Posterior Circulation Research Articles

Abstract TP53: Above Par on the Back Nine: Improving Triage of Posterior Circulation Stroke

Background and Purpose: Notoriously difficult to recognize, posterior circulation strokes (PCS) can be some of the most devastating. It is incumbent on the triage nurse to recognize these signs and symptoms. This project was developed to educate frontline ED staff on early identification of posterior strokes, decrease time to recognition, and improve outcomes. Methods: The community Primary Stroke Center (PSC) identified the need to improve recognition of PCS after a series of treatment-eligible patients were missed. A team was created including the directors of the PSC and associated Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC), emergency room physicians, and nurses. A triage algorithm was created to capture as many strokes as possible without a glut of false positives. This included focal and non-focal signs of stroke. ANY sign of stroke should initiate the code stroke (CS) process provided that the presentation was within 24 hours of last known well, the presentation was sudden, and the symptoms were disabling to the patient. Once approved, the algorithm and education were provided to all patient-facing ED staff. Updates were added to huddle notes and a copy of the algorithm was made available at all triage areas. Data was collected retroactively for a total of 16 months, 8 months prior to the intervention and 8 months after. Results: - For all PCS the median time from arrival to initiation of CS improved from 9 minutes to 1 minute - For all PCS the median time from arrival to confirmation of stroke improved from 597 minutes to 249 minutes - Prior to intervention, only 60% of CS-eligible patients had a CS initiated, compared to 92% after - Ninety-day Rankin was from 0-2 in 86% of PCS patients prior to intervention compared to 100% after Conclusions: A clear triage process can maximize identification of PCS, increase capture of treatment-eligible patients, and decrease disability. A PSC with tele-stroke coverage and ongoing education improved identification of posterior circulation strokes and outcomes. Key takeaways for success include clear and concise code stroke algorithm, support from providers, and ongoing educational interventions. While this data is preliminary, we will continue to track and trend. Next steps should include education directed to EMS personnel in the field.

Abstract WP30: Therapeutic Hypothermia With Thin Liquid Convection is Safe and Feasible in Acute Stroke Patients: The Helping Stroke Patients With ThermoSuit Cooling (SISCO) Pilot Study

Introduction: Animal studies have shown that therapeutic hypothermia of 32-34°C (TH) leads to a drop in infarct size after cerebral artery occlusion. Data suggests that early, rapid TH must be achieved to maximize neuroprotection from ischemic injury. There have been two RCTs of TH in stroke patients, both of which cooled slowly and failed to show the benefit of TH. Objective: The present study assessed the safety and feasibility of the ThermoSuit System (TSS) to induce rapid TH in acute ischemic stroke patients enrolled in the SISCO pivotal phase I trial. The TSS circulates cold water directly over the patient’s skin to achieve TH and has previously demonstrated significantly faster cooling than other methods. Methods: Eligible stroke patients were enrolled with an NIHSS > 5, less than 8 hours from LKW, or who met the extended window thrombectomy criteria. Patients were sedated and intubated according to protocols. Cooling was initiated by circulating ice-cold water (0-8°C) through the TSS. The patients were cooled until the core temperature reached 34-33°C, and the suit was removed. Temperature was maintained at 32°C to 34°C for 24 hours following the cooling induction using a conventional cooling blanket. Criteria for study success were defined as 1) at least 50% of the patients achieving 32-34°C within 1 hour; 2) NIHSS and mRS scores at 90 days post-stroke were not statistically worse than historical controls; 3) no significant increase in adverse event rates in cooled subjects vs. historical controls. RESULTS 14 subjects were enrolled, and 13 were cooled. 2 patients were excluded due to treatment delays and 1 due to missing outcome data, leaving 10 patients available for complete analysis. The average NIHSS on admission was 18, and the average patient age was 65. 7 patients had an LVO in the anterior circulation and 3 had posterior circulation strokes. All study success criteria were met. The median cooling time to 34°C was 40 minutes. The rates of unacceptable outcomes at 90 days (mRS >3) were 45% in 1314 published historical controls but only 10% in cooled subjects. Conclusion: The TSS is a safe and effective tool for rapid TH in ischemic stroke patients. Further studies are warranted to assess whether this cooling method is neuroprotective for these patients.

