Large Artery Occlusion Research Articles

Effect of cerebral sinus venous thrombosis and its location on cerebral blood flow: a [15O]water PET study in acute stroke patients compared to healthy volunteers

BackgroundSymptoms in acute cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CSVT) are highly variable, ranging from headaches to fatal stroke, and the basis for this high inter-individual variability is poorly understood. The present study aimed to assess whether acute CSVT significantly alters regional cerebral blood flow (CBF), if findings differ from CBF patterns know from large-artery occlusion in stroke, and whether the pattern of CBF alterations depends on clot location. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed 12 patients with acute CSVT 10.6 ± 4.6 days after symptom onset and ten healthy volunteers who underwent [15O]water PET (two scans each, 300 ± 14 MBq [15O]water). Static image datasets (15–75 s after injection; normalized to cerebellum) reflecting relative CBF (rCBF) were analyzed using voxel- and region-of-interest-based analysis (AAL3-atlas). We mirrored datasets of patients with left-sided CSVT to harmonize the affected hemisphere.ResultsSeven and five patients showed right- and left-sided CSVT, respectively. The superior sagittal sinus (SSS) was involved in 8/12 patients. CSVT patients had extensive rCBF deficits in the voxel-based analysis with accentuation in the right (ipsilateral) frontal cortex and caudate nucleus compared to controls, which were most pronounced in cortical areas in those with involvement of the SSS (8/12), and in subcortical areas in those without involvement of the SSS (4/12; p < 0.05, false discovery rate corrected). ROI-analysis demonstrated significant frontal (p = 0.01) and caudate nucleus (p = 0.008) rCBF deficits driven by patients with and without SSS occlusion, respectively.Conclusions[15O]water PET was able to visualize characteristic patterns of impaired rCBF, which were different from intracranial large-artery occlusion in acute ischemic stroke, and exhibited substantial rCBF alterations depending on the involvement of the SSS. Our findings provide novel insights into the effects of disturbed venous drainage on CBF in acute CSVT, which may aid in understanding the pathophysiology, and guide future therapy of acute CSVT.

Predicting poor functional outcomes for patients with large computed tomography perfusion core infarctions treated with endovascular thrombectomy.

Stroke patients with large core infarctions benefit from endovascular intervention, though only approximately 20% are functionally independent at 90 days. We studied prognostic factors for patients presenting with a large computed tomography perfusion (CTP) core. Retrospective analysis from a health system stroke registry, including consecutive thrombectomy patients treated within 24 hours from August 2020-December 2022 with an anterior circulation large vessel occlusion and CTP core infarct ≥50 milliliters. Logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 4-6. The prognostic ability of previously reported scales was also assessed. In 118 included patients, with mean age 64.3 ± 14.1 years, poor functional outcomes were present in 66 subjects (55.9%). The multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that higher presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (odds ratio [OR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.23, p = 0.014), elevated glucose (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03, p = 0.002), absence of treatment with intravenous thrombolysis (OR 4.01, 95% CI 1.35-11.95, p = 0.013), and poor revascularization (OR 4.76, 95% CI 1.24-18.37, p = 0.023) were independently associated with primary outcome. The Charlotte Large artery occlusion Endovascular therapy Outcome Score (CLEOS) predicted 90-day mRS 4-6 (per 25-point increase, OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10-1.34, p<0.001) and mRS 5-6 (per 25-point increase, OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.10-1.33, p<0.001). Nineteen of 20 (95%) patients with CLEOS ≥ 675 had 90-day mRS scores of 4-6, while 10 of 12 (83.3%) with CLEOS ≥ 725 had 90-day mRS scores of 5-6. We report prognostic factors that can risk stratify thrombectomy patients with large CTP core infarctions.

