outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale≤3 at 3 months; successful reperfusion as thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b-3. BATMANs was externally validated and compared with the Posterior Circulation Collateral score (PC-CS). Results: The derivation cohort (DC) included 83 patients with 41 in the validation cohort (VC). In receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analysis, BATMANs had an area-under-curve (AUC) of 0.81 (95%CI 0.7-0.9) in DC and an AUC of 0.74 (95%CI 0.6-0.9) in VC. BATMANs&lt;7 was the optimal threshold for poor outcome in DC (sensitivity=84%, specificity=76%). In logistic regression adjusted for age and clinical severity, BATMANs&lt;7 was associated with poor outcome in DC (OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.4 -21; p=0.01), in VC (OR 6.9, 95% CI 1.4-33; p=0.01) and among endovascular patients (OR 3.8, 95%CI 1.0-14; p=0.05). BATMANs was independently associated with functional outcome after adjustment for revascularization and time to treatment (OR 4.8, 95%CI 1-18; p=0.01); however, it was not associated with recanalization. Inter-rater agreement was excellent (ICC 0.85, 95% CI 0.76-0.89). BATMANs showed higher accuracy in comparison with PC-CS (p=0.03). Conclusions: The addition of collateral quality to clot burden in BATMANs appears to improve prognostic accuracy in BAO patients.

Neurologic Examination at 24 to 48 Hours Predicts Functional Outcomes in Basilar Artery Occlusion Stroke.

Accurate long-term outcome prognostication in basilar artery occlusion strokes may guide clinical management in the subacute stage. We determine the prognostic value of the follow-up neurological examination using the National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) and identify 24- to 48-hour NIHSS risk categories in basilar artery occlusion patients. Participants of an observational registry of radiologically confirmed acute basilar artery occlusion (BASICS [Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study]) with prospectively collected 24- to 48-hour NIHSS and 1-month modified Rankin scale scores were included. Uni- and multivariable modeling were performed to identify independent predictors of poor outcome. Predictive powers of baseline and 24- to 48-hour NIHSS for poor outcome (modified Rankin scale, 4-6) and 1-month mortality were determined by receiver operating characteristic analyses. Classification and regression tree analysis was performed to identify risk groups. Three hundred seventy-six of 619 BASICS participants were included, of whom 65.4% had poor outcome. In multivariable analyses, 24- to 48-hour NIHSS (odds ratio=1.28 [1.21-1.35]), history of minor stroke (odds ratio=2.64 [1.04-6.74], time to treatment >6 hours (odds ratio=3.07 [1.35-6.99]), and age (odds ratio=1.02 [0.99-1.04]) were retained in the final model as predictors of poor outcome. Prognostic power of 24- to 48-hour NIHSS was higher than baseline NIHSS for 1-month poor outcome (area under the curve, 0.92 versus 0.75) and mortality (area under the curve, 0.85 versus 0.72). Classification and regression tree analysis identified five 24- to 48-hour NIHSS risk categories with poor outcome rates of 9.4% (NIHSS 0-4), 36% (NIHSS 5-11), 84.3% (NIHSS 12-22), 96.1% (NIHSS 23-27), and 100% (NIHSS≥28). Twenty-four- to 48-hour NIHSS accurately predicts 1-month poor outcome and mortality and represents a clinically valuable prognostic tool for the care of basilar artery occlusion patients.

Abstract TP82: High Rate of Recanalization and Attenuated Poor Outcome After Intravenous Thrombolysis in “Top-of-the-basilar” Syndrome

