改良CPSSS量表对急性前循环大血管闭塞性脑梗死的预测价值分析

目的 在辛辛那提院前卒中严重程度量表(Cincinnati prehospital stroke severity scale,CPSSS)基础上加入心房颤动项目构建改良CPSSS(modified CPSSS,mCPSSS),评估mCPSSS对急性前循环大血管闭塞(large vessel occlusion,LVO...     

Vision,Aphasia, Neglect Assessment for Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke

Background and PurposeVision, Aphasia, Neglect (VAN) is a large vessel occlusion (LVO) screening tool that was initially tested in a small study where emergency department (ED) nurses were trained to perform VAN assessment on stroke code patients. We aimed to validate the VAN assessment in a larger inpatient dataset.MethodsWe utilized a large dataset and used National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) performed by physicians to extrapolate VAN. VAN was compared to NIHSS greater than or equal to 6 and established prehospital LVO screening tools including Rapid Arterial Occlusion Evaluation scale (RACE), Field Assessment Stroke Triage for Emergency Destination (FAST-ED), and Cincinnati Pre-hospital Stroke Scale (CPSS). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy, and area under receiver operating characteristics curve was calculated to estimate the predictive value of LVO.ResultsVAN was comparable in sensitivity (79% versus 80%) and NPV (88% versus 87%) to NIHSS greater than or equal to 6. It was superior in specificity (69% versus 57%), PPV (53% versus 46%) and accuracy to NIHSS greater than or equal to 6 (72% versus 64%) with significant receiver operating curve (.74 versus .69, P = .02).VAN also had comparable area under the curve when compared to RACE, FAST-ED, and CPSS however slightly lower accuracy (69%-73%) compared to RACE (76%), FAST-ED (77%), and CPSS (75%). VAN had the highest NPV among all screening assessments (88%).ConclusionsVAN is a simple screening tool that can identify LVOs with adequate accuracy in hospital setting. Future studies need to be conducted in prehospital setting to validate its utility to detect LVOs in the field.     

Cardiac Biomarkers Predict Large Vessel Occlusion in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

Background and PurposeCardiac biomarkers may help identify stroke mechanisms and may aid in improving stroke prevention strategies. There is limited data on the association between these biomarkers and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO). We hypothesized that cardiac biomarkers (cardiac troponin and left atrial diameter [LAD]) would be associated with the presence of LVO.MethodsData were abstracted from a single center prospective AIS database over 18 months and included all patients with AIS with CT angiography of the head and neck. The presence of LVO was defined as proximal LVO of the internal carotid artery terminus, middle cerebral artery (M1 or proximal M2), or basilar artery. Univariate analyses and predefined multivariable models were performed to determine the association between cardiac biomarkers (positive troponin [troponin ≥0.1 ng/mL] and LAD on transthoracic echocardiogram) and LVO adjusting for demographic factors (age and sex), risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, history of stroke, congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, and smoking), and atrial fibrillation (AF).ResultsWe identified 1234 patients admitted with AIS; 886 patients (71.8%) had vascular imaging to detect LVO. Of those with imaging available, 374 patients (42.2%) had LVO and 207 patients (23.4%) underwent thrombectomy. There was an association between positive troponin and LVO after adjusting for age, sex and other risk factors (adjusted OR 1.69 [1.08-2.63], P = .022) and this association persisted after including AF in the model (adjusted OR 1.60 [1.02-2.53], P = 0.043). There was an association between LAD and LVO after adjusting for age, sex, and risk factors (adjusted OR per mm 1.03 [1.01-1.05], P = 0.013) but this association was not present when AF was added to the model (adjusted OR 1.01 [0.99-1.04], P = .346). Sensitivity analyses using thrombectomy as an outcome yielded similar findings.ConclusionsCardiac biomarkers, particularly serum troponin levels, are associated with acute LVO in patients with ischemic stroke. Prospective studies are ongoing to confirm this association and to test whether anticoagulation reduces the risk of recurrent embolism in this patient population.     

