Basilar Artery Occlusion Research Articles

Basilar Stenosis Reduces the Impact of Successful Recanalization on Outcome in Basilar Artery Occlusion.

Evidence from randomized controlled trials has shown a benefit for endovascular treatment in basilar artery occlusion. We aimed to show the effect of the recanalization result on outcome and determine the role of underlying basilar stenosis in a real-world setting. A retrospective, single-center study of patients who received endovascular treatment for basilar artery occlusion from March 2008 to June 2022 was conducted. Clinical and outcome characteristics were gathered. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to predict poor outcomes (post-treatment mRS 5 or 6). MRS shift analysis was performed. This study includes 210 patients (mean age, 71.4 years +/- 13.3 [standard deviation]; 124 men). The variables age (OR, 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01-1.08; p = 0.014), underlying basilar stenosis (OR: 4.86; 95% CI: 2.15-10.98; p < 0.001), admission NHISS (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.04-1.13; p < 0.001), and TICI (OR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.09-3.25; p = 0.022) independently predicted a poor outcome. Patients with occlusions due to underlying stenosis had significantly worse recanalization rates. Median post-treatment mRS in all patients with embolic occlusion was 4; IQR, 2-5 (only patients with embolic occlusion: mTICI 0-2a, median: 5 [IQR, 4-5.5]; mTICI 2b, median: 4 [IQR, 2.5-6]; mTICI 3, median: 3 [IQR, 1-5]; p = 0.037). Median post-treatment mRS in all patients with occlusions due to underlying stenosis was 5; IQR, 4-6 (only patients with embolic occlusions: mTICI 0-2a, median: 6 [IQR, 4.5-6]; mTICI 2b, median: 6 [IQR, 4.25-6]; mTICI 3, median: 5 [IQR, 3.5-5.25]; p = 0.059). Successful recanalization is essential for preventing poor outcomes in basilar artery occlusion. Underlying basilar stenosis diminishes the effect of successful recanalization on the overall outcome.

Reader Response: IV Thrombolysis in Basilar Artery Occlusion: Outcomes and Comparison With Endovascular Thrombectomy

Reader Response: IV Thrombolysis in Basilar Artery Occlusion: Outcomes and Comparison With Endovascular Thrombectomy

Editors' Note: IV Thrombolysis in Basilar Artery Occlusion: Outcomes and Comparison With Endovascular Thrombectomy

Editors' Note: IV Thrombolysis in Basilar Artery Occlusion: Outcomes and Comparison With Endovascular Thrombectomy

Endovascular treatment versus medical management for basilar artery occlusion with low-to-moderate symptoms (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale < 10).

Patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) and low-to-moderate symptoms (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] < 10) are poorly represented in thrombectomy trials. Our objective is to compare thrombectomy and best medical management (BMT) in this population. We compared data of all consecutive patients presenting with an initial NIHSS < 10 and acute symptomatic BAO included in two registries. The main outcome was the proportion of patients achieving a 3-months favorable outcome (mRS 0-2 or equal to the pre-stroke value). Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients with an excellent outcome (mRS 0-1 or equal to pre-stroke value), overall mRs distribution (shift analysis) and mortality. Effect sizes for thrombectomy versus BMT alone were calculated using binary or ordinal logistic regression model before after considering confounders using the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) propensity score method. One hundred twenty-seven patients were included: sixty-four patients treated with thrombectomy (mean ± SD age: 63.4 ± 16.1) and sixty-three with BMT (mean ± SD age: 69.0 ± 14.3). There was no significant difference between groups for the rate of 3 month-favorable outcome or mortality. After propensity-score adjustment, thrombectomy was associated with a significantly higher chance of excellent outcome at 3 months (mRS 0-1 or equal to pre-stroke value; adjusted OR, 2.68; 95%CI, 1.04-6.90; p = 0.041). Our study suggests that thrombectomy in patients with low-to-moderate symptoms (NIHSS < 10) due to BAO does not improve the rate of favorable outcome but could lead to a higher chance of excellent outcome at 3 months.Trial Registration: ETIS Registry. http://www.clinicaltrials.govNCT03776877.