Objective: The safety and efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in patients with “top-of-the-basilar” syndrome (TOBS) was not systematically investigated. We thus aim to evaluate the rate of recanalization, hemorrhagic transformation and long-term prognosis after IVT in TOBS in our consecutively collected thrombolytic patients. Methods: We retrospectively examined clinical and imaging data from consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) who underwent multimodal CT or MRI before and 24 hours after IVT at our center. The presence of Hyperdense artery sign (HAS) on noncontrast CT or Susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) on susceptibility-weighted imaging were recorded. Recanalization, hemorrhagic transformation (HT), and clinical outcome were assessed by Arterial Occlusive Lesion (AOL) scale, ECASS II definition and modified Rankin Scale (mRS), respectively. Results: Among all 43 BAO patients with pre- and post-treatment angiongraphy, 24 (55.8%) were considered as TOBS based on either CTA (n = 18) or TOF-MRA (n = 6) before IVT. Follow-up imaging revealed recanalization (AOL ≥ 2) in 19 (79.2%) and HT in 6 (25%) of TOBS patients. This recanalization rate of TOBS was much higher than other LAO (56.2% for M1, 68.0% for M2, 12.8% for internal carotid artery, 50.0% for anterior cerebral artery, 58.3% for posterior cerebral artery, and 21.1% for other type of BAO). Cardioembolic stroke were considered in 18 (75%) of TOBS. The presence of HAS or SVS in TOBS with recanalization was higher than those without (89.5% verse 40%, p=0.042). The rate of poor clinical outcome (mRS ≥ 3) was lower in patients with recanalization than those without recanalization (36.8% verse 100%, p=0.037). 3-month mortality were also lower in patients with recanalization (15.8% verse 80.0%, p=0.014). Conclusions: Most (about 80%) of TOBS patients can achieve recanalization after IVT, leading to a dramatic recovery in Chinese population. The presence of HAS or SVS of basilar artery might indicate high rate of recanalization.

Symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage after thrombolysis with adjuvant anticoagulation in basilar artery occlusion.

Our aim was to determine factors associated with symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH) in basilar artery occlusion patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and adjuvant anticoagulant therapy. A registry of 176 consecutive patients with angiography-proven basilar artery occlusion who received IVT with alteplase and heparin between 1995 to 2013 was assessed. Post-treatment sICH was evaluated with the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study II criteria. Unfavourable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 3-6 at 3months. Twenty-four patients developed sICH (13.6%, sICH+), all of whom had unfavourable outcome and only two (8.3%) sICH+ patients survived. On admission, sICH+ patients more frequently had extensive ischaemic changes defined as posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score (PC-ASPECTS) < 8 (50% vs. 27% in sICH-, P=0.031) and lower platelet counts (183 vs. 218 E9/l; P=0.011). They also had higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) (median 160 vs. 147mmHg, P=0.034) immediately after IVT. In multivariable regression analysis, lower platelet values [odds ratio (OR) 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97-0.996; P=0.006], PC-ASPECTS < 8 on admission (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.3-10.3; P=0.017) and higher SBP after treatment (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05; P=0.017) were independently associated with sICH. Ninety per cent of the sICHs occurred within 48h from IVT/anticoagulation treatment. No differences in activated partial thrompoplastin times prior to or after the treatment were observed between sICH+ and sICH- patients. The risk of sICH was largely determined by extension of ischaemic changes on admission computed tomography. Clinically relevantly, also higher post-thrombolytic SBP as described earlier and lower perithrombolytic platelet counts do increase the risk, a finding requiring confirmation in other patient series.

Posterior communicating and vertebral artery configuration and outcome in endovascular treatment of acute basilar artery occlusion

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate if vertebrobasilar anatomic variations impact reperfusion and outcome in intra-arterial therapy (IAT) for basilar artery occlusion (BAO).MethodsConsecutive BAO patients with symptom onset <24 h treated with...

Management of acute basilar artery occlusion: Should any treatment strategy prevail?

Acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is relatively infrequent form of acute ischemic stroke associated with severe and persisting neurological deficit and high mortality rate (to 86%). Early recanalization is essential for good clinical outcome but the most effective treatment approach remains unestablished. Several treatment strategies are currently available but their safety and efficacy have only been tested in retrospective/prospective case series. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are lacking. We searched the PubMed database for assessments of recanalization rate and clinical outcome in BAO patients treated with various treatment methods. The results show that antithrombotics are least effective while specific reperfusion therapies including intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and various types of intra-arterial therapy (IAT) are more so. Less than half of BAO patients reach independent outcome following IVT with a recanalization rate 52-78%. Even though IAT recanalizes BAO more frequently (in up to 100%), the higher recanalization rate is not necessarily associated with better outcome. Good clinical outcome is strongly dependent on recanalization time. Thus, the concept of bridging therapy, combining widely available IVT with IAT, was introduced and is usually considered a rescue strategy in non-responders to IV alteplase. A trend to better outcome in patients treated with bridging therapy in some studies, has to be confirmed by large RCTs.