Centrally Guided Identification of Patients With Large Vessel Occlusion: Lessons From Trauma Systems

Objective: Improve prehospital identification of acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) by using a trauma system-based emergency communication center (ECC) to guide the emergency medical service (EMS). Methods: We trained 24 ECC paramedics in the Emergency Medical Stroke Assessment (EMSA). ECC-guided EMS in performance of the EMSA on patients with suspected stroke. During the second half of the study, we provided focused feedback to ECC after reviewing recorded ECC-EMS interactions. We compared the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operator characteristics curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval of ECC-guided EMSA to the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) for predicting a discharge diagnosis of LVO. Results: We enrolled 569 patients from September 2016 through February 2018. Of 463 patients analyzed, 236 (51%) had a discharge diagnosis of stroke and 227 (49%) had a nonstroke diagnosis. There were 45 (19%) stroke patients with LVO. For predicting LVO, there was no significant difference between the EMSA AUC = .68 (.59-.77) and the NIHSS AUC = .73 (.65-.81). An EMSA score greater than or equal to 4 had sensitivity = 75.6 (60.5-87.1) and specificity = 62.4 (57.6-67.1) for LVO. During the first 9 months of the study, the EMSA AUC = .61 (.44-.77) compared to an AUC = .74 (.64-.84) during the second 9 months. Conclusions:ECC-guided prehospital EMSA is feasible, has similar ability to predict LVO compared to the NIHSS, and has sustained performance over time.     

Radiological Eye Deviation as a Predictor of Large Vessel Occlusion in Acute Ischaemic Stroke

Background: Detection of large vessel occlusion (LVO) is required for endovascular therapy in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) but CT angiography (CTA) is not always performed at primary stroke centers. Eye deviation on CT brain has been associated with improved stroke detection, but comparisons with angiographic status have been limited. This study sought to determine if radiological eye deviation was associated with LVO. Methods: All AIS patients given intravenous thrombolysis who had acute CTA performed in 2 stroke units were reviewed over 2013-2015 for the presence of LVO. Eye deviation was determined by 2 clinicians blinded to LVO status. Logistic regression was performed to determine which factors predicated LVO. Results: Total 195 AIS patients with acute CTA were identified; 124 (64%) had LVO. Median age was 72 (IQR 64–82) years, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 12 (IQR 7-14). LVO patients had a higher NIHSS (15 versus 7, p < .01) and were more likely to have eye deviation on CT brain (71% versus 22.5%, p < .01). Logistic regression confirmed NIHSS score and eye deviation were associated with LVO, with odds ratios of 1.15 (per point) and 5.13 respectively. NIHSS less than equal to 11 gave greatest sensitivity (78.5%) and specificity (76.1%) for LVO with a positive predictive value of 84.7%. Eye deviation was similar with sensitivity 71%, specificity 77.5%, and 84.6%. Conclusions: Eye deviation on CT brain is strongly associated with LVO. Presence of eye deviation on CT should alert clinicians to probability of LVO and for formal angiographic testing if not already performed.     

Large Vessel Occlusion Score: A Screening Tool to Detect Large Vessel Occlusion in the Acute Stroke Setting

Background: The results of recent trials of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke have increased the demand for identification of patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) at the primary stroke center, where a prompt detection may expedite transfer to a comprehensive stroke center for endovascular treatment. However, in developing countries, a noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) may be the only neuroimaging modality available at the primary stroke center scenario, what calls for a screening strategy accurate enough to avoid unnecessary transfers of noneligible patients for endovascular therapy. Algorithms based on National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and NCCT findings can be used to screen for LVO in patients with anterior circulation stroke (ACS). Objective: To test the accuracy of a score based on NIHSS and NCCT to detect LVO in patients with ACS. Methods: We evaluated 178 patients from a prospective stroke registry of patients admitted to an academic tertiary emergency unit. NIHSS and vessel attenuation values of the middle cerebral artery on NCCT absolute vessel attenuation (VA) were collected by 2 investigators that were blind to CT angiography (CTA) findings. We used receiver operating characteristics curve analysis and C-statistics to predict LVO on CTA. Results: NIHSS and vessel attenuation were highly associated with LVO with an area under the curve (AUC) of .86 and .77. The LVO score, built by logistic regression coefficients of the NIHSS and VA, showed the highest accuracy for the presence of LVO on CTA (AUC of .91). Conclusion: The LVO score may be a useful screening approach to identify LVO in patients with ACS.     