Von Willebrand factor targeted thrombolysis in canine basilar artery occlusion.

Posterior circulation strokes, accounting for 20% of acute ischemic strokes, significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality. Fibrinolysis by rtPA improves outcomes in stroke but the risk of intracranial hemorrhage limits benefit. Arterial recanalization of basilar artery occlusion by thrombolysis or endovascular thrombectomy improves outcomes in posterior circulation strokes. This study investigates a VWF-targeting RNA aptamer as a safer and more effective alternative to rtPA in a canine model. Autologous clots were placed into the basilar artery to induce stroke in 24 beagles. To compare reperfusion, 0.9 mg/kg rtPA, 0.5 mg/kg BB-031, or vehicle were administered 60 min after the initiation of occlusion. Digital subtraction angiography, laser speckle imaging and magnetic resonance imaging were used to assess recanalization, reperfusion and infarct volume, respectively. Treatment with BB-031 resulted in recanalization of the posterior circulation on digital subtraction angiography with no evidence of microembolism assessed at sacrifice. 66.5% of animals treated with BB-031 resulted in reperfusion with a TICI score of ≥1 whereas vehicle remained at TICI score 0 as did all but one rtPA animal at sacrifice. Improved perfusion was seen in the basilar artery and surrounding blood vessels visualized through the cranial window with laser speckle imaging to ~47% of its original baseline in BB-031 group compared to rtPA at 37% and vehicle at 22%. Finally, BB-031-treatment resulted in an approximate 32% mean infarct volume, significantly smaller on magnetic resonance imaging compared to 56% in vehicle treated and 48% with rtPA treatment. Targeted inhibition of VWF by BB-031 increased recanalization and reperfusion, and reduced infarct volume in a canine model of BAO stroke. It represents a promising target based on preliminary results for treating acute ischemic stroke.

80 Sensitivity of a 5-Element Cortical Sign Screen for Detecting Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion Stroke

80 Sensitivity of a 5-Element Cortical Sign Screen for Detecting Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion Stroke

Thrombectomy Alone or Alongside Intravenous Thrombolysis in Managing Acute Ischemic Stroke Caused by Basilar Artery Occlusion: A Multicenter Observational Study.

It remains unclear whether the combination of endovascular treatment (EVT) with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) results in a more favorable functional outcome than EVT alone in managing cases of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by basilar artery occlusion (BAO). Thus, this study aimed to compare the outcomes of two approaches-direct EVT (DEVT) and bridging therapy (IVT plus EVT)-in acute BAO patients presenting within 4.5 hours of stroke onset. This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 153 acute BAO patients presenting within 4.5 hours of stroke onset. Of these patients, 65 (42.5%) and 88 (57.5%) underwent DEVT and bridging therapy, respectively. The primary outcome was defined as good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 0-3) at 90 days. Additionally, pre-operative clinical features, thrombectomy attempts, successful reperfusion rates, incidences of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality were compared between the two groups. At 90 days, the rate of good functional outcome was comparable between the DEVT (44.6%) and bridging-therapy (39.8%) groups (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55-2.31; p = 0.753). The bridging-therapy group exhibited a lower percentage of patients requiring ≥ 3 attempts of stent retrieval (aOR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.16-0.93; p = 0.034). Pre-operative clinical features, rate of successful reperfusion, sICH, and mortality were similar between the two groups. In patients with BAO-induced AIS, DEVT demonstrates a comparable functional outcome to bridging therapy within 4.5 hours of symptom onset, but IVT reduces the number of thrombectomy attempts. AIS, acute ischemic stroke; LVO, large-vessel occlusion; EVT, endovascular treatment; IVT, intravenous thrombolysis; BAO, basilar artery occlusion; DEVT, direct endovascular treatment; sICH, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage; RCT, randomized controlled trial; IRIS, Improving Reperfusion Strategies in Ischemic Stroke; TOAST, Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment; mTICI, modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction; SD, standard deviation; IQR, interquartile range; ICAS, intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.

Radiographic predictors of neurologic outcomes in patients with basilar artery occlusion: A single-center experience.