Abstract 4119303: The New Strait-Jacket Designed for Endovascular Therapy Reduces the First Reperfusion Time of Emergency Thrombectomy for Stroke

Introduction: Conscious sedation during cerebrovascular interventional surgery can shorten the time of vascular recanalization and bring significant benefits to patients, but patients are often difficult to cooperate, which affects the operation of interventional surgery. This study aims to develop a novel cerebral vascular intervention strait-jacket and explore its safety and effectiveness in emergency cerebral vascular intervention surgery. Methods: Using the convenient sampling method, patients with acute large artery occlusion stroke who underwent emergency mechanical thrombectomy in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from September 2018 to March 2021 were selected as the research objects. The control group was treated with conventional restraint belt, and the experimental group was treated with new cerebrovascular interventional surgery strait-jacket. The first reperfusion time, total operation time, modified Rankin score (mRS) at 30 days, intraoperative limb prolapse rate, average surgical cost, and safety indicators were compared between the two groups. The t test, Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher exact test were used for comparison between groups according to the data type. A p&lt;0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results: The new type of cerebrovascular interventional surgical strait-jacket developed in this study are shown in Figure 1, which have been patented and transformed into products. A total of 140 patients were included for mechanical thrombectomy, randomly divided into an experimental group (n=69) and a control group (n=71). Using the new strait-jacket significantly shortened the first reperfusion time (43.5±13.7 vs 50.7±15.7, P=0.039) and the total operation time (81.1±12.6 vs 93.2±21.1, P=0.027). There was a significant decrease in limb dislodgement rate (0% vs 35.2%, P&lt;0.001) and a noticeable reduction in average surgical cost (76315±12400 vs 81462±14142 P=0.040) by using the strait-jacket. In terms of safety performance, using the strait-jacket significantly lower rates of skin redness than the control group (8.7% vs 42.3%, P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The new type of cerebrovascular interventional surgical strait-jacket is safe, which can effectively shorten the operation time, reduce the rate of intraoperative limb prolapse and the average operation cost, and can bring good social benefits.

Insoluble proteomics analysis of acute intracranial large vessel occlusive thrombus

BackgroundAcute large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke is highly prevalent and severe. Despite thrombolytic therapy, many patients experience substantial complications. Understanding the origins, constituents, and pathologic processes involved in thrombus formation in acute intracranial large artery occlusion is crucial. ObjectivesTo identify the characteristics of insoluble proteins from different sources of cerebral thrombus. MethodsThis study included 13 patients with cardiogenic embolic (CE) thrombus and 15 with large artery atherosclerotic (LAA) thrombus. High-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were used to analyze insoluble proteins in thrombi. Bioinformatics analyses explored differential proteins and associated functional pathways. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and random forest identified biomarkers for diagnosing thrombus sources, validated by parallel reaction monitoring. ResultsWe constructed an insoluble protein atlas of cerebral thrombi, identifying 6975 insoluble proteins, including 143 extracellular matrix (ECM)-related proteins. The enrichment pathways considerably varied between thrombi from different sources. Inflammation-related pathways, such as acute inflammatory response, along with ECM-related pathways such as laminin interactions, were notably upregulated in LAA compared with CE. Additionally, 2 biomarkers (IDH2 and HSPG2) exhibited strong diagnostic performance (area under the curve = 1) and robustness. ConclusionIn the insoluble proteomics of thrombus, we highlighted the crucial roles of immune responses and ECM proteins in thrombus formation, providing new insights into its mechanisms and potential drug development. Additionally, we identified 2 biomarkers that offer new methods for determining thrombus sources in patients with LVO.

Association between ASPECTS region of infarction and clinical outcome in non-acute large vessel occlusion ischaemic stroke after endovascular recanalisation

PurposeThis study retrospectively investigated whether infarction in specific Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) regions is associated with clinical outcome in patients with symptomatic non-acute internal carotid or middle...

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

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

Magnitude of systolic blood pressure reduction following endovascular treatment and clinical outcomes in acute large artery occlusion stroke

BackgroundThe impact of lowering systolic blood pressure (SBP) following endovascular treatment (EVT) in acute large vessel occlusion stroke (LVOS) patients remains unclear. We aimed to explore the effect of the...

Clot patterns determined by DSA and CTA can help predict intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis in acute ischemic stroke patients.

