Reperfusion Grade Research Articles

Abstract WP35: Thrombectomy Techniques and Patient Characteristics Associated With Complete TICI 3 Reperfusion After Stroke Thrombectomy

Introduction: Prior randomized trials have defined substantial reperfusion for stroke thrombectomy as TICI 2b or TICI 3. However, recent data suggest that complete TICI 3 reperfusion results in more favorable patient outcomes than partial reperfusion with TICI 2b. We have multiple effective techniques for thrombectomy, but it is not clear which are most likely to achieve TICI 3 rather than TICI 2b reperfuson. Methods: Retrospective data from 15 hospitals were used for patients age 18 or over discharged from January 2014 to May 2019 with a primary or secondary diagnosis of ischemic stroke who received a thrombectomy and achieved TICI reperfusion grade of 2b or 3. Primary outcome was TICI grade 3, defined as complete reperfusion, versus TICI 2b. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to determine if procedure technique (retrievable stent only, distal aspiration only or a combination approach with both) was associated with achieving TICI 3 versus 2b adjusting for sex, age ≥70 vs ≤69, race/ethnicity, history of chronic renal insufficiency or diabetes, history or newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation or flutter, previous anticoagulation medication. Interaction effects between technique and clinical variables were also tested. Results: The analysis included 787 patients, 67.9% (n=534) TICI 3 and 32.1% (n=253) TICI 2b. While, main effect of procedure technique was not a significant predictor of achieving TICI 3 (p=.451), interaction effects showed superiority of the combination approach in several patient populations. Specifically, the combined approach increased the likelihood of TICI 3 compared to stent retrieval alone for older patients (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) =1.79, p=.007), those with a history of diabetes (AOR=1.56, p=.045) and Asian patients (AOR=4.41, p=.010). Among AFIB/flutter patients, the combined approach also increased the odds of complete reperfusion compared to stent retriever alone (AOR=1.76, p=.005) or distal aspiration alone (AOR=1.38, p=.034). Conclusion: The combined approach of retrievable stent and distal aspiration was a significant predictor of achieving TICI 3 in certain patient subgroups including patients who were older, Asian, had a history of diabetes or history of or current AFIB/flutter.

Sub-angiographic peripheral emboli in high resolution DWI after endovascular recanalization

Background and aimTo analyze the incidence of peripheral emboli after successful mechanical thrombectomy (MT) of intracranial large vessel occlusions (LVO).MethodsWe performed a prospective analysis of patients with intracranial LVO who underwent successful MT and received a 1.5 T MRI including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in standard- and high-resolution as well as susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) on the day following the intervention. Reperfusion grade was assessed on post-thrombectomy digital subtraction angiography (DSA) using the expanded thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (eTICI) scale. Punctuate DWI lesions distal to the DWI core lesion were classified as peripheral emboli. DWI lesions outside the primary affected vascular territory were classified as emboli into new territories. Additionally, SWI and post-thrombectomy DSA were analyzed and correlated to findings on DWI.ResultsTwenty-eight patients undergoing successful MT met the inclusion criteria. In 26/28 patients (93%), a total of 324 embolic lesions were detected in DWI representing 2.1% of the cumulated ischemic core volume. 151 peripheral emboli were detected in standard-resolution DWI, 173 additional emboli were uncovered in high-resolution DWI. Eight out of nine patients with an eTICI 3 reperfusion had embolic lesions (29 DWI lesions). 9.6% (31/324) of peripheral emboli were observed in vascular territories not affected by the LVO. SWI lesions were observed in close proximity to 10.2% (33/324) of DWI lesions.ConclusionsPeripheral emboli are frequent after MT even after complete reperfusion. These emboli occur rather in the vascular territory of the occluded vessel than in other territories. A large proportion of peripheral emboli is only detected by high-resolution DWI.

Public Health and Cost Benefits of Successful Reperfusion After Thrombectomy for Stroke.

