Intracranial Vascular Imaging Research Articles

Abstract WP118: Incidence and Management of Re-stenosis in Patients Stented for Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease: A Consecutive Series of 226 Patients

Introduction: Angioplasty and stenting for intracranial atherosclerotic disease can re-establish adequate luminal diameter in highly stenotic arteries and improve cerebral blood flow. As in other vascular territories, intracranial stented arteries may develop delayed re-stenosis due to progression of atherosclerotic disease or endothelial hyperplasia. The primary strategies for management of re-stenosis have included aggressive medical therapy, angioplasty only, and repeat angioplasty and stenting. Materials and Methods: A total of 226 patients underwent intracranial angioplasty and stenting for symptomatic ICAD from 2000-2017. Patients were treated with balloon expandable coronary stents until 2002, when self-expanding intracranial nitinol stents became available. The series included: 21 balloon expandable coronary stents, 33 Neuroform stents, 37 Enterprise stents, and 135 Wingspan stents. Of this group, 210 patients had delayed follow up intracranial vascular imaging at 6 months, 1 year, and longer. In follow up, 24 of the 210 patients (11.4 %) developed significant re-stenosis, defined as 70% or greater. Eleven of the patients were symptomatic and 13 had no symptoms. A total of 17 patients underwent endovascular treatment of their re-stenosis, and 7 had medical management only. Results: The mean time interval for re-stenosis was 8.7 months. Of the 17 patients treated with endovascular therapy for re-stenosis, 4 patients had angioplasty only and 13 patients had angioplasty and stenting. There was one peri-procedural stroke in this group (5.9%) and no other strokes in the follow up period (mean 2.4 years, range 6 months - 7 years). Of the 7 patients who were managed medically, 1 patient had a stroke (14.3%) in the follow up period at 10 months (mean follow up 2.1 years, range 3 months - 5 years). Discussion: The preliminary data from this study suggests that patients with severe re-stenosis may be at significant risk of stroke, even if the re-stenosis is currently asymptomatic. As with other vascular territories, re-stenosis can be managed with multiple modalities, but repeat angioplasty and stenting in this series appears to be a low risk and viable option for these patients compared with medical therapy alone.

Abstract WP308: Low Volume of Acute Stroke Intervention in Aurora Health Care System Analysis

Introduction: Thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is an important intervention, though the majority of eligible patients do not receive it. Drawing upon data from our high volume comprehensive stroke center, we identified barriers to recognizing patients with large vessel occlusion and subsequent impediments to treatment. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of patients presenting with AIS within 24 hours to the 14 hospitals within the AHCS between January 2015 and December 2016. Demographic, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, vascular imaging, and thrombectomy data were collected and analyzed. Large vessel occlusion (LVO) involved the distal internal carotid artery (ICA), middle cerebral artery (M1), or basilar artery (BA). Results: Three thousand five hundred ninety- five AIS patients were identified. The median age was 61 years and 1863 (52%) were female. Two thousand one hundred eighty-three patients presented within 24 hours (61%): 1105 ≤ 6 hours. More than one third of AIS patients (773) did not have acute intracranial vascular imaging. Of 1410 patients with vascular imaging, 171 patients (12 %) had LVO. The site of occlusion was: M1, 86 patients (50.3%); distal ICA, 51 (30%); and BA, 27 (16%). Only 75 LVO patients (44%) had acute stroke intervention of whom 57 (77%) had mechanical thrombectomy, additional intra-arterial thrombolysis was given in 14 (19%) and 4 (5%) had intra-arterial thrombolysis as monotherapy. Successful revascularization (mTICI 2b-3) was achieved in 53 patients (70%). The main reasons that LVO patients did not receive acute stroke intervention include: late onset or unknown onset in 32 (35%), large core infarction 25 (27%), rapid improving NIHSS in 6 (7%), and unclear reason in 25 (17%), Conclusion: There are several reasons that LVO is under recognized: a non neurologist often evaluates the patient in the ER first and they might not be familiar with stroke protocol guidelines; some LVO patients have an atypical presentation; and some patients refuse intervention. Based on our data, there is a need for continuing education of stroke care providers, particularly in this period of changing interventional guidelines.