This study examines whether clot patterns at large artery occlusion sites, as observed using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and computed tomography angiography (CTA), can reliably indicate intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients treated with stent retriever thrombectomy for intracranial occlusions at our institute since 2017, with follow-up assessments conducted at 3 months. The patients were grouped based on the initial angiography clot topographies (i.e., cut-off or tapered signs). We assessed the potential of these topographies in predicting ICAS, including a clinical outcome analysis based on clot pattern, age, Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification, and onset-to-door time. Among 131 patients (with a mean age of 66.6 years), the clot pattern emerged as a significant predictor of ICAS. The DSA-based model had a predictive area under the curve (AUC) of 0.745, with 55.1% sensitivity and 94.0% specificity. A multivariate model including age, onset-to-door time, TOAST classification as large artery atherosclerosis (LAA), and the presence of the tapered sign in clot patterns had an AUC of 0.916. In patients over 65 years of age with an onset-to-door time of >5 h and exhibiting a tapered sign in the clot pattern, the AUC reached 0.897. The predictive ability of the tapered sign was similar in DSA and CTA, showing 73.4% agreement between modalities. The clot pattern with the tapered sign as observed using DSA is significantly associated with ICAS. Incorporating this clot pattern with age, TOAST classification as LAA, and onset-to-door time enhances the prediction of ICAS. The clot pattern identified by CTA is also a reliable predictor, highlighting the importance of assessing clot patterns in ICAS identification.

Reliability assessment of distal occlusion eTICI scoring.

The eThrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) score has been validated in proximal large artery occlusion (pLAOs). Despite the growing number of distal medium vessel occlusions (DMVOs) mechanical thrombectomies (MT) and the widespread utilization of the eTICI scoring system, its reliability and standardization for more distal occlusions have not been validated. We aim to evaluate the interrater reliability of eTICI scores in primary DMVOs. This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database for consecutive patients with pLAO and DMVO MT at a single comprehensive stroke center from 2015 to 2022. Two fellowship-trained neurointerventionalists blindly/independently assessed digital subtraction angiograms for final eTICI, followed by consensus reads for discrepancies. 59 DMVO of 2248 thrombectomies [M3:29(50%)/M4:1(2%)/A1:3(5%)/A2:12(22%)/A3: 5(9%)/P1:7(12%)/P2:1(2%)] and 124 pLAOs of 308 thrombectomies [i-ICA:13(11%)/MCA-M1: 111(90%)] were included. The distribution of final eTICI scores was comparable between pLAO vs DMVOs (p = 0.82). The pLAO final eTICI score assessment between two readers demonstrated moderate reliability with a kappa0.77 (95%CI: 0.67-0.88), while the DMVO eTICI score assessment exhibited almost-perfect agreement with kappa 0.94 (95%CI: 0.90-0.99). The agreement between the consensus read and the original report in DMVOs was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.71-1.00) while for pLAO it was 0.83(95% CI: 0.76-0.90). The performance of eTICI was comparable amongst different DMVO territories as well as for distal vs. very distal occlusions. eTICI score exhibited comparable performance for DMVO as compared to pLAO strokes. Further studies investigating DMVO eTICI grading and clinical outcomes are warranted.

Impact of Direct Oral Anticoagulant Levels on Functional Independence Following Endovascular Thrombectomy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Background In direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) users with stroke due to large artery occlusion, endovascular thrombectomy is an effective treatment when intravenous thrombolytic therapy is unsuitable. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between emergent DOAC levels and endovascular thrombectomy outcomes. Methods Participants with atrial fibrillation, who had a premorbid modified Rankin Scale score of ≤3 and had undergone endovascular thrombectomy for acute stroke, were enrolled. Drug levels upon hospital arrival were measured in the prestroke DOAC users. Head noncontrast computed tomography and computed tomographic angiography images were used to quantify thrombus permeability. The primary outcome was functional independence at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale 0–2 or a return to premorbid status for patients with a premorbid modified Rankin Scale of 3). Results The study included 250 patients (antithrombotic agent nonusers, 42.0%; oral anticoagulant users, 34.0%; and antiplatelet users, 24.0%). The primary outcomes did not differ among the 3 groups. Among oral anticoagulant users, 78.8% were DOAC users. Of the 59 DOAC users with available drug level measurements, 62.7% had low levels (&lt;50 ng/mL). Low‐level patients were less likely to achieve functional independence than high‐level patients (adjusted odds ratio, 0.26 [0.08–0.87]). Compared with antithrombotic nonusers, oral anticoagulant users with therapeutic anticoagulation were more likely to achieve functional independence (adjusted odds ratio, 2.83 [1.18–6.78]), whereas those with inadequate anticoagulation did not. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 3 DOAC users in the low‐level group (8.1%), 1 DOAC user in the high‐level group (4.5%), and 4 antithrombotic nonusers (3.8%). Thrombus permeability was similar between antithrombotic nonusers and low‐ or high‐level DOAC users. Conclusion Among patients who underwent DOAC therapy and endovascular thrombectomy, those with low DOAC levels were less likely to achieve functional independence. Furthermore, oral anticoagulant users with therapeutic anticoagulation displayed better functional outcomes than antithrombotic nonusers.

