Clinical Outcomes Of Mechanical Thrombectomy Research Articles

Predictive value of white matter hyperintensity burden combined with collateral circulation in mechanical thrombectomy for acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation and predictive value of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden in conjunction with collateral circulation during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute anterior circulation occlusion. MethodsA database comprising consecutive registrations of patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusive cerebral infarction at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 was analyzed. Collateral circulation was assessed using the American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology/Society of Interventional Radiology (ASITN/SIR) scoring criteria. The good collateral group included ASITN/SIR grades 3 and 4, while the poor collateral group included grades 1 and 2. Additionally, white matter hyperintensity burden was evaluated using white matter hyperintensity volume and the Fazekas scoring system. A favorable functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 0–2 at 90 days. Multivariable logistic regression analyses and Spearman correlation analysis were employed to assess the correlation between white matter hyperintensity burden and unfavorable outcomes in mechanical thrombectomy. ResultsA total of 123 patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for acute anterior circulation occlusion were included (56.9 % male). Favorable outcomes were observed in 45.5 % (56/123) of cases. Those with a low ASITN/SIR scale (r = -1.33, 95 % CI: 0.26 (0.09–0.78), P=0.01; cutoff value = 2.5), low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level (r = -1.00, 95 % CI: 0.37 (0.15–0.92), P=0.03; cutoff value = 2.26), and high white matter hyperintense volume (r = 0.28, 95 % CI: 1.33 (1.03–1.71), P=0.03; cutoff value = 10.03) were more likely to experience unfavorable outcomes. Moreover, when compared to ASITN/SIR scale (AUC=89.6, 95 % CI: 0.09–0.78) and LDL level (AUC=62.8, 95 % CI: 0.15–0.92), white matter hyperintense volume demonstrated greater accuracy in predicting poor outcomes (AUC=94.4, 95 % CI: 1.03–1.71). Importantly, white matter hyperintense volume showed a positive correlation with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score (r = 0.8289, P<0.0001). In brief, the burden of white matter hyperintensity is negatively correlated with collateral circulation in mechanical thrombectomy for acute anterior circulation occlusion. ConclusionsThe higher the burden of white matter hyperintensity, the worse the collateral circulation in mechanical thrombectomy for acute anterior circulation occlusion. The combination of high white matter hyperintensity volume and poor collateral circulation enhances might predict a worse clinical outcome of mechanical thrombectomy with acute anterior circulation occlusion.

Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy in acute pulmonary embolism: Outcomes from a safety-net hospital.

Our study aims to present clinical outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in a safety-net hospital. This is a retrospective study of intermediate or high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) patients who underwent MT between October 2020 and May 2023. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Among 61 patients (mean age 57.6 years, 47% women, 57% Black) analyzed, 12 (19.7%) were classified as high-risk PE, and 49 (80.3%) were intermediate-risk PE. Of these patients, 62.3% had Medicaid or were uninsured, 50.8% lived in a high poverty zip code. The prevalence of normotensive shock in intermediate-risk PE patients was 62%. Immediate hemodynamic improvements included 7.4 mmHg mean drop in mean pulmonary artery pressure (-21.7%, p < 0.001) and 93% had normalization of their cardiac index postprocedure. Thirty-day mortality for the entire cohort was 5% (3 patients) and 0% when restricted to the intermediate-risk group. All 3 patients who died at 30 days presented with cardiac arrest. There were no differences in short-term mortality based on race, insurance type, citizenship status, or socioeconomic status. All-cause mortality at most recent follow up was 13.1% (mean follow up time of 13.4 ± 8.5 months). We extend the findings from prior studies that MT demonstrates a favorable safety profile with immediate improvement in hemodynamics and a low 30-day mortality in patients with acute PE, holding true even with relatively higher risk and more vulnerable population within a safety-net hospital.

Impact of atherosclerotic etiology on technical and clinical outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy with a stent retriever: subanalysis of the Japan Trevo Registry

BackgroundThe safety and effectiveness of stent retriever use for patients with acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) due to intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is not well established. We investigated the differences...