Influential factors and clinical significance of fluid-attenuated inversion recovery vascular hyperintensities in transient ischemic attacks of carotid arterial system.

Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery vascular hyperintensity (FVH) is often observed in conjunction with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) of the carotid system. Despite its bearing on patient care outcomes, factors influencing FVH and its clinical significance in patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) of the carotid arterial system have yet to be evaluated. Consecutive inpatients (N=154) diagnosed with TIAs of the carotid system in a 2-year period (2012-2014) were enrolled in our study. Each had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 72h of symptom onset, followed by intracranial and extracranial vascular imaging. We investigated the frequency and nature of factors associated with FVH, also examining its clinical significance in the 30-day prognosis of TIA. Of the 154 patients enrolled (male, 92; mean age 63.0±11.9), FVH was confirmed in 61 patients (39.6%). In logistic regression analysis, intracranial large-artery disease (LAD) (OR=2.39, 95% CI 1.16-4.92; p=0.018) and prior stroke (OR=3.33, 95% CI 1.48-7.51; p=0.004) emerged as factors independently associated with FVH positivity. Ultimately, 25 patients (16.2%) progressed to AIS within a 30-day follow-up period. Logistic regression analysis indicated that contralateral FVH positivity (OR=5.98, 95% CI 1.81-19.76; p=0.003), atrial fibrillation (OR=7.05, 95% CI 1.33-37.40; p=0.022), and extracranial LAD (OR=4.12, 95% CI 1.26-13.41; p=0.019) were independently associated with AIS during the 30-day follow-up of TIAs in these patients. Intracranial LAD and previous stroke are independently associated with FVH in patients experiencing carotid system TIAs. If present, FVH may predict an oncoming AIS in the 30days following a TIA.

Intracranial and Extracranial Neurovascular Manifestations of Takayasu Arteritis.

Takayasu arteritis is a rare, large-vessel vasculitis that presents with symptoms related to end-organ ischemia. While the extracranial neurovascular manifestations of Takayasu arteritis are well-established, little is known regarding the intracranial manifestations. In this study, we characterize the intracranial and cervical neurovascular radiologic findings in patients with Takayasu arteritis. Patients with Takayasu arteritis who presented to our institution between 2001 and 2016 with intracranial and/or cervical vascular imaging were included in this study. Images were evaluated for the presence of vascular abnormalities, including intracranial or extracranial stenosis, vessel-wall thickening, dissection, subclavian steal, aneurysms, infarcts, and hemorrhages. Descriptive analyses are reported. Seventy-nine patients with Takayasu arteritis met the criteria for inclusion in this study. The most common presenting neurologic symptoms were headache (32.9%) and dizziness (15.2%). Intracranial and extracranial vascular imaging was performed in 84.8% and 89.9% of patients, respectively. Among patients with intracranial vascular imaging, 3 (3.9%) had intracranial aneurysms, 3 (3.9%) had acute large-vessel occlusion, 6 (7.6%) had intracranial vasculitis, and 1 (1.3%) had reversible cerebrovascular constriction syndrome. Among patients with cervical vascular imaging, 42 (53.1%) had some degree of narrowing of the common carotid artery and 18 (22.8%) had narrowing of the ICAs. Seventeen patients (23.6%) had subclavian steal. Intracranial vascular abnormalities in patients with Takayasu arteritis presenting with neurologic symptoms are not rare, with cerebral vasculitis seen in 7.8% of patients, and stroke secondary to large-vessel occlusion, in 3.9% of patients. Cervical vascular manifestations of Takayasu arteritis were present in most patients in our study.

