Collateral Circulation Status Research Articles

Color-coded collateral and venous outflow patterns in estimating infarct progression and predicting functional independence for stroke patients in late time window.

To investigate whether cerebral collateral and venous outflow patterns on color-coded multi-phase computed tomography angiography (mCTA) can estimate ischemic core growth rate (IGR) and predict 90-day functional independence for patients with late-presenting acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The retrospective analysis included 127 AIS patients with a late time window. All patients underwent baseline mCTA with color-coded reconstruction and computed tomography perfusion. Both collateral score and venous outflow (VO) score on color-coded mCTA maps were analyzed and recorded. The IGR was calculated as ischemic core volume divided by the time from onset to imaging. A 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 was defined as functional independence. Kendall's Tau-b analysis was used for nonparametric correlation analysis. Propensity scores, logistic regressions, and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to construct the prediction model. Moderate correlations were found between collateral delay and IGR (Tau-b = -0.554) and between VO and IGR (Tau-b = -0.501). High collateral score (odds ratio = 3.01) and adequate VO (odds ratio = 4.89) remained independent predictors for 90-day functional independence after adjustment. The joint predictive model, which integrated the VO score and clinical features, demonstrated an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.878. The AUCs of collateral score and VO score were 0.836 and 0.883 for outcome prediction after adjustment. Cerebral collateral and VO patterns based on color-coded mCTA can effectively predict infarct progression and 90-day clinical outcomes, even for AIS patients beyond the routine time window. Color-coded mCTA is a readily understandable post-processing technique for the rapid assessment of collateral circulation and VO status in stroke imaging. A moderate correlation was observed between the characteristics of collateral delay/VO on color-coded mCTA and IGR in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Both high-quality collateral circulation and "red superficial middle cerebral vein sign" can predict 90-day functional independence even for patients beyond the routine time window.

The impacts of venous outflow profiles on outcomes among large vessel occlusion patients receiving endovascular treatment in the late window.

To investigate the association between venous outflow (VO) profiles and outcomes among acute ischemic stroke caused by anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO) patients who had undergone endovascular treatment (EVT) in the late window of 6-24 h from stroke onset. This was a post-hoc analysis of our preceding RESCUE-BT trial, with findings validated in an external cohort. Baseline computed tomographic angiography (CTA) was performed to assess VO using the Cortical Vein Opacification Score (COVES). The primary clinical outcome was functional independence at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2). The adjusted odd ratio (aOR) and confidence interval (CI) were obtained from multivariable logistic regressions. A total of 440 patients were included in the present study. After identifying the cutoff of COVES by marginal effects approach, enrolled patients were divided into the favorable VO group (COVES 4-6) and the poor VO (COVES 0-3) group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that favorable VO (aOR 2.25; 95% CI 1.31-3.86; p = 0.003) was associated with functional independence. Similar results were detected in the external validation cohort. Among those with poor arterial collateralization, favorable VO was still an independent predictor of functional independence (aOR 2.09; 95% CI 1.06-4.10; p = 0.032). The robust VO profile indicated by COVES 4-6 could promote the frequency of functional independence among AIS-LVO patients receiving EVT in the late window, and the prognostic value of VO was independent of the arterial collateral status. The robust venous outflow profile was a valid predictor for functional independence among AIS-LVO patients receiving EVT in the late window (6-24 h) and the predictive role of venous outflow did not rely on the status of arterial collateral circulation.

Clinical and imaging markers for the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke.

