Association Between CT Angiogram Collaterals and CT Perfusion in Delayed Time Windows for Large Vessel Occlusion Ischemic Strokes

ObjectivesRecent endovascular trials have established the use of CT perfusion (CTP) in endovascular treatment selection for patients with large vessel occlusions (LVO). However, the relationship between CTP and collateral circulation is unclear in delayed time windows. We explored the relationship between CT Angiogram (CTA) collaterals and CTP parameters in delayed time windows (6-24 hours).Materials and MethodsWe utilized a single institutional, retrospective stroke registry of consecutive patients between May 2016 and May 2018 with anterior LVO with CTA and CTP imaging within 6-24 hours of stroke onset. We graded baseline collaterals on single phase CTA using modified Tan collateral score (0-3) and dichotomized into good (2-3) and poor (0-1) collaterals. We recorded automated CTP parameters, including estimated ischemic core (cerebral blood flow (CBF)<30%), penumbra (T_max>6 s), and mismatch ratio. We used Mann-Whitney test and linear regression to assess associations.ResultsWe included 48 patients with median age of 62 years (IQR= 52-72), median core of 17.5 mL (IQR=0-47), and median penumbra of 117.5 mL (IQR= 62-163.5). Patients with good collaterals had smaller median core (0 mL, IQR=0-12 mL vs. 40.5 mL, IQR=15-60 mL) (p < 0.001), smaller median penumbra (83.5 mL, IQR=43-135 mL vs. 142.5 mL, IQR=77-190 mL) (p = 0.04), larger median mismatch ratio (13.7, IQR=5.7-58.0 vs. 3.1, IQR=2.1-5.0) (p < 0.001), and lower median hypoperfusion intensity ratio (0.23, IQR=0-0.44 vs. 0.52, IQR=0.45-0.63) (p < 0.001) than patients with poor collaterals.ConclusionsIn delayed time window LVO patients, good CTA collaterals are significantly associated with smaller CTP core, smaller penumbra, larger mismatch ratio, and lower hypoperfusion intensity ratio. CTA collateral assessment could be a potential valuable surrogate to perfusion imaging, particularly in stroke centers where CTP is unavailable.     

Outcomes following thrombectomy for acute large vessel occlusion beyond 24 hours or with unknown time of onset

BackgroundEndovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is recommended in medically eligible patients with large vessel occlusions (LVO) within 24 hours of symptom onset. While there is evidence that EVT ≥24h after last known well (LKW) is associated with favorable outcomes in patients who meet DAWN/DEFUSE-3 criteria, it is unknown if more liberal criteria can be applied.MethodsA single center, prospective observational cohort of consecutive adult stroke patients was queried for symptomatic occlusions of the internal carotid (ICA) or proximal middle cerebral (M1) arteries (October 2019-January 2022), with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥6, pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2, and Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Scale score 3-10. These inclusion criteria were extrapolated from recently published data indicating a benefit with EVT with more liberal patient selection. Patients who underwent EVT ≥24h after LKW were compared against those treated medically. The primary outcome was a good functional outcome (90-day mRS 0-2), which was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsOf the 27 included patients, the median age was 65y (IQR 49-76) with a median NIHSS of 15 (IQR 8-26), and 17 (63.0%) underwent EVT (median LKW-to-puncture 35.5h (IQR 26.9-65.8h). The primary outcome was no different with EVT in unadjusted regression (OR 1.17, 95%CI 0.17-8.09), and there remained no association across all multivariable models tested. Age, pre-stroke disability, and M1 occlusions were non-significantly associated with the primary outcome (p>0.05). There was a non-significant trend indicating a favorable shift in 90-day mRS with EVT (proportional OR 2.04, 95%CI 0.44-9.48).ConclusionsUsing more liberal inclusion criteria for EVT in the ultra-extended window, there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of good functional outcome with EVT. Larger studies are called upon to evaluate outcomes when more liberal criteria are used to assess thrombectomy eligibility.     

Does thrombus imaging characteristics predict the degree of recanalisation after endovascular thrombectomy in acute ischaemic stroke?

