Perfusion CT in acute stroke: prediction of vessel recanalization and clinical outcome in intravenous thrombolytic therapy

This study evaluated perfusion computed tomography (PCT) for the prediction of vessel recanalization and clinical outcome in patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis. Thirty-nine patients with acute ischemic stroke of the middle cerebral artery territory underwent intravenous thrombolysis within 3 h of symptom onset. They all had non-enhanced CT (NECT), PCT, and CT angiography (CTA) before treatment. The Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography (ASPECT) score was applied to NECT and PCT maps to assess the extent of ischemia. CTA was assessed for the site of vessel occlusion. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was used for initial clinical assessment. Three-month clinical outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin scale. Vessel recanalization was determined by follow-up ultrasound. Of the PCT maps, a cerebral blood volume (CBV) ASPECT score of >6 versus ≤6 was the best predictor for clinical outcome (odds ratio, 31.43; 95% confidence interval, 3.41–289.58; P < 0.002), and was superior to NIHSS, NECT and CTA. No significant differences in ASPECT scores were found for the prediction of vessel recanalization. ASPECT score applied to PCT maps in acute stroke patients predicts the clinical outcome of intravenous thrombolysis and is superior to both early NECT and clinical parameters. S.P. Kloska and R. Dittrich contributed equally to this work.     

软脑膜侧支吻合程度与预后相关性研究

目的探讨大脑中动脉M1段闭塞所致急性脑梗死患者软脑膜侧支吻合程度与临床预后的相关性。方法选取大脑中动脉M1段闭塞所致急性脑梗死患者82例,均于起病3 d内行头磁共振血管造影(MRA)检查,10 d内行头血管造影(DSA)或CT血管造影(CTA)检查。根据头DSA或CTA检查结果对患者软脑膜侧支吻合程度进行评分,再根据评分将患者分为两组,其中,侧支循环较好组(评分1~2分)患者35例,侧支循环较差组(评分3~5分)患者47例。电话随访3个月,分别记录并比较两组患者的改良兰金评分量表(mRS)评分。采用Logistic回归分析预后与mRS评分的影响因素,Spearman相关性分析软脑膜侧支吻合评分与mRS评分的相关性。结果侧支循环较好组的mRS评分为(0.92±0.83)分,侧支循环较差组mRS评分为(3.25±1.01)分,两组比较,差异有统计学意义(t=14.770,P<0.05)。美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分与软脑膜侧支吻合评分是预后的影响因素(P<0.05);NIHSS评分、软脑膜侧支吻合评分、吸烟史及同型半胱氨酸是mRS评分的影响因素,其中,NIHSS评分与软脑膜侧支吻合评分是危险因素(P<0.05)。软脑膜侧支吻合评分与mRS评分存在正相关(r=0.868,P<0.05)。结论大脑中动脉M1段闭塞所致急性脑梗死患者的软脑膜侧支吻合评分越低,软脑膜侧支吻合程度越高,其临床预后越好。     

Predictors of clinical outcome in patients receiving local intra-arterial thrombolysis without subsequent symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage against acute middle cerebral artery occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The factors that predict favorable outcome after local intra-arterial thrombolysis (LIT) remain unknown. We aimed to clarify these factors in patients with middle cerebral artery occlusion treated by LIT. METHODS: We performed LIT in 26 consecutive patients who had middle cerebral artery occlusion with a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score or=3). RESULTS: The duration from symptom onset to hospital admission was 0.96 +/- 0.87 (mean +/- SD) hour and from onset of stroke to LIT was 3.78 +/- 1.17 hours. No patients developed symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage or died. Thirteen patients achieved good outcomes. No significant differences existed between the two groups in baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, time from stroke onset to LIT, blood pressure, early CT signs, or subsequent hemorrhagic transformation shown by CT. However, univariate analysis showed that patients with good outcomes were younger, more often had absence of hypertension history, had better collaterals shown by angiography, and had better recanalization rates than those with poor outcomes. NIHSS scores after LIT were lower in patients with good outcomes than in patients with poor outcomes. Logistic regression analysis indicated improvement of the NIHSS scores by >or=2 immediately after LIT was independently associated with good outcome. CONCLUSION: Improvement of the NIHSS score by >or=2 immediately after LIT is a useful predictor of patient outcome at discharge.     

