Successive development of ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke in a patient with essential thrombocythemia: a case report

Patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) can experience hemorrhagic or ischemic vascular events. The prevention of these complications is challenging, and the overall risk of vascular events caused by ET is often overlooked. A 34-year-old man was admitted for a 10-day history of weakness and numbness in his right limbs. He had been diagnosed with ET in 2008 but had stopped receiving treatment half a year before admission. Physical examination showed a superficial sense of disturbance in the right limbs and decreased muscle strength in the right upper and lower limbs (4/5). His platelet count (459 × 10⁹/L) was elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging showed acute watershed infarction, and he was treated successfully. However, he was readmitted for headache and left limb weakness 14 months later. A head computed tomography scan revealed spontaneous subdural hemorrhage. He underwent subdural hematoma removal and decompressive craniectomy. Surgery and pathological investigation revealed no venous sinus thrombosis or vascular malformation. His condition improved, and he exhibited a stable condition 1 year after discharge. Successive development of ischemic stroke and spontaneous subdural hemorrhage is rare in a patient with ET. This case suggests that ET is not only a risk factor for stroke but can also cause highly heterogeneous strokes.     

Ear ischemia induced by endovascular therapy for arteriovenous fistula of the sigmoid sinus: A case report

BACKGROUNDArteriovenous fistula of the sigmoid sinus is an abnormal connection of arteries with the sigmoid sinus. Endovascular treatments of such lesions are considered safe and with low rates of complications.CASE SUMMARYA 62-year-old female patient underwent endovascular treatment of an arteriovenous fistula of the right sigmoid sinus on February 7, 2017, but her tinnitus was not cured. She was admitted to the Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, on March 20, 2017, and her pre-operative diagnosis, by digital subtraction cerebral angiography, was arteriovenous fistula of the sigmoid sinus. She underwent endovascular embolization of the distal occipital artery and posterior auricular artery using Onyx-18. The arteriovenous fistula of the sigmoid sinus was cured, and her tinnitus disappeared, but ischemia of the upper 2/3 of the right auricle occurred without hearing loss. The patient received treatment to improve microcirculation, in addition to fluid supplementation, analgesia, and hyperbaric oxygen, and the swelling due to ischemia in the right auricle did not progress further. The patient reported no tinnitus , and the right auricle had returned to normal 3 years later.CONCLUSIONIschemic complications of vital organs should be considered when performing embolization procedures for arteriovenous fistulas of cerebral sinuses. Compensation of the organs should be evaluated before the operation, and the related treatment regimens should be planned.     

Outcomes of endovascular occlusion and stenting in the treatment of carotid blowout

Background and purpose

Carotid blowout is a life threatening complication of invasive head and neck cancers and their treatments. This is commonly treated with endovascular embolization and carotid stenting. Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we report the immediate clinical results of patients receiving embolization and/or stenting for treatment of carotid blowout associated with head and neck cancer.

Materials and methods

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from the period 2003–2011, we defined carotid blowout patients as those with head and neck malignancies receiving carotid stenting and/or endovascular embolization without open surgery. Outcomes studied included mortality, acute ischemic stroke, hemiplegia/paresis, and other post-operative neurologic complications. Outcomes for the endovascular embolization and carotid stenting group were compared.

Results

A total of 1218 patients underwent endovascular treatment for carotid blowout. Of these, 1080 patients (88.6%) underwent embolization procedures and 138 patients (11.4%) underwent carotid stenting. The mortality rate of endovascular embolization patients was similar to that of carotid stenting patients (8.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 6.5%–9.7% versus 10.2%, 95% CI=6.0%–16.4%, p = 0.36). Stroke rate was similar between embolization patients and stenting patients (2.3%, 95% CI=1.6%–3.4% vs. 3.4%, 95% CI=1.3%–8.4%, p = 0.43). Hemiplegia rates were significantly higher rate in stenting patients compared with endovascular occlusion patients (3.8%, 95% CI=1.3%–8.4% vs. 1.4%, 95% CI=1.4%–2.4%, p = 0.05). The rate of post-operative neurologic complications was higher in stenting patients compared with embolization patients (6.5%, 95% CI=3.3%–12.1% vs. 1.4%, 95% CI=0.9%–2.4%, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Given the natural history of carotid blowout, carotid stenting and endovascular embolization are acceptable means of treating this disease. Endovascular embolization remains the most common treatment among patients with head and neck cancers with lower overall rates of post-operative neurologic complications, including hemiplegia/paresis and stroke.     

Endovascular treatment of a direct post-traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula with electrolytically detachable coils

Carotid-cavernous fistulae are abnormal communications between the internal carotid artery and venous compartments of the cavernous sinus. Fistulae are uncommon but well-documented sequelae of craniofacial trauma. The characteristic clinical presentation includes ocular pain, chemosis, exophthalmus and visual disturbances. We report on a 28-year-old man with a history of severe craniocerebral injury, including multiple craniofacial fractures resulting from a fall from a height of approximately 6 meters, who was surgically treated one year ago. Two months before presentation, the patient began to exhibit progressive chemosis, proptosis, eyelid swelling, diplopia and exophthalmus. Computerized tomography and computerized tomographic angiography revealed findings consistent with a carotid-cavernous fistula of the right side of the cavernous sinus with dilatation of the right ocular vein. Digital subtractional angiography of the right internal carotid artery revealed a fistula between the cavernous part of the artery and the right cavernous sinus. There was only minimal blood flow in the supraclinoid part of the internal carotid artery because of the high pressure within the fistula. Our decision was to try to occlude the fistula by means of endovascular embolization. The origin of the fistula in the internal carotid artery was successfully obliterated with seven electolytically detachable coils. Control digital subtractional angiography at the end of the procedure demonstrated minimal residual flow through the fistula. Two months after the treatment, angiographic control revealed complete obliteration of the fistula. Clinical examination showed total resolution of signs and symptoms of a carotid-cavernous fistula. Endovascular transarterial embolization of carotid cavernous fistulae is a widely accepted, safe and successful treatment option. In the case that we describe we occluded the fistula and right cavernous sinus with electrolytically detachable coils that we could place into the sinus. Other endovascular treatment options include the use of detachable balloons, stent placement, transvenous embolization or surgical ligation of the fistula.     

Intracranial and extracranial multiple arterial dissecting aneurysms in rheumatoid arthritis: A case report

ObjectiveWe describe a case of intracranial and extracranial multiple arterial dissecting aneurysms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Case PresentationA 29-year-old man with a medical history of RA since 18 years of age was admitted to our hospital for vomiting, dysarthria, and conscious disturbance. At 23, he underwent ligation of the left internal carotid artery (ICA) with superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery anastomosis because of acute infarct of the left hemisphere caused by arterial dissection of the left ICA. During the current admission, computed tomography (CT) revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) demonstrated dissecting aneurysms of the left intracranial vertebral artery (VA) and right extracranial VA. We diagnosed him with a ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the left intracranial VA and performed endovascular parent artery occlusion on the left VA. For the right unruptured VA aneurysm, we performed coil embolization simultaneously. At 2 weeks after the endovascular treatment, follow-up DSA revealed that multiple de novo dissecting aneurysms developed on the origin of the left VA and left and right internal thoracic arteries. Those aneurysms were treated with coil embolization. Other remaining aneurysms on the left thyrocervical trunk, right transverse cervical artery, and both common iliac arteries were treated by conservative therapy. While continuing medical treatment for RA, the patient recovered and was discharged to a rehabilitation hospital.ConclusionConsidering that RA-induced vasculitis can be a potential risk of vascular complications including multiple arterial dissections, physicians should carefully perform endovascular interventional procedures for patients with long-term RA.     

High-flow venous pouch aneurysm in the rabbit carotid artery: A model for large aneurysms

Background and purpose

Currently one of the most widely used models for the development of endovascular techniques and coiling devices for treatment of aneurysm is the elastase-induced aneurysm model in the rabbit carotid artery. Microsurgical techniques for creating an aneurysm with a venous pouch have also been established, although both techniques usually result in aneurysms less than 1 cm in diameter. We investigated whether an increase in blood flow toward the neck would produce larger aneurysms in a microsurgical venous pouch model.

Materials and methods

Microsurgical operations were performed on 11 New Zealand white rabbits. Both carotid arteries and the right jugular vein were dissected, and the right carotid artery was temporarily clipped followed by an arteriotomy. The left carotid artery was also clipped proximally, ligated distally, and sutured onto the proximal half of the arteriotomy in the right carotid artery. The venous graft was sutured onto the distal half of the arteriotomy. Digital subtraction angiography was also performed.

Results

Angiography showed patent anastomosed vessels and aneurysms in the seven surviving rabbits. Mean aneurysm measurements among surviving rabbits with patent vessels were: 13.9 mm length, 9.3 mm width, and neck diameter 4.7 mm. The resulting mean aspect ratio was 3.35 and the mean bottleneck ratio was 3.05.

Conclusion

A large venous graft and increased blood flow toward the base of the aneurysm seem to be key factors in the creation of large venous pouch aneurysms. These large aneurysms allow testing of endovascular devices designed for large and giant aneurysms.     

Rosai–Dorfman disease mimicking subdural hematoma: a case report

Rosia–Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare benign disease with exceedingly rare neural involvement. In this report, we describe a very rare case of intracranial RDD mimicking a subdural hematoma. The patient presented with headache and a suspected history of head injury. Head computed tomography showed a well-demarcated extra-axial crescentic hyperdense lesion along the right hemisphere convexity, and this lesion was initially mistaken for a subacute subdural hematoma with brain contusion. However, the follow-up examinations during the subsequent month did not show the natural changes characteristic of a subdural hematoma. Thus, a magnetic resonance imaging scan was performed, which showed a crescentic lesion with T1 isointensity, T2 hypointensity, and obvious homogeneous enhancement. Differential diagnoses such as lymphoma and metastases were considered, and surgery was performed. The final histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of RDD. This report describes a rare presentation of RDD. RDD can mimic the appearance of a subdural hematoma and should be considered as a differential diagnosis even in patients with a history of head injury and a “classic” imaging appearance of a subdural hematoma.     

Predictive value on diffusion weighted imaging scores for basilar artery occlusion after endovascular treatment

PurposeTo assess the predictive value of three scoring systems based on diffusion weighted imaging in basilar artery occlusion patients after endovascular treatment.MethodsWe analyzed clinical and radiological data of patients with basilar artery occlusion from January 2010 to June 2019, with modified Rankin Scale of 0–2 and 3–6 defined as favorable outcome and unfavorable outcome at three months. Diffusion weighted imaging posterior circulation ASPECTS Score (DWI pc-ASPECT Score), Renard diffusion weighted imaging Score, and diffusion weighted imaging Brainstem Score were used to evaluate the early ischemic changes.ResultsThere were a total of 88 basilar artery occlusion patients enrolled in the study after endovascular treatment, with 33 of them getting a favorable outcome. According to the analysis, the time from onset to puncture within 12 h (odds ratio: 4.34; 95% confidence interval: 1.55–12.16; P = 0.01), presence of collateral flow via PCoA (odds ratio: 0.31; 95%CI: 0.12–0.79; P = 0.01) or between PICA and SCA (odds ratio: 0.18; 95%CI: 0.07–0.47; P = 0.00), equal or less than 15 points on baseline NIHSS (area under the curve 0.79, 95% CI 0.69–0.89; sensitivity = 69.1%, specificity = 81.8%; P = 0.00), and equal or less than 1.5 points on diffusion weighted imaging Renard score (area under the curve 0.63, 95% CI 0.51–0.75; sensitivity = 83.6%, specificity = 39.4%; P = 0.046) were independently associated with favorable outcome.ConclusionsRenard diffusion weighted imaging score may be an independent predictor of functional outcome in basilar artery occlusion patients after endovascular treatment.     

Endovascular coil embolization of a spinal epidural arteriovenous fistula with associated cord compression from an enlarging venous varix

Spinal arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) completely isolated to the epidural compartment are exceedingly rare. As such, the optimal management of these lesions is poorly defined. The aim of this technical note is to describe our endovascular technique for the occlusion of a purely epidural AVF of the thoracic spine associated with cord compression from an associated enlarging venous varix. A 40-year-old male presented with severe right-sided back pain and anterior thigh numbness after a sports-related back injury six months previously. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an enhancing, extradural mass lesion at T12. Spinal angiography revealed an epidural AVF supplied by a radicular branch of the right T12 subcostal artery and draining into the paravertebral lumbar veins, as well as an adjacent 20 × 13 mm² contrast-filling sac, compatible with a dilated venous varix. There was no evidence of intradural venous drainage. We elected to proceed with endovascular treatment of the lesion. At the time of embolization five days later, the venous varix had enlarged to 26 × 16 mm². The T12 epidural AVF was completely occluded with two coils, without residual or recurrent AVF on follow-up angiography one month later. The patient made a full recovery, and complete resolution of the venous varix and cord compression were noted on MRI at three months follow-up. Endovascular coil embolization can be successfully employed for the treatment of appropriately selected spinal epidural AVFs. Cord compression from an enlarging venous varix can be treated concurrently with endovascular occlusion of an associated spinal epidural AVF.     

Stenting for acute cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in the superior sagittal sinus

Endovascular treatment for superior sagittal sinus (SSS) thrombosis is not always successful because of difficult access and long thrombus lesions. We report the first two cases of patients with acute cerebral venous sinus thrombosis at the SSS that was not recanalized by anticoagulation, mechanical thrombectomy, or thrombolysis, but was successfully treated by stent placement. Case 1 was a 37-year-old woman with bilateral subdural hematomas. Digital subtraction angiography showed obstruction of the sinus from the SSS to the right transverse sinus. Recanalization was achieved by selective thrombolysis using urokinase followed by balloon angioplasty, but re-occlusion occurred on the next day of treatment. Repeated endovascular treatment including balloon angioplasty, thrombus aspiration and thrombolysis using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator failed to achieve recanalization. We thus placed intracranial stents in the SSS, which did achieve recanalization. Case 2 was a 69-year-old woman with a small infarction in the left parietal lobe. Digital subtraction angiography showed sinus obliteration from the SSS to the bilateral transverse sinuses. Recanalization was not achieved by balloon angioplasty, thrombus aspiration and selective thrombolysis. We thus placed intracranial stents in the SSS, which did achieve recanalization. Postoperative course was uneventful in both cases and venous sinus patency was confirmed by venography >1.5 years after treatment. When conventional endovascular strategies have been unsuccessful, placement of intracranial stents, which can easily gain access to the distal part of the SSS as compared with carotid stents, may be a useful treatment option for the acute sinus thrombosis in this region.     

Safety of Abciximab injection during endovascular treatment of ruptured aneurysms

Background and purpose

We aimed to determine the safety of intra-arterial Abciximab injection in the management of thromboembolic complications during endovascular treatment of ruptured cerebral aneurysms.

Methods

In a monocentric consecutive series of endovascular treatment of 783 ruptured aneurysms, 42 (5.3%) patients received Abciximab after the aneurysm was secured. Bleeding complications were registered and dichotomized as follows: new intracranial hemorrhage and peripheral bleeding. For each patient, World Federation of Neurosurgery (WFNS) subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) grade, shunting, and clinical outcomes in the post-operative period and at 3–6 months were recorded.

Results

SAH WFNS grades were as follows: grade I n = 14, grade II n = 10, grade III n = 11, grade IV n = 4, grade V n = 3. Ten patients had intracranial hematoma additionally to the SAH prior to embolization. Four patients (9.5%) presented more blood on the post-embolization CT but only one suffered a new clinically relevant intracranial hemorrhage. Two patients (4.8%) experienced significant peripheral bleeding but none were associated with long-term disabilities. Fourteen patients had a shunt installed less than 24 h prior to Abciximab injection and one less than 48 h later. At 3–6-month follow-up, 31 patients (74%) achieved a modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) of 2 or less, six patients (14%) had a mRS of 3–5, three were dead (7%), and two were lost at follow-up.

Conclusion

When the aneurysm is secured, intra-arterial Abciximab injection is a low complication rate treatment modality for thromboembolic events during embolization of cerebral ruptured aneurysm.     

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Rare Presentation of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

Because of its large spectrum of clinical manifestations, diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis may be very difficult. Since appropriate treatment influences prognosis, early recognition of this condition is extremely important. We report a subarachnoid hemorrhage as a rare initial manifestation of cerebral venous thrombosis. A 58-year-old woman was admitted with severe headache of sudden onset, neck stiffness, dysarthria, and ataxia. Computed tomography scan showed a subarachnoid hemorrhage in the right posterior fossa. Magnetic resonance imaging coupled with magnetic resonance angiography revealed right transverse/sigmoid sinus thrombosis with hemorrhagic infarction of the right cerebellar hemisphere leading to a pseudotumoral appearance and displacing the fourth ventricle. Anticoagulant treatment resulted in rapid clinical recovery and in resolution of the radiological signs of infarction and of the subarachnoid and subdural hemorrhages.     

Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery and perioperative pirfenidone for lung cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a case report

Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) occasionally experience acute exacerbations after surgery for lung cancer. Several recent studies have revealed a prophylactic effect of perioperative pirfenidone treatment on postoperative acute exacerbations of IPF in patients with lung cancer. A 75-year-old woman consulted with her pulmonologist because of an IPF shadow detected by follow-up chest computed tomography 2 months after surgical treatment of biliary cancer. Another 7 months later, chest computed tomography showed a 23- × 14-mm nodule located in the right lower lobe with high accumulation of fluorodeoxyglucose detected by positron emission tomography, resulting in a radiological diagnosis of primary lung cancer with IPF. We administered perioperative pirfenidone treatment followed by right lower lobectomy using uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery after attaining a pathological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. The patient developed no acute exacerbations of IPF during the postoperative period, and she had no recurrence of lung cancer for 15 months after surgery. We successfully used a combination of perioperative antifibrotic medication and minimally invasive surgery after lung cancer surgery in a patient with IPF.     

An observational study of surface versus endovascular cooling techniques in cardiac arrest patients: a propensity-matched analysis

IntroductionVarious methods and devices have been described for cooling after cardiac arrest, but the ideal cooling method remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the neurological outcomes, efficacies and adverse events of surface and endovascular cooling techniques in cardiac arrest patients.MethodsWe performed a multicenter, retrospective, registry-based study of adult cardiac arrest patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia presenting to 24 hospitals across South Korea from 2007 to 2012. We included patients who received therapeutic hypothermia using overall surface or endovascular cooling devices and compared the neurological outcomes, efficacies and adverse events of both cooling techniques. To adjust for differences in the baseline characteristics of each cooling method, we performed one-to-one matching by the propensity score.ResultsIn total, 803 patients were included in the analysis. Of these patients, 559 underwent surface cooling, and the remaining 244 patients underwent endovascular cooling. In the unmatched cohort, a greater number of adverse events occurred in the surface cooling group. Surface cooling was significantly associated with a poor neurological outcome (cerebral performance category 3–5) at hospital discharge (p = 0.01). After propensity score matching, surface cooling was not associated with poor neurological outcome and hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR): 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.81-1.96, p = 0.31 and OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.55-1.30, p = 0.44, respectively]. Although surface cooling was associated with an increased incidence of adverse events (such as overcooling, rebound hyperthermia, rewarming related hypoglycemia and hypotension) compared with endovascular cooling, these complications were not associated with surface cooling using hydrogel pads.ConclusionsIn the overall matched cohort, no significant difference in neurological outcomes and hospital morality was observed between the surface and endovascular cooling methods.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13054-015-0819-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Pleural effusion volume in patients with acute pancreatitis: a retrospective study from three acute pancreatitis centers

ObjectiveTo assess the value of pleural effusion volume (PEV) quantified on chest computed tomography (CT) in patients with early stage acute pancreatitis (AP).MethodsData of PEV, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels as well as Ranson, bedside index of severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP), Marshall, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II), CT severity index (CTSI), and extra-pancreatic inflammation on computed tomography (EPIC) scores in patients with AP were collected. Duration of hospitalization, severity of AP, infection, procedure, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, organ failure, or death were included as the outcome parameters.ResultsIn 465 patients, the mean PEV was 98.8 ± 113.2 mL. PEV showed strong and significant correlations with the CRP levels, duration of hospitalization as well as the Ranson, BISAP, Marshall, APACHE II, CTSI, and EPIC scores (p < .05). PEV demonstrated significant accuracy in predicting severity, infection, procedure, ICU admission, organ failure, and death (p < .05).ConclusionPEV quantified on chest CT positively associated with the duration of hospitalization, CRP levels, Ranson, BISAP, Marshall, APACHE II, CTSI, and EPIC scores. It can be a reliable radiologic biomarker in predicting severity and clinical outcomes of AP.

KEY MESSAGES

• Pleural effusion is a common chest finding in patients with acute pancreatitis.
• Pleural effusion volume quantified on chest CT examination positively associated with the duration of hospitalization, CRP level, as well as Ranson, BISAP, Marshall, APACHE II, CTSI, and EPIC scoring systems.
• Pleural effusion volume can be a reliable radiologic biomarker in the prediction of severity and clinical outcomes of acute pancreatitis.

     

Maxillary third molars with horizontal impaction: A cross-sectional study using computed tomography in young Japanese patients

ObjectiveTo examine the anatomical characteristics of impacted maxillary third molars to help predict and prevent possible adverse events during extraction.MethodsThis retrospective study enrolled young Japanese patients that were assessed for third molar extraction. Patients with maxillary third molar impaction presenting with no space between the maxillary second molar and the occlusal surface of the maxillary third molar were analysed using computed tomography data.ResultsIn this study, a total of 663 patients aged 20–29 years were examined for third molar extraction and 26 teeth in 23 patients were analysed. The mean ± SD angle between the second and third molar axes was 54.2° ± 7.5° and the mean ± SD length of the maxillary third molar was 16.1 ± 1.9 mm. The maxillary third molars showed close or extensive contact with the maxillary sinus and computed tomography did not show any bone from the maxillary sinus floor. Furthermore, in all patients, the crowns of the third molars were not completely covered by the alveolar bone.ConclusionsMaxillary third molars with horizontal impaction showed close or extensive contact with the maxillary sinus and their crowns were not completely covered by the alveolar bone.     

Velocity encoded cardiovascular magnetic resonance to assess left atrial appendage emptying

Background

The presence of impaired left atrial appendage (LAA) function identifies patients who are prone to thrombus formation in the LAA and therefore being at high risk for subsequent cardioembolic stroke. LAA function is typically assessed by measurements of LAA emptying velocities using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in clinical routine. This study aimed at evaluating the feasibility of assessing LAA emptying by velocity encoded (VENC) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR).

Methods

This study included 30 patients with sinus rhythm (n = 18) or atrial fibrillation (n = 12). VENC-CMR velocity measurements were performed perpendicular to the orifice of the LAA. Peak velocities were measured of passive diastolic LAA emptying (e-wave) in all patients. Peak velocities of active, late-diastolic LAA emptying (a-wave) were assessed in patients with sinus rhythm. Correlation and agreement was analyzed between VENC-CMR and TEE measurements of e- and a-wave peak velocities.

Results

A significant correlation and good agreement was found between VENC-CMR and TEE measurements of maximal e-wave velocities (r = 0.61, P < 0.001; mean difference 0 ± 10 cm/s). The a-wave was detectable by VENC-CMR in all patients with sinus rhythm. Correlation was also significant for measurements of peak a-wave velocities between VENC-CMR and TEE (r = 0.71, P < 0.001). There was no significant correlation of LAA emptying velocities with clinical characteristics and only a modest negative correlation of passive LAA emptying with LA function.

Conclusions

The assessment of active and passive LAA emptying by VENC-CMR is feasible. Further evaluation is required of potential future clinical applications such as risk stratification for cardioembolic stroke.     

Safe performance of magnetic resonance of the heart in patients with magnetic resonance conditional pacemaker systems: the safety issue of the ESTIMATE study

Background

No published data exist about the safety of diagnostic magnetic resonance (MR) of the heart performed in a larger series of patients implanted with MR conditional pacemakers (PM). The purpose of our study is to analyse safety and potential alterations of electrical lead parameters in patients implanted with the EnRhythm/Advisa MRI SureScan PM with 5086MRI leads (Medtronic Inc.) during and after MR of the heart at 1.5 Tesla.

Methods

Patients enrolled in this single center pilot study who underwent non-clinically indicated diagnostic MR of the heart were included in this analysis. Heart MR was performed for analyses of potential changes in right and left ventricular functional parameters under right ventricular pacing at 80 and 110 bpm. Atrial/ventricular sensing, atrial/ventricular pacing capture threshold [PCT], and pacing impedances were assessed immediately before, during, and immediately after MR, as well at 3 and 15 months post MR.

Results

Thirty-six patients (mean age 69 ± 13 years; high degree AV block 18 [50%]) underwent MR of the heart. No MR related adverse events occurred during MR or thereafter. Ventricular sensing differed significantly between the FU immediately after MR (10.3 ± 5.3 mV) and the baseline FU (9.8 ± 5.3 mV; p < 0.05). Despite PCT [V/0.4ms] was not significantly different between the FUs (baseline: 0.84 ± 0.27; in-between MR scans: 0.82 ± 0.27; immediately after MR: 0.84 ± 0.24; 3-month: 0.85 ± 0.23; 15-month: 0.90 ± 0.67; p = ns), 7 patients (19%) showed PCT increases by 100% (max. PCT measured: 1.0 V) at the 3-month FU compared to baseline. RV pacing impedance [Ω/5V] differed significantly at the FU in-between MR scans (516 ± 47), and at the 15-month FU (482 ± 58) compared to baseline (508 ± 75).

Conclusion

The results of our study suggest MR of the heart to be safe in patients with the MR conditional EnRhythm/Advisa system, albeit although noticeable but clinically irrelevant ventricular PCT changes were observed.     

Predictors of success following endovascular retreatment of intracranial aneurysms

Introduction

Although approximately one in every 10 patients undergoing coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms requires retreatment, the factors that are associated with outcome following retreatment remain to be fully elucidated.

Methods

This is a single-center, retrospective review of 43 patients with 58 intracranial aneurysms that were retreated from 2004 to 2014. Aneurysms undergoing first time or microsurgical retreatment were excluded. Retreatment types were grouped into those without permanent parent vessel support (stand-alone and balloon-assisted coiling) versus those with permanent parent vessel support (stent-assisted coiling, stand-alone stenting, and flow diversion). The Modified Raymond Roy Classification was used to group aneurysms at all angiographic follow-up points either in the successful outcome group (Class I or II) or the unsuccessful outcome group (Class IIIa or IIIb).

Results

Of aneurysms with follow-up, 50% were in the successful group and 50% in the unsuccessful group. In univariate analysis, small aneurysm size (p < 0.001), previous treatment type (p = 0.022), retreatment type (p = 0.001), and initial occlusion class (p = 0.005) were all associated with angiographic outcome. In multivariate analysis, small aneurysm size (p = 0.005, odds ratio (OR) 24.56, confidence interval (CI) 2.68–225.4) and retreatment type with permanent parent vessel support, namely stent-assisted coiling (p = 0.017, OR 31.1, CI 1.89–517.7), were associated with retreatment success.

Conclusions

Small aneurysm size and retreatment with permanent parent vessel support, namely stent-assisted coiling, are predictors of success following endovascular retreatment of intracranial aneurysms. These findings could be useful in the effort to both prevent and predict treatment failure following endovascular retreatment.