Significant differences in the outcomes observed in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) have led to research investigations for identifying the predictors. In this retrospective study, we aimed to investigate the relationship of different clinical and imaging factors with the prognosis of AIS. All clinical and imaging metrics were compared between the good and poor prognosis groups according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days after discharge. Clinical factors included gender, age, NIHSS scores at admission, and other medical history risk factors. Imaging markers included the lesion's size and location, diffusion, and perfusion metrics of infarction core and peripheral regions, and the state of collateral circulation. Spearman's correlations were analyzed for age and imaging markers between the different groups. The Chi-square test and Cramer's V coefficient analysis were performed for gender, collateral circulation status, NIHSS score, and other stroke risk factors. A total of 89 patients with AIS were divided into the good (mRS score ≤ 2) and poor prognosis groups (mRS score ≥ 3). There were differences in NIHSS score at the admission; relative MK (rMK), relative MD (rMD), relative CBF (rCBF) of the infarction core; relative mean transit time (rMTT), relative time to peak (rTTP), and relative CBF (rCBF) of peripheral regions; and collateral circulation status between the two groups (p < 0.05). Among them, the rMK of infarction lesions had the strongest correlation with the mRS score at 90 days after discharge (r = 0.545, p < 0.001). Perfusion and diffusion metrics could reflect the microstructure and blood flow characteristics of the lesion, which were the key factors for the salvage ability and prognosis of the infarction tissue. The characteristics of the infarction core and peripheral regions have different effects on the outcomes. Diffusion of infarction core has strong relations with the prognosis, whereas the time metrics (MTT, TTP) were more important for peripheral regions. MK had a more significant association with prognosis than MD. These factors were the primary markers influencing the prognosis of cerebral infarction patients.

Relationship of core growth rate, collateral circulation status and clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke from anterior circulation occlusion

Relationship of core growth rate, collateral circulation status and clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke from anterior circulation occlusion

Effect of collateral circulation in patients with multiple craniocervical artery stenoses.

Based on previous findings, collateral circulation in the brain is vital in mitigating cerebral ischemia's effects and influencing stroke risk. This retrospective study examined collateral circulation, admission ischemic stroke status, and long-term recurrence in patients with multiple craniocervical artery stenoses. Consecutive symptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were recruited. Baseline data including medical histories and neurological function at admission were collected. Imaging techniques assessed collateral compensative capacity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between collateral circulation and case status. A total of 559 patients with symptomatic ICA stenosis were included, among whom 153 (27.4%) had concurrent moderate to severe vertebro-basilar artery (VBA) stenosis. Dizziness, weakness/numbness, and slurring of speech were the primary symptoms in all patients. Over 36 months, 71 (12.7%) patients experienced a recurrence of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In multivariate analysis, collateral circulation was found to be negatively associated with AIS (regional leptomeningeal collateral [rLMC] scores: OR: 0.798, 95% CI: 0.743-0.857, p < 0.001; Tan scores: OR: 0.478, 95% CI: 0.336-0.679, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the collateral circulation scores were significantly associated with the recurrence of AIS within 3 years (rLMC scores: OR: 0.926, 95% CI: 0.860-0.997, p = 0.042; Tan scores: OR: 0.467, 95% CI: 0.306-0.712, p < 0.001). Most associations remained significant in the subgroup of patients with VBA stenosis. Favorable collateral circulation in multiple craniocervical artery stenosis patients reduced long-term ischemic event recurrence. Stratifying treatment risks is essential for optimizing outcomes.

Abstract 247: Visual versus Computer Software Assessment of Perfusion in Anterior Circulation Stroke Treated with Mechanical Thrombectomy