Abstract WP235: Rates of Diagnostic Testing for Embolic Sources in a Nationally Representative Cohort of Patients With Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Many strokes arise from a distant embolic source such as the heart or large arteries. It has recently been proposed that a minimum evaluation to identify such sources should include imaging of the intracranial and extracranial arteries, an echocardiogram, and continuous heart-rhythm monitoring for ≥24 hours. We sought to evaluate the utilization rates of these tests in a nationally representative cohort of U.S. patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: We analyzed inpatient and outpatient claims data from 2009-2014 in a 5% sample of Medicare beneficiaries ≥66 years of age. Using validated ICD-9-CM codes, we identified all patients with inpatient admission for ischemic stroke. Our outcomes were the following recommended diagnostic evaluations: intracranial arterial imaging (CTA, MRA, or TCD), extracranial imaging (CTA, MRA, or Doppler ultrasound), echocardiography (transthoracic or transesophageal), and heart-rhythm monitoring (Holter or loop recorder). We used CPT codes to identify whether these tests were performed within 3 months prior to and 6 months after the stroke. Results: We identified 23,475 patients with ischemic stroke. Extracranial vascular imaging was performed in 20,600 patients (87.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 87.3-88.2%), intracranial vascular imaging in 11,726 patients (50.0%; 95% CI, 49.3-50.6%), echocardiography in 19,278 patients (82.1%; 95% CI, 81.6-82.6%), and heart-rhythm monitoring in 2,063 patients (8.8%; 95% CI, 8.4-9.2%). Only 49 (0.2%) underwent the complete recommended diagnostic battery for the detection of embolic sources. These rates were not substantially different even after excluding patients with known atrial fibrillation, the most common source of embolic stroke. Limitations: We could not capture inpatient cardiac telemetry that was not formally interpreted by a physician. Conclusions: Among Medicare beneficiaries with acute ischemic stroke, the majority did not receive a full diagnostic evaluation for potential embolic sources of stroke. Promoting the widespread adoption of a more systematic interrogation of potential etiologies of stroke may allow for the implementation of more personalized secondary stroke prevention strategies.

Abstract WP440: Analysis of Hypoplastic Variants of the Circle of Willis in Patients with First-ever Lacunar Stroke

Background: Cerebral small vessel disease is related to widespread endothelial dysfunction, and suspected hypoperfusion at the level of the microcirculation. Lacunar infarcts are a major manifestation of small vessel disease, and result in significant long-term neurological morbidity and mortality. Congenital hypoplastic variants of the vessels of the Circle of Willis may result in impairment of collateral channels at the time of ischemia. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that lateralization of first-ever lacunar infarcts is related to relative hypoperfusion of the ipsilateral hemisphere due to asymmetric hypoplasia of the vessels of the Circle of Willis and inadequate side-to-side collateral circulation. Methods: We analyzed 40 consecutive patients that presented to a stroke center with a first-ever supratentorial lacunar infarct. All patients were able to undergo intracranial vascular imaging. Patients with significant large-vessel disease (even if asymptomatic) were excluded. A neuroradiologist, blinded to the laterality of the lacunar infarct, assessed for lateralized hypoplasia of the Circle of Willis (either anteriorly at the level of the A1 artery and AComA as one functional unit, or posteriorly at the level of the PCA and PComA as one functional unit). Proportions of ipsilateral and contralateral hypoplasia were compared directly, as well as with historical controls, with the chi-squared test. Results: Among analyzed patients, ipsilateral and contralateral anterior pathway hypoplastic variants were not significantly different from historical controls (p=0.145 and p=0.99 respectively). However, ipsilateral and contralateral posterior pathway hypoplastic variants were significantly different from historical controls (p<0.001 for both). There was no statistical difference between ipsilateral and contralateral posterior pathway hypoplasia (p=0.21). Conclusion: Hypoplasia of the posterior part of the Circle of Willis is significantly more common among patients with first-ever lacunar stroke, compared to historical controls. However, the asymmetry of hypoplasia does not affect the laterality of first-ever lacunar infarct. Further studies are required to explain this phenomenon.

Age disparity in diagnostic evaluation of stroke patients: Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source Global Registry Project.