Background and Purpose- The benefit that endovascular thrombectomy offers to patients with stroke with large vessel occlusions depends strongly on reperfusion grade as defined by the expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) scale. Our aim was to determine the lifetime health and cost consequences of the quality of reperfusion for patients, healthcare systems, and society. Methods- A Markov model estimated lifetime quality-adjusted life years (QALY) and lifetime costs of endovascular thrombectomy-treated patients with stroke based on eTICI grades. The analysis was performed over a lifetime horizon in a United States setting, adopting healthcare and societal perspectives. The reference case analysis was conducted for stroke at 65 years of age. National health and cost consequences of improved eTICI 2c/3 reperfusion rates were estimated. Input parameters were based on best available evidence. Results- Lifetime QALYs increased for every grade of improved reperfusion (median QALYs for eTICI 0/1: 2.62; eTICI 2a: 3.46; eTICI 2b: 5.42; eTICI 2c: 5.99; eTICI 3: 6.73). Achieving eTICI 3 over eTICI 2b reperfusion resulted on average in 1.31 incremental QALYs as well as healthcare and societal cost savings of $10 327 and $20 224 per patient. A 10% increase in the eTICI 2c/3 reperfusion rate of all annually endovascular thrombectomy-treated patients with stroke in the United States is estimated to yield additional 3656 QALYs and save $21.0 million and $36.8 million for the healthcare system and society, respectively. Conclusions- Improved reperfusion grants patients with stroke additional QALYs and leads to long-term cost savings. Procedural strategies to achieve complete reperfusion should be assessed for safety and feasibility, even when initial reperfusion seems to be adequate.

2B, 2C, or 3: What Should Be the Angiographic Target for Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke?

Background and Purpose- A score of ≥2B on the modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale is generally regarded as successful reperfusion after endovascular treatment for ischemic stroke. The extended Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) includes a 2C grade, which indicates near-perfect reperfusion. We investigated how well the respective eTICI scores of 2B, 2C, and 3 correlate with clinical outcome after endovascular treatment. Methods- We used data from the Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands Registry, a prospective, nationwide registry of endovascular treatment in the Netherlands. We included patients with a proximal intracranial occlusion of the anterior circulation for whom final antero-posterior and lateral digital subtraction angiography imaging was available. Our primary outcome was the distribution on the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days per eTICI grade. We performed (ordinal) logistic regression analyses, using eTICI 2B as reference group, and adjusted for potential confounders. Results- In total, 2807/3637 (77%) patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 17% achieved reperfusion grade eTICI 0 to 1, 14% eTICI 2A, 25% eTICI 2B, 12% eTICI 2C, and 32% eTICI 3. Groups differed in terms of age (P<0.001) and occlusion location (P<0.01). Procedure times decreased with increasing reperfusion grades. We found a positive association between reperfusion grade and functional outcome, which continued to increase after eTICI 2B (adjusted common odds ratio, 1.22 [95% CI, 0.96-1.57] for eTICI 2C versus 2B; adjusted common odds ratio, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.09-1.62] for eTICI 3 versus 2B). Conclusions- Our results indicate a continuous relationship between reperfusion grade and functional outcome, with eTICI 3 leading to the best outcomes. Although this implies that interventionists should aim for the highest possible reperfusion grade, further research on the optimal strategy is necessary.

Relationship between reperfusion and intracranial hemorrhage after thrombectomy

IntroductionSymptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) is a devastating complication after endovascular thrombectomy. Prior reports have demonstrated that thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) ≥2 b reperfusion is protective against sICH. We aimed...