Abstract 86: Outcomes of Endovascular Therapy for Late Large Vessel Occlusion in Patients With Pre-Stroke Disability

Background: There is a paucity of research to develop evidence-based recommendations for endovascular management in the extended time window (>6 hours after time last seen well [TLSW]) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) patients with pre-stroke disability. Methods: We analyzed data from a multinational cohort (66 sites, 10 countries from 2014 to 2022) of acute ischemic stroke patients with pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-4 and anterior or posterior circulation LVO who received endovascular therapy 6-24 hours after TLSW. The primary outcome was the composite of functional independence (FI, mRS 0-2) or return to pre-stroke mRS (return of Rankin, RoR) at 90 days. Outcomes were compared between patients with pre-stroke disability (pre-stroke mRS 2-4) vs those without (mRS 0-1). Results: There were 2231 patients (median age 77 years; median NIH Stroke Scale 16) included in the present study, of whom 564 (25.3%) had pre-stroke disability. The primary outcome (FI or ROR) was seen in 30.7% of patients with pre-stroke disability (FI, 16.5%; RoR 30.7%), compared with 44.1% of those without (FI, 44.1%; RoR 13.0%) ( P <0.0001, Figure 1 ). In both multivariable logistic regression and inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis, pre-stroke disability was not associated with a lower odds of achieving FI or RoR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50-1.15 and aOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.43-1.25, respectively). FI or ROR was achieved at a higher percentage with reperfusion with mTICI ≥2b than with mTICI 0-2a, both in patients with pre-stroke disability (34.8% vs 10.8%, P <0.0001) and in those without (49.2% vs 12.1%, P <0.0001). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 6.3% in both groups ( P =0.995). Conclusions: A substantial proportion of late LVO patients with pre-stroke disability regained pre-stroke mRS after EVT and did not have a worse functional prognosis than patients without pre-stroke disability when their pre-stroke mRS was considered.

Clinical and genetic factors associated with contralateral progression in unilateral moyamoya disease: Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the long-term outcome of unilateral moyamoya disease and predict the clinical and genetic factors associated with contralateral progression in unilateral moyamoya disease. MethodsWe retrospectively recruited unilateral moyamoya disease patients with available genetic data who underwent encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) surgery at our institution from January 2009 to November 2017. Long-term follow-up data, including clinical outcomes, angiographic features, and genetic information, were analyzed. ResultsA total of 83 unilateral moyamoya disease patients with available genetic data were enrolled in our study. The mean duration of clinical follow-up was 7.9 ± 2.0 years. Among all patients, 19 patients demonstrated contralateral progression to bilateral disease. Heterozygous Ring Finger Protein 213 p.R4810K mutations occurred significantly more frequently in unilateral moyamoya disease patients with contralateral progression. Furthermore, patients with contralateral progression typically demonstrated an earlier age of onset than those with non-progressing unilateral moyamoya disease. In the contralateral progression group, posterior circulation involvement was observed in 11 (11/19, 57.9%) patients compared to 12 (12/64, 18.8%) in the non-contralateral progression group (P = 0.001). The time to peak of cerebral perfusion and neurological status showed significant postoperative improvement. ConclusionLong-term follow-up revealed that the EDAS procedure might provide benefits for unilateral moyamoya disease patients. Ring Finger Protein 213 p.R4810K mutations, younger age, and posterior circulation involvement might predict the contralateral progression of unilateral moyamoya disease.

Two Rare Variations; Persistent Trigeminal Artery and Hypoplasia of the A1 Segment of the Anterior Cerebral Artery

The trigeminal artery, which is one of the major carotid-basilar anastomoses in the fetal period, regresses with the development of the posterior circulation in the prenatal period. In rare cases, when this regression does not occur but persists, it is called persistent trigeminal artery (PTA). Because of the association of the persistent trigeminal artery with many other cerebral vascular pathologies, it is of vital importance to identify it and know its imaging characteristics, especially in cases where vascular surgery or interventional procedures are planned. We report a case with PTA and hypoplasia of the A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) as an associated vascular anomaly. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a non-invasive method for the detection of PTA and other vascular anomalies.

Mechanical Thrombectomy for All LVO – Is It Feasible? – Recent Evidence to Expand the Current Stroke Guidelines

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has established its role as a standard care of acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). Current early stroke management guidelines have defined certain selection criteria for LVO patients undergoing MT to achieve the most benefit. However, it is still uncertain if some other LVO patients who do not meet these criteria can also benefit from MT. In this review, we research the latest evidence on efficacy and safety of MT for LVO in various unique stroke populations, such as advanced age, pre-stroke disability, LVO with minor stroke, large infarct volume, poor mismatch profile, very late time window, posterior circulation LVO and distal medium-sized vessel occlusions. By comparing the benefits and risks of MT with best medical management only, we may develop further subgroup-specific criteria to expand our capacity to best treat these unique LVO populations.