Introduction: Incomplete evaluation of stroke patients may result in an unclear diagnosis. Our objective was to determine if older stroke patients more often undergo incomplete diagnostic evaluations versus younger patients in an international cohort. Patients and methods: The Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source Global Registry was a retrospective cohort of consecutive stroke patients evaluated at 19 stroke centers in 19 countries. Diagnostic evaluation was considered as complete if the patient had, at a minimum, brain computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging with evidence of infarction, extracranial and intracranial vascular imaging, electrocardiography, ≥24 h of cardiac rhythm monitoring, and echocardiography. Patients were diagnosed with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source if brain imaging confirmed a nonlacunar infarction and no stroke etiology was determined after complete evaluation. Completeness of evaluation was compared between patients ≥75 versus <75 years old. Results: The registry included 2132 patients with recent ischemic stroke during 2013-2014, of which 349 were diagnosed with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source. Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source patients ≥75 years were less likely to undergo brain magnetic resonance imaging (74% versus 89%, p = 0.001), transesophageal echocardiography (22% versus 39%, p = 0.005), and combination transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography (16% versus 32%, p = 0.005) compared with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source patients <75 years. Discussion: Our study has identified an international age disparity in fundamental diagnostic testing for older patients with stroke of unknown etiology. Some testing biases were affected by geographic location (e.g., brain MRI was less frequently used in European ESUS patients), whereas other testing was implemented less frequently in the elderly regardless of location (e.g., transesophageal echocardiogram). Conclusion: Older patients in this international cohort had less sophisticated diagnostic testing for stroke, despite advanced age being well established as an independent risk factor for recurrent stroke. This was a global problem and further investigations are warranted to explore the cause.

Yield of spinal imaging in nonaneurysmal, nonperimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage.

We studied the yield of MRI of the spinal neuraxis in patients with nonperimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage (NPSAH). In a prospective, multicenter study, we performed T1-weighted and T2-weighted MRI of the spinal axis in a consecutive series of patients with a spontaneous NPSAH without intracranial vascular pathology on intracranial vascular imaging. A spinal origin of the hemorrhage was found in 3 of 75 patients (4%; 95% confidence interval 0-8.4). The lesions were 1 lumbar ependymoma and 2 cervical cavernous malformations. All 3 patients presented without focal neurologic deficits and 2 had a CT-negative subarachnoid hemorrhage but positive lumbar puncture. Patients with a spinal origin were younger than patients without a spinal origin (38 vs 56 years; p < 0.05), which was the only significant difference between groups. The yield and clinical relevance of MRI of the spinal axis in patients who present with NPSAH is low. We do not recommend routine MRI of the spinal axis in this patient population, but it might be justified in a subgroup of patients.

Abstract W MP41: Co-prevalence of Intracranial and Aortic Aneurysms: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Intracranial aneurysm (IA), abdominal aortic aneurysms, thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissection share genetic and environmental risks. In a retrospective clinical record review, we characterized a population presenting with aortic aneurysm (AA) and subsequently had intracranial vascular imaging (magnetic resonance (MRA), computerized tomography (CTA), or digital subtraction (DSA) angiography). Method: Using the University of Virginia Clinical Data Repository, we searched for patients with a diagnosis of any AA by ICD-9 codes for 2004-2014. We used 3 search strategies to identify individuals with intracranial vascular imaging: 1) CPT codes for MRA, CTA or DSA, 2) their billing codes, and 3) presence of vascular anatomic terms in radiology reports. We then undertook a chart review to confirm intracranial imaging and identify those with a IA. We readjudicated 10% of cases. Results: We identified 5500 cases of AA and 550 cases with evidence of potential intracranial vascular imaging. We report data on 338 of these 550 cases. The available demographic data of the 5500 AA cases and the subset reported were similar (Table). Of the 338 potential cases reviewed, 163 did not actually have intracranial imaging and we could not verify a diagnosis of in 56 case. A total of 212 remain to be reviewed. Of the 119 cases with a CTA, MRA or DSA performed, 23/119 (19.3%) had an IA identified. The descriptive statistics of the demographics and co-morbidities are presented in the table. Conclusion: We found a co-prevalence of 19.3% for IA in a clinical population presenting with AA and undergoing intracranial vascular imaging. These data, though limited, support a potential shared risk for aneurismal disease in the aorta and the brain and warrant further investigation with prospective screening and investigation of the mechanisms of shared risk.