Randomized controlled trials indicate functional and mortality benefits in endovascular therapy for basilar artery occlusion (BAO). However, these studies only include patients who meet specific prognostic scores. This study investigates radiographic predictors of posterior circulation territory infarcts that may predict neurologic outcome at 90-day post-intervention. This is a retrospective cohort study of a prospectively maintained thrombectomy database of all patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for BAO. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, baseline functional status (mRS), and severity of presenting neurologic deficits (NIHSS) were collected. Pc-ASPECTS, posterior circulation collateral score (PCCS), and basilar artery on computed tomography angiography (BATMAN) measured radiographic characteristics. Core infarct territory was identified. Primary outcomes were good neurologic outcome (mRS 0-3) and poor neurologic outcome (mRS 4-6) at 90-day post-thrombectomy. 90-day mortality was a secondary outcome. About 21.5% of patients achieved a good neurologic outcome. About 32.3% of patients were deceased at 90 days. Receiver operating characteristic analysis shows PCCS collateral scores (AUC = 0.74, SE = 0.03, CI = 0.62-0.74) and BATMAN (AUC = 0.72, SE = 0.04, CI = 0.35-0.49) have potential to differentiate between those with good neurologic outcome from those with poor neurologic outcome. Although there was no statistically significant difference in AUC between the three curves, pc-ASPECTS score trended toward being weaker predictor of neurologic outcome (AUC = 0.49, SE = 0.04, CI = 0.35-0.49). There were significant associations between 90-day poor neurologic outcome and established infarcts within the pons (p = 0.01), left cerebellum (p = 0.01), and left occipital lobe (p = 0.03) on pre-thrombectomy CT. Low BATMAN and PCCS collateral scores can be predictors of poor neurologic outcomes at 90-day post-thrombectomy for BAO while pc-ASPECTS score may be a weaker predictor of outcome.

An Alternative Side Puncture Technique for Aspiration Catheters in Mechanical Thrombectomy

Length mismatch between the aspiration catheters and microcatheters can hinder optimal thrombus engagement, particularly in tortuous vessels and cases of vascular stenosis. We present a case in which a side puncture technique was employed to deploy the stent retriever when exchangeable devices is unavailable. A man in his seventies with basilar artery occlusion underwent mechanical thrombectomy. The aspiration catheter failed to advance due to the tortuosity of the vertebral artery, preventing the microcatheter from delivering the stent retriever distal to the thrombus. By puncturing the aspiration catheter, additional microcatheter length was obtained, allowing the stent to be deployed at the targeted site. Thrombus extraction was then successfully performed using the Solumbra technique. This approach is advantageous for its simplicity and eliminates the need for additional devices. However, it also has specific drawbacks, such as damaging the aspiration catheters.

Intravenous alteplase versus tenecteplase in patients with acute posterior circulation strokes: A secondary analysis from the AcT randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesThere are limited data available demonstrating the safety and efficacy of intravenous tenecteplase versus alteplase in patients with acute ischemic stroke in the posterior circulation. Materials and methodsThis is a post-hoc analysis of the Alteplase compared to Tenecteplase (AcT) pragmatic, phase 3, registry-linked randomized controlled trial. Patients with any posterior circulation vessel occlusion on baseline imaging were included. Study outcomes included 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-1, mRS 0-2, ordinal mRS, death within 90 days, 24 h symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH) and successful reperfusion/recanalization. Mixed effects regression adjusting for age, sex and stroke severity was used to analyze differences in outcomes between patients administered tenecteplase vs. alteplase. Further, sensitivity analysis was conducted for basilar artery occlusion (BAO) alone. ResultsOf 1577 patients, 136 (8.6 %, 77:alteplase, 59:tenecteplase) had posterior circulation stroke. Baseline characteristics were similar[median age 71 (IQR 60-81) vs. 72 (IQR 65-82) years, 57.1 % vs. 67.8 % males, median baseline NIHSS 7 (IQR 4-12) vs. 7 (IQR 4-16) in alteplase vs. tenecteplase arms, respectively]. 28 patients (20.6 %, 16:alteplase, 12:tenecteplase arm) underwent EVT. The median 90-120 days mRS was 2 (IQR 1-4). There were no differences between alteplase and tenecteplase for 90-d mRS 0-1 (adjRR 0.93;95 %CI 0.63-1.36), 90-day mRS 0-2 (adjRR 0.95; 95 %CI 0.72-1.26), sICH (RR 0.65; 95 %CI 0.06-7.02) and mortality (RR 1.21; 95 %CI 0.61-2.38). Successful reperfusion eTICI 2b-3 and successful recanalization rAOL 2b-3 was achieved in 23/28 (82 %, 12:alteplase, 11:tenecteplase) and in 16/28 (57 %, 14:alteplase, 12:tenecteplase), respectively. Similar results were seen in 31 patients (22.8 %) with BAO. ConclusionIntravenous tenecteplase has a similar effect on outcome as alteplase, without increased safety concerns in patients with acute posterior circulation strokes.