Precranial artery calcification burden: a potential indicator of the clinical outcome of reperfusion in patients with acute large artery occlusion.

With mechanical thrombectomy (MT), we investigated the prognostic importance of aortic arch calcification (AoAC) and carotid sinus calcification (CaSC) for symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) and poor outcome in acute large artery occlusion (LAO). In this retrospective observational study, we calculated pre-cranial artery calcification burden (PACB) scores (burden score of AoAC and CaSC) using the AoAC grading scale score plus Woodcock visual score. The outcome measure was sICH per the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study III definition. A 3-month modified Rankin scale score 3-6 was designated as poor outcome. Compared with patients who had PACB <3, those with PACB ≥3 showed substantially higher risks of sICH (odds ratio [OR] = 2.567, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.187-5.550) and poor outcome (OR = 4.777, 95% CI = 1.659-13.756). According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, adding PACB to the regression model enhanced the predictive value for poor outcome (area under the ROC curve [AUC]: 0.718 vs. 0.519, Z = 2.340) and in patients receiving MT (AUC: 0.714 vs. 0.584, Z = 2.021), independently. Factors related to PACB were consistent with common risk factors of systemic atherosclerosis. Low PACB scores indicated better prognosis. In patients with LAO following MT, PACB was useful in predicting sICH and poor clinical outcome.

Successful Recanalization by Mechanical Thrombectomy in a Child with Arterial Thrombotic Stroke Involving Posterior Circulation: A Case Report with Review of the Literature

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for arterial ischemic stroke, although established in adults, is not endorsed routinely for children. The procedure is even rare in children with stroke involving posterior circulation. Here we describe, a child with ischemic stroke due to thrombotic occlusion in the posterior circulation, which was successfully treated with MT. Clinical Description: A 12-year-old boy presented with sudden-onset vertigo, imbalance, slurring of speech, inability to stand, associated with headache and vomiting for 8 hours, without any associated fever, trauma, or seizures. On initial examination, his National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 8. Other systems were within normal limits and there was no cutaneous rash. Management and Outcome: Investigations revealed a normal complete hemogram, lipid profile, serum homocysteine, fibrinogen, and D-dimer levels along with a normal hemoglobin electrophoresis profile. The electrocardiography, two-dimensional echocardiography were normal and even antinuclear antibodies, antiphospholipid antibodies were negative. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain demonstrated multiple acute infarcts in bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, pons, and right anterior thalamus. Noncontrast MR angiography (MRA) of the head and digital subtraction angiography showed distal basilar artery cutoff and right vertebral artery dominance. As the NIHSS score worsened to 10, a MT with solitaire was done (after 12 hours of onset of symptoms), and reperfusion was achieved in two passes. The child showed remarkable improvement in NIHSS score to 2 by 5 days. At discharge, the child had residual mild ataxia. Despite investigations, the cause of thrombosis remained unknown. Conclusion: Our case highlights that in case of significant large arterial occlusion with rapid worsening of symptoms, MT may be considered, even if it involves posterior circulation, and the child presents beyond the usual window of 4–6 hours.