How I do it: endoscopic microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm associated with anterior inferior cerebellar artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery common trunk.

Multiple vessels from the anterior inferior cerebellar artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery common trunk (APC) variation of the posterior circulation can cause hemifacial spasm (HFS). Endoscopic microvascular decompression (eMVD) was performed using 0° and 30° endoscopes through a retrosigmoid keyhole. The root exit zone (REZ) was decompressed by transpositioning the offending anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) arising from the APC under excellent endoscopic view. eMVD is an advanced, minimally invasive and reliable technique to resolve the neurovascular conflict (NVC) in HFS due to offenders from APC.

The effects of anastomoses between anterior and posterior circulation on postoperative prognosis of patients with moyamoya disease

BackgroundMoyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Collateral circulation in MMD has emerged as a research focus. Our aims were to assess the impact of anastomoses between the anterior and posterior circulations on the prognosis of MMD patients.MethodsWe reviewed the preoperative digital subtraction angiography images of patients with MMD who underwent revascularization surgery at our hospital between March 2014 and May 2020 and divided the patients into two groups: those with anastomoses (PtoA group) and those without anastomoses (non-PtoA group). The differences in follow-up (more than 6 months) collateral vessel establishment (Matsushima grade) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were compared between the two groups as well as between the patients with different degrees of anastomoses. The early complications following revascularization were also compared between the two groups.ResultsThis study included 104 patients with MMD, of which 38 were non-PtoA and 66 were PtoA. There were no significant differences in Matsushima score (P = 0.252) and mRS score (P = 0.066) between the two groups. In addition, Matsushima score (P = 0.243) and mRS score (P = 0.360) did not differ significantly between patients with different degrees of anastomoses. However, the non-PtoA group had a significantly higher rate of cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) than the PtoA group (34.2% vs 16.7%, P = 0.041).ConclusionMMD patients without anastomoses between anterior and posterior circulations preoperatively should be vigilant of the occurrence of CHS in the early stages after revascularization.

Validation of Vascular Location Subcodes for Acute Ischemic Stroke by the International Classification of Diseases-10

BackgroundVascular region of infarct is part of the International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) coding scheme for ischemic stroke. These data could potentially be used for studies about vascular location, such as comparisons of anterior versus posterior circulation stroke. The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of these subcodes. MethodsWe selected a random sample of 100 hospitalizations specifying 50 with anterior circulation ICD-10 ischemic stroke (carotid, anterior cerebral artery [CA], middle CA) and 50 with posterior circulation stroke (vertebral, basilar, cerebellar, posterior CA). The gold standard primary vascular distribution was scored using imaging studies and reports, blinded to the subcode. We compared gold-standard distribution to coded distribution and calculated the operating characteristics of ICD-10 posterior circulation versus anterior circulation codes with the gold standard. We also calculated the kappa statistic for agreement across all 7 vascular regions. ResultsIn our population of 100 strokes, mean NIHSS was 8 (SD, 8). Head CT was performed in 95 % (95/100) and MRI in 77 % (77/100). The gold standard classified 55 primary posterior circulation strokes (26 PCA, 16 cerebellar, 8 basilar, 5 vertebral), 44 primary anterior circulation strokes (35 MCA, 6 carotid, 3 ACA), and 1 stroke with no infarct on imaging. The accuracy of the ICD-10 classification for primary posterior circulation stroke versus anterior circulation/no infarct was: sensitivity 89 % (49/55); specificity 98 % (44/45); positive predictive value 98 % (49/50); negative predictive value 88 % (44/50). The reliability of the 7-region classification was excellent (kappa 0.85). ConclusionsWe found that ICD-10 classification of vascular location in routine practice correlates strongly with gold-standard localization for hospitalized ischemic stroke and supports validity in differentiating posterior versus anterior circulation. At a more granular vascular level, the location reliability was excellent, although limited data were available for some subcodes.

FLAIR signal intensity ratio predicts small subcortical infarct early neurologic deterioration: a cross-sectional study.