BackgroundIdentification of computed tomography (CT) thrombus imaging characteristics can predict the degree of recanalization and outcome after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and large vessel occlusion.AimWe analyzed the thrombus imaging characteristics and procedural factors and correlated with the degree of recanalization and functional outcome after EVT.MethodsWe evaluated the thrombus imaging characteristics (hyperdense MCA sign, thrombus location, length and thrombus permeability) from thin slice CT and CT angiogram. In addition, groin to recanalization time, number of passes, and EVT technique were documented. The primary outcome was degree of recanalization (mTICI score) and secondary outcome was modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 3 months.ResultsThe mean age of 102 patients was 60.5±11.8 years. Patients with hyperdense MCA sign (90 % vs 75%, p=0.07) and permeable thrombus (86 % vs 70 %, p=0.09) had good recanalization (mTICI grade 2b,2c or 3). The requirement of <3 passes (90 % vs 62 %, p= 0.001) was associated with good recanalization. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed thrombus permeability (OR 5.9; 95% CI 1.3-26.6, p=0.02), use of stent retreiver alone (without aspiration) (OR 5.4; 95% CI 1.3-22.5, p=0.02) and a puncture to recanalization ≤60 minutes (OR 7.9; 95% CI 1.7-36.8; p=0.008) were associated with good recanalization. The requirement of ≥3 passes was associated with poor functional outcome (OR 3.4;95% CI 1.2-9.8; p=0.02).ConclusionsThrombus permeability was a predictor of successful recanalization after EVT. The requirement of three or more passes during EVT was associated with poor recanalization and poor functional outcome.     

A tool to improve stroke outcome prediction: The charlotte large artery occlusion endovascular therapy outcome score

ObjectivesWe sought to optimize functional outcome prediction for large artery occlusion (LAO) patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT).Materials and MethodsPatients presenting with an anterior circulation LAO treated with EVT from November 2016-July 2020 were included from a health system's code stroke registry. Data were separated into training and validation cohorts using a simple random sampling method. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify pre-intervention prognostic factors independently associated with 90-day modified Rankin score 4–6 in the training cohort. The model was tested in the validation cohort and compared to previously reported scales using Area Under Curve (AUC) analyses.Results646 total patients were included. The Charlotte Large artery occlusion Endovascular therapy Outcome Score, CLEOS = (5 x Age) + (10 x NIHSS) + Glucose – (150 x Cerebral Blood Volume Index). CLEOS was associated with an increased odds of poor 90-day outcome (per 1-point increase, OR 1.008, 95% CI 1.006–1.010, p < 0.0001) and performed better than Stroke Prognostication using Age and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale – 100 (AUC 0.62, p < 0.0001) and Houston Intra-Arterial Therapy 2 (AUC 0.70, p < 0.0063), with a trend observed versus Pittsburgh Response to Endovascular therapy (AUC 0.72, p = 0.0884), in the combined analysis of the derivation and validation cohorts. CLEOS ≥ 700 was not associated with a lower risk of poor outcome despite excellent endovascular reperfusion.ConclusionsCLEOS can predict poor 90-day outcomes after thrombectomy and help risk stratify patients based on the degree of revascularization after EVT.     

Predicting 90-day Functional Dependency and Death after Endovascular Thrombectomy for Stroke: The BET Score

ObjectivesDespite being the current standard of care, outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remain highly variable. Though several scoring systems exist to predict outcomes in AIS, they were mainly developed to direct patient selection for treatment. Recognizing the integral role peri-procedural metrics play on outcome, our study aimed to develop a post-EVT prognostic score to predict 90-day functional dependency and death.Materials and MethodsWe included all eligible adult AIS patients treated with EVT at our institution from June 2016 to January 2020. Data was systematically collected via chart review including pre-, intra- and post-procedural variables. The outcome was modified Rankin score (mRS) at 90 days post-EVT where a poor outcome was defined as mRS 3-6: 3-5 for functional dependency and 6 for death. Model selection methods including stepwise and Lasso were evaluated via cross-validation where the final multivariable logistic regression model was chosen by optimizing the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC AUC).ResultsWe included 224 patients (mean age: 65 years old, male: 55%, 90-day poor outcome: 60%). The final model achieved a median AUC of 0.84, IQR: (0.80, 0.87). A 7-point score, called Bronx Endovascular Thrombectomy (BET) score, was developed with more points indicating higher likelihood of 90-day poor outcome (0 point: ≤21% risk; 1-2: 24%; 3: 61%; 4: 86%; 5: 96%; 6-7: ≥99%). One point was awarded for the following variables: current smoker, diabetic, general anesthesia received, puncture to perfusion time ≥45 minutes, and Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score <3. Two points were awarded for a post-EVT National Institute of Health Stroke scale (NIHSS) of ≥10.ConclusionIncorporating peri-procedural data we developed the competitive BET score predicting 90-day functional dependency and death, which may help providers, patients and caregivers manage expectations and organize early rehabilitative services.     