Introduction 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. In a pilot study on 318 acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT), we established that visual, semi quantitative evaluation of CTP strongly correlates with clinical outcome, independently of collateral circulation status and ASPECT score. The visual CTP assessment was based only on TTP (time to peak) perfusion maps that are widely accessible, simple to perform on any CT scanner and easy to analyze even by a non‐specialized radiologist. To expand on these results, we are currently performing a direct comparison of the visual and computer‐based CTP assessment and their independent prediction of clinical outcome in AIS patients treated with MT in anterior circulation. Methods The single center consecutive CT investigations of AIS patients treated with MT in the anterior circulation were evaluated retrospectively. ASPECT score and collateral circulation evaluation based on the Maas score were determined. CTP assessments, performed either by the visual or computer based method, were graded into four categories, from least to most favorable. Visual grading was based on the percentage of »black regions« on TTP parametric maps, which represent a complete fallout of signal and presumably correlate with infarction core, in comparison to the whole area of the hypo‐perfused territory. Computer based CTP assessment was performed by syngo® Neuro Perfusion CT software. Ischemic core was defined as an area with reduced relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) below 30% and the hypo‐perfused territory as an area with time to maximum (Tmax) residue function exceeding 6 seconds. The relative volumes of the core were transformed into percentages and graded accordingly. The primary endpoint was excellent functional outcome defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤2 at 90 days after MT. Results In the pilot study, we included 318 patients, with 142 (45%) having mRS≤ 2 after 90 days, and the mortality rate was 24%. The visually determined CTP grade demonstrated statistically significant independent correlation with the clinical outcome, irrespective of the collateral circulation, ASPECT score and age (OR 2.5; p= 0.011). As an extension of the pilot study, we are undergoing analysis of 1029 patients that underwent MT from 2013 until the end of 2022. The preliminary findings point towards a good correlation between the visual and computer based CTP assessment. Conclusion The preliminary results of the ongoing direct comparison of the visual and computer based CTP assessment point towards a good correlation with concordant predictability of clinical outcome of both methods. The results of this study provide an additional scientific background for using the visual semi‐quantitative CTP evaluation in clinical practice for patients who are candidates for MT. As this method is simple and easy to use, it can be performed in almost any CT unit, even without a software program for CTP analysis or advanced subspecialized knowledge in neuroradiology.

Initial and follow-up high-resolution vessel wall MRI study of spontaneous cervicocranial artery dissection.

To explore the factors associated with ischemic stroke secondary to spontaneous cervicocranial artery dissection (sCCAD) and evaluate the initial imaging markers related to outcomes. Initial and follow-up high-resolution vessel wall MRI (VW-MRI) in consecutive patients with sCCAD were retrospectively analyzed. The associations of clinical and imaging factors and variants of the circle of Willis (COW) with ischemic stroke were evaluated using binary logistic regression analyses. The anatomical outcomes were categorized as complete, partial, and no remodeling based on changes of the vessel wall and lumen. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between initial features and outcomes. A total of 115 dissected arteries (79 strokes, 36 non-strokes) were detected in 103 patients. Follow-up VW-MRI was available in 46 patients (44.7%, with 51 vessels), with a median interval of 8.5months. Pseudoaneurysm (odd ratio [OR], 0.178; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.039-0.810; p = 0.026) tended to rarely cause ischemic stroke, while intraluminal thrombus (OR, 5.558; 95% CI, 1.739-17.765; p = 0.004), incomplete COW (OR, 9.309; 95% CI, 2.122-40.840; p = 0.003), and partial complete COW (OR, 4.463; 95% CI, 1.211-16.453; p = 0.025) were independently associated with stroke occurrence. Furthermore, the presence of double lumen (OR, 5.749; 95% CI, 1.358-24.361; p = 0.018) and occlusion (OR, 12.975; 95% CI, 3.022-55.645; p = 0.001) were associated with no remodeling of sCCAD. Multiple initial factors were found to be related to stroke occurrence and anatomical outcomes of sCCAD. High-resolution VW-MRI may provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology and evolution of sCCAD. Initial and follow-up high-resolution vessel wall MRI may help elucidate the pathophysiology of spontaneous cervicocranial artery dissection and provide important insights into the evolution and further facilitate the optimal management of patients with spontaneous cervicocranial artery dissection. • Clinical and imaging factors, as well as the status of primary collateral circulation, are associated with ischemic stroke secondary to spontaneous cervicocranial artery dissection. • The follow-up high-resolution vessel wall MRI provides valuable insights into the long-term evolution and anatomical outcomes of spontaneous cervicocranial artery dissection. • The high-resolution vessel wall MRI features related to ischemic stroke and anatomical outcomes may further facilitate the optimal management of patients with spontaneous cervicocranial artery dissection.

Comparison of Three Algorithms for Predicting Infarct Volume in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke by CT Perfusion Software: Bayesian, CSVD, and OSVD.