Daft (dual aspiration and fluff technique) for stent retrievers in acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion: A successful new technique for early recanalisation

Newer techniques of thrombectomy are evolving for early and effective recanalisation. We evaluated the efficacy of new DAFT (Dual Aspiration and Fluff Technique) in the treatment of acute stroke with large vessel occlusion. We retrospectively reviewed the 23 patients with acute large vessel occlusion using a new DAFT technique. We used dual aspiration pump at both 5 MAX ACE aspiration and Neuron MAX 088 6F catheter along with stent retriever. Patients’ demographic profile and time determining factors like puncture to recanalisation time, pass required, reperfusion grade and mRS at 90 days was noted. Informed consent was taken in all the patients. First-pass mTICI 3 reperfusion was achieved in 18 out of 23 patients (78%) with a mean groin puncture to reperfusion time of 39.0min ± 12 and mTICI 3 was accomplished in 19 out of 23 cases (82%) with a maximum of 3 attempts. Successful reperfusion (mTICI ≥ 2b) was achieved in 21 patients (91.30%) with a mean time from groin puncture to reperfusion of 45min ± 20.3. At presentation, the median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 12 and favourable clinical outcome at discharge by the modified Rankin score (mRS ≤ 2) was achieved in 14 out of 23 patients (61%). Ninety days follow up was completed in 18 patients with 16 patients (88.89%) showing favourable outcome. This is significant compared to other conventional techniques. DAFT is an effective technique in for early complete reperfusion in patients with LVO.

Association Between Thrombus Density and Reperfusion Outcomes Using Different Thrombectomy Strategies: A Single-Center Study and Meta-Analysis.

Background: For patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), the thrombus density on non-enhanced CT (NECT) indicates the composition of the thrombus, a characteristic that impacts the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT). A previous meta-analysis suggested a correlation between higher thrombus density and successful reperfusion, but some new studies have drawn different conclusions. This single-center study and meta-analysis aimed to detect the association between thrombus density and reperfusion outcomes based on various thrombectomy strategies.Methods: We reviewed AIS patients who underwent MT at our center between July 2015 and May 2019. Thrombus density was recorded as mean Hounsfield Unit (HU) value on 1-mm reconstructed NECT, and expanded Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) scale was used to evaluate the reperfusion grade. The difference in thrombus density was examined according to reperfusion outcomes. Then, we systematically searched relevant literature on this issue. The random effect model was used to calculate standardized mean difference (SMD), and subgroup analysis was conducted according to MT strategies employed, including stent retriever (SR), contact aspiration (CA), Solumbra (a combination of SR and aspiration), and multiple thrombectomy modalities.Results: Sixty-four patients with anterior circulation AIS were included in our single-center study with 57 (89.1%) achieving successful reperfusion (eTICI2b-3). Retrospective analysis showed no significant difference in thrombus density between eTICI2b-3 and eTICI0-2a reperfusion (65.27 vs. 62.19, p = 0.462). As for systematic review, 11 studies were included in qualitative analysis, among which 6 had data available for meta-analysis. Pooled result showed that a comparable thrombus density between eTICI2b-3 and eTICI0-2a reperfusion (SMD 0.14, 95%CI −0.28 to 0.57, p = 0.50). Interestingly, in the SR subgroup, eTICI2b-3 reperfusion showed a significant higher thrombus density (SMD 0.53, 95%CI 0.10 to 0.96, p = 0.02), while an inverse trend was observed in the CA subgroup (SMD −0.48, 95%CI −0.88 to −0.07, p = 0.02).Conclusions: Although the pooled result of meta-analysis did not show a significant association between thrombus density and successful reperfusion, subgroup analysis implicated that the SR technique might be prone to retrieve high-density thrombus, while the CA subgroup showed an opposite tendency. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to investigate its role in the optimization of thrombectomy strategy.