Post‐Market Registry of Stroke Patients Treated With Medtronic Neurothrombectomy Devices in Southeast Asia: PROSPR‐SEA

Background Southeast Asia accounts for approximately 10% of stroke‐related mortalities worldwide, yet there are limited data regarding mechanical thrombectomy (MT) outcomes in this region. PROSPR‐SEA (Post‐Market Registry of Stroke Patients Treated With Medtronic Neurothrombectomy Devices to Collect Real‐World Data in Southeast Asia) assessed post‐market clinical outcomes of MT using the Solitaire Revascularization Device in southeast Asia. Methods PROSPR‐SEA is a prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized, observational registry of patients who underwent MT using Solitaire as first line treatment at 1 of 10 centers in Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore between January 2018 and July 2019. The primary end point was functional independence (modified Rankin scale 0–2) at 90 days. Safety end points included symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, emboli in new territory at 24 hours, and all‐cause mortality at 90 days. Secondary end points were successful revascularization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction ≥2b), workflow metrics, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at discharge, and patient disposition at 90 days. Results A total of 183 patients (64.9±13.7, 49.7% [91/183] female) were included in the study and underwent MT; 79.2% (145/183) had occlusions in the middle cerebral artery. Median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 15.0 (range 1–31) and median baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score was 8.0 (range 0–10). Functional independence at 90 days was achieved in 62.2% (112/180). Mean puncture‐to‐revascularization time was 53.3±53.9 minutes, and mean onset‐to‐revascularization time was 330.0±110.4 minutes. Revascularization was successful in 94.0% (172/183) of patients. Median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale improved at discharge (−8.0, range −22, 25) and 90 days (−13.0, range −22, 0). Within 24 hours, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 7.7% (14/183) and emboli in new territory in 3.3% (6/183). At 90 days, the all‐cause mortality rate was 7.7% (14/183). Most patients were discharged to home by 90 days (84.1%, 154/183). Conclusion PROSPR‐SEA demonstrated high rates of positive functional outcomes and procedural success with a low mortality rate and indicates that the technical and clinical outcomes of landmark MT trials using Solitaire as the first‐line device are reproducible in real‐world southeast Asian settings.

Clot-based time attenuation curve as a novel imaging predictor of mechanical thrombectomy functional outcome in acute ischemia stroke.

To investigate whether a novel assessment of thrombus permeability obtained from perfusion computed tomography (CTP) can act as a more accurate predictor of clinical response to mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We performed a study including two cohorts of AIS patients who underwent MT admitted to a single-center between April 2018 and February 2022: a retrospective development cohort (n = 71) and a prospective independent validation cohort (n = 96). Thrombus permeability was determined in terms of entire thrombus time-attenuation curve (TAC) on CTP. Association between thrombus TAC distributions and histopathological results was analyzed in the development cohort. Logistic regression was used to assess the performance of the TAC for predicting 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, and good outcome was defined as a mRS score of ≤ 2. Basic clinical characteristics was used to build a routine clinical model. A combined model gathered TAC and basic clinical characteristics was also developed. The performance of the three models is compared on the independent validation set. Two TAC distributions were observed-unimodal (uTAC) and linear (lTAC). TAC distributions achieved strong correlations (|r|= 0.627, p < 0.001) with histopathological results, in which uTAC associated with fibrin- and platelet-rich clot while lTAC associated with red blood cell-rich clot. The uTAC was independently associated with poor outcome (odds ratio, 0.08 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.02-0.31]; p < 0.001). TAC distributions yielded an AUC of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.70-0.87) for predicting clinical outcome. When combined clinical characteristics, the performance was significantly improved (AUC, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.76-0.93]; p < 0.001) and higher than routine clinical model (AUC, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.59-0.83]; p < 0.001). Thrombus TAC on CTP were found to be a promising new imaging biomarker to predict the outcomes of MT in AIS. This study revealed that clot-based time attenuation curve based on admission perfusion CT could reflect the permeability and composition of thrombus and, also, provide valuable information to predict the clinical outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemia stroke. • Two time-attenuation curves distributions achieved strong correlations (|r|= 0.627, p < 0.001) with histopathological results. • The unimodal time-attenuation curve was independently associated with poor outcome (odds ratio, 0.08 [0.02-0.31]; p < 0.001). • The time-attenuation curve distributions yielded a higher performance for detecting clinical outcome than routine clinical model (AUC, 0.78 [0.70-0.87] vs 0.69 [0.59-0.83]; p < 0.001).

Mechanical thrombectomy for acute large vessel occlusion stroke beyond 24h.