This study aimed to compare the performance of the Bayesian probabilistic method, circular Singular Value Decomposition (cSVD), and oscillation index Singular Value Decomposition (oSVD) algorithms in Olea Sphere for predicting infarct volume in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Eighty-seven patients suffering from AIS with large vessel occlusion were divided into improvement and progression groups. The improvement group included patients with successful recanalization (TICI 2b-3) after thrombectomy or whose clinical symptoms improved after thrombolysis. The progression group consisted of patients whose clinical symptoms did not improve or even got worse. The infarct core volume from the Olea Sphere software was used as the predicted infarct volume (PIV) in the improvement group, whereas the hypoperfusion volume was used as the PIV in the progression group. We defined predicted difference (PD) as PIV minus final infarct volume (FIV) measured at follow-up imaging. Differences among the three algorithms were assessed by the Friedman test. Spearman correlation analysis was used to verify the correlation between PIV and FIV. In addition, we performed a subgroup analysis of the progression group based on collateral circulation status. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] of the PD and Spearman correlation coefficients (SCCs) between PIV and FIV for the improvement group (n = 22) were: Bayesian = [6.99 (-14.72, 18.99), 0.500]; oSVD = [-12.74 (-41.06, -3.46), 0.423]; cSVD = [-15.38 (-38.92, -4.68), 0.586]. For the progression group (n = 65), the median (IQR) of PD and SCCs were: Bayesian = [1.00 (-34.07, 49.37), 0.748]; oSVD = [-0.17 (-53.42, 29.73), 0.712]; cSVD = [66.55 (7.94, 106.32), 0.674]. The Bayesian algorithm in the Olea Sphere software predicted infarct volumes with better accuracy and stability than the other two algorithms in both the progression and improvement groups.

Oxidation‑reduction potential parameters worsen following intraarterial therapy in patients with reduced collateral circulation and middle cerebral artery occlusions.

Collateral circulation is important for cerebral perfusion in acute ischemic strokes. Monitoring the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) may be useful to assess collateral status or treatment efficacy. The objectives of the present study were to determine if the ORP was associated with collateral circulation status in middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusions and to identify patterns in the ORP and the collateral circulation status among patients treated with intraarterial therapy (IAT) over time. The present pilot study was nested within a prospective cohort study measuring the ORP of the peripheral venous plasma of stroke patients. The population included in the present study were patients with MCA (M1/M2) occlusions. Two ORP parameters were examined: Static ORP (sORP; mV), indicating oxidative stress, and capacity ORP (cORP; µC), indicating antioxidant reserves. Collateral status was retrospectively graded using Miteff's system as good (grade 1) or reduced (grade 2/3). Comparisons were made between collateral status groups (reduced vs. good collaterals) in all patients, within a subset including only patients who received IAT, and between thrombolysis in cerebral infraction scale score (TICI) groups (0-2a vs. 2b/3). The Fisher's exact test, Student's t-test and Wilcoxon tests were used (α<0.20). The 19 patients were categorized based on their collaterals: Good collaterals (53%) and reduced collaterals (47%). The baseline characteristics were similar with the exception that the patients with good collaterals had a lower international normalized ratio (P=0.12) and were more likely to have a stroke on the left side (P=0.18) or to have a mismatch (P=0.05). The admission sORP values were comparable (169.5 vs. 164.2 mV; P=0.65), as was admission cORP (P=0.73). When considering only the patients who received IAT (n=12), admission sORP (P=0.69) and cORP (P=0.90) were also statistically similar. On day 2, after IAT, both groups experienced a worsening in ORP measures; however, the patients with good collaterals had a significantly lower sORP (169.4 vs. 203.5 mV; P=0.02) and a higher cORP (0.2 vs. 0.1 µC; P=0.002) compared with the patients with reduced collaterals. Neither sORP nor cORP were significantly different between TICI score groups on admission or on day 2. Upon discharge, patients with a TICI of 2b-3 had a significantly better sORP (P=0.03) and cORP (P=0.12) compared with those with a TICI of 0-2a. In conclusion, upon patient admission, the ORP parameters were not significantly different between the collateral circulation status groups for MCA occlusions. The ORP parameters worsened after IAT regardless of the collateral circulation status; however, after IAT, on day 2, patients with good collaterals experienced less oxidative stress (sORP) and had higher antioxidant reserves (cORP) than patients with reduced collaterals.