Abstract 174: Public Health Potential of Improved Reperfusion in Thrombectomy for Stroke Based on HERMES Collaboration Data

Introduction: The benefit that endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) offers to stroke patients with large vessel occlusions depends strongly on reperfusion grade as defined by the mTICI (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction) scale. Our aim was to estimate the public health potential of improved reperfusion. Methods: A Markov model estimated lifetime quality-adjusted life years (QALY) of EVT-treated patients and associated costs based on mTICI grades. The analysis was performed from a United States healthcare perspective. Input parameters were based on best available evidence, including patient data from the HERMES collaboration. The lead analysis was conducted for stroke onset at 65 years. Overall lifetime costs and the net monetary benefit (NMB), which combines weighted QALYs and costs into one composite outcome, were analyzed. A willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000 per QALY was used for NMB calculations. Results: Lifetime QALYs and the NMB per patient increased for every grade of improved mTICI reperfusion (Fig 1). The final mTICI 2C/3 rate across all trials in the HERMES collaboration was 31%, yielding on average 5.09 QALYs at lifetime costs of $230,799, resulting in a positive NMB of $278,336. Every 10% increase in the final mTICI 2C/3 rate would yield 0.16 incremental QALYs and $16,878 incremental NMB for the average patient. For a national 10% improvement of the mTICI 2C/3 rate of all EVT-treated patients in the United States, we estimated 3,645 additional QALYs and an incremental NMB of $385 million per year. Conclusions: The public health and economic impact of the grade of reperfusion is significant, warranting further improvement of devices and procedural techniques.

Abstract 176: To Stay or to Go? Utilization of a Mobile Interventional Stroke Team Shortens Time to Treatment in Large Vessel Occlusion

Objective: To compare outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) presenting to a single primary stroke center (PSC). MT was performed either by a mobile interventional stroke team (MIST) on site or after interhospital transfer to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC). Background: MT has become standard of care in acute LVO. A majority of hospitals cannot perform MT on site, requiring patient transfer to a thrombectomy-capable center. Within a metropolitan multihospital health care system, utilization of a MIST shortens time to intervention, potentially leading to better outcomes and decreased cost of care. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all acute LVOs presenting to a PSC in Manhattan, NY, from September 2013 to February 2018. We selected patients who underwent MT on site or after transfer to a CSC. Outcomes were assessed by Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 90 days. Results: MT was performed in 48 patients by one endovascular team; 37 patients for whom all data was available were selected for analysis. 28 MTs were performed on site by a MIST (group 1), and 9 patients were transferred to a CSC for intervention (group 2). Median age was 74.5 and 73 years respectively. In group 1, median NIHSS on presentation was 18 and median Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) was 9, compared to 17 and 10 respectively in group 2. Median door-to-puncture (DTP) time was 144.5 minutes and 233 minutes respectively (p&lt;0.05). In group 1, 82% had baseline mRS 0-2 (functional independence), compared to 36% at 90 days. In group 2, 100% had baseline mRS 0-2, and 22% at 90 days. TICI ≥2B was achieved in 89% in both groups. In group 1, 50% had complete reperfusion (TICI 3), compared to 11% in group 2. Conclusion: DTP times were significantly shorter in patients treated by a MIST. This group also had better reperfusion grades and a higher rate of functional independence, although statistical significance was not reached. Even though our study is limited by a small number of cases, the data indicates that in certain geographic areas, the utilization of a MIST may be associated with better outcomes in patients with stroke due to LVO.

Solitaire Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke Due to Intracranial Atherosclerosis-Related Occlusion: ROSE ASSIST Study.