Multiple trials have shown that mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is superior to medical therapy. However, no robust evidence is available regarding MT beyond 24h. In this study, we aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of endovascular stroke therapy in this late window. We conducted a retrospective study of prospectively collected data of patients who met extended window trial criteria, but underwent MT beyond 24h. Safety and efficacy outcomes included symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), procedural complications, number of passes, successful recanalization (mTICI 2b-3), delta (Δ) NIHSS (baseline-discharge), and favorable outcomes (mRS 0-2 at 90days). A total of 39 patients were included with a median age of 69years (IQR 61.5, 73.5); 54% were females. Hypertension was present in 76% of patients; 23% were smokers. Half of the patients had M1 occlusion (48.7%). Median preprocedural NIHSS was 11 (IQR 7.0, 19.5). Successful revascularization was achieved in 87%; median number of passes was 2 (IQR 1.0, 3.0). Median ΔNIHSS was 3.0 (IQR -1.5, 8.0). Favorable outcome was achieved in 49% (95% CI: 34%-64%), and 95% were free of complications. A total of 3 patients (7.7%) had sICH. In an exploratory analysis, posterior circulation occlusion was associated with higher mRS at 90days (OR: 14.7, p=0.016). Favorable discharge facility was associated with lower mRS at 90days (OR: 0.11, p=0.004). Our study showed comparable clinical outcomes of MT beyond 24h compared to MT trials within 24h in patients with favorable imaging profile, especially in anterior circulation occlusions.

First pass effect of mechanical thrombectomy for acute vertebrobasilar artery occlusion: data from the ANGEL-ACT registry

BackgroundTo explore the incidence, predictors, and association of first pass effect (FPE) on clinical outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute vertebrobasilar artery occlusion (VBAO) in the Asian population.MethodsWe selected...

Relevance of admission hyperglycaemia and diabetes mellitus to efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy in stroke patients.

The relevance of diabetes mellitus (DM) to the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has been the subject of few studies and with only inconclusive results. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of DM and admission hyperglycaemia on the efficacy and safety of MT in stroke patients. This retrospective study analysis focused on the relevance of admission hyperglyacemia and DM to the functional status of patients treated with MT at the Upper Silesian Medical Centre of the Silesian Medical University in Katowice, Poland. 417 stroke patients (median age 70 years) were qualified for the study. There were 103 patients (24.70%) with DM. Admission hyperglycaemia ≥ 140 mg% was found in 91 patients (21.82%), of whom 69 were diagnosed with DM before or during hospitalisation. The parameters with the strongest effect on the functional status on days 7, 90 and 365 were: age, and neurological status according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) on the first day of ischaemic stroke before MT. The angiographic effect indirect after MT and patient functional status on days 7, 90 and 365 were comparable between the groups, regardless of the DM burden. The frequency of symptomatic intracranial bleeding 24 hours after MT was comparable between patients with and patients without DM (p = 0.092). Model based on parameters were age, NIHSS on the first day of ischaemic stroke, an when score in Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarct (TICI) showed good predictive attributes for the functional status of patients in the acute period (day 7). Age, a lack of admission hyperglycaemia, and the neurological state on day 1 of ischaemic stroke (before MT) were the key parameters for a favourable outcome (≤ 2 points on the modified Rankin Scale, mRS) on day 90. Admission hyperglycaemia ≥ 140 mg/dL, regardless of the presence or absence of DM, had a negative effect on achieving a good functional status one week after stroke onset. Diabetes mellitus has a neutral effect on the angiographic and clinical outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy in stroke patients. It does not increase the risk of intracranial haemorrhage after instrumental therapy. It is admission hyperglycaemia, rather than diabetes mellitus, that is a predictor of poor functional status in patients treated with thrombectomy. According to our results, the patient's neurological status, age, and the outcome of thrombectomy are relevant to the functional status in the acute ischaemic stroke period.

Independent Significance of Visual Assessment of Perfusion CT Maps in Anterior Circulation Stroke Patients Treated with Mechanical Thrombectomy.

