Cervical Artery Research Articles

Abstract 9674: Stroke, Migraine, and Cervical Arterial Dissection: Shared Genetics Reveals Concordant and Opposing Risk Mechanisms

Introduction: Migraine, stroke, and cervical artery dissection (CeAD) represent a triad of cerebrovascular disorders with pairwise comorbid relationships and vascular involvement. Systematic exploration of their shared genetics may inform shared and divergent etiology. Methods: The largest available GWASs for all three disorders were used, including for subtypes of stroke (ischemic stroke [IS], large artery stroke [LAS], small vessel stroke [SVS], cardioembolic stroke [CE]) and migraine (with aura [MA] and without aura [MO]). For each pair of disorders, genetic correlation was assessed both on a genome-wide basis and within candidate loci for each disorder. Cross-trait meta-analysis was used to identify shared novel candidate loci. Causality of migraine susceptibility on stroke and CeAD was evaluated by Mendelian randomization (MR). Results: Among all pairs of disorders, genome-wide genetic correlation was only observed for CeAD and migraine, particularly MO. Local genetic correlations were more extensive between migraine and CeAD than migraine and stroke or CeAD and stroke, identifying novel CeAD associations at rs6693567 ( ADAMTSL4/ECM1 ), rs11187838 ( PLCE1 ), and rs7940646 ( MRVI1 ), while strengthening prior subthreshold evidence at rs9486725 ( FHL5 ) and rs650724 ( LRP1 ). At known migraine loci, novel associations with stroke had concordant risk alleles for SVS at rs191602009 ( CARF ), and for CE at rs55884259 ( NKX2-5 ). However, at other migraine loci, there were novel associations with opposite risk alleles for all stroke, IS, and SVS at rs55928386 ( HTRA1 ), for LAS at rs11172113 ( LRP1 ), and for all stroke and IS, respectively, at rs1535791 and rs4942561 (both LRCH1 ). rs182923402 (near PTCH1 ) was a novel locus for both migraine and CE with concordant effects. MR supported causal influence of migraine on CeAD (OR [95%CI] per doubling migraine prevalence=1.69 [1.24-2.3], p=0.0009) with concordant risk, but with opposite risk on LAS (0.86 [0.76 - 0.96], p=0.0067). Conclusions: Genetic effects between migraine and CeAD had concordant effects on risk, highlighting vascular functions in migraine and novel CeAD loci. Most shared loci for migraine and stroke subtypes had opposite effects on risk. The LRP1 locus was common to all three disorders.

Pathogenetic mechanisms of ischemic stroke: from verification to secondary prevention

Ischemic stroke is an extremely heterogeneous disease: there are more than 200 causes of cerebral catastrophe. Early identification of the pathogenetic mechanism (subtype) of ischemic stroke allows planning an individual secondary prevention strategy, which includes a wide range of pharmaceutical and surgical methods. The article presents the characteristics of cardioembolic (associated with atrial fibrillation and flutter, prosthetic valves, chronic heart failure, left ventricle thrombus, infective endocarditis, open foramen ovale, etc.), atherothrombotic (due to extra- and intracranial atherosclerosis), lacunar and cryptogenic stroke, as well as less common causes of the disease, in particular cervical or cerebral artery dissection. Issues of secondary prevention of stroke according to the pathogenetic subtype are described and summarized as an algorithm. The article is illustrated with clinical examples.