Background: Solitaire, a representative stent retriever, has shown high performance in removing embolic clots. However, its reperfusion potential in intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS)-related occlusions has rarely been reported. In this ROSE ASSIST study, we hypothesized that Solitaire device is as effective and safe for removing in situ thrombi in ICAS-related occlusions as it is for removal of embolic occlusions.Methods: Data from ASIAN KR, an observational multicenter registry (n = 720) enrolling patients who have undergone endovascular treatment for acute cervicocephalic artery occlusions, were retrospectively reviewed. Through blinded evaluations, occlusions were classified as ICAS-related (significant fixed focal stenosis observed at the occlusion site during endovascular treatment) or embolic (no or minimal stenosis observed). Among patients treated within 720 min after stroke onset, those who undertook Solitaire thrombectomy and whose underlying etiology was ICAS-related or embolic were included. The primary endpoint was immediate successful reperfusion (modified Treatment In Cerebral Ischemia 2b−3) after Solitaire stent retrieval. The safety endpoint included intracerebral hemorrhagic transformation and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Comparative analyses were performed between embolic and ICAS-related occlusions with 2:1 propensity score matching.Results: In total, 303 patients (embolic, 228; ICAS-related, 75) were included in the analyses. As for the primary endpoint, the immediate successful reperfusion rate following Solitaire thrombectomy did not differ between the two etiologic groups after propensity score matching (73.1% embolic vs. 65.8% ICAS-related, p = 0.261). The final successful reperfusion grade was also similar in the two groups (79.3 vs. 72.0%, p = 0.219). The grades and frequencies of intracerebral hemorrhagic transformation and subarachnoid hemorrhage did not differ between groups (p = 0.134 and p = 0.269, respectively).Conclusions: The immediate reperfusion performance in terms of thrombus removal of Solitaire thrombectomy for ICAS-related occlusions was similar to that for embolic occlusions.

Equal performance of aspiration and stent retriever thrombectomy in daily stroke treatment

BackgroundMechanical thrombectomy with stent retrievers has proved to be safe and effective in endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Direct aspiration has shown revascularization rates comparable to those of stent...

Safety and Outcome of Endovascular Treatment in Prestroke-Dependent Patients.

Background and Purpose- Prestroke dependence is an exclusion criterion in most trials of endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke. Little is known about outcomes after EVT in these patients. We compared outcome and safety of EVT between prestroke-dependent and prestroke-independent patients. Methods- We report patients with an anterior circulation occlusion who were included between March 2014 and June 2016 in the MR CLEAN registry (Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke)-a prospective, multicenter, observational study for stroke intervention centers in the Netherlands. Prestroke dependence was defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 3 to 5 before onset of current stroke. Primary outcome was favorable outcome at 90 days, defined as modified Rankin Scale of 0 to 2 or not worsening of the modified Rankin Scale score. Secondary outcomes included National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score post-intervention, reperfusion grade, and safety outcomes. Logistic regression analyses (adjusted for age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, collaterals, time to EVT, and intravenous thrombolysis before EVT) were used to assess the association between prestroke dependence and outcomes. Results- One thousand four hundred forty-one patients were included in the present study, of whom 157 (11%) were prestroke dependent. Favorable outcome was seen in 27% prestroke-dependent patients, compared with 42% prestroke-independent patients ( P<0.05). After adjustment, prestroke dependence was not associated with less-favorable outcome (ORadjusted, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.58-1.39). The occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and ischemic stroke progression was similar in both groups. Conclusions- A substantial proportion of prestroke-dependent patients will reach prestroke modified Rankin Scale scores after EVT, and complication rates are comparable with prestroke-independent patients. Therefore, prestroke-dependent patients should not be routinely excluded from EVT.

ETICI reperfusion: defining success in endovascular stroke therapy

BackgroundRevascularization after endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke is measured by the Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (TICI) scale, yet variability exists in scale definitions. We examined the degree of reperfusion...

Reperfusion and Clinical Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Stent-Retriever-Based, Early Window Endovascular Stroke Trials.