In the absence of an automated software analysis, the role of computed tomography perfusion (CTP) in a real time clinical practice is not well established. We evaluated the clinical significance of a widely accessible and simple visual grading scale of CTP in the anterior circulation of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT). The single center consecutive CT investigations of AIS patients treated with MT in the anterior circulation have been evaluated retrospectively. ASPECT score and collateral circulation evaluation based on the Maas score were determined. Time to peak parametric maps, derived from CTP, were graded into four categories, from least to most favorable. The primary endpoint was functional outcome evaluated as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤ 2 at 90days after MT. We included 318 patients in the analysis; 142 (45%) patients had mRS ≤ 2 after 90days, mortality rate was 24%. Higher CTP and Maas score were significantly correlated with better clinical outcome (Pearson χ2 25.0 and 37.7, respectively; p < 0.01). Collateral circulation and CTP grades were strongly interrelated (Pearson χ2 78.6; p < 0.01). The CTP grade demonstrated statistically significant independent correlation with the clinical outcome irrespective of the collateral circulation grade, ASPECT score and age (OR 2.5; p = 0.011). The correlation was more pronounced in patients with normal collateral circulation (OR 3.27; p = 0.029). We demonstrated that both visually graded CTP and collateral circulation grade strongly correlated with the clinical outcome of MT in the anterior circulation of AIS patients. Importantly, CTP correlated with the clinical outcome independent of the collateral circulation.

MECHANICAL THROMBECTOMY DURING PULMONARY EMBOLISM: A NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

TOPIC: Procedures TYPE: Original Investigations PURPOSE: The hemodynamic compromise triggered by acute Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is directly responsible for 5-10% of in-hospital deaths. Conventionally, patients suffering from acute massive and acute submissive PE are treated with intravenous or catheter-directed thrombolysis as an early or first line treatment for clot debulking. The use of surgical embolectomy, which is traditionally considered the alternative treatment, has dwindled in clinical practice. The recent technical and clinical success of the percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy (MT) makes it a promising treatment strategy. In this study we sought to delineate the utilization trends and clinical outcomes of MT in acute PE using a nationally representative sample. METHODS: National Inpatient Sample (NIS) by Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project for the years 2016-2018 were used to identify adult hospitalizations due to acute PE by using International Classification of Diseases (9th/10th Editions) Clinical Modification diagnosis codes (ICD-9-CM/ICD-10-CM). MT as well as other concurrent diagnosis and comorbidities were identified by previously validated ICD-9/10-CM procedures and diagnosis codes. Our primary objective was to delineate utilization trends and outcomes of MT in acute PE. Cochran Armitage trend test and survey logistic regression were used to analyze the data using SAS 9.4 software. RESULTS: Out of total 561,605 adult hospitalizations due to acute PE from 2016-2018, 4,115 (0.7%) patients underwent MT. Utilization trend increased from 1,125 (0.6%) in 2016 to 1,655 (0.9%) procedure (ptrend:<0.001). Among the acute PE patients who underwent MT, 48.1% were age >65, 52.0% were male and 70.8% were Caucasians. Saddle PE was present among 41.7% acute PE patients who received MT. In-hospital mortality was 10.7% and 21.5% discharged to facilities. In trend analysis, in-hospital mortality remained stable (10.2 % in 2016 to 11.1% in 2018; ptrend:0.15) while discharge to facilities declined (25.1% in 2016 to 21.2 % in 2018; ptrend:<0.01). Furthermore, 15% required mechanical ventilation and only 0.9% patients developed postprocedural Intra cerebral hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: In this nationally representative study, we found increasing trends for utilization of MT during acute PE. We also delineated post-procedural outcomes and noted mild improvement in some. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our study highlights the epidemiological trends and outcomes of 4,115 MT procedures utilized for thrombectomy during hospitalization due to acute PE. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Sulee Alcacoas, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by apurwa karki, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Achint Patel, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Pooja Patel, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Harshil Shah, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Csaba Sipos, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Shrujal Varma, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Vivek Joseph Varughese, source=Web Response

Mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke with occlusion of the M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery: A literature review.

Thanks to new generation devices, mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has substantially evolved and become the standard treatment for patients with acute occlusion of the internal carotid artery or proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) (M1 segment). However, the role and benefit of MT in patients with distal MCA (M2 segment) occlusion remain unclear. Therefore, there is a need for further studies. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of MT for M2 occlusion, this article reviews the natural course of M2 occlusion, the evidence regarding MT for M2 segment occlusion, clinical outcomes of MT for M2 occlusion, and treatment outcomes according to device type.

The clinical outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy for proximal M1 occlusion involving lenticulostriate perforators: Is it worse than distal M1 occlusion? Retrospective observational study.