Retrograde Suction Decompression for Clipping of a Giant Ophthalmic Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Microsurgical clipping of large paraclinoid aneurysms is challenging because of the complex anatomy of the dural rings, lack of easy proximal control, and wide aneurysm necks. Proximal retrograde suction decompression, or the Dallas technique, can reduce aneurysm turgor and, with aspiration of the trapped cervical and supraclinoid internal carotid arteries (ICAs), can collapse the aneurysm to aid microsurgical clipping.1-5 A woman in her late 30s presented with decreased right-eye visual acuity. Informed written consent was obtained for microsurgical management and publication. Upon cervical exposure of the carotid bifurcation, we performed a standard pterional craniotomy, trans-sylvian exposure, and intradural anterior clinoidectomy. After burst suppression and cross-clamping of the carotid, we inserted an angiocatheter at the common carotid artery (CCA). Distal temporary clips were placed on the posterior communicating artery and C7 ICA. With the cervical ICA unclamped, retrograde suction was continuously applied to deflate the aneurysm. We applied 2 pairs of fenestrated-booster clips to the aneurysm dome and a fifth clip to the aneurysm neck. After restoration of flow, indocyanine green angiography and Doppler assessments were performed. The proximal clip was converted into a curved clip to optimize ICA flow. Postoperative angiography confirmed complete occlusion of the aneurysm. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 3, with stable visual acuity.6 This video demonstrates that retrograde suction decompression via the cervical CCA can be safely performed to facilitate clipping of complex paraclinoid ICA aneurysms. Comprehensive planning of temporary aneurysm trapping for suction decompression and permanent clip construct for aneurysm occlusion are needed for effective aneurysm repair.

The potential role of diffusion weighted imaging in the diagnosis of early carotid and vertebral artery dissection

PurposeTo investigate the role of the diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in the acute dissection of internal carotid artery (ICA) and vertebral artery (VA) and assessing the length of intramural hematoma (IMH), caused by dissection.MethodsWe analyzed 28 patients presenting with a dissection of the ICA and/or VA with respect to the presence of high signal intensity areas on DWI suggestive of dissection and 20 control subjects without arterial dissection, some with and some without atherosclerotic lesions. ICA or VA dissection was defined by clinical and imaging, computed tomography angiography (CTA), MR angiography (MRA), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) findings. The length of DWI hyperintensity was compared to length of the occlusion or stenosis on the angiographic examination.ResultsIn 28 patients, 30 dissected arteries were analyzed. Time intervals from the onset of the first clinical symptoms to the radiological evaluation ranged from 1.5 h to 42 days. In 28 (93%) of the dissections, a high signal intensity of the affected artery was present on DWI. The measurement of the dissection length on DWI compared to DSA showed a mean deviation of 2.7 mm and a standard deviation of 3.7 mm.ConclusionDWI is a highly sensitive and valuable pulse sequence for the detection of dissected cervical arteries even in the first hours after symptom onset. In contrast to CTA and MRA, DWI can be a potential tool for a reliable measurement of the dissection length.

Persistence of Chronic Inflammation Despite Years of Transfusion Program in SCD Patients: Changing Red Blood Cells Is Not Sufficient to Treat Sickle Cell Disease