Application of high-resolution magnetic imaging in the perioperative period of mechanical thrombectomy for acute intracranial large artery occlusion

Application of high-resolution magnetic imaging in the perioperative period of mechanical thrombectomy for acute intracranial large artery occlusion

Insights into Angiographic Recanalization of Large Arterial Occlusion: Institutional Experience with Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in humans. Most strokes are ischemic in nature and early recanalization of occluded vessels determines good outcomes. Recanalization of occluded vessels depends on many angiographic and demographic features. These factors need to be identified for better patient overall outcomes. Better preoperative knowledge of factors can help in customizing our treatment approach and explaining the prognosis to the guardians of the patients. We aim to share our institutional experience with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for stroke and studied factors that affect an angiographic recanalization of vessels . A retrospective single-center study was conducted involving 104 patients who underwent MT at our institution between January 2016 and December 2019. Patient demographics, baseline characteristics, pre- and postprocedural imaging findings, and other clinical data were meticulously reviewed. We divided patients into successful recanalization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia [mTICI] 2b or 3) and unsuccessful recanalization (mTICI 2a or 1) groups and various factors were analyzed to evaluate their impact on recanalization rates. In the univariate analysis, a significant association was observed between successful recanalization and several factors: the absence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) as a risk factor ( p = 0.035), the presence of a hyperdense vessel sign ( p = 0.003), and the use of treatment methods including aspiration ( p = 0.031), stent retriever ( p = 0.001), and Solumbra ( p = 0.019). However, in the multivariate analysis, none of these factors exhibited statistical significance. The presence of RHD is a risk factor associated with poor angiographic recanalization in all three MT treatment modalities. Based on the above variables we can guide the patients/relatives prior to MT procedure for their better outcome and risk-benefit ratio.

Predictors of Early versus Delayed Neurological Deterioration after Thrombolysis for Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: We aimed to determine predictors of early (END) and delayed neurological deterioration (DND) and their association with the functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who participated in the international Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study (ENCHANTED). Methods: END and DND (without END) were defined as scores of a ≥2-point increase on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) or a ≥1-point decrease on the Glasgow coma scale or death, from baseline to 24 h and 24–72 h, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine independent predictors of END and DND and their association with 90-day outcomes (dichotomous scores on the modified Rankin scale [mRS] of 2–6 vs. 0–1 and 3–6 vs. 0–2 and death). Results: Of 4,496 patients, 871 (19.4%) and 302 (8.4%) patients experienced END and DND, respectively. Higher baseline NIHSS score, older age, large-artery occlusion due to significant atheroma, cardioembolic stroke subtype, hemorrhagic infarction and parenchymatous hematoma within 24 h were all independent predictors for both END (all p ≤ 0.01) and DND (all p ≤ 0.024). Moreover, higher baseline systolic blood pressure (BP) (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.12), higher diastolic BP variability within 24 h (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.09), patients from Asia (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.03–1.52) were the only independent predictors for END. However, Asian ethnicity was negatively associated with DND (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47–0.86). Hemorrhagic infarction and parenchymatous hematoma within 24 h were the key predictors of END across all stroke subtypes. END and DND were all associated with a poor functional outcome at 90 days (all p < 0.001). Conclusion: We identified overlapping and unique demographic and clinical predictors of END and DND after thrombolysis for AIS. Both END and DND predict unfavorable outcomes at 90 days.

Hypoperfusion Intensity Ratio and Hemorrhagic Transformation in Patients with Successful Recanalization after Thrombectomy.

Hemorrhagic transformation remains a potentially devastating complication of acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to evaluate whether the hypoperfusion intensity ratio, a parameter derived from CT perfusion imaging, is associated with the development of hemorrhagic transformation in patients with anterior large-artery occlusion who had undergone thrombectomy. We retrospectively reviewed data from patients with consecutive acute ischemic strokes who had achieved successful recanalization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2b) between January 2020 and December 2023. HIR was defined as the ratio of the volume of lesions with a time-to-maximum (Tmax) >6 seconds to those with a Tmax >10 second delay. The primary outcome, based on the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study, was hemorrhagic transformation, diagnosed by follow-up imaging assessment in 24-hour windows, and radiologically classified as hemorrhagic infarction and parenchymal hematoma. The secondary outcome was a 3-month mRS score of ≥3. Among 168 patients, 35 of 168 developed hemorrhagic transformation; 14 of 168 developed hemorrhagic infarction, and 21 of 168 developed parenchymal hematoma PH. After adjusting the latent covariates, increased hypoperfusion intensity ratio (per 0.1, adjusted OR [aOR] 1.68, 95% CI 1.26-2.25), ASPECTS (aOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.27-0.72), onset-to-puncture (aOR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02), and cardioembolism (aOR 5.6, 95% CI 1.59-19.7) were associated with hemorrhagic transformation in multivariable regression. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that hypoperfusion intensity ratio can predict hemorrhagic transformation accurately (area under the curve = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.738-0.882; P < .001) and predict parenchymal hematoma (area under the curve = 0.801; 95% CI, 0.727-0.875; P < .001). Upon admission, hypoperfusion intensity ratio, an imaging parameter, predicted hemorrhagic transformation after reperfusion therapy in this patient population.