Prior studies have used the fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence signal intensity ratio (FLAIR-SIR) to predict those with an incomplete infarct that may safely receive acute thrombolytics. Clinical early neurologic deterioration (END) of small subcortical infarcts (SSIs) is suspected to occur due to delayed infarct completion. We aimed to understand if a lower FLAIR-SIR, suggestive of an incomplete infarct, would have a higher likelihood of SSI-related END. A cross-sectional retrospective study was performed of those with an acute SSI (anterior or posterior circulation) without significant parent vessel steno-occlusive disease. END was defined as a new or worsened disabling neurologic deficit during the index hospitalization. Standard-of-care brain MRIs were reviewed from the hospitalization, and a FLAIR-SIR cutoff of ≤ 1.15 was used based on prior studies. Adjusted logistic regression models were used for analysis. We identified 252 patients meeting inclusion criteria: median (IQR) age 68 (12) years, 38.5% (97/252) female, and 11% (28/252) with END. Tobacco use was more common in those without END (32%) compared with END (55%, p = 0.03). In adjusted analyses, a FLAIR-SIR cutoff of ≤ 1.15 yielded an odds ratio of 2.8 (95% CI 1.23-6.13, p = 0.012) of early neurological deterioration. Those with a FLAIR-SIR ≤ 1.15 are nearly threefold more likely to develop SSI-related END.

Early and late basilar artery thrombectomy time window outcomes.

Stroke-to-recanalization time is a strong predictor of outcomes in anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion (LVO). The authors aimed to evaluate functional outcomes in early (<6 h) vs. late (6-24 h) time windows for thrombectomy-treated basilar artery occlusions. Patients were derived from the Posterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke Evaluation: Analyzing Radiographic and Intra-procedural Predictors of Mechanical Thrombectomy (PC-SEARCH) Registry and retrospectively analyzed early and late basilar artery thrombectomy time windows cohorts. Patients were dichotomized based on the last known well and correlated to 90-day functional outcomes (mRS 0-3). A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. A total of 405 patients were included in this study: 216 and 189 patients in the early and late time windows, respectively. Baseline demographic, stroke, radiographic, and intraprocedural characteristics were similar between the groups. A total of 99 (46%) and 79 (42%) patients in the early and late time windows, respectively, achieved favorable functional outcomes at 90 days (p = 0.41), and multiple logistic regression analysis did not reveal differences between cohorts (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.46-1.19; p = 0.22). Symptomatic hemorrhage (7% vs. 5%; p = 0.69) and neurological complications (8% vs. 9%; p = 0.83) were similar between the groups; however, hospital complications were more common in the early time window cohort (22% vs. 13%; p = 0.01). The early and late thrombectomy time windows can achieve similar rates of 90-day favorable functional outcomes. However, timely thrombectomy influences the likelihood of achieving excellent functional outcomes (mRS ≤ 2) within the early time window.

The Dilator-Dotter technique can successfully treat tandem lesions of posterior circulation.

In this study, we applied the Dilator-Dotter technique, a catheter-based angioplasty, to cross through severely stenotic or occluded vertebral arteries during mechanical thrombectomy, and we explored its efficacy and safety in treating tandem lesions of posterior circulation. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with acute stroke caused by tandem lesions of posterior circulation treated with the Dilator-Dotter technique and thrombectomy between July 2017 and December 2021. In addition to collecting clinical, radiographic, and procedural data from patient records, we also collected information about surgical complications and outcome. We enrolled 9 patients for this study. In all cases, the vertebral artery (VA) on the affected side was crossed through via the Dilator-Dotter technique, and mechanical thrombectomy was successfully performed. The average time from groin puncture to revascularization (TICI 2B-3) was 26 minutes (range 16-50 minutes). Eight patients (89%) achieved complete recanalization with TICI 3, and only 1 patient suffered from thrombus escape to the posterior cerebral artery. Eight patients underwent VA stenting, while the remaining patient was excluded from this procedure because a postoperative brain CT scan recorded obvious staining of the contrast medium within the infarcted area. Five patients had modified Rankin Scale scores ≤ 3 at the 3-month follow-up examination, and 2 patients died due to postoperative cerebral hemorrhage and severe ischemia. The Dilator-Dotter technique may represent a safe and effective treatment for tandem lesions of posterior circulation. Using this method, the lesions can be rapidly recanalized and treated.

Risk factors of unruptured intracranial aneurysms instability in the elderly.