Big data analysis of endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke: a study based on bibliometric analysis.

While bibliometric analyses are prevalent in the medical field, few have focused on ther endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). To employ big data analysis to examine the research status, trends, and hotspots in endovascular treatment for AIS. We conducted a comprehensive search using the Web of Science (WOS) database to identify relevant articles on the endovascular treatment for AIS from 1980 to the present. We used various tools for data analysis, including an online platform (https://bibliometric.com/app), the Citespace software, the Vosviewer software, and the ArcMap software, version 10.8. A number of bibliometric indicators were collected and analyzed, such as publication date, country where the studies were conducted, institutions to which the authors were affiliated, authors, high-frequency keywords, cooperative relationship etc. RESULTS: A total of 5,576 articles were retrieved. A substantial increase in the number of articles occurred after 2010. High-frequency keywords included terms such as large vessel occlusion, reperfusion, outcome, and basilar artery occlusion. Among the top 10 most productive authors, Raul G. Nogueira ranked first, with 136 published articles. Among the journals, The New England Journal of Medicine ranked first, with 5,631 citations. The United States has the closest collaborative ties with other nations. In the present study, we found that the reports of endovascular treatment for AIS gradually increased after 2010. Among them, Raul G. Nogueira was the most productive author in this field. The New England Journal of Medicine was the most cited, and it had the greatest impact. The Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN) trial study was the most cited, and it was a landmark study. There are many interesting studies on endovascular treatment for AIS, such as ischemic penumbra, collateral circulation, bridging therapy etc.

Endovascular vs Medical Management of Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion

In several randomized clinical trials, endovascular thrombectomy led to better functional outcomes than conventional treatment at 90 days poststroke in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion. However, the long-term clinical outcomes of these patients have not been well delineated. To evaluate 1-year clinical outcomes in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion following endovascular thrombectomy vs control. This study is an extension of the ATTENTION trial, a multicenter, randomized clinical trial. Patients were included between February 2021 and January 2022, with 1-year follow-up through April 2023. This multicenter, population-based study was conducted at 36 comprehensive stroke sites. Patients with acute basilar artery occlusion within 12 hours of estimated symptom onset were included. Of the 342 patients randomized in the ATTENTION trial, 330 (96.5%) had 1-year follow-up information available. Endovascular thrombectomy (thrombectomy group) vs best medical treatment (control group). The primary outcome was defined as a score of 0 to 3 on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 1 year. Secondary outcomes were functional independence (mRS score 0-2), excellent outcome (mRS score 0-1), level of disability (distribution of all 7 mRS scores), mortality, and health-related quality of life at 1 year. Among 330 patients who had 1-year follow-up data, 227 (68.8%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 67.0 (10.7) years. An mRS score 0 to 3 at 1 year was achieved by 99 of 222 patients (44.6%) in the thrombectomy group and 21 of 108 (19.4%) in the control group (adjusted rate ratio, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.51-3.29). Mortality at 1 year compared with 90 days was more frequent in both the thrombectomy group (101 of 222 [45.5%] vs 83 of 226 [36.7%]) and the control group (69 of 108 [63.9%] vs 63 of 114 [55.3%]). Excellent outcome (mRS score 0-1) at 1 year compared with 90 days increased in the thrombectomy group (62 of 222 [27.9%] vs 45 of 226 [19.9%]) but not in the control group (9 of 108 [8.3%] vs 9 of 114 [7.9%]) resulting in a magnified treatment benefit. Among patients with basilar artery occlusion within 12 hours of onset, the benefits of endovascular thrombectomy at 1 year compared with 90 days were sustained for favorable (mRS score 0-3) outcome and enhanced for excellent (mRS score 0-1) outcome.