Clinical and imaging outcomes after stroke with normal angiograms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Information about the prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke and normal angiography is limited. We report clinical and imaging outcomes of patients seen within 6 hours of symptom onset who were considered candidates for thrombolysis. METHODS: Between November 1994 and December 1999, patients with stroke onset of less than 6 hours who were thrombolytic candidates underwent cerebral angiography. Patients with normal angiograms (defined as no sign of occlusive disease in the head or neck in the symptomatic artery) were included. Admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and discharge modified Rankin scores (mRS) were obtained. CT or MR images were obtained 24 hours or longer after symptom onset. Good outcome was defined as an mRS score < or =2. For analysis, follow-up CT or MR imaging findings were classified as showing cortical infarct, subcortical infarct > or =1.5 cm, subcortical infarct < or =1.5 cm, or no new infarct. The mechanism of the normal angiogram was assumed on the basis of these results. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients with stroke had normal angiograms. About 43% (9/21) of the patients had a favorable hospital discharge clinical outcome, and an additional 33% (7/21) had favorable clinical outcomes at subsequent follow-up. New infarct on follow-up imaging was seen in 71% (15/21). Discharge mRS scores were not correlated with admission NIHSS scores or the mechanism of the normal angiogram. CONCLUSION: Approximately 76% of acute stroke patients with normal angiograms have a favorable clinical outcome, and 71% have associated new infarctions. Given these outcomes, further study is needed before recommendations regarding thrombolytic treatment can be made in this population.     

单期和多期CT血管造影评估缺血性脑卒中患者侧支状态与CT灌注参数的对比性研究

目的 对于急性缺血性脑卒中(AIS)大脑中动脉闭塞患者,比较单时相、多时相CT血管造影(sCTA、mC-TA)评估的侧支循环评分与定量灌注参数之间的关联性及在预测临床预后中的价值.方法 搜集2019年12月至2020年12月于急救中心行一站式CT检查的发病时间在24 h内的大脑中动脉闭塞患者的临床资料及影像学资料,从C...     

North American clinical experience with the EKOS MicroLysUS infusion catheter for the treatment of embolic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We present early experience with the EKOS MicroLysUS infusion catheter for acute embolic stroke treatment in North America. This study was designed to demonstrate the safety of the device and to determine if sonography accelerates thrombolysis and improves clinical outcomes. METHODS: Fourteen patients aged 40-77 years with anterior- or posterior-circulation occlusion presented with cerebral ischemia 3-6 or 4-13 hours after symptom onset, respectively. Patients were treated with the catheter and simultaneous intraarterial thrombolysis. Procedural and clinical information, including time to lysis, degree of recanalization, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was recorded before treatment and afterward (immediately and at 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months). RESULTS: Ten patients presented with acute anterior-circulation emboli; four patients, with posterior-circulation emboli (NIHSS score, 9-23 [mean. 18.2] and 11-27 [mean, 18.75], respectively). Three deaths occurred at 24 hours: two from hemorrhage and one from cerebral swelling. Deaths also occurred at 1 week and 1 month after treatment. Thrombolysis in Myocardial Ischemia grade 2-3 flow was achieved in eight patients in the first hour. Average time to recanalization was 46 minutes. Mean NIHSS scores in eight of nine survivors at 90 days were 5 in the anterior-circulation group and 3 in the posterior-circulation group; mean mRS scores at 90 days were 2 and 3, respectively. No catheter-related adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: Use of the EKOS MicroLysUS infusion catheter is feasible in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Further studies to evaluate its efficacy are warranted.     

Mechanical Revascularization for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Single-Center, Retrospective Analysis

Background

Endovascular mechanical revascularization (thrombectomy) is an increasingly used method for intracranial large vessel recanalization in acute stroke. The purpose of the study was to analyze the recanalization rate, clinical outcome, and complication rate in our stroke patients treated with mechanical revascularization.