Although the success rate of recanalization in acute intracranial artery occlusion is high, there is a poor rate of improvement in functional clinical outcome. The purpose of this study was to assess the functional outcome of mechanical thrombectomy for proximal M1 occlusion involving lenticulostriate arteries (LSAs) compared with distal M1 occlusion-sparing the LSAs.A retrospective analysis was conducted in patients with middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1 occlusions who had a successful recanalization subsequent to mechanical thrombectomy. The recanalization results were estimated using the thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade assessed by digital subtraction angiography. To confirm the ischemic change resulting from the lenticulostriate artery occlusion, we reviewed the neuroimaging findings from magnetic resonance imaging 1 day after mechanical thrombectomy. The functional outcomes were then evaluated using the modified Rankin scale at 90 days.In total, 28 patients with MCA M1 occlusion had successful recanalization outcomes with thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grades IIa, IIb, and III. Among the 28 patients, 17 had proximal M1 occlusions and 11 had distal M1 occlusions. Demographic factors, including initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, time from symptom to recanalization, and recanalization rate did not differ considerably between patients with proximal and distal M1 occlusions. Regarding infarctions in the basal ganglia, internal capsule, and corona radiata, there were statistically significant differences between the proximal and distal M1 occlusions. However, there were no significant differences in good functional outcome (modified Rankin scale ≤2) observed between the groups at 90 days after mechanical thrombectomy.Although proximal M1 occlusion had more frequent infarctions associated with the LSA territories, these were not related to poor functional outcomes. Both proximal and distal M1 occlusion demonstrated comparably good outcomes.

A Single-Center Experience of Endovascular Treatment in Subtypes of Basilar Artery Occlusion: Embolization Caused by Tandem Vertebral Artery Stenosis May Be Associated with Better Outcomes

Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a severe condition with high mortality. However, surgical procedures and outcomes of BAO with different pathologic subtypes have not been fully clarified. This study compared the surgical procedures and clinical outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy in different subtypes of BAO. Eighty-six patients with acute BAO receiving endovascular treatment between October 2015 and July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed and placed in 3 groups: pure embolism (group 1), arterial-arterial embolism from steno-occlusion of the tandem vertebral artery (group 2), and in situ atherosclerotic thrombosis (group 3). Recanalization rates, procedure times, surgical characteristics, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Groups 1, 2, and 3 included 33 (38.4%), 17 (19.8%), and 36 (41.9%) patients, respectively. The overall successful recanalization rate was 95.3%, and the good outcome rate was 61.6%. The procedure time in group 1 was shorter than the time in groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.001). The clinical good outcome rate was higher in group 2 than in group 1 (88.2% vs. 54.5%; P= 0.017). Groups 1 and 3 had similar good outcome rates (54.5% vs. 55.6%; P= 0.933). Twenty-seven patients received stent angioplasty: 10 of 17 in group 2 (58.8%) and 17 of 36 in group 3 (47.2%). The outcome of endovascular treatment for BAO varies among patients with different pathologic mechanisms. Patients with embolism from tandem vertebral artery steno-occlusion achieved the best outcomes. Rescue treatment was more common in patients with embolic BAO with tandem vertebral artery steno-occlusion and BAO with in situ atherosclerotic thrombosis.

Safety and Effectiveness of a Modified ASAP Technique during Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Initial Clinical Experience.

Objectives:For patients with acute ischemic stroke, various endovascular approaches have been reported with high recanalization rates and good clinical outcomes. However, the best technique for the first attempt at mechanical thrombectomy remains a matter of debate. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of a modified version of a stent-retrieving into an aspiration catheter with a proximal balloon (ASAP) technique.Materials and Methods:Modification 1: After stent deployment, the microcatheter was not removed immediately. Modification 2: After the withdrawal of the stent retriever into an aspirator and its removal from the entire system, we focused on the drainage of fluid into a pump. The aspirator was withdrawn slowly until the fluid appeared to be draining continuously into the pump. Before the removal of the aspirator, we performed angiography through the aspirator. We carried out a retrospective analysis of 30 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by occlusion of the anterior circulation who were treated with the modified ASAP technique at our institution.Results:A thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score of 2B or 3 was achieved in 29/30 patients (96.7%). The average number of passes was 1.2 ± 0.5. The mean time from puncture to recanalization was 17.6 ± 6.84 min. Twenty-three (76.7%) patients achieved a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2 at 3 months after the procedure.Conclusions:We found that the modified ASAP technique yielded fast recanalization, minimal complications, and good clinical outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy in this case series.

The role of CT texture analysis in predicting the clinical outcomes of acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy.