Anticoagulation-related reduction of first-ever stroke severity in Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke and warfarin related anticoagulation has been recommended as an effective treatment for stroke prevention. We aimed to determine whether pre-stroke oral anticoagulation therapy would reduce initial stroke severity in AF patients with first-ever ischemic stroke. We identified consecutive patients who developed first-ever ischemic stroke and were eligible for anticoagulation therapy from the China National Stroke Registry. Multivariate logistic analysis was used to assess the association between warfarin usage and initial stroke severity, measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Of 9519 patients, 1140 (11.98%) had AF, including 440 (38.6%) without known AF before presentation, 561 (49.2%) with known AF but not taking warfarin, and 139 (12.2%) with known AF who were taking warfarin. Compared to patients with known AF but not on warfarin, the odds ratio (OR) of having a major stroke (NIHSS ⩾4) was lower in patients with known AF who were on warfarin (OR = 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57–0.84). The OR of developing a severe coma (GCS 3–8) was also reduced in the warfarin group (OR = 0.71; 95% CI 0.56–0.91). In conclusion, pre-stroke warfarin therapy lowered the severity of the first-ever ischemic stroke in patients with known AF. Considering its efficacy in stroke prevention and the significant under-usage of warfarin in China, the primary prevention of stroke in AF patients should be reinforced.     

不同院前评估模型对预测急性缺血性脑卒中 患者前循环大动脉闭塞的价值分析

目的 探讨不同院前评估模型对预测急性缺血性脑卒中患者前循环大动脉闭塞(LAVO)的价值。方法 将2016年5月-2018年4月本院收治的190例急性缺血性脑卒中患者分为LAVO组(55例)和非LAVO组(135例),比较2组患者FAST、LAMS、PASS、3-ISS和RACE的差异,绘制ROC曲线,评价五种量表的诊断效能。结果 LAVO组的FAST、LAMS、PASS、3-ISS和RACE分数均显著高于非LAVO组(P<0.05)。ROC曲线显示,FAST量表预测急性缺血性脑卒中患者LAVO的AUC显著高于LAMS、PASS、3-ISS和RACE(P<0.05),FAST的最佳截点为≥4分。FAST在预测急性缺血性脑卒中患者LAVO时的诊断准确率、灵敏性、特异性和阳性预测值均明显高于LAMS、PASS、3-ISS和RACE。结论 FAST在预测急性缺血性脑卒中患者LAVO中有较高应用价值,其中FAST总分值≥4分可作为急性缺血性脑卒中患者LAVO的参考指标。     

Predictors of Left Atrial Thrombi and Spontaneous Echocardiographic Contrast in the Acute Phase After Cardioembolic Stroke in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: The underlying mechanism of the residual left atrial thrombus (LAT)/spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) after the onset of cardioembolic stroke (CES) is unknown. This study aims to investigate the utility of CHADS₂ and CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores for predicting LAT/SEC, and to investigate the risk factors of residual LAT/SEC after CES onset. Methods: This retrospective study included 124 patients who were admitted with the acute phase of CES at our center. The clinical, echocardiographic variables, the CHADS₂/CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score were retrospectively assessed on admission. Results: Of 124 patients, LAT or SEC was detected in 39 patients (31.5%, 17 LAT and 38 SEC). Univariate analysis showed that the LAT/SEC group had a higher prevalence of nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, hypertension, the rate of anticoagulation before admission, higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, larger left atrial diameter, and elevated E wave. In contrast, the CHADS₂ and CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores were not associated with LAT/SEC. LAT/SEC was associated with nonparoxysmal AF and LV hypertrophy on multivariate analysis. Moreover, all patients were divided into 4 groups based on the combination between non-paroxysmal AF and LV hypertrophy. The rate of LAT/SEC was the highest (87.5%) in patients with nonparoxysmal AF and LV hypertrophy. Conclusions: Nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation and left ventricular hypertrophy were associated with residual left atrial thrombus/spontaneous echo contrast in the acute phase after cardioembolic stroke that was independent of the CHADS₂ and CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores.     

Anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke in Saudi Arabia: Prevalence,predictors, and outcome

ObjectiveAnterior circulation Large Vessel Occlusion (LVO) stroke comes with significant morbidity and mortality. With the advent of endovascular interventions, its management has revolutionized. For health authorities to build systems and allocate resources, its burden, predictors, and outcome must be determined.MethodsIn a single tertiary care center, we retrospectively collected data from 1495 ischemic stroke patients to determine anterior circulation LVO prevalence, predictors, and outcome. Patients must have radiologically proven ischemic stroke within 24 hours before arrival at the emergency department. Anterior circulation LVO related stroke was defined as evidence of new anterior circulation infarct detected on neuroimaging, and vascular imaging confirming anterior circulation Large Vessel Occlusion. Data on demographics, vascular risk factors, treatment with reperfusion therapy, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at admission, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission, length of stay (LOS) in days, and in-hospital comorbidities and death were collected. Regression analysis was done to determine the predictors and outcomes of anterior circulation LVO ischemic strokes.ResultsWe found anterior circulation LVO in 27.8% (95 % CI 25.5–30.0) of all ischemic stroke patients. Atrial fibrillation and admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were the strongest predictors of LVO [OR 2.33, P = 0.0011 and OR 1.17, P < 0.0001] respectively. Occurrence of LVO was associated with worse disability score (mRS ≥ 3) [47.22 vs. 19.81% (P = 0.0073)], longer hospitalization in days [Median 9.0 vs. 3.0, IQR (14.0 vs. 5.0) P = 0.0432)], and was more likely to results in patient admission to intensive care unit [Mean 17.59 vs. 3.70 % (P = 0.0002)].ConclusionStroke with large vessel occlusion in Saudi Arabia is not uncommon. Its burden and outcome deserve national attention, as effective treatment is now readily available.     

Absence of Collaterals is Associated with Larger Infarct Volume and Worse Outcome in Patients with Large Vessel Occlusion and Mild Symptoms

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy is the standard of care for patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) presenting with severe symptoms; however, little is known about the best treatment for patients with LVO and mild symptoms. The absence of good collaterals has been associated with a worse outcome in patients with LVO. In this study, we aim to assess the use of collateral score to identify patients with LVO and mild symptoms that might benefit from mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data on patients presenting with mild ischemic stroke (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] <6) and anterior circulation LVO between September 2015 and July 2017 was performed. Collected data included baseline demographics, NIHSS on admission, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS), location of occlusion, collateral score using Tan scoring system, final infarct volume, and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Patients who underwent MT were excluded from this analysis. Two multivariable models were used to assess outcomes. A gamma distributed generalized linear regression model with a log link was used to examine the impact on final infarct volume. To predict the odds of a positive 90-day outcome we estimated a logistic regression. Results: Forty-one patients were identified. Mean age was 67.7-years with 56.1% males. Median NIHSS on admission was 3. The most common vessels involved were the middle cerebral artery (26), internal carotid artery (14), and anterior cerebral artery (1). Twelve patients received intravenous alteplase. Median ASPECTS score was 9, median collateral score was 2.3. Median infarct volume was 10.7 mL. A good functional outcome (mRS 0-2) at 90 days was achieved in 86.4% of patients. There was a negative relationship between collateral score and final infarct volume (−.3134, P = .046). Multivariable regression results showed that with a one-point increase in NIHSS on admission there was a 25% increase in final infarct volume. Higher infarct volume was associated with lower odds of achieving good functional outcome (mRS 0-2) (odds ratio .96, P = .049 [95% confidence interval .918-.999). Conclusions: Most patients with anterior circulation LVO and low NIHSS achieve good long-term functional outcome, however, approximately 15% had significant disability. The absence of collaterals correlates with a larger final infarct volume and a worse long-term functional outcome. Collateral score might be a useful tool in identifying patients with LVO and low NIHSS who might benefit from MT.     

The Effect of a County Prehospital FAST-ED Initiative on Endovascular Treatment Times