▪Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a severe hemoglobinopathy due to abnormal hemoglobin S (HbS). Although red blood cell dysfunction is at the core of the SCD pathophysiology, several studies have highlighted the important role of inflammatory cells like neutrophils. One of the most serious complications of SCD is cerebral vasculopathy (CV), due to the occlusion of one or more intracranial or cervical arteries. In 1998, the STOP study demonstrated that monthly blood transfusions could reduce the risk of stroke by 90% in children with CV. However, there is large heterogeneity in the evolution of CV under chronic transfusion, sometimes requiring exchange transfusion (ET) program for years without succeeding in healing the CV.The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of long-term transfusion program on neutrophil dysfunction, in order to understand if persistent inflammation could contribute to the non-healing of CV despite HbS permanently below 40%. In SCD children undergoing ET program for at least 1 year, we analysed i)the phenotype of neutrophils with 8 markers of activation/adhesion/ageing, ii)the plasmatic levels of elastase, witnessing the NETose activity of neutrophils, and iii)the ex-vivo adhesion of neutrophils on activated endothelial cells.One hundred and two SCD children with an ET transfusion program for at least 6 months because of CV were included in the study. ET session, carried out every 5 weeks and most of the time by erythrapheresis, reached their biological objectives with a mean HbS rate after ET session of 14.1%, and 35.4% before the next ET session, which means that these patients globally live at an average HbS level of 24% for at least 1 year. We managed to limit iron overload with a mean ferritinemia of 207 µg/L in the whole cohort. Despite these satisfactory results in terms of HbS reduction, the efficiency in curing the CV was modest in accordance with the previously described efficiency of ET program in SCD children: after a mean ET program duration of 4.4 years only 22% of them had an improvement of their CV since the beginning of the ET program, while 60% of them had a stagnation of their CV, and 18% of them worsened their vascular lesions. Considering inflammatory parameters, the patients had persistence of high leukocytosis and high neutrophils count (respective mean of 9810 G/L and 5742 G/L), significantly not different of neutrophils count before inclusion in the ET program. In a random subgroup of 20 patients, we analysed neutrophils phenotype, NETose and endothelial adhesion and compared them to healthy controls and SCD children without ET, treated or not with Hydroxyurea (HU). Overall, we observed as expected an activated, aged and adherent profile of neutrophils from untreated SCD children compared to healthy controls, characterized by an overexpression of CD18/CD11b (p=0,03), CD18/CD11a (p=0,02), CD162 (p=0,01), CD66a (p=0,01) and the ageing markers CD184 high/CD62Llow (p=0,04) as well as a higher plasmatic level of elastase (p=0. 01) and higher adhesion of neutrophils to endothelial cells. All these parameters were alleviated in SCD patients treated with HU. In SCD patient undergoing ET program, we found a similar profile of activated neutrophils to that of untreated SCD patients with a similar expression of activation molecules, high level of elastase and the same increase of neutrophils adhesion to endothelial cells compared to controls, witnessing a persistence of chronic inflammation despites years of ET.Overall, our study highlights that the replacement of sickle red blood cells, even for years, is not sufficient to reverse the deleterious inflammatory phenotype of neutrophils. Given the major role of inflammation in endothelial dysfunction, these could contribute to the persistence of CV in a majority of patients despite efficient ET programs. This raises the question of systematically combining ET program with anti-inflammatory treatment such as HU or P-selectin inhibitors in children with CV. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Stroke without Cerebral Vasculopathy in Sickle Cell Disease Children: Which Causes? Which Treatment?

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a severe hemoglobinopathy due to abnormal hemoglobin S (HbS). One of the most serious complications of SCD is cerebral vasculopathy (CV) leading to ischemic stroke in 8% of homozygous SS children without prevention strategy. Typical CV in SCD is a stenosis of one or more intracranial or cervical arteries, including internal carotid arteries, anterior cerebral arteries and middle cerebral arteries. However, several studies have reported the occurrence of stroke in SCD children in the absence of typical cerebral vasculopathy.The aim of the study is to investigate the prevalence of stroke without CV in SCD children, and to compare them to “classical” stroke (i.e in a context of typical CV) in terms of suspected etiologies, triggering events, treatment and risk of recurrence.In a large cohort of about 1500 SCD children living in Paris area, France, we recorded all the strokes occurring between 2007 and 2020, excluding venous thrombosis and PRESS Syndrome. These children were followed in a university hospital, and all benefited from early screening for cerebral vasculopathy and an adapted stroke prevention program. We considered as a “typical” stroke any new ischemic lesion of the cerebral parenchyma associated with an acute neurological syndrome occurring in the territory of a pre-existing and/or non-regressive stenosis.25 strokes occurred during the study period. 12 of them (48%) did not met the definition of a “typical” stroke related to sickle cell CV. The children with “atypical” stroke were older (9 years old +/- 4.6, vs 6.5 years old +/- 4.3 in the typical group, p = 0.0086) and less frequently of SS genotype (33% non-SS vs 8% non-SS in the typical group). They had lower leukocyte count (11.3 G/L +/- 4.6, vs 15.7 G/L +/- 2.3 in the typical group, p=0. 04) and higher hemoglobin level at the time of the stroke (11 g/dl +/- 3 vs 7.4 g/dl +/- 1.3 in the typical group, p= 0.027). 17% of atypical strokes had posterior ischemic lesions, 33% had anterior lesions and 17% had multiple systematized lesions, in counting junctional lesions. We also found 33% of ischemic lesions of the cerebellum. Considering a potential trigger of the stroke, 58% of atypical events were hospitalized in an anesthesia or intensive care unit at the time of the stroke or less than 7 days before, compared to 8% of children with a “classic” stroke (p= 0.011). The etiologies adopted by clinicians and radiologists for the atypical stroke were reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) (Figure 1), cerebral fat embolism, hyperviscosity and vasculitis in systemic inflammatory context. The evolution in the atypical group was more favorable in terms of recurrence (0% within 2 years vs 42 % in the typical group, p= 0.045), although only 33% (3 children) of atypical strokes were still under exchange transfusion program 24 months after the stroke vs 92% in the group of typical stroke.Overall, in a cohort of SCD children with efficient stroke prevention program, atypical strokes account for nearly half of all acute ischemic neurological events, related to hyperviscosity, RVCS or inflammatory vasculitis. Physicians must be aware of the potential triggers and of the context in which such events occur. Nevertheless, stroke without CV may not require long-term transfusion program contrary to stroke with CV, given the very low risk of recurrence we highlighted. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Distribution of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage assessed using cone-beam CT angiography