Methods

A total of 57 patients with large vessel stroke (within 3 h for anterior and 12 h for posterior circulation) were treated with mechanical revascularization at a single center during 24 months. The primary goal of endovascular treatment using different mechanical devices was recanalization of the occluded vessel. Recanalization rate (reported as thrombolysis in cerebral infarction [TICI] score), clinical outcome (reported as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score and modified Rankin scale [mRS] score), as well as periprocedural complications were analyzed.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 63.1 ± 12.9 years, with baseline median NIHSS score of 14 (interquartile range, 9.5–19). Successful recanalization (TICI 2b or 3) was achieved in 41 (72 %) patients. Twenty patients (35 %) presented with favorable outcome (mRS ≤2) 30 days after stroke. Overall, significant neurological improvement (≥4 NIHSS point reduction) occurred in 36 (63 %) patients. A clinically significant procedure-related adverse events (vessel disruption, peri/postprocedural intracranial bleeding) defined with decline in NIHSS of ≥4 or death occurred in three (5 %) patients.

Conclusions

The study showed a high recanalization rate with improved clinical outcome and a low rate of periprocedural complications in our stroke patients treated with mechanical revascularization. Therefore, we could conclude that endovascular revascularization (primary or in combination with a bridging thrombolysis) was an effective and safe procedure for intracranial large vessel recanalization in acute stroke.     

Stability of ischemic core volume during the initial hours of acute large vessel ischemic stroke in a subgroup of mechanically revascularized patients

Introduction

This study aimed to relate growth of the infarct core with time to recanalization in patients receiving mechanical recanalization in whom the time of recanalization is known.

Methods

We analyzed data from patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke who underwent mechanical recanalization. Demographic and angiographic characteristics, initial apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) infarct volume, time-to-peak defect volume, revascularization grade, 24–48 h nonenhanced computed tomography (CT) infarct volume, symptom onset to recanalization time, diffusion-weighted imaging to recanalization time, and discharge National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were compared between minimal and substantial infarct growth groups. Substantial infarct growth was defined as an increase of infarct volume >10 cm³ assessed by subtracting initial ADC infarct core volume from infarct volume at 24–48 h CT.

Results

Of 25 patients, 9 had minimal infarct growth (median 0 cm³, interquartile range (IQR) ?3 to 5 cm³) and 16 had substantial infarct growth (median 103 cm³, IQR 48–132 cm³). Patients with minimal infarct growth had a median time from symptom onset to recanalization of 329 min (IQR 314–412 min) and a median time from imaging to recanalization of 231 min (IQR 198–309 min). On univariate analysis, minimal infarct growth was related to male gender (p?=?0.04), smaller initial ADC volume (p?=?0.04), higher recanalization grade (p?<?0.001), and lower discharge NIHSS (p?=?0.04) and mRS grades (p?=?0.04).

Conclusion

There was no or minimal infarct core growth in at least one third of patients despite an exceptionally long median time from magnetic resonance imaging to recanalization of almost 4 h.     

Acute Combined Revascularization in Acute Ischemic Stroke with Intracranial Arterial Occlusion: Self-expanding Solitaire Stent during Intravenous Thrombolysis

PurposeTo investigate the safety and efficacy of the self-expanding Solitaire stent used during intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for intracranial arterial occlusion (IAO) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Materials and MethodsConsecutive nonselected patients with AIS with IAO documented on computed tomographic angiography or magnetic resonance angiography and treated with IVT were included in this prospective study. Stent intervention was initiated and performed during administration of IVT without waiting for any clinical or radiologic signs of potential recanalization. Stroke severity was assessed by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and 90-day clinical outcome was assessed by modified Rankin scale (mRS), with a good outcome defined as an mRS score of 0–2. Recanalization was rated by thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) scale.ResultsFifty patients (mean age, 66.8 y ± 14.6) had a baseline median NIHSS score of 18.0. Overall recanalization was achieved in 94% of patients, and complete recanalization (ie, TICI 3 flow) was achieved in 72% of patients. The mean time from stroke onset to maximal recanalization was 244.2 minutes ± 87.9, with a median of 232.5 minutes. The average number of device passes was 1.5, with a mean procedure time to maximal recanalization of 49.5 minutes ± 13.0. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 6% of patients. The median mRS score at 90 days was 1, and 60% of patients had a good outcome (ie, mRS score 0–2). The overall 3-month mortality rate was 14%.ConclusionsCombined revascularization with the Solitaire stent during IVT appears to be safe and effective in the treatment of acute IAO.     