BackgroundAcute stroke outcomes depend on timely reperfusion. In 3/2017, local EMS agencies implemented a prehospital triage algorithm with hospital bypass and field activation of the neurointerventional team using the Field Assessment Stroke Triage for Emergency Destination (FAST-ED). A score ≥4 bypasses to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) and a score ≥6 also has the interventional team field activated off-hours.AimWe analyzed effects of this initiative on volume, acute stroke transfers, treatment times, and outcomes and determined the tool's ability to predict large vessel occlusion.MethodsStroke cases brought to our center by EMS during 3/2016-2/2018 were analyzed, which included one year before and after FAST-ED implementation. Treatment times were compared on- vs. off-hours and to those with field activation.ResultsOf 1153 patients, 761 (67%) were coded as stroke and 235 (20%) underwent reperfusion. Age, sex, race/ethnicity, stroke severity, length of stay, door-to-needle, and 90-d mRS were comparable between periods. Scale compliance was 85%. Concordance rate of ±1 between EMS and calculated score was 53%. Compared to the previous year, door-to-puncture (DTP) improved by 17 min (p < 0.01) overall, 25 min (p < 0.001) off-hours, and 33 min (p < 0.05) with field activation. A cutoff of 4 vs. 6 would have led to 140% increase in field activations but only 36% increase in procedures.ConclusionsThis prehospital initiative led to faster DTP by up to 33 min. The highest impact was off-hours with field activation. Only 1/3 of activations led to endovascular treatment. FAST-ED≥6 appears to be appropriate for field activation.     

Mechanical Revascularization in the Era of the Field Assessment Stroke Triage for Emergency Destination (FAST-ED): A Retrospective Cohort Assessment in a Community Stroke Practice

BackgroundEndovascular mechanical revascularization has become the mainstay acute stroke management secondary to emergent large vessel occlusions. In patients who can benefit from mechanical revascularization, the ability to intervene in a timely manner directly correlates with improved outcomes. The field assessment for stroke triage (FAST-ED) prehospital triage tool, is one of many stroke severity scales designed to decrease time to diagnosis in the field and optimize patient triage to comprehensive stroke centers. It is however unclear what impact if any, this tool has on time to activation of hospital stroke intervention teams. We set out to assess the impact of the implementation of the FAST-ED triage tool on the activation of the stroke intervention team in a community stroke treatment practice.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed institutional records for consecutive admissions with reported stroke alerts between March 2017 and September 2018, and selected patients who presented via Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The association between FAST-ED scores and impact on time to revascularization as well as the association between FAST-ED scores and the presence of emergent large vessel occlusion were analyzed.ResultsThere was a statistically significant improvement in interventional team activation times in favor of the FAST-ED cohort, (P < .05).ConclusionsFAST-ED implementation demonstrates a statistically significant improvement on stroke team activation times for patients who are candidates for mechanical revascularization. Larger cohort analysis is needed to fully evaluate the magnitude of this effect.     

Pre-hospital Diagnosis of Large Vessel Occlusion in Patients Being Transported by Helicopter

BackgroundDuring the helicopter transportation of patients suspected of large vessel occlusion (LVO), an accurate and rapid decision-making process is required.AimsWe attempted to create an algorithm for the pre-hospital diagnosis of the presence of LVO in patients suspected of stroke using data from patients transported urgently by helicopter.MethodsOne hundred and sixty-five patients transported by helicopter were divided into two subgroups: a training dataset and a validation dataset. We extracted clinical information obtained on site, the unadjusted score of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and previously reported pre-hospital scales as an LVO screen. On the basis of the analyses of these factors, an algorithm was devised to predict the presence of LVO and its predictive accuracy was evaluated using the validation dataset.ResultsIschemic stroke with LVO was diagnosed in 36 out of 121 cases (29.8%) in the training dataset and in 10 out of 44 cases (22.7%) in the validation dataset. Combining five factors (conjugate deviation, upper limb paresis, atrial fibrillation, Japan Coma Scale ≥ 200, and systolic blood pressure ≥ 180), an algorithm was created to classify cases into six groups with different likelihoods of LVO presence. The algorithm predicted correctly 6 out of 10 cases in the validation dataset. Furthermore, it definitively ruled out 17 out of 34 cases in the validation dataset.ConclusionsUsing the newly created algorithm, emergency staff could easily and accurately distinguish patients suitable for urgent endovascular thrombectomy from patients with non-LVO or stroke mimics.     