Presently, a consistent strategy for determining the stability of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) in elderly patients is lacking, primarily due to the unique characteristics of this demographic. Our objective was to assess the risk factors contributing to aneurysm instability (growth or rupture) within the elderly population. In this study, we compiled data from follow-up patients with UIAs spanning from November 2016 to August 2021. We specifically focused on patients aged ≥ 60years. Clinical histories were gathered, and morphological parameters of aneurysms were measured. The growth of aneurysms was determined using the computer-assisted semi-automated measurement (CASAM). Growth and rupture rates of UIAs were calculated, and both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted. A total of 184 patients with 210 aneurysms were enrolled in the study. The follow-up period encompasses 506.6 aneurysm-years and 401.4 patient-years. Among all the aneurysms, 23 aneurysms exhibited growth, with an annual aneurysm growth rate of 11.0%, and 1 (4.5%) experienced rupture, resulting in an annual aneurysm rupture rate of 0.21%. Multivariate Cox analysis identified poorly controlled hypertension (P = 0.011) and high-risk aneurysms (including anterior cerebral artery (ACA), anterior communicating artery (AcoA), posterior communicating artery aneurysm (PcoA), posterior circulation (PC) > 4mm or distal internal carotid artery (ICAd), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and PC > 7mm) (P = 0.006) as independent risk factors for the development of unstable aneurysms. In the elderly, poorly controlled hypertension and high-risk aneurysms emerge as significant risk factors for aneurysm instability. This underscores the importance of rigorous surveillance or timely intervention in patients presenting with these risk factors.

Neurovascular considerations in patients with Down syndrome and moyamoya syndrome.

In this article, we describe a rare and complex case of moyamoya syndrome in a 7-year-old boy with Down syndrome and atlantoaxial subluxation. The patient presented with an ischemic stroke in the left hemisphere and cervical cord compression with increased cord edema. Diagnostic digital subtraction angiography revealed unique patterns of vascular involvement, with retrograde flow through the anterior spinal artery, ascending cervical artery, occipital artery, and multiple leptomeningeal arteries compensating for bilateral vertebral artery occlusion.This case underscores the underreported phenomenon of upward retrograde flow through the anterior spinal artery in bilateral vertebral artery occlusion. We address the rare manifestation of posterior circulation involvement in moyamoya syndrome, highlighting the importance of considering atlantoaxial instability as a contributing factor, as the absence of atlantoaxial stability is a risk factor for vertebral artery dissection. This study contributes valuable insights into the intricate relationship of moyamoya syndrome, Down syndrome, and atlantoaxial instability, urging clinicians to consider multifaceted approaches in diagnosis and treatment. It also emphasizes the potential significance of the anterior spinal artery as a compensatory pathway in complex vascular scenarios.

Clinical features and prognostic factors of patients with cancer-associated stroke.

Cerebrovascular diseases in cancer patients significantly aggravate their condition and prognosis; therefore, prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment are important. The purpose of this study was to investigate patient demographics, laboratory data, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and prognosis among patients with stroke and cancer, especially cancer-associated ischemic stroke (CAIS). We performed a retrospective, single-center study. We enrolled consecutive patients who had acute stroke and were admitted to our hospital between January 2011 and December 2021. We collected general demographic characteristics, cancer histopathological type, laboratory data, brain MRI findings, and prognosis data. Among 2040 patients with acute stroke, a total of 160 patients (7.8%) had active cancer. The types of strokes were cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and transient ischemic attack in 124, 25, 5, and 6 patients, respectively. Among the patients with ischemic stroke, there were 69 cases of CAIS. Pancreas and adenocarcinoma were the most frequent types of primary tumor and histopathology. Patients with adenocarcinoma and those with cerebral infarctions in both bilateral anterior and posterior cerebral circulation areas showed higher D-dimer levels. Pancreatic cancer and high plasma D-dimer levels were associated with poor survival rate. CAIS was seen more frequently in patients with pancreatic cancer and adenocarcinoma. Pancreatic cancer and high plasma D-dimer levels were potential factors of poor prognosis in patients with CAIS.

Edge-Type Hyperintense Intracranial Artery Plaque: A Potential MRI Biomarker of Stroke Recurrence.