Treatment of acute ischemic brain infarction with the assistance of local intraarterial thrombolysis with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator

Background: Cerebral infarction is usually due to arterial occlusion. Prompt treatment with thrombolytic drugs can restore blood flow and improve recovery from an infarct.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of local intraarterial thrombolysis with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA) in patients with acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarctions within 6 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Material and Methods: Sixteen patients (10 females and six males) aged from 42 to 61 years, with acute MCA territory infarcts were selected for treatment with local i.a. rtPA up to 6 hours after the onset of symptoms. Patient selection was based on clinical examination, computed tomography (CT), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). A clinical evaluation was performed before treatment, at the time of discharge, and 90 days post-procedure on the basis of modified Rankin and NIHSS scores. Controls (n = 16, nine females and seven males) aged from 51 to 70 years were treated only with intravenous anticoagulation using i.v. heparin infusion. The control group was evaluated with multidetector CT (MDCT) angiography performed on entry to the study and at 2-4 hours afterwards.

Results: Eight patients (50%) achieved a modified Rankin score of 2 or less as the primary outcome after 90 days follow-up. The secondary clinical outcome at 90-day follow-up was as follows: NIHSS score ≤1, three (19%) of the patients; NIHSS score ≥50% decrease, nine (56%) of the patients. A recanalization rate of 75% was achieved in 12 of the 16 treated patients, but only 12.5% in two of the 16 patients in the control group. Intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in two (12.5%) of the patients in the treatment group, but in only one patient (6%) in the control group. There were no deaths in the treated group after thrombolysis up to the time of discharge; however, during the 90-day follow-up, two patients died compared to three patients in the control group (19% vs. 12.5% mortality rate).

Conclusion: Patients with cerebral infarction who were treated within 6 hours of onset using intraarterial rtPA thrombolysis had a significantly improved clinical outcome 90 days after the procedure compared to patients treated only with intravenous anticoagulation.     

Intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (tirofiban) followed by intra-arterial urokinase and mechanical thrombolysis in stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate preliminarily the efficacy and safety of intravenous tirofiban combined with intra-arterial pharmacologic and mechanical thrombolysis in patients with stroke. METHODS: Twenty-one consecutive patients with an acute ischemic stroke due to major cerebral arteries occlusion and a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score > or = 18 were treated with an intravenous bolus of tirofiban and heparin followed by intra-arterial administration of urokinase coupled with mechanical thrombolysis. RESULTS: Thirteen patients had an anterior circulation stroke (T-siphon internal carotid artery [ICA] = 7; middle cerebral artery [MCA] = 6), 6 patients a posterior circulation stroke, and 2 patients an anterior plus posterior circulation stroke (left ICA or M1 tract of MCA plus basilar artery occlusions). Mean NIHSS score on admission was 21 (range, 18-27). Immediate recanalization was successful (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction [TIMI] 2-3) in 17 of 21 patients. The following day, 14 of 19 patients improved substantially and complete vessel patency (TIMI 3-4) was confirmed by digital subtraction angiography. Intracranial bleeding occurred in 5 of 21 patients (3 symptomatic cerebral hemorrhages and 2 subarachnoid hemorrhages) and was fatal in the case of 3 patients. At discharge, the mean NIHSS was 5.4 (range, 0-25). Overall, at 3-month follow-up the functional outcome was favorable (modified Rankin Scale score = 0-2) in 13 of 21 (62%) patients. Death (including all causes) at 90 days occurred in 6 of 21 (28%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of intravenous tirofiban with intra-arterial urokinase and mechanical thrombolysis may be successful in reestablishing vessel patency and result in a good functional outcome in patients with major cerebral arteries occlusions.     