Background and purposeCone-beam CT angiography (CB-CTA) provides a three-dimensional spatial resolution which is, so far, unmatched in clinical practice compared with other conventional techniques such as two-dimensional digital subtracted angiography....

Abstract 1122‐000078: C‐Guard Stent for the Treatment of Cervical Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms: Report of 2 Cases

Introduction : C‐Guard carotid stent is a self‐expandable open cell stent covered with a double‐layer mesh which was developed for the treatment of internal carotid artery disease. Lower procedural and complications rates, as well as lower post‐operative infarctions are some advantages of this device. Nevertheless, the use of C‐Guard in the treatment of cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms is scarce. Therefore, we present two cases in which the C‐Guard stent achieved complete angiographic occlusion at follow‐up. Methods : We identified two cases in which the C‐Guard carotid stent was used to treat symptomatic cervical ICA aneurysms. Angiographic follow‐up was performed. Results : Case 1: 47‐yo female presented left‐sided motor deficit. CT showed ischemic areas in the right hemisphere and CTA demonstrated an unruptured aneurysm in the C1 segment of the right ICA. The patient started dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and clopidogrel. A 6mm x 40 mm C‐Guard carotid stent was deployed without complications. One‐year follow‐up CTA showed complete obliteration of the aneurysm with reconstruction of the ICA. Case 2: 38‐yo male presented decreased left visual acuity. CTA and DSA showed an unruptured aneurysm in the C1 segment of the ICA. The patient started DAPT with aspirin and clopidogrel. A 7mm x 30 mm C‐Guard carotid stent was deployed without complications. Three‐month follow‐up DSA showed complete obliteration of the aneurysm with adequate filling of distal vessels. Conclusions : C‐Guard stent is a potential alternative to conventional carotid stents in the treatment of cervical ICA aneurysms with high obliteration rates at follow‐up.

Abstract 1122‐000231: A Review of Effect of Ticagrelor on Platelet Inhibition in Clopidogrel Non‐Responders Undergoing Neuroendovascular Procedure