Intravenous Alteplase at 0.6 mg/kg for Acute Stroke Patients with Basilar Artery Occlusion: The Stroke Acute Management with Urgent Risk Factor Assessment and Improvement (SAMURAI) Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator Registry

The therapeutic efficacy of low-dose intravenous alteplase (0.6 mg/kg) for basilar artery occlusion (BAO) remains unknown. BAO patients enrolled from the Japanese multicenter registry involving 600 stroke patients treated with the low-dose intravenous alteplase were studied. Twenty-five patients had BAO (8 women ranging from 32-92 years of age; mean baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score 16). The stroke subtype was cardioembolic in 15 patients and atherothrombotic in 4 patients. BAO was recanalized during hospitalization in 18 (78%) of 23 patients undergoing follow-up angiography. Within the initial 24 hours, 14 patients (56%) had a ≥ 8-point decrease in the NIHSS score, being more common than 267 patients with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCO) from the same registry (odds ratio [OR] 2.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-5.97) after adjustment by sex, age, and baseline NIHSS score. In addition, 4 patients (16%) had a ≥ 4-point increase in the score, being marginally more common than MCO patients (OR 3.13; 95% CI 0.81-10.25). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within the initial 36 hours (8% v 5%), independence at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2, 48% v 52%), and mortality at 3 months (4% v 6%) were similar when comparing BAO and MCO patients. When compared with previous studies of BAO, vital and functional outcomes at 3 months were relatively better in our study. The use of low-dose alteplase resulted in similar outcomes when comparing acute BAO and MCO patients.

Current treatment of basilar artery occlusion

Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is associated with high mortality (85-95%) if recanalization does not occur. Evidence of the efficacy of different therapy protocols of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or intraarterial thrombolysis (IAT) and/or mechanical endovascular treatment is based on retrospective or prospective patient cohorts, since randomized controlled trials (RCTs) do not exist. Roughly a third of BAO patients reach independent outcome following thrombolysis. From those in whom recanalization occurs, about half will reach independence. In noninvasive and endovascular protocols, recanalization of BAO is reached in 60-85% of the patients. While invasive endovascular approaches afford greater recanalization rates, they have not been proven superior to IVT in terms of functional outcome. Meaningful survival after BAO requires rapid access to thrombolysis. "Bridging" protocols have been introduced where rescue therapies such as endovascular thrombolysis and on-demand mechanical thrombectomy or angioplasty are used. Multimodal imaging techniques should be used to choose the best therapeutic option individually.

P-006 Angiographic and clinical outcomes after endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke due to vertebrobasilar occlusions: pooled analysis of the Merci Registry, MERCI, and multi MERCI trials

ObjectiveTo describe the results of endovascular thrombectomy in a large prospective cohort of Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion (BAO) patients.BackgroundBAO is a serious but uncommon condition accounting for only 6%–10% of...

Diffusion-Weighted MRI Helps Predict Outcome in Basilar Artery Occlusion Patients Treated with Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis

Background: Intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) can improve clinical outcome in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the severity of neurological symptoms, the extent of early ischemic damage on pretreatment diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI), and the lesion progression or regression on post-treatment MRI can predict functional outcome in patients with BAO treated with IAT. Methods: Thirty-six BAO patients (13 women, 23 men; mean age 60 years) treated with IAT within 12 h of symptom onset were studied. Early ischemic damage on DWI was assessed by applying 4 DWI scoring systems, including a proposed DWI score developed for this study. The latter was used for evaluation of lesion dynamics on post-treatment MRI. The association of pretreatment DWI, severity of symptoms (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS, and Glasgow Coma Scale, GCS, scores), vessel recanalization, and lesion progression or regression after IAT with clinical outcome at 3 months was analyzed. Results: Median NIHSS and GCS scores on admission were 17 and 10, respectively. In univariate analysis, NIHSS and GCS scores (on admission) and all 4 DWI scores were significantly associated with clinical outcome. After regression analysis for each DWI score, the DWI score proposed herein was the only score that remained independently associated with clinical outcome at 3 months (p = 0.004). A decrease in DWI score was observed in 3 of 23 patients with post-IAT MRI. Successful recanalization was significantly associated with lesion regression (p = 0.044). Conclusions: BAO patients with less extensive tissue damage on DWI and milder neurological deficits (lower NIHSS and higher GCS) have a better clinical outcome following IAT. The introduced DWI score reliably quantified the pretreatment ischemic damage and was an independent predictor of functional outcome. Lesion regression on DWI score after IAT was associated with vessel recanalization (p = 0.44), but had no impact on clinical outcome.