A Damp-and-Push Technique for the Copolymer (Onyx) Embolization of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula

BackgroundCopolymer (Onyx) embolization is an effective treatment for dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF), however, some dAVFs have multiple, high-flow feeding vessels, resulting in insufficient embolization. For the treatment of such patients, we have developed a novel flow-control technique, the ‘damp-and-push technique’. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical efficiency and safety of this technique.MethodsSeven patients who had been diagnosed with intracranial dAVF were treated by transarterial Onyx embolization using the damp-and-push technique between 2016 and 2019. This technique was designed to reduce blood flow to the shunt site using a balloon catheter in the major feeding vessel other than the one injected with Onyx, leading to better Onyx penetration and enabling more controlled embolization of complex dAVFs. Retrospectively collected data were reviewed to assess the occlusion rates and clinical outcomes.ResultsThe dAVF was at a transverse sinus-sigmoid sinus junction in four patients, in the superior sagittal sinus in two, and in the tentorium in one. Five cases were Cognard type Ⅱb and two cases were Cognard type Ⅳ. All the patients were treated by transarterial Onyx injection via the main feeding vessel, combined with flow reduction in the other main feeding vessel using a balloon catheter. Complete occlusion was achieved in six patients and elimination of cerebral venous reflux was achieved in all the patients. There were no immediate or delayed post-interventional complications.ConclusionsTransarterial Onyx embolization of dAVF using the damp-and-push technique is safe and yields a high complete occlusion rate.     

Baseline Characteristics of Patients with Symptomatic Carotid Webs: A Matched Case Control Study

Background and purposeThe baseline characteristics of patients with symptomatic carotid web (CaW) are unclear. We investigate demographic and cerebrovascular risk factors in patients with this overlooked stroke etiology.MethodsWe identified consecutive patients diagnosed with symptomatic CaW at a comprehensive stroke center from July 2014-December 2018. These patients were matched at a 1:4 ratio (based on age and NIHSS scores) to create a control group of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with non-CaW etiologies from the local GetWithTheGuidelines stroke database.ResultsThirty patients with symptomatic CaW were compared to 120 AIS patients with non-CaW etiologies. Symptomatic CaW patients were more likely to be female (73.3 vs. 44.2%; p = 0.004) and black (86.7 vs. 64.2%; p = 0.02). Symptomatic CaWs patients had a fewer absolute number of modifiable cerebrovascular risk factors (1.7±1.1 vs. 2.5±1.2; p = 0.002), lower rates of hypertension (43.4 vs. 63.3%; p = 0.04), and a more favorable lipid profile with lower average LDL (89.5±30.3 vs. 111.2±43.7 mg/dL; p = 0.01) and higher average HDL (47.9±11.3 vs. 42.2±13.8 mg/dL; p = 0.01) as compared to strokes with non-CaW etiology. Symptomatic CaW patients were more likely to have a large vessel occlusion (80.0 vs. 51.7%; p = 0.005), despite similar e-ASPECTS between the groups (8.1±2.1 vs. 8.3±2.2; p = 0.30). On multivariable analysis, symptomatic CaW was an independent predictor of independence at discharge (OR 3.72; 95%CI 1.27–10.94).ConclusionA gender and racial predilection of symptomatic CaWs may exist as females and blacks were were found to be more likely affected. Symptomatic CaW patients have a more benign cerebrovascular risk factor profile corroborating the proposed mechanism of local stasis and thromboembolism. Despite presenting more commonly with LVO, symptomatic CaW was associated with good functional outcome, warranting further studies.     

Associations of apolipoproteinA1, high density lipoprotein cholesterol with hemoglobin glycation index and triglyceride-glucose index in Chinese adults with coronary artery disease

AimsScarce data explored the associations of apolipoproteins with hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) and triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index. This study determined associations of serum apolipoproteinA1 (ApoA1) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) with HGI and TyG index in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients.MethodsA total of 10,803 CAD patients were included in this cross-sectional pilot study. Serum concentrations of ApoA1 and HDL-C were measured. Analyses of covariance were used to compare the mean differences in glucose metabolism indices (e.g., HGI, TyG index, hemoglobin glycation [HbA1c], fasting blood glucose [FBG]) among the quartiles of ApoA1, HDL-C and HDL-C/ApoA1 ratio.ResultsIn multivariate analysis, higher ApoA1, HDL-C and HDL-C/ApoA1 ratio were associated with significantly lower HGI (Quartile [Q]4 vs. Q1: −0.032 % vs. 0.017 % for ApoA1; −0.072 % vs. 0.079 % for HDL-C; −0.083 % vs. 0.085 % for HDL-C/ApoA1 ratio). Intermediate ApoA1 level was inversely associated with TyG index (Q2 vs. Q1: 296.278 vs. 306.794). The mean TyG index were significantly decreased with increased HDL-C and HDL-C/ApoA1 ratio (Q4 vs. Q1: 298.584 vs. 309.221 for HDL-C; 300.405 vs. 315.218 for HDL-C/ApoA1 ratio). Moreover, the inverse associations of ApoA1, HDL-C and HDL-C/ApoA1 ratio with HbA1c and FBG also were observed. In path analysis, the associations of HDL-C and HDL-C/ApoA1 ratio with TyG index were mediated by obesity.ConclusionThis study provided further support for the hypoglycemic effects of ApoA1 and HDL-C in patients with CAD. Replication of these findings is warranted in further longitudinal studies in different populations.     

1958例系统性红斑狼疮住院患者临床特征分析

目的回顾性分析系统性红斑狼疮(SLE)住院患者的临床特征,分析其发病形式及患者就诊时的情况。方法采用流行病学调查的方法,随机抽取江苏省10年来1 958例SLE住院患者的病历,分析其临床特征,采用SPSS 13.0软件包进行统计学分析。结果①在1 958份病例中,临床特征以关节痛(炎)最多(53.8%),其次为面部红斑(48.3%)、发热(36.1%)、肾损害症状(24.5%)。②男女发病比例为1.0︰15.0,男性以皮疹最多见,占59.0%,高于女性47.6%,其次为发热(47.5%),高于女性(35.3%),关节痛(炎)(45.9%低于女性(54.3%),男性肾损害(36.9%),高于女性(23.7%)。③不同年龄患病率:≤20岁(19.2%),>40岁(18.8%),20～40岁(62.0%)。④从出现症状到住院:发热13.8个月,肾损害症状19.5个月,关节痛(炎)36.9个月,面部红斑37.2个月。结论关节痛(炎)、面部红斑、发热是SLE最常见的临床表现,是就诊的主因。中青年女性发病率高,男性皮疹、发热、肾损害发生率高,而女性关节痛(炎)发生率高于男性。