Association of asymptomatic cerebral vasospasm with outcomes in survivors of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

BackgroundCerebral vasospasm (cVSP) is a common complication in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and is associated with worse outcomes. However, clinical significance of asymptomatic cVSP is poorly understood. We sought to determine the association of asymptomatic cVSP with functional outcome and hospital length of stay (LOS).MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of a prospectively collected cohort of patients with aSAH who survived hospitalization at an academic center between 2016 and 2021. We defined cVSP based on transcranial Doppler criteria. Multivariate logistic and multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine the association of asymptomatic cVSP with poor functional outcome (defined as modified Rankin scale 3-6 at 3 months after discharge) and hospital length of stay (LOS).ResultsThe cohort consisted of 201 aSAH patients with a mean age 54.9 years (SD 13.6) and 60% were female. One hundred nine patients (54%) experienced cVSP, of whom 43 patients (39%) were asymptomatic. Patients with asymptomatic cVSP were younger (mean 50.5 years [SD 10.6] vs 61 years [SD12.5]; p < 0.001) and had longer ICU LOS (median 13 days [IQR12-20] vs median 12 days [IQR9-15], p = 0.018) compared to those without cVSP. However, after adjusting with other variables asymptomatic cVSP was not associated with longer ICU or hospital LOS. Asymptomatic cVSP was not associated with poor outcome either (p = 0.14).ConclusionAsymptomatic cVSP, which was more common in younger patients, was neither associated with poor functional outcome nor hospital LOS.  Larger prospective studies are needed to assess the significance of asymptomatic cVSP on long-term outcomes.     

Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Extended Time Window: Real-Life Experience in a High-Volume Center

ObjectivesSelected patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) or internal carotid artery occlusion benefit from endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in extended time window (6–24 h from last seen well) based on two landmark randomized controlled trials (RCTs) DAWN and DEFUSE-3. We evaluated patients’ outcome in the real-life with the focus on adherence to protocol of the two RCTs.Materials and methodsWe included consecutive patients with AIS (excluding basilar artery occlusions) referred to EVT in our stroke center in the extended time window between January 2018 and December 2019 and compared the outcome of patients who fulfilled criteria of the RCTs with those who did not.ResultsOf the total of 100 patients, 23 complied with RCT's criteria and 18 presented with minor non-adherence (lower NIHSS score or longer treatment delay), whereas 22 patients had large baseline ischemia (>1/3 MCA), 28 presented with M2 and more distal occlusions, and 9 patients did not undergo perfusion imaging prior to EVT. Good 3-month outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) was observed in 54% of those who either met the RCT criteria or presented with lower NIHSS score or longer treatment delay, but only in 30% of M2 occlusions, and in none of the patients with large baseline ischemia.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the impact of mostly large baseline ischemia but also vessel status when selecting patients for EVT in the extended time window and emphasize the need for further data in these patient subgroups.     

Hypoperfusion Intensity Ratio is Associated with Stroke Mechanism in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy

BackgroundHypoperfusion Intensity Ratio (HIR), defined as Tmax >10s/Tmax >6s on computed tomography perfusion (CTP), and stroke mechanisms have been independently correlated with angiographic collaterals and patient outcomes. Slowly developing atherosclerotic stenosis may foster collateral development, whereas cardioembolic occlusion may occur before collaterals mature. We hypothesized that favorable HIR is associated with large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) stroke mechanism and good clinical outcome.MethodsRetrospective study of consecutive endovascularly-treated stroke patients with intracranial ICA or MCA M1/M2 occlusions, who underwent CTP before intervention, between January 2018 and August 2021. Patients were dichotomized into LAA+ or LAA- based on presence of LAA on angiography. HIR was dichotomized into favorable (HIR+) or unfavorable (HIR-) groups based on published thresholds. Good early outcome was defined as discharge mRS of 0-2. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were performed.Results143 patients met inclusion. 21/143 were LAA+ (15%) and 65/143 (45%) were HIR+. HIR+ was significantly more frequent in LAA+ patients (67% vs. 42%, p= 0.035). Controlling for demographics, stroke severity, imaging findings, and medical comorbidities, LAA+ remained independently associated with HIR+ (OR 5.37 [95% CI 1.43 – 20.14]; p=0.013) as did smaller infarction core volume (<30 mL of CBF <30%: OR 7.92 [95% CI 2.27 – 27.64]; p = 0.001). HIR+ was not associated with good clinical outcome.ConclusionsLarge artery atherosclerosis was independently associated with favorable HIR in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. While favorable HIR was associated with smaller pre-treatment core infarcts, reflecting more robust collaterals, it was not associated with good clinical outcome.     

Cerebral perfusion imaging predicts final infarct volume after basilar artery thrombectomy

ObjectivesCerebral perfusion imaging may be used to identify the ischemic core in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with a large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation; however, perfusion parameters that predict the ischemic core in AIS patients with a basilar artery occlusion (BAO) are poorly described. We determined which cerebral perfusion parameters best predict the ischemic core after successful endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in BAO patients.Materials and methodsWe performed multicenter retrospective study of BAO patients with perfusion imaging before EVT and a DWI after successful EVT. The ischemic core was defined as regions on CTP, which were co-registered to the final DWI infarct. Various time-to-maximum (Tmax) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) thresholds were compared to final infarct volume to determine the best predictor of the final infarct.Results28 patients were included in the analysis for this study. Tmax >8s (r²: 0.56; median absolute error, 16.0 mL) and Tmax >10s (r²: 0.73; median absolute error, 11.3 mL) showed the strongest agreement between the pre-EVT CTP study and the final DWI. CBF <38% (r²: 0.76; median absolute error, 8.2 mL) and CBF <34% (r²: 0.76; median absolute error, 9.1 mL) also correlated well with final infarct volume on DWI.ConclusionsPre-EVT CT perfusion imaging is useful to predict the final ischemic infarct volume in BAO patients. Tmax >8s and Tmax >10s were the strongest predictors of the post-EVT final infarct volume.     

Prognostic significance of angiographically confirmed large vessel intracranial occlusion in patients presenting with acute brain ischemia

Introduction  Independent predictors of outcome for ischemic stroke include age and initial stroke severity. Intracranial large-vessel occlusion would be expected to predict poor outcome. Because large-vessel occlusion and stroke severity are likely correlated, it is unclear if largevessel occlusion independently predicts outcome or is simply a marker for stroke severity. Methods  A consecutive series of patients with suspected stroke or transient ischemic attack were imaged acutely with computed tomography angiography (CTA). CTAs were reviewed for intracranial large-vessel occlusion as the cause of the stroke. Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, discharge modified Rankin score, and patient demographics were abstracted from hospital records. Poor neurological outcome was defined as modified Rankin score exceeding 2. Results  Seventy-two consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke were imaged with CTA. The median (range) time from stroke symptom onset to CT imaging was 183 minutes (25 minutes to 4 days). Median NIHSS score was 6 (1–32) and intracranial large-vessel occlusion was found in 28 (38.9%) patients. Fifty-six percent of patients had a good neurological outcome. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, two variables predicted poor neurological outcome: baseline NIHSS score (OR 1.21,95% CI[1.07–1.37]) and presence of intracranial large-vessel occlusion (OR 4.48, 95% CI[1.19–16.9]). The predictive value of large-vessel occlusion, on outcome was similar to an 8-point increase in NIHSS score. Conclusion  In patients presenting with acute brain ischemia, intracranial large-vessel occlusion independently predicts poor neurological outcome at hospital discharge, as does the presence of a high NIHSS score. Performing routine intracranial vascular imaging on acute stroke patients may allow for more accurate determination of prognosis and may also guide therapy.     