Abstract W P374: Population-Based Eligibility for a Stroke Prevention Trial Evaluating Novel Anticoagulants and Embolic Strokes of Uncertain Etiology: Similar Eligibility as for IV Rt-PA

Introduction: The RESPECT-ESUS trial is proposed to evaluate the best stroke prevention strategy for patients with strokes of uncertain etiology. This trial will compare a novel anticoagulant with antiplatelet agents to prevent recurrent stroke among cryptogenic stroke patients. We sought to evaluate the eligibility for this trial within a large, biracial population representative of the US. Methods: All adult ischemic stroke patients in 2010 among residents of the 5-county Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region (population 1.3 million) were ascertained from all local hospitals via ICD-9 codes 430-436. Inclusion and exclusion criteria supplied by the corporate sponsor as of 6/30/14 were applied to the ischemic stroke population. Per trial protocol, a complete workup was defined as brain and both intra- and extracranial vascular imaging, ECHO, telemetry, and EKG. Results: Of 1894 ischemic stroke patients without hemorrhagic transformation who survived the hospital stay (and not sent to hospice), 138 (7.4%) would have been eligible for RESPECT-ESUS. Inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Table. If we were to assume that every stroke patient received a complete workup and no further etiologies were identified, the “hypothetical” eligibility could be as high as 18.7%. Discussion: We found that the potential eligibility for the RESPECT-ESUS trial to be low, and in fact is similar to population-based estimates of rt-PA eligibility (6%-8%). Extrapolation of eligibility across the US would be further limited by presentation to an enrolling center and consent refusal rates. Our estimates are based on information obtained during hospitalization, which may over- or underestimate eligibility within the 3-6 month post-event enrollment window. It is likely that centers that participate in the trial will have more complete diagnostic workups, which was a major exclusion in our population, especially the requirement for intracranial vascular imaging.

The Impact of Absent A1 Segment on Ischemic Stroke Characteristics and Outcomes

A1 segment is the proximal portion of anterior cerebral artery. Absence of the A1 segment can compromise anterior cerebral collateral blood flow. Few studies have examined the association of an absent A1 segment and ischemic stroke outcome. We sought to determine the association between A1 absence and affected vessel territory, stroke volume, and outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). A retrospective review of prospectively identified patients with AIS from July 2008 to March 2013 was performed. Patients without intracranial vascular imaging were excluded. We compared patients with absent A1 to patients with bilateral A1 segments in terms of demographics, stroke severity (as measured by National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS]), vascular distribution, and in-hospital mortality using the chi-square test and logistic regression. Of the 1146 patients with AIS and intracranial vascular imaging, 5.9% patients (n = 68) had absent A1. Compared with other AIS patients, those with absent A1 were older (65 vs. 63 years old, respectively, P = .016). There was no difference between groups in terms of the vascular distribution or the side of the stroke. The median volume of the infracted tissue was similar across the groups even when it was stratified according to the Treatment of Acute Stroke Trial classification. Patients with an absent A1 had twice higher odds of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-5.2; P = .028); however, significance was lost after adjusting to age, NIHSS at baseline, and glucose on admission. Other outcome measures were similar across the groups. In our sample, patients with an absent A1 segment did not have a specific vascular distribution, larger infarct volume, or worse outcomes.