To explore the effects of reperfusion grade rates on clinical outcomes in the setting of stent-retriever-based reperfusion therapy for anterior circulation stroke in early time windows. Systematic searching of Medline and Embase databases was performed to identify stroke trials of stent-retriever-based therapy versus standard care. Mixed effects meta-regression was used to analyze the trial-level association between reperfusion rates and clinical outcomes. A total of five trials met the inclusion criteria (n = 1,287). Rates of successful reperfusion [modified thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia grade 2b/3] demonstrated strong evidence for an association with good functional outcomes [modified Rankin scale score (mRS) 0-2] OR 1.59 (95% CI 1.16, 2.19) p = 0.019 and very strong evidence for an association with excellent functional outcomes (mRS 0-1) OR 2.10 (95% CI 1.46, 3.01) p = 0.007. In addition, there was weak evidence for an association with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage OR 0.54 (95% CI 0.28, 1.04) p = 0.057 and mortality OR 0.69 (95% CI 0.69, 1.01) p = 0.053. In early, stent-retriever-based acute ischemic stroke treatment, reperfusion appears to be a major predictor of outcomes. Every 10% increase in the rates of successful reperfusion is associated with an 11% increase in the probability of achieving good and 17% increase in the probability of achieving excellent outcomes. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality may be decreased as reperfusion rates are improved.

Elevated serum uric acid affects myocardial reperfusion and infarct size in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Elevated serum uric acid (eSUA) was associated with unfavorable outcome in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the effect of eSUA on myocardial reperfusion injury and infarct size has been poorly investigated. Our aim was to correlate eSUA with infarct size, infarct size shrinkage, myocardial reperfusion grade and long-term mortality in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. We performed a post-hoc patients-level analysis of two randomized controlled trials, testing strategies for myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury protection. Each patient underwent acute (3-5 days) and follow-up (4-6 months) cardiac magnetic resonance. Infarct size and infarct size shrinkage were outcomes of interest. We assessed T2-weighted edema, myocardial blush grade (MBG), corrected Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction Frame Count, ST-segment resolution and long-term all-cause mortality. A total of 101 (86.1% anterior) STEMI patients were included; eSUA was found in 16 (15.8%) patients. Infarct size was larger in eSUA compared with non-eSUA patients (42.3 ± 22 vs. 29.1 ± 15 ml, P = 0.008). After adjusting for covariates, infarct size was 10.3 ml (95% confidence interval 1.2-19.3 ml, P = 0.001) larger in eSUA. Among patients with anterior myocardial infarction the difference in delayed enhancement between groups was maintained (respectively, 42.3 ± 22.4 vs. 29.9 ± 15.4 ml, P = 0.015). Infarct size shrinkage was similar between the groups. Compared with non-eSUA, eSUA patients had larger T2-weighted edema (53.8 vs. 41.2 ml, P = 0.031) and less favorable MBG (MBG < 2: 44.4 vs. 13.6%, P = 0.045). Corrected Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction Frame Count and ST-segment resolution did not significantly differ between the groups. At a median follow-up of 7.3 years, all-cause mortality was higher in the eSUA group (18.8 vs. 2.4%, P = 0.028). eSUA may affect myocardial reperfusion in patients with STEMI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and is associated with larger infarct size and higher long-term mortality.

ADAMTS-13 Activity Predicts Outcome in Acute Ischaemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Endovascular Treatment.

Endovascular treatment improves outcome in patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion in general. But outcome in some of these patients is jeopardized by recanalization failure or bleeding. This study aimed to determine a possible association of mediators of inflammation and haemostasis (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, matrix metalloproteinase-9, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, asymmetric dimethylarginine [ADMA], symmetric dimethylarginine, von Willebrand factor and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif 13 [ADAMTS-13]) with the post-intervention grade of reperfusion, complications and clinical outcome in patients who underwent endovascular treatment of ischaemic stroke. Forty-one patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion were prospectively enrolled into the study. Peripheral venous blood was taken prior to treatment and 24 hours and 3, 7 and 90 days after symptom onset. The post-intervention grade of reperfusion was determined using the modified Treatment in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score. Clinical outcome on day 90 was assessed using the modified Rankin's scale (mRS). Low ADAMTS-13 activity (p = 0.009) and missing of statin therapy (p = 0.038) on admission were independently associated with unfavourable outcome (mRS: 5-6). Patients with unsuccessful reperfusion (mTICI: 0-1) showed higher ADMA levels on admission (p = 0.018). However, this association could not be confirmed in the binary logistic regression analysis. Low ADAMTS-13 activity is a predictor of unfavourable outcome in patients with ischaemic stroke undergoing endovascular therapy. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the clinical and potential therapeutic role of ADAMTS-13 in acute ischaemic stroke.