To evaluate the performance of CT-based texture analysis (TA) for predicting clinical outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This single-center, retrospective study contained 64 consecutive patients with AIS who underwent MT for large anterior circulation occlusion between December 2016 and January 2020. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores at 3 months as good outcome (mRS ≤ 2) and bad outcome (mRS > 2). Two observers examined the early ischemic changes for TA on baseline non-contrast CT images independently. Demographic, clinical, periprocedural, and texture variables were compared between the groups and ROC curves were made. Logistic regression analysis was used and a model was created to determine the independent predictors of a bad outcome. Sixty-four patients (32 female, 32 male; mean age 63.03 ± 14.42) were included in the study. Fourteen texture parameters were significantly different between patients with good and bad outcomes. The long-run high gray-level emphasis (LRHGE), which is a gray-level run-length matrix (GLRLM) feature, showed the highest sensitivity (80%) and specificity (70%) rates to predict disability. The GLRLM_LRHGE value of > 4885.0 and the time from onset to puncture of > 237.5 mi were found as independent predictors of the bad outcome. The diagnostic rate was 80.0% when using the combination of the GLRLM_LRHGE and the time from onset to puncture cutoff values. CT-based TA might be a promising modality to predict clinical outcome after MT in patients with AIS. • The gray-level run-length matrix parameters displayed higher diagnostic performance among the texture features. • The long-run high gray-level emphasis showed the highest sensitivity and specificity rates for predicting a bad outcome in stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. • The gray-level run-length matrix_long-run high gray-level emphasis value of > 4885.0 (OR = 11.06; 95% CI = 2.51 - 48.77; p = 0.001) and the time from onset to puncture of > 237.5 min (OR = 8.55; 95% CI = 1.96 - 37.21; p = 0.004) were found as independent predictors of the bad outcome.

Clinical Outcomes of Mechanical Thrombectomy in Stroke Tandem Lesions According to Intracranial Occlusion Location.

Clinical Outcomes of Mechanical Thrombectomy in Stroke Tandem Lesions According to Intracranial Occlusion Location.

Negative impact of Interhospital Transfer on Clinical Outcomes of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Fast Progressive Stroke

ObjectivesThe time-dependence of the clinical outcome of mechanical thrombectomy is higher in the “fast progressor” in whom cerebral ischemia progresses rapidly. The impact of time-consuming interhospital transfer (IT) on the clinical outcome of such patients is unknown. The effect on clinical outcomes of IT of fast progressors was investigated. MethodsAmong the patients enrolled in the Tokyo/Tama REgistry of Acute endovascular Thrombectomy, fast progressor cerebral ischemia cases were retrospectively investigated. In this study, a fast progressor was defined as a case with an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score less than 6 and last known well (LKW) to arterial puncture within 6 h. Patients’ background characteristics, treatment progress, and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months were examined. ResultsOf a total of 1182 patients, 92 (7.8%) were included, with 76 patients in the direct transfer (DT) group, and 16 patients in the IT group. Median LKW to reperfusion was 190 min and 272 min, respectively (P<.001). The number of patients with mRS scores 0-2 at three months was 22 (28.9%) in the DT group and 1 (6.2%) in the IT group. Interhospital transfer was an independent factor associated with worse outcomes (odds ratio 0.08, 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.87, P=.038). ConclusionThis study showed that, among fast progressor patients, the IT group had a worse prognosis than the DT group. To provide good clinical outcomes for fast progressor patients, those who are likely to undergo mechanical thrombectomy should be sent directly to a thrombectomy-capable center.

Editors' note: MT in anticoagulated patients: Direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists

In “MT in anticoagulated patients: Direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists,” L'Allinec et al. compared procedural and clinical outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in 115 patients on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and 106 patients on vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and found that reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score [mTICI] 2b/3 or mTICI 2c/3), 90-day mortality, and excellent 90-day outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0–1 or equal to prestroke mRS) were better in patients on DOACs. Frontera cautioned that this study does not clearly indicate that clot retrieval is easier in patients on DOACs because (1) up to 50% of VKA users may have had a subtherapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) (28% of patients had INR <2% and 24% did not have INR) and (2) data on the MT devices are not provided. Further study is warranted comparing patients on individual DOACs with patients on VKAs with therapeutic INRs who are treated with the latest MT techniques. However, these findings add to existing literature on the benefit of DOACs vs VKAs about the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic events. In “MT in anticoagulated patients: Direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists,” L'Allinec et al. compared procedural and clinical outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in 115 patients on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and 106 patients on vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and found that reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score [mTICI] 2b/3 or mTICI 2c/3), 90-day mortality, and excellent 90-day outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0–1 or equal to prestroke mRS) were better in patients on DOACs. Frontera cautioned that this study does not clearly indicate that clot retrieval is easier in patients on DOACs because (1) up to 50% of VKA users may have had a subtherapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) (28% of patients had INR <2% and 24% did not have INR) and (2) data on the MT devices are not provided. Further study is warranted comparing patients on individual DOACs with patients on VKAs with therapeutic INRs who are treated with the latest MT techniques. However, these findings add to existing literature on the benefit of DOACs vs VKAs about the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic events.