Effect of Collaterals on Clinical Presentation,Baseline Imaging,Complications, and Outcome in Acute Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Good CTA collaterals independently predict good outcome in acute ischemic stroke. Our aim was to evaluate the role of collateral circulation and its added benefit over CTP-derived total ischemic volume as a predictor of baseline NIHSS score, total ischemic volume, hemorrhagic transformation, final infarct size, and a modified Rankin Scale score >2.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This was a retrospective study of 395 patients with stroke dichotomized by recanalization (recanalization positive/recanalization negative) and collateral status. Clot burden score was quantified on baseline CTA. Total ischemic volumes were derived from thresholded CTP maps. Final infarct size was assessed on follow-up CT/MRI. We performed uni-/multivariate analyses for each outcome, adjusting for rtPA status, using general linear (continuous variables) and logistic (binary variables) regression. Model comparison with collateral score and total ischemic volume was performed using the F or likelihood ratio test.RESULTS:Collateral presence independently and inversely predicted all outcomes except hemorrhagic transformation in patients who were recanalization negative and mRS >2 in patients who were recanalization positive. The greatest collateral benefit occurred in patients who were recanalization negative, contributing 16.5% and 19.2% of the variability for final infarct size and mRS >2. The collateral score model is superior to the total ischemic volume for mRS >2 prediction, but a combination of total ischemic volume and collateral score is superior for mRS >2 and final infarct prediction (24% and 28% variability, respectively). In patients who were recanalization positive, a model including collateral score and total ischemic volume was superior to that of total ischemic volume for hemorrhagic transformation and final infarct prediction but was muted compared with patients who were recanalization negative (11.3% and 16.9% variability).CONCLUSIONS:Collateral circulation is an independent predictor of all outcomes, but the magnitude of significance varies, greater in patients who were recanalization negative versus recanalization positive. Total ischemic volume assessment is complementary to collateral score in many cases.

In the setting of acute ischemic stroke, revascularization therapies are administered with the intent of salvaging ischemic penumbra by restoring antegrade flow.¹ Even though conventional angiography is considered the gold standard for collateral circulation assessment, CT angiography is increasingly used in triaging patients with acute stroke.²Growing evidence underscores the importance of the collateral circulation in maintaining the penumbra and predicting radiological and clinical response to revascularization.^3,4 Good CTA collaterals independently predict good outcome in acute ischemic stroke^1,2 and correlate with smaller admission infarct size.⁵ CTA collateral scoring demonstrates good interrater reliability^2,6–8; is widely available, including after-hours; and has the advantage of not requiring advanced postprocessing, which is subject to a host of technical differences.⁹ The best means of accurate collateral assessment is debated^1,10–13; however, irrespective of the method of assessment, collateral status significantly predicts clinical outcome and risk of infarct.^2,14,15 Limitations of collateral evaluation are that vessel opacification is time- and acquisition speed–dependent, indicating the need for time-invariant CTA imaging.^10,11 Additionally, the tissue perfusion status is not directly imaged in contradistinction to CT perfusion, in which penumbral prediction is well-studied.¹⁶A recent study suggested that a good clinical outcome could only be achieved in the presence of recanalization and good-to-intermediate collateral status. No effect was seen in patients without recanalization. Furthermore, the effect of other comorbid clinical (blood pressure, glycemic status, presence of vascular risk factors, and so forth) or radiological features (clot burden score [CBS], clot location, hemorrhagic transformation [HT]) was not considered in outcome determination.¹³ The relationship of collateral status and these other imaging and clinical stroke predictors, independent of recanalization status, for major outcomes is also not well-established in large acute stroke populations. Emphasis on collateral status has increased due to its recent inclusion in patient selection for endovascular treatment¹⁷; however, the added predictive value of collateral score (CS) over perfusion imaging assessment of total ischemia is not well-studied. We hypothesized that for a given recanalization status in the absence of perfusion availability, collateral determination significantly predicts baseline stroke severity (quantified by the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score [bNIHSS]) and clinical (hemorrhagic transformation, 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of > 2) and radiological outcomes (final infarct volume). In the present study, we also sought to quantify the added value of a CS over CTP-estimated total ischemic volume (TIV). The added contribution was assessed independent of recanalization status and accounted for additional important clinical and imaging covariates in multivariate models.     

磁敏感血管征对预测急性缺血性脑卒中静脉溶栓后血管再通的价值

目的：探讨大脑中动脉（MCA）的磁敏感血管征（SVS）对预测急性缺血性脑卒中患者静脉溶栓后血管再通的意义。方法：纳入70例发病6h 内急性前循环脑梗死患者,均接受 MRI 检查并记录患者年龄、性别、起病到首次 MRI 扫描时间、高血压史、糖尿病史、房颤史、吸烟史、溶栓前 NIHSS 评分、溶栓前后血管再通分级评分及90 d 后 mRS 评分。根据SVS 将70例患者分为 SVS 阳性组和 SVS 阴性组。计量资料的组间比较采用 Mann-Whitney U 检验;分类资料的组间比较采用χ2检验;缺血性脑卒中危险因素及 SVS 存在情况与溶栓后血管再通情况的相关性采用二分类 logistic 回归分析。结果：SVS 阳性组44例,SVS 阴性组26例。两组之间年龄、性别、起病到首次 MRI 扫描时间、高血压史、糖尿病史、房颤史、吸烟史、溶栓前 NIHSS 评分、病因分型差异均无统计学意义（P ＞0．05）。SVS 阳性组的溶栓后血管再通比例显著高于SVS 阴性组（χ2＝16．41,P ＜0．001）。结论：MCA 的 SVS 有助于预测 rt-PA 静脉溶栓后的急性缺血性脑卒中患者的血管再通情况。     

Balloon catheter disruption of middle cerebral artery thrombus in conjunction with thrombolysis for the treatment of acute middle cerebral artery embolism

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to prospectively assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of balloon disruption of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) by using a deflated balloon catheter combined with an intra-arterial thrombolysis for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven consecutive patients with clinical findings of acute major-vessel stroke met our criteria and underwent balloon disruption of an MCA thrombus with a deflated balloon catheter. The balloon disruption was performed with a low-profile microballoon catheter. The microballoon was inflated in the distal carotid artery and then deflated and advanced just distal to the occlusion site in the MCA. Thereafter, an intra-arterial thrombolysis of the MCA was applied. The maximum time from the onset of symptoms to the start of treatment and maximum dosage of urokinase was 6 hours and 600,000 U. The outcome was classified as good for a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 or 1, moderate for a score of 2 or 3, and poor for a score of 4 or 5. RESULTS: Complete recanalization was achieved in 5 patients and partial recanalization in 3. Three patients recovered to an mRS score of 0 or 1; 3, to scores of 2 or 3; and 1, to a score of 4. No patients died. There was no major intracerebral hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: The penetration of the MCA with a deflated balloon catheter combined with an intra-arterial thrombolysis may be a safe and effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke.     

Intra-arterial thrombolysis using rt-PA in patients with acute stroke due to vessel occlusion of anterior and/or posterior cerebral circulation

Introduction The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intra-arterial (IA) thrombolysis using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in patients with acute stroke due to occlusion in the anterior or posterior circulation. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and radiological data of 88 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent emergency cerebral angiography for the purpose of subsequent IA thrombolysis. The neurological deficit on admission and discharge was graded using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Baseline computer tomography (CT) scans were examined for any signs indicative of cerebral ischemia. The angiographic findings were classified according to the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score for myocardial infarction. Follow-up CT scans were examined for hemorrhagic complication. Results Of the 88 patients who underwent IA thrombolysis, 63 presented with complete or partial arterial occlusion in the suspected perfusion area. In these 63 patients, the median NIHSS score dropped from 15 points on admission to 10 points at discharge. The recanalization rate was 52.6% for partial and complete reperfusion. In-hospital mortality was 20.6% (9.1% for carotid, 44.4% for basilar territory occlusion). Intracerebral bleeding (ICB) occurred in 38.6% of the patients with occlusion in the anterior circulation, resulting in these patients presenting a worse clinical outcome than those without ICB. Only minor extracranial bleedings occurred in 20.6% of patients. Patients with ICB had a significantly higher frequency of ischemic signs on the baseline CT scan. Conclusion Occlusion of a cerebral artery is present in about 75% of the patients eligible for thrombolytic therapy. Intra-arterial thrombolysis using rt-PA in patients with acute ischemic stroke can achieve re-vascularization, although ICB remains the major risk factor affecting its efficacy.     

Role of recanalization in acute stroke outcome: rationale for a CT angiogram-based "benefit of recanalization" model

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke, CT angiographic (CTA) source images (CTA-SI) identify tissue likely to infarct despite early recanalization. This pilot study evaluated the impact of recanalization status on clinical and radiologic predictors of patient outcomes.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 44 patients undergoing CT/CTA within 6 hours of developing symptoms of proximal MCA ischemia, 19 patients achieved complete proximal MCA (MCA M1) recanalization. Admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, onset-to-imaging time, CTA-SI Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, MCA M1 occlusion, cerebrovascular collaterals score, and CTA-SI lesion volume were correlated with 3- to 6-month follow-up modified Rankin Scale (mRS). We developed 2 stepwise regression models: one for patients with complete MCA M1 recanalization and one for patients without complete recanalization.RESULTS: Complete and incomplete recanalization groups had similar median admission NIHSS scores (19 versus 19) and mean onset-to-imaging times (2.3 versus 1.9 hours) but different proportions of patients achieving mRS scores 0–2 (74% versus 40%; P = .04). The only independent predictors of clinical outcome in patients with complete recanalization were onset-to-imaging time and admission CTA-SI lesion volume (total model R² = 0.75; P = .01). The only independent predictors of outcome in patients with incomplete recanalization were admission CTA-SI lesion volume and NIHSS score (total model R² = 0.66; P = .007).CONCLUSION: Regardless of recanalization status, admission CTA-SI lesion volume was associated with clinical outcome. Recanalization status did, however, affect which variables in addition to CTA-SI volume significantly impacted clinical outcome: time with complete recanalization and NIHSS with incomplete recanalization. This finding may support the development of a model predicting the potential clinical benefit expected with early successful recanalization.

Identifying predictors of clinical outcome after thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke may improve patient selection. However, clinical examination and unenhanced CT, the current standards for admission evaluation, are limited in predicting which patients are likely to improve with or worsen without recanalization.^1–8 Although the predictive capabilities of imaging techniques, such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), CT cerebral blood volume, xenon CT cerebral blood flow, positron-emission tomography, or transcranial Doppler sonography have been demonstrated,^9–14 patient and site-specific factors limit the widespread application of these technologies in the acute setting.Because CT is faster, less expensive, and more universally available than MR imaging, evidence supporting the accurate characterization of stroke physiology with advanced CT imaging could widely impact the management of patients with ischemic stroke.^15–18 The source images from the CT angiography (CTA) vascular acquisition provide clinically relevant data concerning tissue perfusion level. Theoretically, under an approximately steady-state level of contrast in the arterial and capillary vascular bed, CTA source images (CTA-SI) are weighted predominantly by blood volume rather than blood flow.^19–21 These CTA-SI, like DWI on MR imaging, have been shown to correlate with final infarct volume.²²We sought to characterize the role of admission CTA-SI and other relevant clinical variables in determining clinical outcome among acute stroke patients who undergo attempted recanalization. Because the success of recanalization is unknown at presentation and can impact clinical outcome, we divided patients a priori into 2 cohorts based on the degree of recanalization later achieved.     

动静脉联合应用重组组织型纤溶酶原激活剂治疗超时间窗急性脑梗死患者近期预后影响因素分析

目的探讨动静脉联合应用重组组织型纤溶酶原激活剂(rt-PA)治疗超时间窗急性脑梗死患者的近期预后及其影响因素,为临床治疗方案的选择提供依据。方法回顾性分析由基层医院转诊的53例经动静脉联合应用rt-PA治疗的超时间窗急性脑梗死患者的临床资料。收集基线资料,并在患者入院时、治疗后7 d进行美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分,将评分的差值作为结局变量(NIHSS差值≥4分或≥50%为预后良好,反之为预后不良)。同时,比较溶栓前后TIMT分级情况,观察血管再通率及其对预后的影响。结果 53例患者中,近期预后良好35例,年龄、溶栓前血糖、症状性出血、溶栓前NIHSS评分、溶栓启动时间、梗死部位是影响近期预后的主要因素。动静脉联合溶栓后,血管再通41例,其中,29例患者缺血区完全恢复灌注,为完全再通;12例患者有<50%的缺血区灌注,属于部分再通。结论影响超时间窗急性脑梗死患者近期预后的主要因素为年龄、溶栓前血糖、症状性出血、溶栓前NIHSS评分、溶栓启动时间、梗死部位;动静脉联合溶栓可显著增加血管再通率,改善预后。     