Multidisciplinary management of intracranial aneurysms: The experience of Lille university hospital center

BackgroundIn recent years, the multidisciplinary approach has become an important concern for the management of intracranial aneurysms. ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the functional outcomes of patients treated for an intracranial aneurysm (ruptured or unruptured), when the treatment modality was defined in a multidisciplinary fashion. Materials and methodsIn this retrospective study, we included all patients (n=209) treated for an intracranial saccular aneurysm at Lille university hospital between January 2009 and December 2009. There were 70 men and 139 women with a mean age of 50.5 years (range 24 to 73 years). The clinical data were recorded before treatment including the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) and the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) scores. Microsurgical approach was performed in 110 patients whereas 99 patients underwent an endovascular procedure. A modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was reported at 3 months after treatment. Intracranial vascular imaging was performed before and immediately after the treatment and then renewed at 3 years in all patients to detect any recurrence. ResultsAmong the 121 patients with ruptured aneurysm, the functional outcomes were similar between patients who underwent microsurgery and patients who had an endovascular treatment. In the 88 patients with an unruptured aneurysm, functional outcomes were also similar between the two treatment modalities. Among the 99 patients treated by the endovascular approach, 4 had a significant aneurysm reopening on follow-up imaging leading to additional treatment (3 clipping, 1 coiling). No aneurysm recurrence was reported among the 110 patients who underwent microsurgical treatment. ConclusionIn a trained team, the multidisciplinary approach appears to be a valuable strategy in the management of intracranial aneurysms, to achieve good functional outcomes.

Benefit of Cone‐Beam CT Angiography in Visualizing Aneurysm Shape and Identification of Exact Rupture Site

While high-resolution cone-beam computational tomographic (CBCT) angiography has gained use in intracranial vascular imaging, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and 3-dimensional-rotational angiography (3D-RA) remain the preferred acquisition modalities for intracranial aneurysm imaging. This case report highlights the utility of the greater spatial resolution afforded by CBCT for cerebral aneurysm imaging. A 54-year-old man presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage was confirmed to harbor a ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm by conventional angiography. Due to varying contrast opacification captured by different acquisition methods, dramatic aneurysm shape difference was observed between 2- and 3-dimensional-angiographic and CBCT models. The greater resolution of CBCT revealed in an unequivocal fashion the exact site of rupture on the aneurysm dome, visualized as a discrete irregular and elongated bleb that was not seen on either 3D-RA or DSA. High-resolution CBCT visualized the shape of the target aneurysm in greater detail than the more conventional 2D-DSA and 3D-RA, enabling more precise computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Given that aneurysms most likely change shape either prior to rupture or upon rupture, future studies evaluating fluid dynamics using computer reconstructions should be cognizant of the differences in resolution provided by various imaging modalities.

Abstract T MP59: Texas Stroke Intervention Pre-Hospital Stroke Severity Scale (aka LEGS score): A Triaging Tool for Interventional Stroke Therapy

Introduction: A pre-hospital stroke severity scale that correlates well with an NIHSS of 10 or greater as well as with large vessel occlusions, but is easier and faster to perform than full NIHSS, would be a very useful triaging tool to emergency medical services (EMS). The LEGS score (Lower extremity strength, Eyes/visual fields, Gaze deviation, Speech difficulty) is a 16-point pre-hospital stroke severity scale that is a shortened NIHSS-5. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that the LEGS score was a useful pre-hospital stroke severity scoring system to identify large vessel acute ischemic strokes. Methods: The LEGS score (0-16) and NIHSS (0-42) were performed in the emergency department over a 6-month period. We retrospectively reviewed those charts for correlation to an NIHSS of 10 or greater and evidence of large-vessel occlusion on either CT or MR Angiography within 48 hours of last known normal. Results: A total of 181 consecutive ischemic stroke patients were evaluated. LEGS score 4 or greater was a good predictor of an NIHSS of 10 or greater (59/181; positive predictive value 92%; and specificity 95%) and false positives noted was 5/181. LEGS score of less than 4 was a good predictor of an NIHSS of less than 10 (108/181; negative predictive value 91%; and sensitivity 95%) and false negatives noted was 10/181. Of those patients 155 underwent intracranial vascular imaging. LEGS score of less than 4 was a good test to rule-out large vessel occlusion (negative predictive value of 86%; 89/103), but had modest sensitivity (69%; 31/45) and positive predictive value (60%; 31/52). The LEGS score of 4 or greater, however, was fairly specific for determining large-vessel occlusions at 81% (89/110). Conclusions: LEGS score of 4 or greater has good correlation with an NIHSS of 10 or greater as well as modest correlation with large vessel occlusion on CT or MR Angiography. This shortened NIHSS-5 may be a useful pre-hospital indicator of patients who may benefit from endovascular intervention.

