Management Of Acute Ischemic Stroke Research Articles

Abstract 049: Effect of the ICA Lesion Severity in Outcomes after Endovascular Treatment of Acute Tandem LVO

Introduction Tandem Lesions (TLs) pose unique challenges in the endovascular management of acute ischemic stroke.(1) The absence of anterograde blood flow in the carotid occluded segment may limit the effectiveness of endovascular interventions, resulting in delayed reperfusion or suboptimal recanalization.(2,3) Thus, the presence of unpaired blood flow through the ICA in the context of TLs is believed to exacerbate the extension of ischemic lesions. (4,5) This study compared the clinical and procedural outcomes of patients with TLs and extracranial internal carotid artery occlusion versus those with stenosis. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on a multicenter cohort of patients with TLs who underwent endovascular treatment. The patients were categorized into two groups: those with extracranial ICA stenosis and those with occlusion. Clinical outcomes, including functional independence, hemorrhagic events, and procedural time metrics including puncture to reperfusion time were assessed. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate these differences segregating patients according to varying degrees of stenosis, and in pre‐specified subgroups. Results A total of 513 patients with TLs were included in the study. 281 (54.8%) presented with ICA occlusion, and 232 (45.2%) presented stenosis >=70% (Table 1). The comparison between the stenosis and occlusion groups revealed no significant differences in the main outcomes, including mTICI 2c‐3 (47.5% vs. 50.6%, aOR 1.07, 95% CI 0.70‐1.64, p=.751) (Figure 1), mRS 0‐2 at 90 days (43.6% vs. 48.9%, aOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.52‐1.20, p=.271), sICH rates (4.7% vs. 5.6%, aOR 0.72, 95% CI 0.31‐1.71, p=.458), and puncture to reperfusion time (58 [40‐80.5] vs. 52.5 [35.2‐80], ratio 1.04, 95% CI 0.88‐1.23, p=.64). Similar analyses performed comparing different degrees of stenosis and occlusion, and in patients treated with the antegrade approach only, did not show significant differences either. Conclusion Our findings indicate that although more severe degrees of stenosis or occlusion of the ICA prolong the time from puncture to reperfusion, no significant differences in clinical outcomes exist. The clinical implications of these findings need to be further evaluated to fully comprehend the specific needs of patients affected by TLs.

Abstract 053: Reduced‐Dose Ticagrelor Versus Full‐Dose Ticagrelor Versus Clopidogrel In Acute Stroke Management: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction Ticagrelor use has become more prominent in acute ischemic stroke management in the presence of clopidogrel resistance(1‐2). This study compares the effectiveness of aspirin plus ticagrelor at different doses versus clopidogrel in reducing the risk of recurrent stroke and other thrombotic events without increasing the risk of bleeding. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke at a large academic comprehensive stroke center from September 1, 2020, to July 1, 2022. A total of 3 separate groups, low‐dose ticagrelor (45 mg or 60 mg twice a day), full‐dose ticagrelor (90 mg twice a day) and clopidogrel (75 mg daily) were created. We compared baseline characteristics and completed a one‐way ANOVA to analyze for outcome measures such as in‐hospital mortality, 90‐day mortality, favorable functional outcome defined as modified Rankin Score (mRS) of 0‐2, at 90 days, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and asymptomatic hemorrhage (aICH) between groups. All data was analyzed via IBM SPSS v28.0. Results A total of 445 patients were included in our study. The mean age was 66.1 ± 12.8 years and the majority of patients were female (52.9%). The most common ethnicity was African American (82.9%). Sixty patients were discharged on low‐dose ticagrelor, 39 on full dose ticagrelor and 351 on clopidogrel. A total of 162/433 (36.0%) had a presumed stroke etiology of intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). Only 24 patients received intravenous thrombolytics (5.3%) and 47 had stent placement (10.4%). Out of 445 patients, 288 were on aspirin 81 mg at time of discharge. Of that group, 228 were on both aspirin and clopidogrel, 60 were on aspirin and low‐dose ticagrelor and 39 were on aspirin and full‐dose ticagrelor. There was no statistical significance for new or recurrent ischemic stroke between groups (low‐dose vs full‐dose vs clopidogrel) determined by one‐way ANOVA (10.0% vs. 17.9% vs. 7.8%, F(2,103) = 0.01, p=0.99). Symptomatic ICH was also similar between the groups (3.3% vs. 2.6% vs. 1.1%, F(2,101) = 0.68, p=0.51). There was no significance for favorable functional outcomes and mortality as well (26.7% vs. 23.1% vs. 24.2%, F(2,173) = 0.62, p=0.54; 80.0% vs. 79.5% vs. 81.5%, F(2,150) = 1.5, p=0.22). Conclusion These findings suggest that a lower dose of ticagrelor may be a safe and effective alternative to full dose ticagrelor or clopidogrel for the prevention of recurrent ischemic stroke without increasing hemorrhagic complications. Larger randomized trials are necessary to further evaluate these findings.