Vascular risk factors, cerebral collateral efficiency and burden of small vessel disease in anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke (P11-5.025)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To determine the association between cerebral collateral circulation status and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) burden. <h3>Background:</h3> Subclinical ischemia is thought to play a central role in CSVD pathogenesis. In patients with large vessel occlusion, good collaterals on initial presentation are associated with improved outcomes. The relationship between an increased burden of CSVD and collateral network has not been explored in the setting of thrombectomy. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> This was a retrospective single-center cohort of consecutive patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusions with available brain MRI and CT-Angiogram. We identified the burden of individual CSVD markers[white matter hyperintensities (WMH), cerebral microbleeds(CMB), lacunes, and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS)] and computed the global CSVD burden on MRI obtained in the acute stroke. We used the Tan Collateral score (CS) in CT-Angiogram to grade collaterals (0–3; 0=absent supply, 3=100% collateral supply). We performed univariable and multivariable adjusted analyses to explore the association between collaterals and CSVD. <h3>Results:</h3> 237 patients (66.1±16.8 years), 123(52%) female were included. Mean CS was 2(IQR 1–3). WMH (89%), basal ganglia EPVS (77%) and centrum semiovale EPVS (77%) were the most prevalent markers. Older age(beta=0.15, p&lt;0.0001) had the most potent association with individual CSVD markers and higher global CSVD burden. Older age(beta=−0.01, p=0.002) was associated with lower CS. Although a trend was detected between lower CS score and higher WMH burden, it did not reach statistical significance after adjusting for confounders (beta=−0.21, p=0.15). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> In this cohort of large vessel occlusion patients, we found that older age is associated with higher individual CSVD marker and global CSVD burden and poor collateral status. We did not find an overt association between CS and WMH or global CSVD burden. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. McMillan has nothing to disclose. Ms. Carvalho has nothing to disclose. Sarah Marchina has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cole has nothing to disclose. Dr. Selim has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for MedRhythms Inc.. Dr. Lioutas has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Qmetis. Dr. Lioutas has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for American Heart Association.

NT-proBNP Levels and Collateral Circulation Status in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

In this study, 326 hospitalized patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke (AACIS) were included. A comparison of the clinical characteristics of those with and without AF was conducted. The Spearman rank correlation was used for the correlation analysis of plasma NT-proBNP level, regional leptomeningeal collateral (rLMC) score, and computed tomography perfusion (CTP) status in the AF and non-AF groups. An analysis of multivariate linear regression was used to determine how plasma NT-proBNP level, rLMC score, and CTP status influenced the score on the NIHSS. There was a greater plasma NT-proBNP level in the AF group compared with the non-AF group, an increased CTP volume (including CTP ischemic volume, CTP infarct core volume, and CTP ischemic penumbra volume (P = 0.002)), higher NIHSS score on admission, and lower rLMC score (P < 0.001 for the remaining parameters). A negative correlation exists between plasma NT-proBNP level and rLMC score (r = -0.156, P = 0.022), but a positive correlation exists between plasma NT-proBNP level and both CTP ischemic volume and CTP infarct core volume (r = 0.148, P = 0.003) in the AF group, but not in the non-AF group. Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that NT-proBNP, CTP ischemic penumbra volume, and rLMC score were associated with NIHSS score, and NT-proBNP was positively associated with NIHSS scores (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.000-0.002; P = 0.004) in the AF group, whatever in the unadjusted model or adjusted models, but not in the nonlarge artery atherosclerosis (LAA) group. In AACIS patients with AF, NT-proBNP level negatively correlated with collateral status, positively with CTP ischemic volume, and positively with NIHSS score.