Radiological imaging of acute infectious and non-infectious enterocolitis

Computed tomography (CT) is often used as the initial diagnostic test in patients with inflammatory and infectious types of enterocolitis. The differential diagnosis is broad, including infectious, non-infectious and vascular causes, which have substantially different management strategies. Although a definitive diagnosis often relies on endoscopic biopsy results, stool culture results or other clinical features, radiologists often help to guide the diagnosis. This article reviews the CT appearance of different infectious and inflammatory forms of enterocolitis. General and specific intramural and extramural CT findings in the small bowel and colon are discussed. Added focus is placed on distribution patterns and medication side effects that can act as important diagnostic clues. Infectious enterocolitis is due to bowel inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, which show a preferential localization. Pancolitis can be seen with Clostridium difficile with the relatively specific CT finding of the "giraffe coat" sign. Inflammatory enterocolitis can be primary (inflammatory bowel disease, vasculitis) or secondary (radiation therapy, graft versus host disease etc.). Ischemic colitis and enteritis can result from arterial compromise, low flow states that globally reduce perfusion or venous insufficiency. The CT appearance varies depending on the cause, the time of onset and grade of reperfusion. Knowledge of characteristic mural and extramural CT of MRI findings, geographic distributions and therapy effects help to guide the differential diagnostics in inflammatory and infectious types of enterocolitis.

Abstract WP30: Role of Solitaire in Endovascular treatment for Acute Serious Stroke Due to Intracranial In Situ Thrombosis (ROSE ASSIST study)

Background: Solitaire, a representative stent retriever, shows high performance in removing embolic clots; however, its reperfusion potential in intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD)-related occlusions is rarely reported. In this ROSE ASSIST study, we hypothesized that Solitaire is as effective for removing in-situ thrombi in ICAD-related occlusions as much as its performance in cardiogenic or cryptogenic embolism. Methods: ASIAN KR, an observational multicenter registry (n=721) enrolling patients who underwent endovascular treatment for acute cervicocephalic artery occlusions, was retrospectively reviewed. Through blinded evaluations, ICAD-related (significant fixed focal stenosis observed at the occlusion site during endovascular treatment) and embolic (no or minimal stenosis observed) occlusions were classified. Among patients treated with Solitaire stent (n=373), exclusion criteria were as follows: onset to puncture time &gt;720 min; occlusion etiology neither ICAD-related nor embolic; both ICAD-related occlusion and atrial fibrillation. Primary endpoint was successful reperfusion (modified Treatment In Cerebral Ischemia 2b-3) immediately after Solitaire stent retrieval. Comparative analyses were performed between embolic and ICAD-related occlusions (2:1 matched by propensity score; age, sex, onset to puncture time and primary endovascular method adjusted). Results: In total, 270 patients (embolic, 216; ICAD-related, 54) were included in the analyses. After propensity score matching, successful reperfusion rate following Solitaire stent treatment did not differ between etiologic groups (embolic, 77.8% vs. 68.5%, p=0.201). Although final successful reperfusion grade was similarly achieved between groups (83.3% vs. 75.9%, p=0.259), median number of endovascular methods was higher in ICAD-related occlusions (2 [interquartile range, 1-2] vs. 2 [2-3], p&lt;0.001). The grade and frequency of intracerebral hemorrhagic transformation and subarachnoid hemorrhage did not differ between groups. Conclusions: The immediate reperfusion performance of Solitaire for ICAD-related occlusions was as substantial as for embolic occlusions although these occlusions more often needed other treatment methods.