Introduction : Neuroendovascular procedures are becoming more routine in the treatment of intracranial conditions such as aneurysms, arterial stenosis, and ischemic stroke. These patients are frequently treated with antiplatelet agents prior to the procedure to prevent thrombotic complications. The combination of aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor such as clopidogrel is often initiated days before elective procedures or as loading doses for emergent procedures. However, some patients may still experience post procedural thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications which may be related to platelet inhibition. Methods : A retrospective review of patients who underwent a neuroendovascular procedure from 1/2017 to 12/2019 in a single tertiary care academic hospital. Procedures included flow‐diverting stent placement for aneurysms, intracranial, and cervical carotid artery stenting. Patients undergoing elective procedure were started on Aspirin and Clopidogrel 75 mg daily. Patients undergoing emergent procedures were given loading doses of Aspirin (650 mg) and Clopidogrel (600 mg). P2Y12 assay was checked prior to receiving Platelet inhibitor and from 3–6 hours after Clopidogrel loading dose. Optimal platelet inhibition was classified as reduction in P2Y12 assay by at least 60%. Patients with suboptimal platelet inhibition <60% were given Ticagrelor loading dose (180 mg) and P2y12 assay was rechecked. Patients who did not have complete chart information, patients with AFib requiring DOAC and patients previously on ADP inhibitors, were excluded from analysis. Results : Total neuroendovascular procedures requiring stents were 687 over the period of 3 years. mean age of patients was 61 years. This neuroendovascular procedure consisted of aneurysm stenting (239), aneurysm stent‐assisted coiling 112, intracranial stent for failed mechanical thrombectomy 62, carotid artery stent 108. Suboptimal platelet inhibition was noted in 54% (282) of 523 patients after receiving Clopidogrel. After receiving Ticagrelor, optimal inhibition was noted in 80% (226) of 282 patients with median increase of 26%. 62 patients with suboptimal response to Ticagrelor, 47 were started on Prasugrel. Thrombotic complications were noted in 7 patients, 6 of them were noted to have <50% platelet inhibition. Hemorrhagic complications were noted in 17 patients, amongst them >70% platelet inhibition was noted in 14 patients with mean P2Y12 value of 59. Conclusions : Patients receiving P2Y12 ADP antiplatelet therapy may have suboptimal platelet inhibition which results in increased thrombotic risk. Patients who have significant platelet inhibition (>70%) after loading dose are at increased risk for hemorrhagic complications. Better platelet inhibition was achieved with Ticagrelor in Clopidogrel hypo‐response patients. In patients with Clopidogrel hyper‐response, dosing was changed to half the dose or alternate day to reduce hemorrhagic complications. As the use of endovascular therapies requiring dual anti‐platelet agents becomes more established, there is an increasing need to develop titration protocols that minimize the risk of thrombotic and hemorrhagic events based on platelet inhibition.

P.135 Willisian collateral and cervical carotid stenosis during large vessel occlusion stroke: Observations from computed tomography angiography

Background: The circle of Willis (CoW) and cervical carotid arteries are important sources of collateral flow during acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the anterior circulation. We examined the anatomical components of the circle and the cervical carotid arteries to determine relationship to acute stroke severity. Methods: Consecutive patients with acute LVO who underwent EVT were assessed. Measurements were made of the luminal diameters of 16 anatomical vascular components. Admission NIHSS, ASPECTS and mCTA collateral scores were statistically analyzed for any relationship to vascular measurements. Results: 100 patients were studied. No relationship was found between the collateral Willisian pathways and measures of stroke severity. However, the ophthalmic arteries exhibited a relationship to stroke severity. In adjusted analysis, 1-mm increases in the ipsilateral and contralateral ophthalmic artery diameter were independently associated with a 4.80-point decrease and a 6.31-point increase in the NIHSS scale, respectively. Similarly, a 1.53-point increase and a 2.62-point decrease in the ASPECTS. In the neck a majority showed 0-55% stenosis, with no stenosis between 55% and 95%, and 14% at 95% to 100%. Conclusions: Stroke severity and collateral during LVO is unrelated to Willisian collateral. Ophthalmic artery calibers are related. Acute progression of 55-95% stenoses to complete occlusion occurs in LVO stroke

Cover Image

The cover image is based on the Original Article Transverse cervical artery anterior perforator flap for head and neck oncological reconstruction: Preliminary study by Yi Shen et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.26873.

Abstract 1122‐000200: Chiropractor Manipulation Leading to Bilateral Vertebral Artery Dissection and Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction : Traumatic cervical artery dissection is one of the leading causes of stroke in patients under the age of 45. Recent chiropractic neck manipulation is associated with risk of vertebral artery dissection (VAD). The V3 segment of the vertebral artery is highly susceptible to the bending forces during forced manipulation leading to intimal damage. Methods : N/A Results : This is a case presentation of a 44 year old male who was transferred from another emergency department for left homonymous inferior quadrantanopia noted on an optometrist visit. He reported sudden onset left homonymous hemianopia after receiving a high velocity cervical spine adjustment at a chiropractor appointment for chronic neck pain a few days prior. CT angiogram of the head and neck revealed bilateral vertebral artery dissection at left V2 and right V3 segments. MRI brain confirmed an acute infract in the right medial occipital lobe. His right PCA stroke was likely embolic from the injured right V3 but possibly from the left V2 as well. As the patient reported progression from a homonymous hemianopia to a quadrantanopia, he likely had a migrating embolus. Conclusions : Arterial dissection accounts for about 2% of all ischemic strokes, but may be between 8–25% in patients less than 45 years old. VAD can result from trauma of varying severities ‐ from sports, motor vehicle accidents, and chiropractor neck manipulations to violent coughing/sneezing. It is estimated that 1 in 20,000 spinal manipulation results in vertebral artery aneurysm/dissection. In the United States, patients who have multiple chronic conditions are reporting higher use of complementary or alternative medicine, including chiropractic manipulation. Education about the association of VAD and chiropractor maneuvers can be beneficial to the public as these are preventable acute ischemic strokes. In addition, vertebral artery dissection symptoms can be subtle and patients presenting to chiropractors may have distracting pain masking their deficits. Evaluating for appropriateness of cervical manipulation in high‐risk patients and detecting early clinical signs of VAD by chiropractors can be beneficial in preventing acute ischemic strokes in young patients.