Endovascular thrombectomy versus medical management for acute basilar artery occlusion stroke in the elderly.

The efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for elderly basilar artery occlusion (BAO) stroke patients is unclear. This was an explorative retrospective analysis of the 2016-21 National Inpatient Sample in the United States. Elderly BAO stroke patients (80 years or older) with NIH stroke scale of at least 5 were included. Primary outcome was discharge to home. Secondary outcomes include in-hospital mortality and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Outcomes were compared between patients treated with EVT and those treated with medical management (MM) alone. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to control for confounders. Subgroup analyses were conducted for patients who did and did not receive intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). 2,520 elderly BAO patients were identified; 830 received EVT, and 1,690 received MM alone. After PSM, 1,115 patients and 715 patients remained in the MM and EVT groups, respectively. Compared to PSM controls, EVT was not significantly associated with different rates of home discharge (17.5% vs. 12.2%, OR 1.36 [95%CI 0.76-2.44], p=0.30) or in-hospital mortality (31.5% vs. 32.9%, OR 1.00 [95%CI 0.63-1.60], p=0.99), but it was significantly associated with higher rates of ICH (18.2% vs. 7.3%, OR 2.69 [95%CI 1.41- 5.15], p=0.003). Among patients who did not receive IVT, EVT was significantly associated with higher rates of home discharge (21.5% vs. 11.5%, OR 1.93 [95%CI 1.02-3.66], p=0.044), whereas EVT was not significantly associated with the same among those treated with IVT (5.6% vs. 15.0%, OR 0.28 [95%CI 0.05-1.46], p=0.13). Interaction analysis revealed that IVT was a negative modulator of EVT's positive association with home discharge (interaction p=0.031). EVT was not significantly associated with more favorable hospitalization outcomes for elderly BAO stroke patients, and it was significantly associated with increased risk of ICH. EVT may be an effective treatment for patients who did not receive IVT. EVT = endovascular thrombectomy; BAO = basilar artery occlusion; ICH = intracranial hemorrhage; MM = medical management; PSM = propensity score matching; IVT = intravenous thrombolysis.

Association between blood pressure variability and clinical outcomes after successful thrombectomy in acute basilar artery occlusion stroke patients: A multicenter cohort study

BackgroundLimited data are available on the appropriate choice of blood pressure management strategy for patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We evaluated the impact of blood pressure variability on clinical outcomes after MT in patients with acute BAO. MethodsThis multicenter cohort study included 108 patients with acute BAO who underwent successful emergency thrombectomy at two comprehensive stroke centers from 2016 to 2021. Blood pressure was measured hourly during the first 24 h after successful reperfusion. Blood pressure variability was calculated as mean arterial pressure (MAP) assessed by the standard deviation (SD). Multivariate logistic models were used to investigate the association between BPV, the primary outcome (futile recanalization, 90‐day modified Rankin Scale score 3–6), and the secondary outcome (30-day mortality). Subgroup analysis was performed as a sensitivity test. ResultsFutile recanalization occurred in 60 (56 %) patients, while 26 (24 %) patients died within 30 days. In the fully adjusted model, MAP SD was associated with a higher risk of futile recanalization (OR adj=1.36, per 1 mmHg increase, 95 % CI: 1.09–1.69, P=0.006) and 30-day mortality (OR adj=1.56, per 1 mmHg increase, 95 % CI: 1.20–2.04, P=0.001). A significant interaction between MAP SD and the lack of hypertension history on futile recanalization (P<0.05) was observed. ConclusionsAmong recanalized acute BAO ischemic patients, higher blood pressure variability during the first 24 h after MT was associated with worse outcomes. This association was stronger in patients without a history of hypertension.