Abstract 195: Changing Trends of Thrombolysis and Thrombectomy for Low Severity Stroke: National Inpatient Sample Analysis (2016‐2020)

Introduction Over the past decade, stroke management has significantly improved with the widespread use of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and the establishment of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) as the standard of care for increasing patients. However, a dilemma arises in cases of low‐severity stroke (NIHSS ≤ 5), as the EVT clinical trials do not include patients with such low NIHSS. There is debate surrounding the topic of EVT and IVT for low‐severity stroke, and often practice does not reflect the patient populations included in the initial clinical trials. Some recent studies suggest a trend toward decreasing pre‐thrombectomy IVT. (1) This study aims to examine the evolving trends of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), and their combination in low NIHSS acute ischemic stroke (AIS) management in the United States from 2016 to 2020. Methods We accessed the national inpatient sample database from 2016 through 2020. We included patients admitted with stroke and who had a recorded NIHSS ≤ 5. To determine if there were changes in the frequency of events over time, we compared the outcome measures utilizing logistic regression models with 2016 as the reference year. Results Compared to 2016 the rates of IVT have significantly decreased starting in 2018 through 2020. The rates of EVT have trended upward since 2016 and were significantly higher in the year 2020. The rates of thrombectomy plus thrombolysis have trended upward but have not significantly changed since 2016. These results can be visualized in the Figure below, * = p‐value < 0.05. Conclusion Our findings highlight a significant shift in stroke treatment, with the growing use of EVT while simultaneously decreasing rates of IVT for low‐NIHSS strokes. Current clinical trials protocol are submitted to examine EVT's efficacy for low NIHSS stroke (2), but it's also crucial to understand what is driving this change in real‐world practice. This understanding will inform treatment decisions and ensure they align with evidence‐based standards, guaranteeing optimal, standardized patient care.

Coronary Angiography Complicated by Acute Ischaemic Stroke and the Use of Thrombolysis: a Cardiology Perspective and Narrative Review of Current Literature.

Coronary angiography-associated acute ischaemic stroke (CAAIS) is an uncommon event but is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. The incidence of CAAIS has increased with a rise in the volume of coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed. Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is utilized in the general management of acute ischaemic stroke; however, it is associated with a higher risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). As CA or PCI is performed more often in an aging population or high-risk patients that also carry an increased risk of ICH, it is vital to minimize additional complications from the treatment of CAAIS. This article aims to review the pathophysiological mechanisms for CAAIS, clarify the current evidence regarding IVT use in this setting, and thus assist cardiologists in the management of CAAIS. The pathophysiology for CAAIS may be different from acute ischaemic stroke in the general population. Embolic phenomena from dislodgement of calcium or other debris during manipulation of instrumentation during CA or PCI are likely mechanisms. This may contribute to altered thrombus composition, which affects the efficacy of IVT as suggested in recent studies. Furthermore, IVT in the management of CAAIS has not been evaluated specifically. The utilization of IVT should be carefully considered in CAAIS given a paucity of evidence demonstrating safety and efficacy in this setting. A multidisciplinary pathway that emphasizes the involvement of cardiologists in the treatment decision-making process would aid in thoughtful risk-benefit evaluation for IVT use in CAAIS and reduce adverse patient outcomes. Future studies to assess the impact of this pathway on CAAIS outcomes would be beneficial.

Knowledge, Attitude, Skill, and Practice of Emergency Nurses Regarding the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke in Beijing

IntroductionEmergency nurses play an important role in the early management of acute ischemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, skills, and practice of emergency nurses in Beijing regarding the early management of acute ischemic stroke. MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled emergency nurses in 26 hospitals in Beijing between August and November 2022. Correlations among knowledge, attitude, and skill/practice were evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis. ResultsThis study included 564 nurses (82.98% were female). The average knowledge, attitude, and skill/practice scores were 15.48 ± 2.39 (possible range, 0-22), 39.84 ± 4.89 (possible range, 9-45), and 40.59 ± 5.21 (possible range, 13-52). The knowledge was significantly positively correlated with attitude and skill/practice (all P< .001). There was also a positive correlation between attitude and skill/practice (P< .001). DiscussionThese findings may facilitate the implementation of education/training programs to improve the early management of acute ischemic stroke by nurses in emergency departments.