Relationship between Circle of Willis Variations and Cerebral or Cervical Arteries Stenosis Investigated by Computer Tomography Angiography and Multitask Convolutional Neural Network.

Circle of Willis (CoW) is the most critical collateral pathway that supports the redistribution of blood supply in the brain. The variation of CoW is closely correlated with cerebral hemodynamic and cerebral vessel-related diseases. But what is responsible for CoW variation remains unclear. Moreover, the visual evaluation for CoW variation is highly time-consuming. In the present study, based on the computer tomography angiography (CTA) dataset from 255 patients, the correlation between the CoW variations with age, gender, and cerebral or cervical artery stenosis was investigated. A multitask convolutional neural network (CNN) was used to segment cerebral arteries automatically. The results showed the prevalence of variation of the anterior communicating artery (Aco) was higher in the normal senior group than in the normal young group and in females than in males. The changes in the prevalence of variations of individual segments were not demonstrated in the population with stenosis of the afferent and efferent arteries, so the critical factors for variation are related to genetic or physiological factors rather than pathological lesions. Using the multitask CNN model, complete cerebral and cervical arteries could be segmented and reconstructed in 120 seconds, and an average Dice coefficient of 78.2% was achieved. The segmentation accuracy for precommunicating part of anterior cerebral artery and posterior cerebral artery, the posterior communicating arteries, and Aco in CoW was 100%, 99.2%, 94%, and 69%, respectively. Artificial intelligence (AI) can be considered as an adjunct tool for detecting the CoW, particularly related to reducing workload and improving the accuracy of the visual evaluation. The study will serve as a basis for the following research to determine an individual's risk of stroke with the aid of AI.

Ischaemic stroke caused by spontaneous unilateral carotid artery dissection in patient with connective tissue disorder

Background: Spontaneous cervical artery dissection is a major cause of ischaemic stroke in young patients. It is supposed that genetic variants associated with connective tissue disorders often lead to neurovascular complications, the management of which remains a challenge. Case presentation: A 30-year-old female was admitted to the Department of Neurology with an episode of visual disturbances, speech problems, and concomitant headache. Computed tomography angiography revealed left internal carotid artery dissection. Magnetic resonance of the brain showed cortical and subcortical acute ischaemic lesions in the left cerebral hemisphere. The patient was diagnosed with vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome based on the clinical course of the disease. Conservative treatment was administered with full neurological recovery. Conclusion: It is very important for clinicians to consider the coexistence of genetically determined connective tissue disorders in young patients who develop arterial dissections.

Role of the Cervical Anterior Spinal Artery in the Endovascular Treatment of Vascular Diseases: Bystander, Accomplice, Victim, or Friend?