Characteristics of etiological diagnostic workup across the past 10 years in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in a large general hospital

Objective: A swift and accurate diagnosis of etiology would lay the foundation of targeted management for patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH). It is unclear what the status of diagnostic workup related to etiology is in Chinese hospitals which treat the majority of the hemorrhagic patients in the world. We aim to demonstrate characteristics on diagnostic workup implemented routinely in both departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery in patients with SICH.Methods: We enrolled patients with SICH from March 2002 to December 2011 from Chengdu stroke registry. Data on diagnostic workup were extracted.Results: A total of 2264 patients diagnosed as SICH with rapid neuroimaging (computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) scan were included. Patients in the department of Neurosurgery had a lower median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and a longer median length of stay. They had a significantly lower proportion of hyperlipidemia and heart disease, but a higher proportion of hypertension, alcohol consumption and history of stroke (all p < 0.05). Following diagnostic workups were more frequently undertaken in the Neurological Department than in the neurosurgical Department: digital subtraction angiography (DSA), plain CT, plain MRI, carotid duplex ultrasound (all p < 0.001). However, computed tomography angiography (CTA), contrast-enhanced MRI, and brain biopsy (all p < 0.001) were implemented more in the Neurosurgical Department. While no difference in the proportion of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was found between the two departments, the intracranial vascular imaging (workup contains at least one of CTA, MRA and DSA) was performed more frequently in the Department of Neurosurgery (29.8% vs. 9.1%, p < 0.001). The independent predictors contribute to the implementation of vascular examinations were gender, age, GCS score on admission, department of patients admitted in and the year patients were hospitalized in (all p < 0.05).Conclusions: Younger patients, females, with severe stroke onset (evaluated by GCS score), admitted in Department of Neurosurgery and hospitalized in recent years had undertaken more examinations on intracranial vascular. It is an urgency to explore a practical scheme of diagnostic workup for the etiology of SICH.

E-027 Evolution of dolichoectatic dilatations to large and giant aneurysms in the anterior and posterior circulations

IntroductionDolichoectatic dilatation in intracranial arteries may enlarge, however the evolution of this progression has not been described. We present 3 cases with intracranial vascular imaging spanning for a period of...

Favorable Vascular Profile is an Independent Predictor of Outcome

We hypothesized that a favorable vascular profile (FVP) defined as anatomic intactness of the Circle of Willis combined with a stable cerebral perfusion pressure (mean arterial blood pressure>65 mm Hg) is a prerequisite for collateral recruitment and maintenance and may improve outcome. We performed post hoc analyses of a subset of the Safety and Efficacy of NeuroFlo Technology in Ischemic Stroke (SENTIS) trial data set to identify whether FVP is associated with independent outcome. SENTIS was a randomized, controlled device trial comparing hemodynamic augmentation with the NeuroFlo device to best medical treatment. We identified all patients from the primary dataset (n=515 patients) with available intracranial vascular imaging at baseline. Vascular imaging data were read blind to clinical and treatment data. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify predictors of independent outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) at 90 days. A total of 192/515 SENTIS subjects had available baseline vascular imaging (91 treated/101 controls). Baseline characteristics did not differ between groups. Overall, FVP was seen in 89.6% of patients and predicted independent outcome in univariate (odds ratio, 7.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.68-33.18; P=0.0082) and multiple logistic regression analyses (odds ratio, 10.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.78-58.57; P=0.0091). Aside from FVP, only baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scales (NIHSS; odds ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.67-0.82, P<0.0001) entered the predictive model. There was no interaction with randomization to treatment or control. FVP and baseline NIHSS independently predicted outcome in this subset of the SENTIS population. FVP is a novel parameter to predict outcome of acute stroke patients and further studies will establish its potential role for selection of optimal candidates for hemodynamic augmentation. Clinical Trial Registration Information- URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00119717.