Attention should be paid to futile recanalization after endovascular treatment in acute ischemic stroke

With the accumulation of research evidence and clinical experience, an increasing number of patients benefit from vascular recanalization therapies. Although successful recanalization of the occluded artery has been achieved, neurological deficits persist after endovascular treatment, which defined as"futile reperfusion". Compared with the successful recanalization, successful reperfusion predicts final infarct size and clinical outcome more accurately. At present, the known influencing factors of futile reperfusion include older age, female, high baseline National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score, hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, reperfusion treatment strategy, large infarction core volume, and collateral circulation status. The incidence of futile reperfusion in China is significantly higher than that in western population. However, few studies focused on its mechanism and influencing factors. To date, many clinical studies have attempted to reduce the occurrence of futile recanalization regarding antiplatelet therapy, blood pressure management and treatment process improvement. However, only one effective measure has been achieved in blood pressure management: systolic blood pressure control below 120 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) should be avoided after successful recanalization. Therefore, future studies are warranted to promote the establishment and maintenance of collateral circulation, as well as neuroprotective therapy.

Meta-Analysis of Prognostic Correlation of Thrombectomy for Cerebral Infarction Based on Intelligent Medical Treatment.

A meta-analysis is used to investigate the correlation between the status of collateral circulation assessed by head CT angiography (CTA) and the outcome of thrombectomy for cerebral infarction. Meta-analysis is conducted. The experimental results show that the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, incidence of cerebral hemorrhage, and mortality in the group with good collateral circulation are significantly lower than those in the group with bad collateral circulation, and the rate of good prognosis is significantly higher (P < 0.05). The evaluation and treatment of patients with cerebral infarction and their prognosis based on CTA intelligent medical technology are related to collateral circulation, and the effect of effectively reducing the risk of death, cerebral hemorrhage, and neurological function injury and improving the prognosis is more obvious in each collateral circulation.

The determinants of collateral circulation status in patients with chronic cerebral arterial circle occlusion: A STROBE Study.

The condition of collateral pathways is an important predictor of stroke prognoses; however the major determinants of collaterals are still unknown. The purpose of this study is to identify potentially determinants for collateral circulation status in patients with chronic occlusion of cerebral arterial circle.All patients with chronic occlusion of either unilateral internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery M1 or M2 segment, diagnosed by digital subtraction angiography at the neurology department of the First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2015 to December 2017, were retrospectively collected in our sample. After screening according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, the patients’ relevant clinical data were collected and analyzed. Collateral circulations were assessed by 2 independent raters using the American society of interventional and therapeutic neuroradiology/society of interventional radiology flow-grading system.Baseline characteristics (n = 163): our sample consists of 116 (71.2%) male and 47 (28.8%) female patients with an average age of 57.5 ± 11.9 years. Cerebral collateral flow was poor in 59 (36.2%) patients. Our univariate analyses showed that poor collateral circulation was associated with lower high-density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDL), elevated homocysteine levels, aging and hyperlipidemia. A multivariate analysis identified HDL, homocysteine levels and ageing as major predictors for collateral circulation status. In the subgroup analysis, the HDL contributed to collateral angiogenesis internal carotid artery occlusion group. In the middle cerebral artery occlusion group, the homocysteine and ageing were related to the poor collateral status.Low HDL, high levels of homocysteine and ageing are identified as possible risk factors for a poor collateral vessel blood flow in patients with chronic anterior circulation occlusion.

Risk score for symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage in patients with acute ischaemic stroke receiving endovascular treatment