Pre-hospital ticagrelor in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the French ATLANTIC population

BackgroundATLANTIC was a randomized study comparing pre- and in-hospital treatment with a ticagrelor loading dose (LD) in ongoing ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We sought to compare patient characteristics and clinical outcomes in France with other countries participating in ATLANTIC. MethodsThe population comprised 1862 patients, 660 (35.4%) from France and 1202 from 12 other countries. The main endpoints were reperfusion (≥70% ST-segment elevation resolution) and TIMI flow grade 3 before (co-primary endpoints) and after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Other endpoints included a composite ischaemic endpoint (death/myocardial infarction/stroke/urgent revascularization/definite stent thrombosis) and bleeding events at 30days. ResultsIn France, median times from first LD to angiography and between first and second LDs were 49 and 35min, respectively, and were similar to other countries. French patients were younger (mean 58.7 vs 61.9years, p<0.0001) and characterized by a higher rate of radial access (89.9% vs 54.8%, p<0.0001), more frequent use of pre-hospital glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors (14.1% vs 3.1%, p<0.0001) and intravenous enoxaparin (57.3% vs 10.1%, p<0.0001). In France, as in other countries, the co-primary endpoints did not differ between the two randomization groups. The composite ischaemic endpoint was numerically lower in France (3.3% vs 5.1%, p=0.07), with a lower mortality (1.4% vs 3.3%, p=0.01). PLATO major bleeding was numerically less frequent in France (1.8% vs 3.2%, p=0.07). ConclusionsThe French population appears to have better outcomes than the rest of the study population, and seems related to differences in demographics and management characteristics. Trial registryClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01347580).

Is Reperfusion Useful in Ischaemic Stroke Patients Presenting with a Low National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and a Proximal Large Vessel Occlusion of the Anterior Circulation?

Background: In population-based studies, patients presenting with minor or mild stroke symptoms represent about two-thirds of stroke patients, and almost one-third of these patients are unable to ambulate independently at the time of discharge. Although mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become the standard of care for acute ischaemic stroke with proximal large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the anterior circulation, the management of patients harbouring proximal occlusion and minor-to-mild stroke symptoms has not yet been determined by recent trials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of reperfusion on clinical outcome in low National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) patients treated with MT. Methods: We analysed 138 consecutive patients with acute LVO of the anterior circulation (middle cerebral artery M1 or M2 segment, internal carotid artery or tandem occlusion) with NIHSS <8, having undergone MT in 3 different centres. Reperfusion was graded using the modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score and 3 grades were defined, ranging from failed or poor reperfusion (TICI 0, 1, 2A) to complete reperfusion (TICI 3). The primary clinical endpoint was an excellent outcome defined as a modified Rankin score (mRs) 0-1 at 3-months. The impact of reperfusion grade was assessed in univariate and multivariate analyses. The secondary endpoints included favourable functional outcome (90-day mRS 0-2), death and safety concerns. Results: Successful reperfusion was achieved in 81.2% of patients (TICI 2B, n = 47; TICI 3, n = 65). Excellent outcome (mRs 0-1) was achieved in 69 patients (65.0%) and favourable outcome (mRs ≤2) in 108 (78.3%). Death occurred in 7 (5.1%). Excellent outcome increased with reperfusion grades, with a rate of 34.6% in patients with failed/poor reperfusion, 61.7% in patients with TICI 2B reperfusion, and 78.5% in patients with TICI 3 reperfusion (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis adjusted for patient characteristics associated with excellent outcome, the reperfusion grade remained significantly associated with an increase in excellent outcome; the OR (95% CI) was 3.09 (1.06-9.03) for TICI 2B and 6.66 (2.27-19.48) for TICI 3, using the failed/poor reperfusion grade as reference. Similar results were found regarding favourable outcome (90-day mRs 0-2) or overall mRS distribution (shift analysis). Conclusion: Successful reperfusion is strongly associated with better functional outcome among patients with proximal LVO in the anterior circulation and minor-to-mild stroke symptoms. Randomized controlled studies are mandatory to assess the benefit of MT compared with optimal medical management in this subset of patients.