ASPECTS-Region-Dependent Functional Outcomes after Endovascular Therapy in Patients with Cardioembolic Stroke

ObjectivesCardioembolic stroke has a poor prognosis. We evaluated the region-dependent efficacy of endovascular therapy (EVT) based on diffusion-weighted imaging-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (DWI-ASPECTS).MethodsThis post-hoc analysis of the RELAXED study, which investigated the optimal timing of rivaroxaban to prevent nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), included NVAF patients admitted with AIS or transient ischemic attack in the middle cerebral artery (MCA), with internal carotid artery (ICA), M1, or M2-MCA occlusion. Relationships between DWI-ASPECTS region and functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS]), mortality, recurrence, and hemorrhagic stroke were compared between patients with and without EVT, and adjusted odds ratios for age, pre-stroke mRS, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), ICA occlusion, infarct size, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) use, and onset-to-hospitalization time were estimated.ResultsEVT patients had significantly lower hemoglobin levels, higher median NIHSS scores, more lentiform nucleus infarcts, ICA or M1-MCA occlusions, treatment with rt-PA, and fewer M3, M5, or M6 infarcts and M2-MCA occlusions than no-EVT patients. EVT patients had shorter onset-to-hospitalization times and more frequent favorable functional outcomes (p=0.007). Mortality, recurrent ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic infarction were similar in both groups. EVT was associated with significantly better functional outcomes among patients with insular ribbon (p=0.043) and M3 (p=0.0008) infarcts. M3 patients had significantly fewer rt-PA and EVT, and longer onset-to-hospitalization times.ConclusionsAn occlusion in the insular ribbon or M3 region was associated with favorable functional outcomes in patients treated with EVT after cardioembolic stroke.     

Systemic Immune-Inflammation (SII) index predicts poor outcome after spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage

Background and AimsIn experimental models, enhanced inflammation contributes to secondary brain injury in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Several inflammatory markers have investigated in humans with inconclusive results. Here, we report the relationship between Systemic Immune-Inflammation (SII) Index and outcome.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of 239 supratentorial spontaneous ICH patients. Patients were dichotomized based on modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge in good (mRS 0-3) and poor (mRS 4-6) outcome. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and imaging data at admission were compared for both groups. SII index was calculated as [(Platelet counts x Absolute Neutrophil Counts (ANC)/Absolute Lymphocyte Counts (ALC))/1000]. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between markers of inflammation (ANC, ALC, Platelets, SII index) and outcome adjusting for baseline differences.ResultsSixty-two percent of patients had poor outcome (median [IQR] age= 60 [52-71] years). Patients with poor outcome had lower Glasgow coma scale, larger hematoma volumes, and higher incidence of diabetes and intraventricular extension (p<0.05 for each variable). In univariate analysis, ANC and SII index were independently associated with poor outcome (p<0.05). In multivariate analysis, only SII index remained significantly associated with poor outcome (OR=1.34, 95% CI=1.04-1.72, p=0.02). ROC analysis showed that adjusted SII index is a good discriminator for poor outcome (AUC=0.89, 95% CI=0.84–0.93; P <0.0001), with the best cut-off value being 0.73 (Sensitivity 95%, Specificity 71%).ConclusionsIn patients with supratentorial spontaneous ICH early SII index is an independent predictor of poor outcome at time of hospital discharge.     

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Functional Outcome after Thrombectomy: A Cohort Study of an Integrated Stroke Network

ObjectivesPrevious studies have shown racial disparities in access to treatment and outcomes in ischemic stroke patients. We sought to define racial disparities in functional outcomes among ischemic stroke patients receiving endovascular thrombectomy (EVT).Materials and MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of patients in our institution's prospectively collected stroke patient registry from 08/2015 to 06/2019 at 1 comprehensive and 2 thrombectomy-ready stroke centers. We reviewed patients aged ≥ 18 who received mechanical thrombectomy including only patients with race/ethnicity data belonging to the 3 largest race/ethnic groups: Non-Hispanic White (NHW), Non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and Hispanic (HIS). We compared baseline characteristics and performed multivariable logistic regression to evaluate differences in good functional outcome defined as 90-day modified Rankin score (90 day mRS 0–2) as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were discharge disposition, length of stay, and excellent functional outcome (90 day mRS 0-1). Results are given as OR [95% CI].ResultsAmong 666 patients that met inclusion criteria, 45% were NHW, 30% were NHB, and 19% were HIS. NHB and HIS patients were younger than NHW (average age NHB 62; HIS 64; and NHW 70; p < 0.001). Diabetes was more prevalent in NHB (32%, p = 0.02) and HIS (47%, p < 0.001) compared to NHW (23%). There were no significant racial differences in pre-morbid mRS, arrival NIHSS, tPA treatment rates. There was no difference in primary outcome by race comparing NHW to the other racial groups (OR 1.08 [0.68–1.72]) but compared to HIS patients, NHW had a higher likelihood of the secondary outcome of excellent functional outcome (aOR 2.23 [1.01–4.93]) defined as mRS 0-1.ConclusionsIn this study of over 600 patients treated with EVT, we did not find significant racial disparities in functional outcome except for less excellent functional outcome in HIS compared to NHW. Further study on disparities in post-acute stroke care is needed.     