Background and purposeThis study aimed to develop a score to predict the risk for symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH) associated with endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with acute ischaemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusions (LVOs) in the anterior circulation. MethodsBetween January 2017 and December 2019, acute stroke patients with anterior circulation occlusion and EVT were retrospectively enroled from 11 comprehensive stroke centres in China. Univariate analyses were performed to compare the factors in patients with or without sICH. The predictive value of parameters associated with sICH was evaluated with multivariate logistic regression, and the score was developed according to the magnitude of regression coefficients. We performed external validation in a retrospective stroke registry of EVT for acute anterior circulation ischaemic stroke in 21 comprehensive stroke centres across 10 provinces in China (ACTUAL). ResultsOf the 433 patients, 70 (16.2%) patients had sICH. The preoperative predictive factors of sICH were poor collateral circulation, low baseline ASPECTS, cardioembolic stroke and high serum glucose. Using the OR of preoperative predictive factors (collateral circulation status, baseline ASPECTS, TOAST type and serum glucose) in the multivariable model, we derived the ACTS score. In the derivation cohort, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.797; in the validation cohort, it was 0.727. ConclusionThe ACTS score provides a quick and easy-to-perform scale to predict the risk of sICH in acute anterior circulation stroke patients treated with EVT. This score should be further examined and improved in future prospective studies to increase its precision and applicability before it can be recommended to make clinical decisions regarding the performance of EVT.

Combination of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Lipoprotein(a) as a Predictor of Collateral Circulation in Patients With Severe Unilateral Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis or Occlusion.

Background and PurposeCollateral circulation is considered an important factor affecting the risk of stroke, but the factors that affect collateral circulation remain unclear. This study was performed to identify the factors associated with collateral circulation, especially blood lipids.MethodsThe study involved patients who had undergone digital subtraction angiography and were confirmed as having severe unilateral stenosis or occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). We classified the collateral circulation status of each patient as good (Grade 3 or 4) or poor (Grade 0, 1, or 2) according to the grading system of the American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology/American Society of Interventional Radiology. We collected data on patients’ characteristics and identified the factors that affect collateral circulation.ResultsThis study included 212 patients. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration and a complete anterior half of the circle of Willis were independent protective factors for good collateral circulation, whereas elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and serum creatinine concentrations were independent risk factors for good collateral circulation. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was 0.68 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61–0.76) for HDL-C and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.62–0.76) for Lp(a). A binary logistic regression model analysis of the joint factor of HDL-C and Lp(a) yielded an AUC of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.71–0.84).ConclusionsIn patients with severe unilateral ICA stenosis or occlusion, the combination of HDL-C and Lp(a) is a useful predictor of collateral circulation.

Collateral Circulation Augmentation and Neuroprotection as Adjuvant to Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT)-mediated endovascular recanalization has dramatically transformed treatment and outcomes after acute ischemic stroke caused by a large vessel occlusion (LVO). Current guidelines recommend MT up to 24 hours from stroke onset in carefully selected patients based on favorable clinical and imaging parameters. Despite optimal patient selection and low complication rates with current recanalization technology, approximately 1 in 2 patients with LVO stroke do not achieve functional independence at 3 months. This ceiling effect of MT efficacy may be explained by ischemic core expansion into the ischemic penumbra before recanalization and neuronal loss occurring after recanalization. Factors affecting the efficacy of MT, or the degree of irreversible injury, include time from symptom onset to recanalization, collateral circulation status, and differences in neuronal vulnerability. The purpose of this brief review is to discuss potential targets for neuroprotection, present and future potential pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic agents, and the data available in the literature. In experimental ischemia models, several authors reported that pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic agents are able to slow the progression of ischemic core expansion. However, in the era of unsuccessful recanalization of the occluded artery, several neuroprotective agents that were promising in the preclinical stage failed phase II/III clinical trials. Providing neuroprotection before and after recanalization of an LVO may play an important role in improving outcomes in the era of MT. Neuroprotection is classically defined as a process that results in the salvage, recovery, or regeneration of neuronal (and other supporting CNS cell) structure or function. The advent of successful recanalization of acute LVO by MT in the majority of patients may spur the growth of effective neuroprotection.

Treatment Challenges in Acute Minor Ischemic Stroke.

Patients with acute ischemic stroke may present with minor neurologic deficits. Acute treatment decisions depend on the disability imposed by the symptoms along with radiographic features. The presence of disabling neurologic deficits warrants intravenous thrombolysis, but the indications for endovascular therapy are less defined. The degree of disability, presence of a large vessel occlusion with perfusion mismatch, and collateral circulation status may all be factors in selecting patients for endovascular treatment. Identification of patients who are at risk for neurologic deterioration is critical to preventing poor outcomes in this patient population.