Sequential combination of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and intra-arterial urokinase in acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Combined intravenous (IV) and intra-arterial (IA) thrombolytic therapy may be faster and easier to initiate than monotherapy, and its recanalization rate may be better as well. The sequential combination of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) and urokinase (UK) has synergistic and complementary effects on clot lysis. We prospectively evaluated the effectiveness and safety of sequential combination of IV rTPA and IA UK in acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: IV rTPA was administered to patients with acute stroke within 3 hours of onset. Those whose condition had not improved at the end of rTPA infusion were further treated with selective IA UK. We evaluated baseline and 30-day National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and 90-day modified Rankin Scale scores. RESULTS: Thirty patients were initially treated with IV rTPA; 24 were further treated with IA UK. Four patients who had rapid reocclusion following initial successful IA therapy received IV abciximab. Fourteen of 24 patients who underwent angiography had an effective perfusion state of Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction grade 3 flow. Median baseline and 30-day NIHSS scores were 18 and 2, respectively. Eighteen patients improved to a modified Rankin scale score of 0 or 1 after 90 days. Symptomatic hemorrhage developed in two patients. CONCLUSION: The strategy of using conventional-dose IV rTPA and the sequential combination of IA UK in patients without an early clinical response to IV treatment was safe and feasible. This strategy achieved high complete arterial recanalization rates and good functional outcomes.     

静脉溶栓桥接Solitaire支架取栓治疗急性缺血性脑卒中的效果分析

目的探讨静脉溶栓桥接Solitaire支架取栓开通颅内闭塞大血管的疗效。 方法回顾我院2014年6月—2015年10月采用桥接模式接受血管内治疗的15例急性缺血性脑卒中患者资料。分析大血管开通情况,术中、术后并发症发生情况,早期神经功能改善情况以及随访90 d时mRS情况。 结果15例患者中,大脑中动脉闭塞9例,颈内动脉颅内段合并大脑中动脉闭塞2例,椎基底动脉系统闭塞4例。所有患者大血管均获得开通。2例患者出现颅内出血,1例为颞叶出血、1例为丘脑出血。死亡2例。入院NIHSS评分(14.83±5.65)与3天后NIHSS评分(6.82±5.53)比较,差异有统计学意义。90 d随访临床结果优良患者9例(mRS<2)。 结论静脉溶栓桥接Solitaire支架动脉取栓能使大血管获得较好的再通率,显著改善急性缺血性脑卒中患者的预后。     

rt-PA溶栓治疗急性缺血性脑卒中临床效果及影响因素分析

目的探讨重组组织型纤溶酶原激活剂(rt-PA)溶栓治疗急性缺血性脑卒中(AIS)的临床效果及影响因素。方法回顾性分析2016年1-12月我院收治的48例AIS患者的临床资料。所有患者均于发病6 h内行rt-PA溶栓治疗。应用动脉闭塞评分评价溶栓效果,根据溶栓效果将患者分为有效组(A组)与无效组(B组)。比较两组患者血糖、收缩压、甲状腺激素T3水平、发病至治疗时间(OTT)、心源性卒中例数及美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分。多因素Logistic回归分析rt-PA溶栓治疗效果的影响因素。结果 A组患者血糖、收缩压、甲状腺激素T3水平、OTT及NIHSS评分低于B组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);心源性卒中比例高于B组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。NIHSS评分、OTT与溶栓效果呈负相关(r值分别为-0.076与-0.083,P均<0.05);甲状腺激素T3水平与溶栓效果呈正相关(r=0.037,P<0.05)。A组患者治疗后24 h神经功能恢复良好比例及7 d转归良好比例均高于B组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 NIHSS评分、甲状腺激素T3水平及OTT是rt-PA溶栓治疗AIS的独立影响因素,具有临床指导意义。