Novel peripheral blood cell ratios: Effective 3-month post-mechanical thrombectomy prognostic biomarkers for acute ischemic stroke patients

BackgroundRed blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio (RPR), Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR), and Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are novel inflammatory biomarkers in laboratory tests, which are associated with clinical outcomes in malignancy, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. This study aimed to determine their predictive value for the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke after mechanical thrombectomy (MT).MethodsA total of 286 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) admitted to a tertiary stroke center in China between January 2018 and February 2020 were treated by MT. Demographic characteristics, risk factors, clinical data, laboratory parameters, and clinical outcomes were recorded. The clinical outcome was disability or death at discharge or 90 days (defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 3–6). The relationship between RPR, MHR, and NLR and functional outcomes was investigated by binary Logistic regression analysis, and further assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the survival rate of prognosis factors.ResultsA total of 286 patients with AIS underwent MT (median age, 70.00; Interquartile range [IQR], 63.00–77.00; 41.6% female). Patients with unfavorable outcome showed higher RPR, MHR, and NLR than those with favorable outcome (RPR, [8.63; IQR, 6.30–10.78] vs [6.17; IQR, 5.11–7.35], P < 0.001; MHR, [0.40; IQR, 0.31–0.53] vs [0.34; IQR, 0.27–0.47], P = 0.005; NLR, [5.28; IQR, 3.63–8.02] vs [3.44; IQR, 2.63–4.63], P < 0.001). In multivariate and ROC curve analysis, higher RPR (>8.565) (odds ratio [OR], 1.671; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.127–2.479; P = 0.011) and higher MHR (>0.368) (OR, 9.374; 95% CI, 1.160–75.767; P = 0.036), higher NLR (>4.030) (OR, 1.957; 95% CI, 1.382–2.770; P < 0.001) were independently associated with unfavorable outcome. The combined predictive value of the three indexes was higher than that of a single index. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the 90-day survival rate (82.1% vs 66.2%) was significantly different between the low RPR group and the high RPR group (χ² = 4.960, P = 0.026).ConclusionHigher RPR, MHR, and NLR might be independent risk factors for predicting 3-month poor prognosis in patients with AIS who underwent MT.     

Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Large-Vessel Occlusion due to Atherosclerotic Stenosis

ObjectivesEndovascular therapy (EVT) is safe and effective for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large-vessel occlusion (LVO). However, the influence of the AIS subtype (large-artery atherosclerosis [LAA] or cardioembolism [CE]) on clinical outcome in patients treated with EVT remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in clinical results between the two subtypes using data from a multicenter prospective registry (RESCUE-Japan Registry 2).Materials and MethodsAmong 2420 patients in RESCUE-Japan Registry, 682 patients who were diagnosed with LAA or CE were enrolled. The primary outcome was a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2 at 90 days. The secondary outcomes were 90-day mRS 0–1, 0–3, and 6. The relationship between time from onset and clinical outcome was also analyzed.ResultsAmong the 682 patients, 124 were classified into the LAA group and 558 into the CE group. The baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was significantly lower (median 15 vs. 18, p < 0.001). At 90 days, mRS 0–2 was observed in 54 of 124 patients (44%) in the LAA group and 232 of 558 patients (42%) in the CE group (p = 0.69). The proportion of patients with mRS 0–2 tended to decrease according to onset-to-puncture time in the CE group but not in the LAA group (p_trend=0.0007).ConclusionsThe rate of good outcome was similar between LVO due to LAA and CE. However, the rate of favorable outcome did not decrease according to onset-to-puncture time in the LAA group.     