Identifying patients at high risk of stroke recurrence is important for stroke prevention and treatment. To explore the characteristics of T1 hyperintense plaques (HIP) and their relationship with stroke recurrence in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (sICAS). Retrospective. One hundred fifty-seven patients with moderate-to-severe (≥50%) nonocclusive sICAS and MRI studies (42 females and 115 males, mean age 58.69 ± 10.68 years). 3D higher-resolution black-blood T1-weighted fast-spin-echo sequence at 3.0 T. HIP (signal intensity [SI] of plaque-to-adjacent gray matter >1.0 on non-contrast T1-weighted images) and non-HIP plaques were identified. HIP plaques were categorized as edge type (high SI adjacent to lumen) and non-edge type (high SI within plaque). Clinical and imaging features of different plaque types were compared. Stroke recurrence was assessed through telephone or medical records at 3 and 6 months, and then once a year post-MRI. The relationship between edge type and non-edge types HIP with stroke recurrence was analyzed. Student's t test, Mann-Whitney U-test, chi square test and Fisher's exact test to compare features between plaque types. Kaplan-Meier curves (with log-rank tests) and Cox proportional hazards regression to assess relationship between stroke recurrence and different plaque types. A two-tailed P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of 157 culprit lesions, 87 (55%) were HIPs (43 edge type, 44 non-edge type) and 70 (45%) were non-HIPs. Plaque thickness, area, and volume were significantly higher for HIPs than for non-HIPs. Among patients with HIPs, edge type was significantly more likely in the posterior circulation (53.5% vs. 27.3%), and had significantly higher plaque thickness, length, area, volume, plaque burden, and remodeling index than non-edge type. Edge-type HIP was significantly more common than non-edge HIP in patients with diabetes mellitus (51.2% vs. 29.5%) and dyslipidemia (79.1% vs. 54.5%). During median follow-up of 27 months, 33 patients experienced stroke recurrence. Recurrence was associated with edge-type HIP (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.83; 95% confidence interval: 1.40-5.69), both in the overall cohort (34.9% vs. 15.8%) and in patients with HIP (34.9% vs. 9.0%). Age ≥60 years and edge-type HIP had a significant interaction. Hyperintense plaque may be categorized as edge type or non-edge type. Edge-type HIP may be a potential MRI biomarker of stroke recurrence. 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in an Elderly Patient with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) is a neurological condition presenting with encephalopathy, seizures and headache with concurrent edema in the posterior cerebral circulation. While hypertension is the most common associated, PRES has been reported in patients receiving chemotherapy for various cancers such as AML. We report a 61-year-old female with history of hypertension who presented with sepsis and a new diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). She was started on broad spectrum antibiotics for her sepsis concurrently with Azacitidine and Venetoclax for treatment of sepsis and AML, respectively. Shortly after initiation of her AML treatment, patient became encephalopathic and experienced tonic clonic seizures. She had clinical and imaging features consistent with PRES. PRES has been reported as rare complication of chemotherapy of various cancer generally, and AML specifically. It is important to recognize it in a timely manner to prevent further damage. This case report highlights this important complication of the chemotherapy initiation in AML especially in elderly patient who presented with sepsis.

Microsurgical Clipping of Unruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms-A Global Multicenter Investigation of Perioperative Outcomes.

Microsurgical aneurysm repair by clipping continues to be highly important despite increasing endovascular treatment options, especially because of inferior occlusion rates. This study aimed to present current global microsurgical treatment practices and to identify risk factors for complications and neurological deterioration after clipping of unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms. Fifteen centers from 4 continents participated in this retrospective cohort study. Consecutive patients who underwent elective microsurgical clipping of untreated unruptured intracranial aneurysm between January 2016 and December 2020 were included. Posterior circulation aneurysms were excluded. Outcome parameters were postsurgical complications and neurological deterioration (defined as decline on the modified Rankin Scale) at discharge and during follow-up. Multivariate regression analyses were performed adjusting for all described patient characteristics. Among a total of 2192 patients with anterior circulation aneurysm, complete occlusion of the treated aneurysm was achieved in 2089 (95.3%) patients at discharge. The occlusion rate remained stable (94.7%) during follow-up. Regression analysis identified hypertension (P < .02), aneurysm diameter (P < .001), neck diameter (P < .05), calcification (P < .01), and morphology (P = .002) as preexisting risk factors for postsurgical complications and neurological deterioration at discharge. Furthermore, intraoperative aneurysm rupture (odds ratio 2.863 [CI 1.606-5.104]; P < .01) and simultaneous clipping of more than 1 aneurysm (odds ratio 1.738 [CI 1.186-2.545]; P < .01) were shown to be associated with an increased risk of postsurgical complications. Yet, none of the surgical-related parameters had an impact on neurological deterioration. Analyzing volume-outcome relationship revealed comparable complication rates (P = .61) among all 15 participating centers. Our international, multicenter analysis presents current microsurgical treatment practices in patients with anterior circulation aneurysms and identifies preexisting and surgery-related risk factors for postoperative complications and neurological deterioration. These findings may assist in decision-making for the optimal therapeutic regimen of unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms.