Preceding Antithrombotic Treatment is Associated With Acute Ischemic Stroke Severity and Functional Outcome at 90 Days Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

BackgroundAntithrombotic therapies are known to prevent ischemic stroke (IS) for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but are often underused in clinical practice. The aim of present study was to investigate the prevalence of patients with acute IS with known history of AF who were not receiving antithrombotic treatment before stroke and to evaluate the association of preceding antithrombotic treatment with stroke severity and outcomes at 90 days after admission.Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective, multi-center, observational study of 748 patients with acute IS and known history of AF admitted to 6 participating hospitals between March 2016 and October 2017. The primary outcome was stroke severity at admission as assessed using National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. The secondary outcome was functional outcome at 90 days after admission as measured by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score.ResultsA total of 748 patients, 54 (7.2%) were receiving therapeutic warfarin (international normalized ratio [INR] ≥ 2) and 100 (13.4%) had subtherapeutic warfarin anticoagulation (INR < 2), 340 (45.5%) were receiving antiplatelet treatment, and 254 (34.0%) were not receiving any antithrombotic treatment prior to stroke. Compared with no antithrombotic treatment, therapeutic warfarin (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.52-0.82; P = .022), and antiplatelet therapy only (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.76-0.96; P = .041) were associated with lower odds ratio of moderate or severe stroke (NIHSS ≥ 16). Patients receiving preceding therapeutic warfarin (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.22-3.57; P = .025), antiplatelet therapy only (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.07-2.59; P = .043), and subtherapeutic warfarin with INR 1.5 to 1.99 (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.10-2.66; P = .042) had higher odds ratio of better functional outcome (mRS ≤ 2) at 90 days.ConclusionsAmong patients with AF who had experienced an acute IS, inadequate therapeutic warfarin preceding the stroke was very prevalent in China. Therapeutic warfarin was associated with less severe stroke and better functional outcome at 90 days.     

Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale Implementation of an Urban County Severity-Based Stroke Triage Protocol: Impact and Outcomes on a Comprehensive Stroke Center

Background and purposeScreening scales are recommended to assist field-based triage of acute stroke patients to designated stroke centers. Cincinnati prehospital stroke scale (CPSS) is a commonly used prehospital stroke screening tool and has been validated to identify large vessel occlusion (LVO). This study addresses the impact of county-based CPSS implementation to triage suspected LVO patients to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC).Materials and methodsDekalb County in Atlanta, Georgia, implemented CPSS-based protocol with score of 3 and last seen normal time < 24 h mandating transfer to the nearest CSC if the added bypass time was <15 min. Frequency of stroke codes, LVO, IV-tPA use, and thrombectomy treatment were compared six months before and after protocol change (November 1, 2020).ResultsDuring the study period, 907 stroke patients presented to the CSC by EMS, including 289 (32%) with CPSS score 3. There was an increase in monthly ischemic stroke volume (pre-16 ± 2 vs.19 ± 3 p = 0.03), LVO (pre-4.3 ± 1.7 vs. post-7.0 ± 2.4; p = 0.03), EVT (pre-15% vs. post-30%; p = 0.001), without significant increase in stroke mimic volume or delay in mean time from last seen normal to IV-tPA (pre-165 ± 66, post-158 ± 49 min; p = 0.35). CPSS score 3 was associated with increased likelihood of LVO diagnosis (OR 8.5, 95% CI 5.0-14.4; p = 0.001) and decreased the likelihood of stroke mimics (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.50-0.88; p = 0.004).ConclusionCPSS is a quick, easy to implement, and reliable prehospital severity scale for EMS to triage LVO to CSC without delaying IV-tPA treatment or significantly increasing stroke mimics.     

Outcomes in patients with ischaemic stroke undergoing endovascular thrombectomy: Impact of atrial fibrillation

ObjectivesEndovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is associated with good clinical outcomes in ischaemic stroke, but the risk of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and mortality remains common following ischaemic stroke. The effect of concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) on clinical outcomes following acute ischaemic stroke in patients receiving EVT remains unclear. The aim is to investigate associations between AF and intracerebral haemorrhage and all-cause mortality at 90 days in patients with ischaemic stroke undergoing EVT.Materials and MethodsA retrospective cohort was conducted using TriNetX, a global health research network. The network was searched for people aged ≥18 years with ischaemic stroke, EVT and AF recorded in electronic medical records between 01/09/2018 and 01/09/2021. These patients were compared to controls with ischaemic stroke, EVT and no AF. Propensity score matching for age, sex, race, comorbidities, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, and prior use of anticoagulation was used to balance the cohorts with and without AF.ResultsIn total 3,106 patients were identified with history of ischaemic stroke treated by EVT. After propensity-score matching, 832 patients (mean age 68 ± 13; 47% female) with ischaemic stroke, EVT and AF, were compared to 832 patients (mean age 67 ± 12; 47% female) with ischaemic stroke, EVT and no history of AF. In the cohort with AF, 11.5% (n = 96) experienced ICH within 90 days following EVT, compared with 12.3% (n = 103) in patients without AF (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68-1.24; p = 0.59). In the patients with AF, mortality within 90 days following EVT was 18.7% (n = 156), compared with 22.5% in patients without AF (n = 187) (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63-1.01; p = 0.06).ConclusionIn patients with ischaemic stroke undergoing EVT, AF was not significantly associated with intracerebral haemorrhage or all‐cause mortality at 90‐day follow‐up.     