Exploring the optimal lower blood pressure boundary during endovascular thrombectomy in patients with large vessel occlusion

BackgroundCurrent guidelines advocate for maintaining BP level below 180/105 mmHg during EVT, determining the safe lower boundary remains primarily consensus-driven by experts. This study aims to delve into the correlation between various targets of lower boundary for systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP) during EVT and 3-month functional outcomes. MethodsA cohort study was conducted across two EVT-capable centers, enrolling patients with large artery occlusion undergoing EVT within 8 h of stroke onset. Mean BP values during EVT were meticulously recorded, and logistic regression models were utilized to evaluate the correlation between outcomes and diverse lower boundary targets for SBP and DBP. Additionally, logistic regression models investigated the relationship between periprocedural BP variability and subsequent outcomes. ResultsAmong the 201 patients included, having a SBP higher than 130 or 140 mmHg showed an independent association with increased good functional outcomes at 3 months (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 2.80, 95% Cis, 1.26–6.39 for 140 mmHg; aOR 2.34, 95% Cis, 1.03–5.56 for 130 mmHg). Additionally, an SBP exceeding 130 mmHg was correlated with decreased 3-month mortality (aOR, 0.24, 95% CI 0.07–0.74). No significant relationship was observed between DBP and functional outcomes. Patients with higher periprocedural SBP coefficient variance exhibited a decreased rate of good functional outcomes at 3 months (aOR, 0.42, 95% CI, 0.18–0.96). ConclusionsA SBP range above 130–140 mmHg could potentially serve as a safe lower boundary during EVT, while minimizing BP fluctuations may correlate with improved post-EVT functional outcomes.

The dilemma of neuroprotection trials in times of successful endovascular recanalization.

The "translational roadblock" between successful animal stroke studies and neutral clinical trials is usually attributed to conceptual weaknesses. However, we hypothesized that rodent studies cannot inform the human disease due to intrinsic pathophysiological differences between rodents and humans., i.e., differences in infarct evolution. To verify our hypothesis, we employed a mixed study design and compared findings from meta-analyses of animal studies and a retrospective clinical cohort study. For animal data, we systematically searched pubmed to identify all rodent studies, in which stroke was induced by MCAO and at least two sequential MRI scans were performed for infarct volume assessment within the first two days. For clinical data, we included 107 consecutive stroke patients with large artery occlusion, who received MRI scans upon admission and one or two days later. Our preclinical meta-analyses included 50 studies with 676 animals. Untreated animals had a median post-reperfusion infarct volume growth of 74%. Neuroprotective treatments reduced this infarct volume growth to 23%. A retrospective clinical cohort study showed that stroke patients had a median infarct volume growth of only 2% after successful recanalization. Stroke patients with unsuccessful recanalization, by contrast, experienced a meaningful median infarct growth of 148%. Our study shows that rodents have a significant post-reperfusion infarct growth, and that this post-reperfusion infarct growth is the target of neuroprotective treatments. Stroke patients with successful recanalization do not have such infarct growth and thus have no target for neuroprotection.

Characteristics and outcomes of large artery occlusion-related stroke due to intracranial atherostenosis: An experience from a single center in Saudi Arabia.