Epidemiology, organization, diagnosis and treatment of acute ischemic stroke

The management of acute ischemic stroke is changing. Over the period of 2010–2050, the number of incident strokes is expected to be more than double. Rapid access to mechanical thrombectomy for patients with large vessel occlusion is critically associated with their functional outcome. Moreover, patients with first pass effect had a better clinical outcome, lower mortality, and fewer procedural adverse events. We discuss some advances in acute ischemic stroke regarding the organization, the diagnosis and the treatment.

Use of angled-tip aspiration catheters is associated with a lower cost of thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to large and medium vessel occlusions.

Recently, the angled-tip Zoom™ aspiration catheters were introduced. The tip is designed to improve suction force for clot retrieval. We evaluated the possibility of reducing procedure costs when using angled-tip catheters and compared the safety and angiographic effectiveness of angled-tip versus straight-tip catheters. We conducted a retrospective single-center cohort study involving patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large and medium vessel occlusions. The patients were divided into two groups: the post-Zoom group, in which angled-tip aspiration catheters were used and the pre-Zoom group, in which traditional straight-tip catheters were employed. A total of 163 patients were included; 95 (58.3%) in the pre-Zoom group and 68 (41.7%) in the post-Zoom group. The groups were well-matched at entry. The post-Zoom group demonstrated a significant decrease in mean procedure cost ($9728 vs. $12,127; p = 0.002), shorter time to achieve modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction ≥2b reperfusion (38.30 min vs. 53.26 min; p = 0.018), and shorter puncture to procedure completion time (46.42 min vs. 62.38 min; p = 0.022). Additionally, the mean procedural cost when using the ADAPT technique supported by the Zoom catheters was significantly lower than the Solumbra technique ($5754 ± $2806 vs. $13,498 ± $3244, p < 0.001). There were no differences in the rate of hemorrhage between the pre-Zoom group (17.9%) and the post-Zoom group (20.6%), p = 0.690. The study demonstrated significant benefits, including cost reduction and shorter time to achieve reperfusion in patients treated with Zoom aspiration catheters. These findings support the use of angled-tip catheters in acute ischemic stroke management.

Acute management of childhood stroke.

The purpose of this paper is to review recent updates in the acute management of childhood arterial ischemic stroke, including reperfusion therapies and neuroprotective measures. With the emergence of pediatric stroke centers in recent years, processes facilitating rapid diagnosis and treatment have resulted in improved implementation of early targeted neuroprotective measures as well as the increased use of reperfusion therapies in childhood arterial ischemic stroke. Retrospective data has demonstrated that alteplase is safe in carefully selected children with arterial ischemic stroke in the first 4.5 h from symptom onset, though data regarding its efficacy in children are still lacking. There is also increasing data that suggests that thrombectomy in children with large vessel occlusion improves functional outcomes. Recent adult studies, including the use of Tenecteplase as an alteplase alternative and expansion of late thrombectomy to include patients with large ischemic cores, also are reviewed along with limitations to application of the adult data to pediatric care. There have been significant advances in the hyperacute care of children with ischemic stroke and early diagnosis and targeted management are of the upmost importance in improving long-term outcomes.

Association of serum magnesium levels with acute ischaemic stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a propensity score-matched case–control study

IntroductionMagnesium (Mg) deficiency has been found to be associated with many clinical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular diseases and likewise. Studies evaluating the association between serum...

Integrative Approaches in Acute Ischemic Stroke: From Symptom Recognition to Future Innovations.