Clinical outcomes of reperfusion therapy in patients with site-specific basilar artery occlusion

BackgroundDespite its low incidence, basilar artery occlusion (BAO) remains a major therapeutic challenge since severe disability and death occur in about 80% of patients. Specific site of BAO (proximal, middle,...

Reperfusion treatment in basilar artery occlusion presenting with mild symptoms.

Endovascular treatment (EVT) improves outcomes for basilar artery occlusion (BAO) with moderate-to-severe symptoms. However, the best treatment for mild symptoms (NIHSS score 0-10 and 0-5) remains unclear. This study compared EVT ± IVT to IVT alone in BAO patients with mild symptoms. From the SITS-International Stroke Treatment Register, we included BAO patients with available baseline NIHSS score, treated by EVT, IVT, or both within 6 h of symptom onset from 2013 to 2021. Using the Doubly Robust approach (propensity score matching plus multivariable logistic regression), we analyzed efficacy (3-month mRS) and safety (SICH and 3-month death) outcomes for EVT ± IVT versus IVT alone in BAO patients with NIHSS scores 0-10 and 0-5. 1426 patients were included. For NIHSS scores 0-10 (180 matched, 1:1 ratio), outcomes were similar between EVT ± IVT and IVT alone groups. For NIHSS scores 0-5 (89 matched, 1:1 ratio), EVT ± IVT was associated with worse outcomes compared to IVT alone (mRS 0-2, aOR 0.20 [95% CI 0.06-0.61]; p = 0.005; mRS 0-3, aOR 0.27 [95% CI 0.08-0.89]; p = 0.031), but safety outcomes were similar. In early-treated BAO patients with mild symptoms, defined as NIHSS 0-10, there were no significant differences in outcomes between EVT ± IVT and IVT alone. However, for very mild symptoms, defined as NIHSS 0-5, IVT alone was associated with better outcomes compared to EVT ± IVT.Conclusion: Randomized trials are crucial to determine the optimal reperfusion therapy for BAO patients with mild symptoms.

Basilar artery occlusion management: An international survey of gender influence on management.

The superiority of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) over medical management was not established in two early basilar artery occlusion (BAO) randomized controlled trials. Despite this, many clinicians recommended EVT for acute BAO under certain circumstances. This paper aims to compare physicians' diagnostic and management strategies of BAO according to gender. From January to March 2022 an international survey was conducted regarding management strategies in acute BAO. We compared responses between clinicians by identifying gender. Questions were designed to examine clinical and imaging parameters influencing management of patients with BAO. Among the 1245 respondents from 73 countries, 311 (25.0%) identified as female. This figure was 13.6% amongst interventionists. Geographically, female respondents were lowest in Asia (14.5%) and North America (23.9%). The proportion of respondents identifying as female was consistent regardless of their years of experience. Female respondents were more likely to choose time of onset as time of first estimated stroke like symptom (48.0% vs. 38.5%, p < .01), were less likely to favor thrombectomy in the V4 segment of vertebrobasilar artery occlusions (31.5% vs. 43.3%, p < .01), and were less likely to find it acceptable to enroll all patients who met trial criteria in the standard medical treatment arm of a clinical trial (41.2% vs. 47.0%, p = .01). Male respondents were more likely to agree that thrombolysis would not alter their decision on proceeding with EVT (93.7% vs. 88.3%, p < .01). Female clinicians appear to be significantly underrepresented in stroke medicine. This is most pronounced amongst interventionists and in Asia. Although male and female opinions were closely aligned on many aspects of BAO management, differences in opinion were observed in a number of significant areas which influence decision making.

Early recanalization after tenecteplase versus alteplase: Experience in a large stroke network

IntroductionPreviously published data are conflicting regarding the ability of tenecteplase versus alteplase to produce early recanalization of an intracranial large vessel occlusion. We compared the performance of each thrombolytic in a stroke network. MethodsWe queried our prospectively collected code stroke registry for basilar, internal carotid, or proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis from 11/17/2021-9/16/2023. The primary outcome was early recanalization, defined using angiographic or clinical criteria. Secondary and safety outcomes included 90-day functional independence and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. A multivariable regression analysis was performed to determine independent associations with the primary outcome. Results233 patients, with mean age 66.9 (16.6) years and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 15 (10-21), were included. One-hundred twenty-four of 233 (53.2 %) patients were treated with alteplase while 109/233 (46.8 %) were treated with tenecteplase. Endovascular thrombectomy was performed in 82 % of subjects. Early recanalization rates were similar between the groups (alteplase 22.6 %, tenecteplase 14.7 %; p = 0.14), as were rates of 90-day independent neurological function, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and mortality. Patients with an internal carotid artery occlusion or with higher presenting stroke severity were less likely to achieve early recanalization. ConclusionsTenecteplase and alteplase have similar rates of early recanalization, 90-day functional independence, and safety outcomes in large vessel occlusion patients. Occlusion site and stroke severity predict response to thrombolysis. Future studies may investigate other factors associated with a positive response to thrombolytics as expanded treatment indications are explored.

Transverse diameter of brainstem infarction is a strong predictor of miserable outcome after mechanical thrombectomy for acute basilar artery occlusion

Although the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute basilar artery occlusion (ABAO) has been established in two randomized controlled studies, many patients have miserable clinical outcomes after MT for ABAO. Predicting severe disability prior to the procedure might be useful in determining the appropriateness of treatment interventions. Among the ABAO cases treated at 10 hospitals between July 2014 and December 2021, 144 were included in the study, all of whom underwent MRI before treatment. A miserable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 5–6 at 3 months. The associations between clinical, imaging, and procedural factors and miserable outcomes were evaluated. A miserable outcome was observed in 54 cases (37.5%). Multivariate analysis identified the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), transverse diameter of brainstem infarction, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage as independent factors associated with miserable outcomes, with cutoff values of NIHSS 22 and transverse diameter of brainstem infarction 15 mm. Cases with a higher preoperative severity may result in miserable postoperative outcomes. Particularly, the transverse diameter of a brainstem infarction can be easily measured and serves as a useful criterion for determining treatment indications.

Effect of Stroke Etiology on Endovascular Treatment for Acute Basilar-Artery Occlusion: A Post Hoc Analysis of the ATTENTION Randomized Trial.

Stroke etiology could influence the outcomes in patients with basilar-artery occlusion (BAO). This study aimed to evaluate the differences in efficacy and safety of best medical treatment (BMT) plus endovascular treatment (EVT) versus BMT alone in acute BAO across different stroke etiologies. The study was a post hoc analysis of the ATTENTION trial (Trial of Endovascular Treatment of Acute Basilar-Artery Occlusion), which was a multicenter, randomized trial at 36 centers in China from February 2021 to September 2022. Patients with acute BAO were classified into 3 groups according to stroke etiology (large-artery atherosclerosis [LAA], cardioembolism, and undetermined cause/other determined cause [UC/ODC]). The primary outcome was a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-3) at 90 days. Safety outcomes included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 90-day mortality. A total of 340 patients with BAO were included, 150 (44.1%) had LAA, 72 (21.2%) had cardioembolism, and 118 (34.7%) had UC/ODC. For patients treated with BMT plus EVT and BMT alone, respectively, the rate of favorable outcome at 90 days was 49.1% and 23.8% in the LAA group (odds ratio, 3.08 [95% CI, 1.38-6.89]); 52.2% and 30.8% in the cardioembolism group (odds ratio, 2.45 [95% CI, 0.89-6.77]); and 37.5% and 17.4% in the UC/ODC group (odds ratio, 2.85 [95% CI, 1.16-7.01]), with P=0.89 for the stroke etiology×treatment interaction. The rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in EVT-treated patients with LAA, cardioembolism, and UC/ODC was 8.3%, 2.2%, and 3.2%, respectively, and none of the BMT-treated patients. Lower 90-day mortality was observed in patients with EVT compared with BMT alone across 3 etiology groups. Among patients with acute BAO, EVT compared with BMT alone might be associated with favorable outcomes and lower 90-day mortality, regardless of cardioembolism, LAA, or UC/ODC etiologies. The influence of stroke etiology on the benefit of EVT should be explored by further trials. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04751708.