Literature on the frequency, response to treatment, and outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to intracranial atherostenosis (ICAS)-related intracranial large artery occlusion (ILAO) from Saudi Arabia is scarce. The aim of this study was to identify the percentage, describe the characteristics, and observe the treatment response in patients with AIS attributed to ICAS-related ILAO. This cross-sectional study included all adult patients from 2017-2021 who fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the diagnosis of ICAS-related AIS. Patients were dichotomized based on ILAO. Mortality and functional outcomes (FOCs) based on 90 days' dependence level were compared between the two groups. The association between ILAO and other variables was assessed using the Chi-squared test, odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI). ILAO was found in 38.7% of patients with ICAS-related AIS. Men comprised three-fourths of the cohort and were more frequent in the ILAO group. Smoking was associated with increased (P = 0.04) likelihood of ILAO. Patients with ILAO had more severe strokes (P ≤ 0.001) than patients without. Middle cerebral artery was the most common occluded vessel (52%). Functional dependence (P = 0.003, OR = 2.87, CI = 1.42-5.77), malignant transformation (P = 0.001, OR = 8.0, CI = 1.82-35.9), and mortality (P ≤ 0.001, OR = 7.67, CI = 2.40-24.5) were significantly higher among ILAO group. Patients with ILAO with unfavorable FOC were older than those who achieved better FOC (P ≤ 0.001). Thrombolysis (P = 0.02, OR = 2.50, CI = 1.15-5.41) and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) improved FOC in patients with ILAO (P = 0.04, OR = 2.33, CI = 1.10-4.92). ILAO is common in patients with ICAS-related AIS. Timely hyperacute stroke treatment can help improve the FOC of otherwise disabling stroke due to ILAO. Raising awareness of the community about stroke is needed, so that a higher number of patients can arrive at hospital within the golden hours. Further data from the region are required to recognize the efficacy of MT in ICAS-related ILAO.

Prediction of Futile Recanalization Following Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke Using Quantitative Electroencephalography: Temporal Delta/Alpha Power Ratio as an Independent Predictor

Objective: Previous studies have reported associations between quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) parameters and acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the relationship between QEEG parameters and clinical outcomes in AIS patients with complete intracranial recanalization post-thrombectomy has been rarely explored. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the QEEG parameter, specifically the regional delta/alpha power ratio (DAR), and futile recanalization (FR) in AIS patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on AIS patients with anterior circulation large artery occlusion who underwent mechanical thrombectomy and achieved complete vessel recanalization (mTICI 2b or 3) between May 2020 and October 2021. Patients with complete recanalization were categorized into effective recanalization and FR groups based on their modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores at three months. The FR group was defined as having an mRS score of 3–6 at three months, while the effective recanalization group had an mRS score of 0–2. Univariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with FR, and factors with P &lt; 0.05 were further analyzed using binary logistic regression to determine independent predictors of FR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to assess the predictive ability of identified factors for FR. Results: Among 152 patients, 81 had effective recanalization, while 71 had FR, resulting in an FR rate of 46.7%. Univariate analysis revealed that baseline characteristics such as admission NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) score, neutrophil ratio, hemorrhagic transformation rate, number of thrombectomy passes, and time to recanalization were higher, whereas ASPECTS score was lower in the FR group compared to the effective recanalization group, all with statistical significance (P &lt; 0.05). Electrophysiologically, DAR values in the affected frontal and temporal regions were significantly higher in the FR group compared to the effective recanalization group (P &lt; 0.05). After adjusting for potential confounders, multivariable adjusted regression analysis demonstrated that regional DAR (odds ratio [OR] 1.205 [95% CI 1.041–1.396], P = 0.013), neutrophil ratio (OR 1.040 [95% CI 1.040–1.081], P = 0.042), ASPECTS score (OR 0.556 [95% CI 0.397–0.780], P = 0.001), and admission NIHSS score (OR 1.209 [95% CI 1.064–1.373], P = 0.004) were independent predictors of FR. ROC analysis indicated that combining regional DAR, especially temporal DAR, with other clinical factors could effectively predict adverse outcomes. Conclusion: Baseline characteristics including NIHSS score, ASPECTS score, and neutrophil ratio are independent predictors of FR, while electrophysiological characteristics, particularly temporal DAR of regional DAR, are closely associated with adverse outcomes at three months post-mechanical thrombectomy in AIS patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. This shows that models incorporating temporal DAR can effectively predict FR.