Serum Neurofilament Light Predicts Severity and Prognosis in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

Serum neurofilaments are markers of axonal injury. We investigated whether serum neurofilament light (sNfL) is a potential prognostic marker of functional outcome in Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). From May 2015 to December 2018, consecutive patients with AIS from the Department of Neurology of the Second Hospital of Jilin University were included. sNfL concentration was tested at baseline, and stroke severity was analyzed at admission using the NIHSS score. Functional outcome was assessed at discharge by the modified Rankin scale (mRS). The sNfL concentration was tested in 343 patients with a median value of 17.8 (IQR, 13.4–25.2) pg/ml. sNfL concentration paralleled lesion size (P = 0.035). At admission, 174 patients were defined as moderate-to-high stroke (NIHSS ≥ 5); the sNfL concentration in those patients were higher than that observed in patients with minor clinical severity [21.2 (IQR, 15.1–31.7) vs. 14.9 (11.8–19.4) pg/ml, P < 0.001]. For each 1 quartile increase of sNfL concentration, the unadjusted and adjusted risk of moderate-to-high stroke increased by 202% (with the OR of 3.04 (95% CI 2.15–4.32), P < 0.001) and 102% [2.02 (1.10–3.16), P = 0.001), respectively. At discharge, 85 patients (24.8%) had poor functional outcome (mRS, 3–6); the sNfL concentration in those patients were higher than that observed in patients with good outcome [24.1 (IQR, 18.8–33.9) vs. 15.7 (11.9–21.8) pg/ml, P < 0.001]. For each 1 quartile increase of sNfL concentration, the unadjusted and adjusted risk of poor outcome increased by 236% [with the OR of 3.36 (95% CI 2.23–5.06), P < 0.001] and 102% [2.29 (1.37–3.82), P < 0.001], respectively. The results show sNfL is meaningful blood biomarker to monitor stroke severity and functional outcome in ischemic stroke, suggesting that sNfL may play a role in stroke progression.     

Degree of Conjugate Gaze Deviation on CT Predicts Proximal Vessel Occlusion and May Expedite Endovascular Therapy

Purpose: Recent trials have demonstrated superior outcomes with combination IV-tPA and endovascular therapy (EVT) within 6 hours of symptom onset in patients with proximal vessel occlusion (ICA, M1, or proximal M1/M2) compared to IV-tPA alone. The current standard of diagnosis for consideration of EVT is CT angiogram (CTA). Unfortunately, not all hospitals are equipped with CTA, and the decision to transfer to tertiary centers is often based on nonenhanced CT. Ipsilateral conjugate gaze deviation (CGD) is associated with worse outcomes and larger infarcts in acute ischemic stroke. We predicted that the more proximal the occlusion, the higher the degree of CGD. Materials and Methods: Over a period of 12 months, 182 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke treated at our institution were prospectively analyzed. Stroke locations were categorized based on CTA. Average degree of CGD was measured. Patient demographics, ASPECTS, collateral score, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, modified Rankin Scale, TICI score, length-of-stay, and mortality were collected. The median follow-up was 30 days. Results: Out of ninety one of 182 patients with (+) CGD, 82 (90%) patients had ICA or middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory infarcts. The median was 25.0° in those with proximal occlusion and 13.7° in those with distal MCA occlusion (P < .001). A higher degree of CGD is positively correlated with proximity of vessel occlusion (correlation coefficient 0.2; P < .05). A cut-off greater than 20.25° (area under the curve?=?.76) showed a sensitivity of 64.0% and specificity 84.2%. Conclusions: Measuring degree of CGD may help in early identification of proximal vessel occlusions and expedite transfer for clot retrieval.     