Circle of Willis Variants: Fetal PCA

We sought to determine the prevalence of fetal posterior cerebral artery (fPCA) and if fPCA was associated with specific stroke etiology and vessel territory affected. This paper is a retrospective review of prospectively identified patients with acute ischemic stroke from July 2008 to December 2010. We defined complete fPCA as absence of a P1 segment linking the basilar with the PCA and partial fPCA as small segment linking the basilar with the PCA. Patients without intracranial vascular imaging were excluded. We compared patients with complete fPCA, partial fPCA, and without fPCA in terms of demographics, stroke severity, distribution, and etiology and factored in whether the stroke was ipsilateral to the fPCA. Of the 536 included patients, 9.5% (n = 51) had complete fPCA and 15.1% (n = 81) had partial fPCA. Patients with complete fPCA were older and more often female than partial fPCA and no fPCA patients, and significant variation in TOAST classification was detected across groups (P = 0.023). Patients with complete fPCA had less small vessel and more large vessel strokes than patients with no fPCA and partial fPCA. Fetal PCA may predispose to stroke mechanism, but is not associated with vascular distribution, stroke severity, or early outcome.

Do Lacunar Strokes Benefit from Thrombolysis? Evidence from the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network

Lacunar infarcts constitute up to 25% of all ischaemic strokes. As acute intracranial vascular imaging has become widely available with computed tomographic angiography, thrombolysis of lacunar strokes has become contentious because an intracranial vascular lesion cannot be visualized. We studied the effect of thrombolysis on lacunar strokes compared to other clinical ischaemic stroke sub-types. Ischaemic stroke patients from phase 3 of the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network data (July 2003-March 2008) were included. Lacunar stroke was defined as a lacunar syndrome supported by computed tomography brain showing a subcortical hypodense lesion with a diameter <20 mm. Clinical syndromes were used to define other stroke sub-types. The outcomes were mortality at 90 days, modified Rankin Scale score 0-2 at discharge, occurrence of intracranial haemorrhage as a complication of stroke in-hospital, and discharge disposition to home. A total of 11,503 patients of ischaemic stroke were included from the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network 3 between July 2003 and March 2008. Lacunar strokes formed 19.1% of the total strokes. The total number of patients who received tissue plasminogen activator was 1630 (14.2%). A significant association was found between tissue plasminogen activator treatment and outcomes after controlling Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project types--for modified Rankin Scale at discharge and discharge to home, but not for mortality. A thrombolysis-by-Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project stroke sub-type interaction was observed due to lack of benefit among the posterior circulation stroke sub-types. Patients with lacunar strokes, partial anterior circulation stroke, and total anterior circulation strokes all benefited approximately equally from thrombolysis. Thrombolysis is associated with clinically improved outcome among patients with lacunar stroke syndromes.

Distal hyperintense vessels on FLAIR images predict large-artery stenosis in patients with transient ischemic attack

Distal hyperintense vessels (DHV) are frequently detected by fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Despite its relevance to patient care outcomes, the presence of DHV has not been evaluated in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA). We performed a retrospective analysis of all TIA patients admitted to the study hospital from 2006 to 2010 who had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 24 h of symptom onset followed by further intracranial and extracranial vascular imaging. We then analyzed the relationship between DHV, large artery severe stenosis or occlusion (LASO), and clinical presentation. Forty-three TIA patients were enrolled in this study. DHV signals on FLAIR images were positive in 14 (33 %) patients. Patients with DHV were significantly more likely to have severe stenosis or occlusion in intracranial (P = 0.01) and extracranial vessels (P = 0.04) than patients without DHV. DHV was associated independently with LASO (odds ratio = 6.1; 95 % CI, 1.2-31.5). Evaluation of DHV signals on FLAIR images may facilitate prediction of LASO in TIA patients and therefore enable prompt vascular assessment.