Association of Plasma Metabolic Biomarker Sphingosine-1-Phosphate With Cerebral Collateral Circulation in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: The contribution of metabolic profile to the cerebral collateral circulation in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has not been fully outlined. In this study, we conducted a metabolomic study to assess the relationship between the metabolic biomarkers and the collateral status of AIS.Methods: A two-stage study was conducted from September 2019 to June 2021 in our hospital. There were 96 subjects including 66 patients with AIS and 30 healthy controls in the discovery stage and 80 subjects including 53 patients with AIS and 27 healthy controls in the validation stage. Collateral circulation was assessed by the Tan score based on computed tomographic angiography (CTA). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify differential metabolic markers. Then, an ELISA was employed to detect the plasma levels of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P).Results:There were 114 differential metabolites between patients with AIS and control groups and 37 differential metabolites between good collateral circulation (GCC) and poor collateral circulation (PCC) groups. The pathway enrichment analysis revealed that arginine biosynthesis was the only statistically significant pathway between AIS and control groups and sphingolipid metabolism was the only statistically significant pathway between GCC and PCC groups. The differential metabolites sphinganine-1-phosphate (SA1P) and S1P belong to the sphingolipid metabolism. In the discovery stage, when the GCC group was compared with the PCC group, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that plasma SA1P relative levels demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.719 (95% CI: 0.582–0.834), and S1P levels demonstrated an AUC of 0.701 (95% CI: 0.567–0.819). In addition, both plasma SA1P and S1P relative levels showed significant negative correlations with the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. In the validation sample, higher plasma S1P levels were independent predictors of GCC (p = 0.014), and plasma S1P levels demonstrated an AUC of 0.738 (95% CI: 0.599–0.849) to differentiate patients with GCC from patients with PCC. In addition, plasma S1P levels also showed significant negative correlations with the 90-day mRS score.Conclusion: We first illustrated the association between plasma metabolic profiles and cerebral collateral circulation in patients with AIS. Plasma S1P levels might be a potential diagnostic biomarker for predicting collateral circulation status in patients with AIS.

Postoperative neovascularization, cerebral hemodynamics, and clinical prognosis between combined and indirect bypass revascularization procedures in hemorrhagic moyamoya disease

ObjectiveWe evaluated what few studies emphasized the postoperative collateral formation and cerebral hemodynamics of hemorrhagic moyamoya disease (MMD). MethodsHemorrhagic MMD patients treated surgically were retrospectively collected and dichotomized into combined bypass (CB) and indirect bypass (IB) groups. CB used superficial temporal artery-to-middle cerebral artery anastomosis combined with encephaloduroarteriomyosynangiosis (STA-MCA+EDAMS), and IB used encephaloduroarteriomyosynangiosis (EDAMS) for revascularization. Postoperative complications and clinical prognosis, as well as pre- and post-operative Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), collateral circulation status, and cerebral hemodynamics were observed and compared between the CB and IB groups. ResultsA total of 37 patients with hemorrhagic MMD were identified. Of the 68 cerebral hemispheres, 47(69.1%) were combined revascularization, and the rest were indirect. During an average follow-up of 16.5 ± 8.7 months, the recurrent stroke events were significantly lower, as well as having a postoperative mRS scores≤ 2. A satisfactory postoperative collateral formation, and an improved dilation or extension of the anterior choroidal/posterior communication artery (AchA/PcoA) were significantly higher in the CB group than in the IB group (all P < .05). Compared with preoperative cerebral hemodynamics, relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF), relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), mean transit time (MTT), and relative time to peak (rTTP) in the CB group; rCBF, rCBV, and MTT in the IB group were significantly improved (all P < .001). The CB group’s postoperative rCBF was significantly improved compared with the IB group (P < .001). ConclusionsSTA-MCA bypass combined with EDAMS can obtain better postoperative collateral formation, cerebral hemodynamics, and clinical prognosis than EDAMS alone.