Safety and Efficacy of Low-Profile Braided Stents versus Flow Diverters in the Reconstructive Technique in the Treatment of Patients with Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia Aneurysms: A Cohort of 47 Patients with Long-Term Follow-Up.

Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysm is a rare type of cerebrovascular disorder with a poor natural history, and endovascular treatment is widely accepted. Whether a high-profile braided stent (flow diverter) could promote occlusion of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysm without increasing the complications rather than a low-profile braided stent remains uncertain. The aim of the study was to present a single-center experience of the safety and efficacy of a low-profile braided stent versus a flow diverter in treating patients with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysms. The retrospective review was conducted on a total of 432 consecutive patients diagnosed with posterior circulation aneurysms who underwent endovascular treatment in our center from August 2013 to December 2021. Among these patients, 47 individuals with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysms who were treated with low-profile braided stents or flow diverters were included. Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysms involving only the vertebral artery were excluded. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the low-profile braided stent group and the flow diverter group based on the device used. Safety and efficacy outcomes were subsequently analyzed. There were 25 total patients enrolled in low-profile braided stent group and 22 patients in flow diverter group. The safety of low-profile braided stents and flow diverters in the treatment of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysms was evaluated by clinical outcome, a new neurologic deficit due to procedural complications, and neurologic death. The rates of good clinical outcome were similar between the 2 groups (low-profile braided stent, 56%, versus flow diverter, 59.1%; P = .831), and the rates of neurologic death were also similar (low-profile braided stent, 12%, versus flow diverter, 9.1%; P = .747). Higher rates of new neurologic deficits due to procedural complications were observed in the flow diverter group, but the difference was not significant (low-profile braided stent, 24%, versus flow diverter, 40.9%; P = .215). The efficacy was evaluated by angiographic occlusion of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysms and progression of mass effect resulting from these aneurysms. Significantly higher rates of complete occlusion of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysms were shown in the flow diverter group (41.2%; P = .028) than in the low-profile braided stent group (10%). Both low-profile braided stents and flow diverters have similar high risks in reconstructive techniques in the treatment of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysms, while a flow diverter is more effective in promoting complete occlusion of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysm than a low-profile braided stent. A flow diverter may be a better alternative for carefully selected patients with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia aneurysms.

Safety and efficacy profile of off-label use of the Pipeline Embolization Device: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe off-label utilization of the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) is a common practice in numerous medical centers globally. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the overall outcomes of this off-label usage of PEDs. MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, and Scopus were searched up to February 2023 using the Nested Knowledge platform to identify studies assessing the off-label use of PEDs. Any use of PED outside of the FDA-approved indication granted in 2018 is considered off-label use. Overall angiographic occlusion rates, ischemic and hemorrhagic complications, mortality, retreatment rates, and favorable clinic outcomes were included. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the overall outcome rates of anterior cerebral artery(ACA) vs. middle cerebral artery(MCA) and anterior vs posterior circulation subgroups. ResultsWe included 26 studies involving a total of 1,408 patients. The overall rate of complete occlusion was 80.3 % (95 % CI= 76.0–84.1). Subgroup analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the rate of complete occlusion between anterior circulation (78.9 %) and posterior circulation (69.2 %) (p value=0.02). The rate of good clinical outcomes was 92.8 % (95 % CI= 88.8–95.4). The mortality rate was 1.4 % (95 % CI= 0.5–2.7). The overall rate of ischemic complications was 9.5 % (95 % CI= 7.7–11.6), with a comparable difference between anterior circulation (7.7 %) and posterior circulation (12.8 %) (p value=0.07). There was no statistically significant difference in MCA vs ACA subgroups in all parameters. ConclusionsOff-label use of PEDs can be a safe and effective treatment option for intracranial aneurysms. However, there is a need for more prospective, high-quality, non-industry-funded registry studies and randomized trials to test the efficacy and safety of off-label usage of PEDs and to expand its indications.