The cervical anterior spinal artery (ASA) is a very important artery arising from the intracranial vertebral artery (VA). It can play different roles in endovascular treatment (EVT) of spinal vascular diseases. The current understanding of these roles is incomplete; therefore, we performed this review. We found that cervical ASA can be involved in many spinal vascular diseases, such as arteriovenous fistula (AVF), arteriovenous malformation (AVM), and aneurysm, and can serve as a collateral channel in proximal VA occlusion. In AVF and AVM, when the cervical ASA is involved, it often plays the role of an accomplice or victim because it acts as the feeder or as a bystander that does not provide blood flow to the AVF and AVM. In cervical ASA aneurysm, the ASA is a victim. During EVT of VA aneurysms or stenoses, the cervical ASA ostia can be covered or occluded, resulting in ASA ischemia. In this situation, the ASA is a victim. In VA occlusion or the subclavian steal phenomenon, the cervical ASA can serve as a collateral channel to provide blood flow to the posterior circulation. In this case, the ASA plays the role of a friend. According to the role of the cervical ASA in spinal vascular diseases, EVT should be determined “case by case.” Most importantly, when EVT is performed to treat these diseases, the cervical ASA axis must be preserved. Therefore, understanding the role of the cervical ASA in spinal vascular diseases is crucial.

Stroke Prevention in Cervical Artery Dissection.

Cervical artery dissection (CAD) is rare, yet it is a common cause of stroke in young and middle-aged adults. Historically, some senior clinicians favored anticoagulation in the prevention of stroke due to CAD. Choosing the optimal antithrombotic treatment with either antiplatelet (AP) or anticoagulant (AC) medications remains a challenge. This paper will review the clinical features and imaging of CAD, and the acute treatment and prevention of stroke due to CAD. Until 2015, there were no prospective randomized trials in the optimal antithrombotic management of CAD. The Cervical Artery Dissection in Stroke Study (CADISS) trial found that treatment with AC did not lower the risk of subsequent stroke or death at 3months when compared to AP agents. This led to a paradigm shift in national guidelines. In 2021, The Biomarkers and Antithrombotic Treatment in of Cervical Artery Dissection (TREAT-CAD) trial however did not confirm the non-inferiority of AP therapy in stroke prevention due to CAD. The optimal antithrombotic management for stroke prevention in CAD remains uncertain, while the superiority of anticoagulation has not been established, nor has the non-inferiority of AP agents. The future direction of research should consider early preventative treatment, dual treatment with AP agents, direct oral AC medications, and aggregation of data from existing randomized trials.

The Epidemiological Boehringer Ingelheim Employee Study (Part 3): Association of Elevated Fasting Insulin Levels but Not HOMA-IR With Increased Intima Media Thickness and Arteriosclerosis in Middle-Aged Persons.

Background: Recently published genetic studies have indicated a causal link between elevated insulin levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We, therefore, hypothesized that increased fasting insulin levels are also associated with precursors of CVD such as endothelial lesions.Methods: Middle-aged (≥40 years, n = 1,639) employees were followed up for the occurrence of increased intima media thickness (IMT ≥ 1 mm) or plaques in abdominal or cervical arteries (arteriosclerosis). Multivariable logistic regression analyses determined the incidence of increased IMT or arteriosclerosis. Adjusted relative risk (ARR) for increased IMT and arteriosclerosis was calculated by using Mantel-Haenszel analysis.Results: Increased IMT was diagnosed in 238 participants (15 %) and 328 (20 %) developed arteriosclerosis after 5 years of follow-up. Logistic regression analysis identified fasting insulin, BMI and smoking as risk factors for both cardiovascular endpoints (all p < 0.05), whereas age and diastolic blood pressure were risk factors for increased IMT only, and male sex was associated with incident arteriosclerosis only (all p < 0.01). Additional adjustment for BMI change during follow-up did not modify these associations (including fasting insulin), but adjustment for fasting insulin change during follow-up removed BMI as risk factor for both cardiovascular endpoints. Fasting insulin change during follow-up but not BMI change associated with increased IMT and arteriosclerosis (both p < 0.001). ARR analysis indicated that high fasting insulin and BMI added to age and sex as risk factors. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) did not associate with either cardiovascular endpoint in any model and smoking did not increase the risk conferred by high fasting insulin levels.Conclusions: Higher fasting insulin levels and increases in fasting insulin over time are associated with atherogenic progression and supersede BMI as well as HOMA-IR as risk factors.