Among the high prevalence of cerebrovascular diseases nowadays, acute ischemic stroke stands out, representing a significant worldwide health issue with important socio-economic implications. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are important milestones for the management of this multifaceted pathology, making understanding the various stroke-onset symptoms crucial. A key role in acute ischemic stroke management is emphasizing the essential role of a multi-disciplinary team, therefore, increasing the efficiency of recognition and treatment. Neuroimaging and neuroradiology have evolved dramatically over the years, with multiple approaches that provide a higher understanding of the morphological aspects as well as timely recognition of cerebral artery occlusions for effective therapy planning. Regarding the treatment matter, the pharmacological approach, particularly fibrinolytic therapy, has its merits and challenges. Endovascular thrombectomy, a game-changer in stroke management, has witnessed significant advances, with technologies like stent retrievers and aspiration catheters playing pivotal roles. For select patients, combining pharmacological and endovascular strategies offers evidence-backed benefits. The aim of our comprehensive study on acute ischemic stroke is to efficiently compare the current therapies, recognize novel possibilities from the literature, and describe the state of the art in the interdisciplinary approach to acute ischemic stroke. As we aspire for holistic patient management, the emphasis is not just on medical intervention but also on physical therapy, mental health, and community engagement. The future holds promising innovations, with artificial intelligence poised to reshape stroke diagnostics and treatments. Bridging the gap between groundbreaking research and clinical practice remains a challenge, urging continuous collaboration and research.

Importance of assessment of carotid plaques in the managementof acute ischemic stroke: floating intracarotid plaque

Mobile atheromatous plaques affecting large arteries are a major risk factor for embolic strokes. We report a case of extensive embolic cerebral infarction secondary to a vulnerable internal carotid artery plaque. A 67-year-old female was admitted with sudden left-sided weakness. A computed tomography brain scan revealed early ischemic changes in the right middle cerebral territory. The ultrasound Doppler showed soft mobile plaque with thrombus in the right internal carotid artery causing 90% stenosis. Magnetic resonance imaging brain scan performed later showed extensive right cerebral infarction. A computed tomography angiogram revealed ulcerated non-occlusive soft tissue plaque in the right internal carotid artery. She was also diagnosed with bladder cancer during this admission and was managed medically due to her performance status. Unstable vulnerable plaques can be symptomatic even in the absence of significant carotid stenosis. Hence, early identification of the plaque vulnerability, using new imaging modalities, and its medical stabilization can help to reduce the risk of cerebrovascular insults. The etiopathogenesis of inflammation within unstable vulnerable plaques and its concordance with inflammatory markers is still unclear. It is feasible in our case the malignantprocess could also be contributing to the inflammation within the blood vessels promoting vulnerability of the plaques.

Management and Prognosis of Acute Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important risk factor for ischemic stroke (IS). Oral anticoagulation (OAC) significantly reduces the risk of IS in AF but also increases the risk of systemic bleeding, including intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). AF-related strokes are associated with greater disability and mortality compared to non-AF strokes. The management of patients with AF-related strokes is challenging, and it involves weighing individual risks and benefits in the acute treatment and preventive strategies of these patients. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the acute management of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in patients with AF, and the prognosis and potential implications for management both in the acute and long-term setting.

A Study to Evaluate the Role of Three-Dimensional Pseudo-Continuous Arterial Spin Labelling in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Introduction Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is well known to detect ischemic brain tissue and evaluate the tissue vulnerable to infarction. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has been a mainstay of stroke evaluation but has a few shortcomings, as it generally indicates only the core of ischemia and does not provide information regarding the tissue at risk or the ischemic penumbra surrounding the infarct. Perfusion imaging identifies brain tissue that has reduced blood flow as a potential target for reperfusion therapy. Arterial spin labelling (ASL) is a new non-invasive, non-contrast MRI perfusion sequence used to detect areas of hypoperfusion qualitatively and quantitatively and also identify the area at risk, i.e., the penumbra, in acute ischemic stroke. The most important component of the imaging is to determine the ischemic penumbra. One of the working definitions of penumbra is brain tissue that is ischemic but not yet infarcted and is at risk of further damage unless the flow is rapidly restored. Hence, perfusion-diffusion mismatch provides a realistic target for potential intervention. The aim of our study is to assess the role of ASLimaging in identifying the penumbra and providing insight into the management of acute ischemic stroke. Materials and methods Patients who presented with symptoms of acute ischemic stroke were included in the study, and an MRI stroke protocol comprising DWI, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), ASL, and magnetic resonanceangiogram (MRA) sequences was done. Post-thrombolysis, a follow-up MRI was done using DWI, ASL, and MRA to see the restoration of perfusion in the ischemic penumbra. Three-dimensional pseudo-continuous ASL (in our study, ASL refers to pseudo-continuous ASL) is included in the stroke protocol in cases of acute ischemic stroke and assessed qualitatively. Results Our study included 43 patients (n = 43), of whom 39.5% (17 patients) belong to the age group of 51-60 years and 2.3% (one patient) are in the age group of 21-30 years. All 43 cases demonstrated DWI-FLAIR mismatch, suggestive of ischemic stroke within the window period, and all 43 cases showed DWI-ASL mismatch, suggestive of a large yet potentially salvageable peri-infarct ischemic penumbra. The most common territory involved was the middle cerebral artery (MCA), and the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) was the least commonly involved territory. We had one case involving the MCA-PCA watershed zone. Conclusion Arterial spin labelling is a novel, non-invasive, non-contrast MRI sequence with the capability to provide qualitative information regarding the salvageable ischemic penumbra, and timely management prevents the progression of the penumbra. The incorporation of ASL as part of the standard neuroimaging protocol aids in the management of acute stroke, giving insight into the prediction of outcome.