The Yield of Multimodal Computed Tomography among Emergency Department Patients with Suspected Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke

Objectives: Endovascular therapy (EVT) improves outcomes for appropriately selected acute ischemic stroke patients. Guidelines suggest rapid acquisition of noninvasive vascular imaging to screen suspected ischemic stroke patients for large vessel occlusion (LVO) and candidacy for EVT. We sought to quantify the yield of an LVO stroke screening process in an undifferentiated emergency department (ED) suspected stroke population as well as identify predictors of successful EVT. Methods: We identified a cohort of consecutive ED patients who received CT angiography and brain perfusion (CTA/P) imaging to determine candidacy for EVT during 2016. In keeping with the guidelines at that time, hospital protocol directed physicians to obtain CTA/P studies if time from the onset of symptoms was less than or equal to 6 hours, and the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) more than or equal to 6 or if recommended by the consulting stroke neurologist. Final discharge diagnoses, EVT attempts, and successful reperfusion (TICI 2b or better) were recorded. Yield of CTA/P was compared among patients based on NIHSS and duration of symptoms. Results: Over a 12-month period, 406 suspected stroke patients were screened with CTA/P; 273 (67%) received a final diagnosis of ischemic stroke. Among cases screened, 53 (13%) underwent attempted EVT; 35 (9%) achieved successful reperfusion. Only 1 of 113 (1%) patients with an NIHSS less than 6 was successfully treated with EVT compared to 34 of 285 (12%) with higher NIHSS (p = 0.001). The probability of successful EVT declined with increasing symptom duration (p = 0.009 for trend). In multivariable analysis, NIHSS more than or equal to 6 was associated with successful EVT (odds ratio [OR] 4.0 [1.6 to 9.9]) but presentation within 6 hours of onset was not (OR 2.3 [0.8 to 6.7]). Conclusions: EVT candidates were common among suspected stroke patients screened with CTA/P in the ED, however, patients with NIHSS less than 6 rarely received successful EVT.     

Intravenous thrombolysis versus antiplatelet therapy in minor stroke patients with large vessel occlusion

Aim

Our study aimed to explore the effectiveness and safety of intravenous t-PA compared with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and aspirin alone for minor stroke with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤5 and large vessel occlusion (LVO).

Methods

Patients with minor stroke harboring LVO within 4.5-h time window were included from the Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR-III) between August 2015 and March 2018 in China. Clinical outcomes including modified Rankin scale (mRS) score, recurrent stroke, and all-cause mortality at 90 days and 36-h symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) were collected. Multivariable logistic regression models and propensity score matching analyses were used to determine the association between treatment groups and clinical outcomes.

Results

A total of 1401 minor stroke patients with LVO were included. Overall 251 patients (17.9%) received intravenous t-PA, 722 patients (51.5%) received DAPT, and 428 patients (30.5%) received aspirin alone. The intravenous t-PA was associated with greater proportions of mRS 0–1 (aspirin versus t-PA: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32 to 0.80; p = 0.004; DAPT versus t-PA: aOR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.49 to 1.19; p = 0.23). Using propensity score matching analyses, the results were similar. There was no difference in 90-day recurrent stroke among the groups. The rates of all-cause mortality in intravenous t-PA, DAPT, and aspirin groups were 0%, 0.55%, 2.34%, respectively. No patient developed sICH within 36 h of intravenous t-PA.

Conclusion

In patients with minor stroke harboring LVO within 4.5-h time window, intravenous t-PA was associated with higher odds for the excellent functional outcome, as compared with the aspirin alone. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted.