White matter lesions and intra-arterial thrombolysis

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of white matter lesions in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT). From September 2003 to January 2010, we treated 400 patients with IAT at our institution. Of these patients, 292 were evaluated with MRI scans and included in this observational study. Clinical data were collected prospectively. Outcome after 3 months was measured with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS); mRS 0-1 was considered as favorable outcome. White matter lesions were scored visually by two observers using the semiquantitative Scheltens and Fazekas scores. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association of white matter lesions and clinical outcome, recanalization, and cerebral hemorrhage. The severity of white matter lesions was inversely correlated with favorable outcome, survival and successful recanalization. White matter lesions were an independent predictor of outcome (OR 0.569, p = 0.007) and survival (OR 0.550, p = 0.018) and a weak but independent predictor for recanalization (OR 0.949, p = 0.038). Asymptomatic intracerebral bleeding after IAT was associated with white matter lesions in the basal ganglia in the univariate analysis (p = 0.036), but not after multivariable analysis. The severity of white matter lesions independently predicts clinical outcome and survival in patients treated with IAT. White matter lesions are also a weak but independent predictor for recanalization. Symptomatic intracranial bleeding after IAT are not associated with white matter lesions. Therefore, white matter lesions should not be considered as a contraindication against IAT.     

Regional nerve injury after intra-arterial chemotherapy

Eleven patients at M.D. Anderson Hospital were referred for neurologic evaluation after having their internal or external iliac arteries catheterized for the treatment of localized pelvic or lower extremity tumors. Nine patients developed lumbosacral plexopathies and two patients, mononeuropathies. All symptoms occurred within 48 hours of the intra-arterial infusion. All patients received cis-dichlorodiammine-platinum (cisplatin; CDDP) intra-arterially, alone or in combination with other agents. Follow-up examinations revealed that only one patient had made partial recovery from the neurologic dysfunction. Chemotherapy-induced small vessel injury, with subsequent plexus or nerve infarction, appears to be the most likely cause, although a direct neurotoxic effect of CDDP cannot be excluded.     

Selecting stroke patients for intra-arterial therapy

There is a great need for new treatments for acute ischemic stroke that will achieve greater rates of arterial recanalization and increase the population of patients who may benefit. Of several approaches under investigation, intra-arterial therapy (IAT) is the farthest along in clinical development, but experience has shown that the increased rates of recanalization achieved are not always translated to improved patient outcomes. Proper patient selection, allied to efficient strategies aiming at faster recanalization and reperfusion, may result in better clinical outcomes and more rational use of therapeutic resources. While high-tech multimodal imaging has the great promise of identifying hypoperfused but still viable brain tissue, a number of clues suggest that relatively low-tech approaches similar to those that were used to demonstrate the efficacy of systemic thrombolysis, and which have emphasized the key role of time and clinical factors such as age, glucose, stroke severity, and infarct on noncontrast CT scan, deserve greater study as an efficient way to optimize IAT. Eventually it will be a combination of predictors that will enable us to most precisely identify the best patients for IAT and any other new revascularization therapies.     

Combined IV and intra-arterial thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke

Combined IV and intra-arterial (IA) thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke may offer advantages over either technique alone. Sixty-two nonrandomized patients with NIH Stroke Scale scores of > or =10 who met standard criteria for IV thrombolysis were treated with an IV/IA approach. Three-month modified Rankin Scale scores were 0 to 2 for 50% of patients, mortality was 18%, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 8%. IV/IA thrombolysis appeared safe and effective in this group.     

Local neurotoxicity of Cisplatin after intra-arterial chemotherapy

Acute cranial neuropathy followed intra-arterial chemotherapy with Cisplatin for a squamous cell cancer of the mouth. The favourable course, histological studies and local trophic impairment suggested local neurotoxicity due to Cisplatin accumulation in cranial nerves. The patient was the first to develop such a toxic effect in a series of 35 consecutive patients treated with the same therapy.     

Combined intravenous and intra-arterial r-TPA versus intra-arterial therapy of acute ischemic stroke: Emergency Management of Stroke (EMS) Bridging Trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of combined intravenous (IV) and local intra-arterial (IA) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-TPA) therapy for stroke within 3 hours of onset of symptoms. METHODS: This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled multi-center Phase I study of IV r-TPA or IV placebo followed by immediate cerebral arteriography and local IA administration of r-TPA by means of a microcatheter. Treatment activity was assessed by improvement on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score (NIHSSS) at 7 to 10 days. The Barthel Index, modified Rankin Scale, and the Glasgow Outcome Scale measured 3-month functional outcome. Arterial recanalization rates and their relation to total r-TPA dose and time to lysis were measured. Rates of life-threatening bleeding, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or other bleeding complications assessed safety. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were randomly assigned, 17 into the IV/IA group and 18 into the placebo/IA group. There was no difference in the 7- to 10-day or the 3-month outcomes, although there were more deaths in the IV/IA group. Clot was found in 22 of 34 patients. Recanalization was better (P=0. 03) in the IV/IA group with TIMI 3 flow in 6 of 11 IV/IA patients versus 1 of 10 placebo/IA patients and correlated to the total dose of r-TPA (P=0.05). There was no difference in the median treatment intervals from time of onset to IV treatment (2.6 vs 2.7 hours), arteriography (3.3 vs 3.0 hours), or clot lysis (6.3 vs 5.7 hours) between the IV/IA and placebo/IA groups, respectively. A direct relation between NIHSSS and the likelihood of the presence of a clot was identified. Eight ICHs occurred; all were hemorrhagic infarctions. There were no parenchymal hematomas. Symptomatic ICH within 24 hours occurred in 1 placebo/IA patient only. Beyond 24 hours, symptomatic ICH occurred in 2 IV/IA patients only. Life-threatening bleeding complications occurred in 2 patients, both in the IV/IA group. Moderate to severe bleeding complications occurred in 2 IV/IA patients and 1 placebo/IA patient. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrates combined IV/IA treatment is feasible and provides better recanalization, although it was not associated with improved clinical outcomes. The presence of thrombus on initial arteriography was directly related to the baseline NIHSSS. This approach is technically feasible. The numbers of symptomatic ICH were similar between the 2 groups, which suggests that this approach may be safe. Further study is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of this new method of treatment. Such studies should address not only efficacy and safety but also the cost-benefit ratio and quality of life, given the major investment in time, personnel, and equipment required by combined IV and IA techniques.     

选择性动脉溶栓治疗急性脑梗死的对照研究

目的评价选择性动脉溶栓治疗急性脑梗死的疗效和安全性。方法2003年1月～2005年5月期间对25例急性脑梗死患者进行选择性动脉溶栓,同期选择年龄、病情相匹配的无溶栓的对照患者25例,同时采用卒中登记方法收集选择性动脉溶栓患者及同期无溶栓的对照患者的临床、实验室及影像学等资料,前瞻性随访所有患者6个月的预后。结果溶栓组和对照组1个月末的病死率分别为4%和4%,6个月末的病死率分别为4%和4%;溶栓组和对照组1个月末残疾率分别为16%和40%,6个月末的残疾率分别为4%和24%。溶栓组并发脑出血2例(8%),其中症状性脑出血1例(4%);对照组未发生症状性脑出血。结论选择性动脉溶栓治疗急性脑梗死患者有效和安全。     

Neuroprotective effect of shenfu injection after intra-arterial thrombolysis

INTRODUCTION About 83% stroke is a kind of ischemic cerebral infarction induced by acute emphraxis of cerebral artery. Early recanalization of occluded arteries can recover blood supply in ischemic semi-dark band and save nerve function as far as possible…     

Hyperdensity on non-contrast CT immediately after intra-arterial revascularization

Non-contrast enhanced computed tomography (NCCT) is usually performed to estimate bleeding complications immediately after procedures. However, hyperdense areas on NCCT have not yet been understood; different interpretations have been reported in the literature. It remains unclear whether NCCT performed immediately after intra-arterial revascularization (IAR) could be useful for predicting hemorrhagic transformation (HT) or clinical outcomes. Therefore, we investigated the diagnostic values of hyperdense areas on NCCT images obtained immediately after IAR. This was a retrospective study of acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent IAR between October 2007 and December 2010. NCCT scans were routinely obtained immediately after IAR and additional follow-up imaging protocols included diffusion weighted imaging (DWI)/gradient echo imaging (GRE) 24 h after IAR. HT was assessed by means of GRE obtained 24 h after IAR. Hounsfield Unit (HU) of the hyperdensity was measured in the manually drawn regions of interest. A total of 68 patients were analyzed in this study. Twenty-nine patients (42.6%) developed HT on follow-up images. Thirty-eight patients had hyperdense areas on NCCT immediately after IAR. Hyperdensity on NCCT performed immediately after IAR revealed 23 (60.5%) of the 38 patients with six false negative areas. NCCT performed immediately after IAR showed a sensitivity of 79.3%, a specificity of 61.5%, a positive predictive value of 60.5% and a negative predictive value of 80% for HT. The HU value was a predictor of HT without statistical significance (area under curve of 0.629; 95% CI: 0.49-0.76; p = 0.068). In addition, an HU of >90 poorly predicted HT with a low sensitivity (23%) and a high specificity (94%). In conclusion, our results showed that although hyperdensity on NCCT images obtained immediately after IAR had a moderate predictive value for HT, there were limitations to the prediction of subsequent parenchymal hematoma and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, with a low specificity and a low positive predictive value.     

Contrast materials with low iodine concentration and intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography

Intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography was performed in 25 patients, using Iopamidol in three different iodine concentrations: 50, 75, and 100 mg I/ml and comparing the results obtained with each concentration. The following vessels were explored: the aortic arch, the common carotid artery, the internal and external carotid arteries and the vertebral artery. The contrastographic effect was satisfactory when lower iodine concentrations were used in very selective catheterizations while greater concentrations of iodine were needed in less selective procedures.     

Reasons to withhold intra-arterial thrombolysis in clinical practice

Background In selected stroke centers intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) is used for the treatment of acute stroke patients presenting within 6 hours of symptom onset. However, data about eligibility of acute stroke patients for IAT in clinical practice are very scarce. Methods We collected prospectively data on indications advising for or against IAT of 230 consecutive stroke patients in a tertiary stroke center. Results 76 patients (33.0%) presented within 3 hours, 69 (30%) between 3 and 6 hours of symptom onset and 85 (37%) later than 6 hours. Arteriography was performed in 71 patients (31%) and IAT in 46 (20%). In 11 patients no or only peripheral branch occlusions were seen on arteriography and therefore IAT was not performed. In 9 patients the ICA was occluded and barred IAT and in five anatomical or technical difficulties made IAT impossible. 72 patients presenting within 6 hours did not undergo arteriography and thrombolysis, mostly because of mild (n = 44) or rapidly improving neurological deficits (n = 13). Other reasons to withhold IAT were CT and/or clinical findings suggesting lacunar stroke due to small vessel occlusion (n = 7), limiting comorbidty (n = 7) and baseline international normalized ratio > 1.7 (n = 1). Conclusions A third of the patients underwent diagnostic arteriography and one fifth received IAT. The most important reasons to withhold thrombolysis were presentation beyond the 6 hours time window and mild or rapidly improving symptoms. Received in revised form: 23 July 2005     

Comparison of intravenous and intra-arterial urokinase thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke

Intravenous fibrinolysis (IVF) with rt-PA (alteplase) provides significant benefits in acute ischaemic stroke when it is given within the first three hours following stroke onset. Intra-arterial fibrinolysis (IAF) with pro-urokinase in PROACT II study provides quite the same benefit in the first 6 hours. IVF and IAF have never been compared. To compare the efficacy and safety of IVF and IAF with urokinase given within the first 6 hours of acute ischaemic stroke. Patients fulfilling the selection criteria were randomly assigned to receive urokinase 900,000 units via intravenous or intra-arterial routes. This randomised monocentre study was done between December 1995 and August 1997. The primary outcome was defined as the number of patients with a modified Rankin score of 2 or less. Secondary outcomes included mortality, frequency of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (SIH), neurological and functional scores. Fourteen patients were given IVF and 13 IAF. The study was terminated by the National Health Authorities when 27 patients had been included because of the mortality rate. Seven patients (26%) died, 4 in the IV group (oedematous infarct in 3 and recurrence in 1), 3 in the IA group (SIH in 2, and oedematous infarct in 1). Patients given IVF were treated significantly earlier (4:16 h vs 5:24 h; p=.007). Although IA patients showed greater and earlier improvement there was no significant difference in primary and secondary outcomes. Because of premature termination, the trial was too small to provide any reliable and conclusive results. Intra-arterial fibrinolysis began significantly later than IV fibrinolysis but it gave non-significantly better results in this prematurely terminated study.     

Diffusion-weighted and perfusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging to monitor acute intra-arterial thrombolysis

Diffusion-weighted and perfusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI, PWI) are useful in detecting early cerebral ischemic lesions. Intra-arterial thrombolysis is an effective treatment for some patients with acute thromboembolic occlusion. We evaluated the efficacy of acute thrombolytic therapy by using DWI and PWI in 3 patients who presented with internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery occlusion. On the initial magnetic resonance imaging scans, the abnormal areas shown by PWI were bigger than those shown by DWI. All patients received thrombolytic therapy within 6 hours after stroke onset. In 1 patient, the hyperintensity area detected by initial DWI scanning diminished after thrombolysis. DWI and PWI may be useful to monitor the effectiveness of intra-arterial thrombolysis.     

静脉和动脉联合溶栓治疗急性缺血性卒中

目的 评估静脉和动脉联合溶栓治疗急性缺血性卒中的有效性和安全性.方法 采用前瞻性、开放性临床病例研究,对北京世纪坛医院神经内科自2005年5月至2009年2月收治的发病3h内的40例颈内动脉系统急性缺血性卒中患者使用重组人组织型纤溶酶原激活剂(rt-PA)行静脉和动脉联合溶栓治疗,并就患者预后良好比例、症状性颅内出血发生率、病死率等与国外多个大样本试验研究结果进行比较.结果 静脉溶栓治疗后行DSA显示25％(10/40)未见血管闭塞,7.5％(3/40)有严重血管狭窄(颈内动脉2例,大脑中动脉1例),67.5％(27/40)发现血管闭塞(颈内动脉9例,大脑中动脉18例).其中24例于发病后180～390 min[平均(304±61)min]开始联合动脉溶栓治疗,血管再通率(TICI分级2或3级)为79.2％(19/24).再梗死发生率为7.5％(3/40).3个月时预后良好(mRS评分0～2分)比例为60％(24/40),与NINDS试验安慰剂组[27.2％(85/312)]比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);预后良好(NIHSS评分≤1)比例为52.5％(21/40),与NINDS试验rt-PA组[31％(97/312)]、安慰剂组[20％(62/312)]和IMS[27.5％(22/80)]比较差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05);症状性颅内出血发生率为2.5％(1/40),病死率为10％(4/40),与NINDS试验rt-PA组、安慰剂组、EMS和IMS比较差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 静脉和动脉联合溶栓治疗急性缺血性卒中,可提供更高的血管再通率,可明显改善患者的预后,是一种安全、有效的新方法.     

动脉内溶栓治疗急性缺血性脑卒中的临床分析

目的:探讨使用动脉内溶栓方法治疗急性缺血性脑卒中的效果。方法:回顾138例急性缺血性脑卒中患者,发病距接受治疗的时间为3～24h,采取超选择性动脉溶栓。结果:颈内动脉闭塞22例,大脑中动脉主干闭塞38例,大脑中动脉分支闭塞33例,大脑前动脉闭塞1例,椎基底动脉系统血管闭塞12支。脑血管造影未见异常32例。闭塞血管再通者,颈内动脉12例;大脑中动脉24例;大脑中动脉分支21例;椎基底动脉8例。8例患者因明显血管狭窄,治疗后予以球囊扩张,支架植入术。临床症状完全恢复或明显好转83例,溶栓后脑出血患者5例。结论:超选择动脉内溶栓是治疗急性缺血性脑卒中的有效方法。