Clinical outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy following intravenous administration of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator for basilar artery occlusion

ObjectiveMechanical thrombectomy (MT) following intravenous administration of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (IV-rt-PA) is considered an effective treatment for the occlusion of the internal carotid artery or the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery. However, its efficacy in treating basilar artery (BA) occlusion is still unclear. In order to evaluate the efficacy of MT in treating BA occlusion, we aimed to analyzed the clinical outcomes of those patients who had undergone MT following IV-rt-PA administration. Patients and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes of 11 patients with BA occlusion who had undergone MT following IV-rt-PA administration between January 1, 2015, and March 31, 2019. ResultsThe patients consisted of 8 men and 3 women. The mean (±standard deviation) age was 73 ± 9.4 years. Stroke subtypes were found to be atherothrombosis in 2 patients, cardiogenic embolism in 6, arterial dissection in 1, and an unknown cause in 2. The median pretreatment scores were 9 on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and 25 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. The time elapsed from onset of the stroke to reperfusion was 281 min. Successful reperfusion, characterized by a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade ≥ 2b, was achieved in all patients. The 3-month outcomes were good [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2] in 5 patients and poor (mRS 3–6) in 6 patients. The pretreatment median GCS scores were significantly higher in patients with a good outcome compared to that in those with a poor outcome with scores of 11 and 7.5, respectively (P = 0.044). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off score on the GCS was 9.5 [area under the curve (AUC), 0.867; sensitivity, 0.8; specificity, 1.0]. Complications occurred in 1 patient with arterial dissection who had developed a subarachnoid hemorrhage and later died. ConclusionThe results of the present study suggests that the pretreatment GCS score might affect the clinical outcomes in patients with BA occlusion who underwent MT following IV-rt-PA therapy.

Abstract WMP10: The Role of Intravenous Thrombolysis Before Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Subgroup Analysis of the RESILIENT Trial

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in addition to intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is now the recommended treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). The positive trials also demonstrated that MT alone among patients ineligible for IVT is an effective therapy for AIS. Whether MT alone is as effective, worse, or better than pretreatment with IVT before MT among IVT-eligible AIS patients with LVO is debatable. We aimed to assess the effect of IVT on the clinical outcome of MT in the RESILIENT trial. Methods: RESILIENT was a randomized, prospective, multicenter, controlled trial evaluating the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of thrombectomy versus medical treatment alone. A total of 221 patient were enrolled. The trial showed a strong benefit to thrombectomy (90-day mRS ordinal shift, OR 95%CI). All eligible patients received intravenous tPA within the 4.5-hour-window. The primary end-point was the common odds ratio (cOR) of mRs at 90 days (shift analysis) and the main secondary endpoint was the rate of functional independence (mRS 0-2) at 90 days. Ordinal logistic and binary regression analyses with the use of intravenous tPA as an interaction term were performed with adjustments for potential confounders including age, baseline NIHSS score, occlusion site, IV tPA use and ASPECTS. A p value &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among 221 randomized patients (median NIHSS, 18 IQR [14-21]), 155 (70%) were treated with IV tPA. The frequency of good recanalization (TICI 2b&gt; ) and of hemorrhagic transformation was not affected by IVT. There was no significant difference in the treatment effect size across patients who received intravenous tPA versus those who did not in terms of overall functional disability (ordinal mRS shift: aOR: 2.63, 95%CI [1.48-4.69] vs. 1.54, 95%CI [0.63-3.74]; p=0.42) or functional independence (mRS 0-2: aOR: 3.06, 95%CI [1.37-6.48] vs. 1.71 95%CI [0.55-5.33], p=0.40) at 90 days. Conclusions: The large effect size of MT on LVO outcomes was not significantly affected by IVT. Further studies directly evaluating the role of IVT before MT are of utmost importance.