Prognostic factors for relapse and outcome in pediatric acute transverse myelitis

ObjectiveIt may be difficult for clinicians to estimate the prognosis of pediatric acute transverse myelitis (ATM). The aim of this study was to define prognostic factors for relapsing disease and poor outcome in pediatric ATM.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 49 children, 18 boys and 31 girls (median age 13.1 years, IQR 6.5–16.2) with a first episode of ATM. Factors associated with relapsing disease and poor outcome (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≥ 4) were assessed during a median follow-up of 37 months (IQR 18–75).ResultsIn total, 14 patients (29%) experienced ≥ 1 relapse(s) and nine patients (18%) had a poor outcome. Factors at onset associated with relapsing disease included higher age (16.1 vs. 11.6 years, p = 0.002), longer time to maximum severity of symptoms (5.5 vs. 3 days, p = 0.01), lower maximum EDSS score (4.0 vs. 6.5, p = 0.003), short lesion on spinal MRI (64 vs. 21%, p = 0.006), abnormalities on brain MRI (93 vs. 44%, p = 0.002) and presence of oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid (67 vs. 14%, p = 0.004). The only factor associated with poor outcome was presence of a spinal cord lesion on MRI without cervical involvement (56 vs. 14%, p = 0.02).ConclusionPediatric ATM patients presenting with clinical, radiological and laboratory features associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at risk for relapsing disease. In absence of these known MS risk factors at onset of disease these patients are at low risk for relapses. Only a minority of pediatric ATM patients in this cohort have a poor outcome.     

Psychological Outcome after Hemorrhagic Stroke is Related to Functional Status

BackgroundTo identify opportunities to improve morbidity after hemorrhagic stroke, it is imperative to understand factors that are related to psychological outcome.Design/MethodsWe prospectively identified patients with non-traumatic hemorrhagic stroke (intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage) between January 2015 and February 2021 who were alive 3-months after discharge and telephonically assessed 1) psychological outcome using the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders anxiety, depression, emotional and behavioral dyscontrol, fatigue and sleep disturbance inventories and 2) functional outcome using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Barthel Index. We also identified discharge destination for all patients. We then evaluated the relationship between abnormal psychological outcomes (T-score >50) and discharge destination other than home, poor 3-month mRS score defined as 3-5 and poor 3-month Barthel Index defined as <100.Results73 patients were included; 41 (56%) had an abnormal psychological outcome on at least one inventory. There were 41 (56%) patients discharged to a destination other than home, 44 (63%) with poor mRS score and 28 (39%) with poor Barthel Index. Anxiety, depression, emotional and behavioral dyscontrol and sleep disturbance were all associated with a destination other than home, poor mRS score, and poor Barthel Index (all p<0.05). Fatigue was related to poor mRS score and poor Barthel Index (p=0.005 and p=0.006, respectively).ConclusionMultiple psychological outcomes 3-months after hemorrhagic stroke are related to functional status. Interventions to improve psychological outcome and reduce morbidity in patients with poor functional status should be explored by the interdisciplinary team.     

Clinical effect of successful reperfusion in patients presenting with NIHSS < 6 and large vessel occlusion

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of reperfusion in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) of the anterior circulation and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)< 6.MethodsIt was a retrospective cohort study. The reperfusion grade was determined using the modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score. The modified Rankin Score (mRS) ≤1 were defined as excellent and (mRS) ≤2 as favorable outcome at 3-month. Meanwhile, the all-cause mortality, intracerebral hemorrhage, and complications were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate outcomes.ResultsSeventy-six patients (86.4%) achieved reperfusion (TICI2B/3). Excellent outcome was achieved in 62 (70.5%) and favorable outcome in 69 (78.4%). All-cause death occurred in 2 (2.3%). The rate of excellent outcome in patients with TICI0,1,2A was 41.7%, with TICI2B 69.2%, and with TICI3 78.0% (p < 0.05). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis related to excellent outcome, the OR(95% CI) was 5.68(1.35,23.95) for TICI3; the test for linear trend by entering categorical variables as continuous variables in the adjusted model (p for trend=0.02<0.05), defining TICI0,1,2A as reference. Subgroup analyses showed without intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) (OR, 14.29; 95% CI, 1.76–116.37) and with middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion (OR, 7.97; 95% CI,1.26–50.32), the excellent outcome further improved with TICI3. Findings were similar in favorable outcome.ConclusionsOur results indicated that successful reperfusion was intensely connected with better functional outcomes for patients with LVO presenting with NIHSS<6 in the anterior circulation, especially MCA occlusion and pretreatment without IVT.