Diagnosis and management of tandem occlusion in acute ischemic stroke

Approximately 20–30% of patients with acute ischemic stroke, caused by large intracranial vessel occlusion, have a tandem lesion, defined as simultaneous presence of high-grade stenosis or occlusion of the cervical internal carotid artery and thromboembolic occlusion of the intracranial terminal internal carotid artery or its branches, usually the middle cerebral artery. Patients with tandem lesions have usually worse outcomes than patients with single intracranial occlusions, and intravenous thrombolysis is less effective in these patients. Although endovascular thrombectomy is currently a cornerstone therapy in the management of acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion, the optimal management of extracranial carotid lesions in tandem occlusion remains controversial. Acute placement of a stent in the cervical carotid artery lesion is the most used therapeutic strategy compared with stented balloon angioplasty and thrombectomy alone without carotid artery revascularization; however, treatment strategies in these patients are often more complex than with single occlusion, so treatment decisions can change based on clinical and technical considerations. The aim of this review is to analyze the results of different studies and trials, investigating the periprocedural neurointerventional management of patients with tandem lesions and the safety, efficacy of the different technical strategies available as well as their impact on the clinical outcome in these patients, to strengthen current recommendations and thus optimize patient care.

Safety and efficacy of eptifibatide in acute ischemic stroke requiring extracranial carotid artery stenting.

The antiplatelet management in acute ischemic stroke requiring carotid artery stenting is heterogenous, with no clear guidelines to direct management. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an intravenous eptifibatide protocol in the management of acute ischemic stroke requiring emergent carotid artery stenting. We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent carotid artery stenting for acute ischemic stroke at a high-volume tertiary neuroscience center, who were managed with an intravenous eptifibatide protocol. The protocol consists of an intravenous loading eptifibatide bolus (180 mcg/kg) at the time of stenting, followed by a maintenance infusion of 1 mcg/kg/min, then oral or nasogastric loading of dual antiplatelet agents. 80 patients were included for analysis. Median presenting NIHSS was 17. Sixty-six patients (83%) had a tandem intracranial occlusion. Six (7.5%) patients developed symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Those who received intravenous thrombolysis were not more likely to develop sICH (10% vs 5%, p = 0.40). Those patients with a presenting ASPECTS <8 were significantly more likely to develop sICH than those with ASPECTS 8-10 (25% vs 3%, p = 0.004). Eptifibatide may have a role in the management of acute stroke requiring carotid stenting. Caution may be required in those with established infarct on presentation imaging.

Safety of intravenous thrombolysis for ischemic stroke in patients with hematologic malignancies: A single institution experience

BackgroundData on safety of thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in patients with hematologic malignancy is not well established. We report our single institution experience with thrombolysis in this patient population. MethodsWe identified patients with pathology-confirmed hematologic malignancy from 2000-2022. Primary exposure was presence of AIS and receipt of intravenous (IV) thrombolysis. Primary outcome was safety of IV thrombolysis in this patient population. Safety was measured through imaging review for hemorrhagic transformation, post-stroke mortality, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. ResultsAmong 45,894 patients with hematologic malignancy, 1,099 (2.4%) were identified as having a suspected AIS. Twenty (1.8%) received IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for AIS, three underwent endovascular intervention, and 17 had AIS confirmed on MRI. Two patients with confirmed AIS experienced hemorrhagic transformation, one of which was symptomatic. Most patients (n=10, 59%) were functionally independent (mRS 0-2) at 90 days post-stroke, including all patients with active hematologic malignancy at the time of stroke (n=3). Four patients died within 90 days of AIS. None of these deaths were patients with active hematologic malignancy at the time of stroke. ConclusionsWithout other contraindications, IV alteplase should be considered for management of AIS in patients with hematologic malignancy. The safety profile of tPA administration in this patient population may be similar to the general population, whether underlying hematologic malignancy is active or in remission.