Transcranial Doppler 6 h after Successful Reperfusion as a Predictor of Infarct Volume

ObjectivesThe aim of the study is to analyze the hemodynamic changes in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) after endovascular revascularization in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion and its association with the infarct volume size in the control head CT. Materials and MethodsProspective study of patients with AIS due to internal carotid artery terminus or M1 segment of the MCA occlusion, who underwent endovascular treatment with a final TICI 2b-3 score, without concomitant stenosis ≥50% in both cervical carotid arteries. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) of both MCAs was carried out at 6 h after the endovascular procedure. Mean flow velocities (MFV) after arterial reperfusion and its association with the infarct volume size in 24−36 h control head CT were determined. Results91 patients (51 women) were included with a median age of 78 years and National institute of Health Stroke Scale of 18. The MCA was occluded in 76.92%, and intravenous thrombolysis was administered in 40.7%. The incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was 5.5%. At three months, mortality was 19.8% and a 52.7% of patients achieved functional independence (modified Rankin Scale 0-2). After a multivariable logistic regression analysis, an increase in the MFV greater than 50% at 6 h in the treated MCA compared to contralateral MCA, was an independent predictor of large infarct volume in the control head CT with an OR 9.615 (95%CI: 1.908−47.620), p=0.006 ConclusionsIncreased MFV assessed by TCD examination following endovascular recanalization is independently associated with larger infarct volume

Factors associated with success following transcervical innominate artery suspension

ObjectiveAortopexy including innominate artery suspension is a well-established treatment of anterior vascular compression and associated tracheomalacia. We report the results of our case series of cervical approach to innominate artery suspension and hypothesize that increased distance from the innominate to the sternum is predictive of superior symptomatic outcome. Study designRetrospective Case Series. MethodsAll cases of cervical innominate artery suspension at our institution over the last 10 years were reviewed. CT scans of the neck and chest were reviewed to obtain anatomical measurements including anterior-posterior thoracic outlet distance, thymic thickness, and sternum-innominate artery distance. Measurements were compared with surgical outcomes as verified by follow up bronchoscopy and clinical course to determine factors predictive of success. ResultsTen cases of cervical innominate artery suspension were performed by the otolaryngology service at our institution over the last 10 years. Six patients had improvement in their symptoms. The average sternum-innominate artery distance (SID) was larger (14.4 mm (95% CI 9.1–19.7)) in patients who had improvement in clinical symptoms following innominate suspension compared to those that did not improve (6.3 mm (95% CI 2.5–10.1)) (p value = 0.02). Similarly, the anterior-posterior distance of the thoracic outlet was larger (34.9 mm (95% CI 27.4–42.4)) in patients who had improvement post-op compared to those that did not improve (22.6 mm (95% CI 18.2–27.2) (p value = 0.01). Two patients required spine surgery to achieve improvement in their symptoms. ConclusionCervical innominate artery suspension is successful in carefully selected patients. More space in the thoracic outlet and larger distance from the innominate artery to the sternum is associated with symptomatic improvement.

213 Can Styloid Process and Internal Carotid Artery Anatomy Be Used to Predict Carotid Artery Dissection?

Abstract Aim Carotid artery dissection is a common cause of stroke in the young. It has been related to the association of the carotid artery with fixed neighbouring anatomical structures. This study assesses the association between styloid process length, internal carotid artery position and cervical carotid artery dissection (CCAD). This information would provide potential predicative radiological measurements, which could prevent delays in CCAD diagnosis. Method Retrospective data was collected from two central London hospitals over five years. CCAD cases were identified from individuals who underwent computer topography angiography (CTA) of the neck for suspected CCAD. The following data was collected: evidence of CCAD; bilateral styloid process length and presence of styloid-hyoid ligament calcification; bilateral styloid process-internal carotid distance; calcification of carotid arteries and whether their position was aberrant. Cases were dissection-side, age and gender matched with two non-dissection controls. Results Three hundred and fifty-five individuals were identified. Fifty individuals had CCAD, of which 4 had bilateral dissection. In individuals with CCAD, average styloid process length was 27.5mm and styloid process-internal carotid distance was 5.14mm. There was no significant association between styloid process length or styloid process-internal carotid distance, and CCAD when compared with matched controls. Internal carotid artery aberrancy was significant for non-dissection. Conclusions In this study, there was no association between styloid process length and styloid process-internal carotid distance with CCAD. These measurements cannot be used to predict the possibility of a CCAD following trauma.