71-year Old Male Patient with 20 Hour Onset of Infarct Stroke that was Performed with Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis, Mechanical Thrombectomy, Balloon Angioplasty, and Carotid Stenting: A Case Report

Introduction: For above 2 decades, the definitive management for acute ischemic stroke is intravenous or intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT), using recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator. Recently mechanical thrombectomy (MT) was developed to overcome the problem that intravenous thrombolysis is only effective in removing large artery occlusions in the range of 10-30%. Early treatment with intra-arterial thrombolysis, permanent stent insertion and clot extraction devices evolved into the stent-retriever device used in most of the important trials and, recently, emerged aspiration tool. This case report presented 71-year-old male patient with infarct stroke who performed with MT. Case presentation: This case report presented 71-year-old male patient with the main complaint of right limbs weakness. A non-contrast head CT scan found infarction in the cortical-subcortical left parietal lobe, posterior pericornu of the right lateral ventricle and right temporal cornu periventricular; lacunar infarction in the right and left paramedian pons; old lacunar infarction in the left and right centrum semiovale, left corona radiata, right internal capsule, right parietal lobe white matter, left lentiform nucleus, left posterior crus of the internal capsule-thalamus, right thalamus, right lateral ventricular pericornu and left paramedian pons. The patient underwent cerebral digital substraction angiography (DSA), as well as IAT, MT, balloon angioplasty, and carotid stenting with good clinical outcome. Conclusion: With the overwhelming positive results of studies evaluating the safety, efficiency, and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy; the standard of care for the treatment of patients with anterior circulation vessel occlusion is becoming clear.

Mechanical thrombectomy for treatment of acute ischemic stroke in frail patients: a systematic review of the literature

BackgroundThe overall safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in frail patients is not well delineated. This systematic review aims to summarize and compare outcomes...

Thrombectomy vs. medical management for large vessel occlusion strokes with minimal symptoms.

Patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) presenting mild symptoms with a low National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤8 and also found to have an intracranial large vessel occlusion (LVO) undergo endovascular thrombolysis (ET) or medical management alone. The current study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of medical management vs. ET therapy among patients with mild AIS symptoms (NIHSS score ≤8) accompanied by LVO. The present meta-analysis included articles involving mild AIS, LVO, thrombectomy/ET and medical management alone published in full-text form (from 1980 to 2022). Collected variables included: First author name, covered study period, publication year, the total number of patients and age, number of males, presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, prior ischemic stroke, location, NIHSS of admission, modified Rankin scale, bleeding, morbidity and mortality. After the initial search and applying all exclusion and inclusion criteria, eight articles were left in the final article pool. The total number of patients who underwent ET was 569, compared with 1097 with medical management for LVO strokes with minimal symptoms. The findings of the present meta-analysis study point out that ET management may be associated with a high risk of bleeding and mortality in patients with LVO presenting with mild symptoms (NIHSS score ≤8).

The use of intravenous thrombolytics in acute ischemic stroke management: A scoping review from 2008 till 2021 in the Arab world in the Middle East and North Africa

ObjectiveThe aim of this review was to assess and analyze the research output on intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke in the Arab world in the Middle East and North Africa. MethodsPublished literature on intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke from 2008 to 2021 were retrieved from several electronic databases. Extracted records were analyzed in terms of year of publication, country, journal, research area, authors, and organizational affiliations. ResultsA total of 37 studies were published between 2008 and 2021 from different Arab countries. Eight studies assessed the safety and efficacy of thrombolytic agents in AIS. Three studies were KAP studies addressing the knowledge, attitude and practice towards IVT. The majority of the selected studies (n=16) discussed the utilization rate of IVT among patients in different hospital settings across these countries. Ten studies reported the outcomes associated with the use of IVT for AIS. ConclusionThis is the first scoping review to study the research activity related to the use of IVT in stroke in the Arab nations. In the last 15 years, stroke research productivity was very low in the Arab world compared to other regions of the world due to several impeding factors. Given the high burden of in-adherence to acute stroke treatment in the Arab nations, there is a serious need for an increased high-quality research activity to highlight the roadblocks associated with the limited use of IVT.