Intraarterial reteplase and intravenous abciximab for treatment of acute ischemic stroke

We performed a preliminary feasibility and safety study using intravenous (IV) administration of a platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (abciximab) in conjunction with intraarterial (IA) administration of a thrombolytic agent (reteplase) in a primate model of intracranial thrombosis. We introduced thrombus through superselective catheterization of the intracranial segment of the internal carotid artery in 16 primates. The animals were randomly assigned to receive IA reteplase and IV abciximab ( n =4), IA reteplase and IV placebo ( n =4), IA placebo and IV abciximab ( n =4) or IA and IV placebo ( n =4). Recanalization was assessed by serial angiography during the 6-h period after initiation of treatment. Postmortem magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed to determine the presence of cerebral infarction or intracranial hemorrhage. Partial or complete recanalization at 6 h after initiation of treatment (decrease of two or more points in pre-treatment angiographic occlusion grade) was observed in two animals treated with IA reteplase and IV abciximab, three animals treated with IA reteplase alone and one animal treated with IV abciximab alone. No improvement in perfusion was observed in animals that received IV and IA placebo. Cerebral infarction was demonstrated on postmortem MR imaging in three animals that received IA and IV placebo and in one animal each from the groups that received IA reteplase and IV abciximab or IV abciximab alone. One animal that received IV abciximab alone had a small intracerebral hemorrhage on MR imaging. IA reteplase with or without abciximab appeared to be the most effective regimen for achieving recanalization in our model of intracranial thrombosis. Further studies are required in experimental models to determine the optimal dose, method of administration and efficacy of these medications in acute ischemic stroke.     

Relationship between clot location and outcome after basilar artery thrombolysis.

PURPOSETo identify factors that predict survival and good neurologic outcome in patients undergoing basilar artery thrombolysis.METHODSOver a 42-month period, 20 of 22 consecutive patients with angiographic proof of basilar artery thrombosis were treated with local intraarterial urokinase. Brain CT scans, neurologic examinations, symptom duration, clot location, and degree of recanalization were analyzed retrospectively.RESULTSOverall survival was 35% at 3 months. Survival in patients with only distal basilar clot was 71%, while survival in patients with proximal or midbasilar clot was only 15%. At 3 months, 29% of patients with distal basilar clot and 15% of patients with proximal or midbasilar clot had good neurologic outcomes (modified Rankin score of 0 to 2 and Barthel index of 95 to 100). Complete recanalization was achieved in 50% of patients; 60% of those survived and 30% had good neurologic outcomes. Of patients with less than complete recanalization, only 10% survived. Neither duration of symptoms before treatment (range, 1 to 79 hours), age (range, 12 to 83 years), nor neurologic status at the initiation of treatment (Glasgow Coma Scale score range, 3 to 15) predicted outcome. Pretreatment CT findings (positive or negative for related ischemic changes) did not predict outcome or hemorrhagic transformation.CONCLUSIONThe single best predictor of survival after basilar thrombosis and intraarterial thrombolysis was distal clot location. Complete recanalization favored survival. Radiologically evident related infarctions, advanced age, delayed diagnosis, and poor pretreatment neurologic status did not predict poor outcome and therefore should not be considered absolute contraindications for intraarterial thrombolysis in patients with basilar artery thrombosis.     

Thrombolytic therapy of acute ischemic stroke: correlation of angiographic recanalization with clinical outcome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The effect of vessel patency, following recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) administration, on clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has been controversial. We studied the effect of recanalization following intraarterial (IA) and intravenous/IA (IV/IA) rtPA on clinical outcome in AIS. METHODS: Recanalization was classified angiographically as complete (as compared with unoccluded vessel, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction classification [TIMI] 3), none (with no change from prethrombolysis, TIMI 0), and partial (when a change in the flow from baseline was noted, TIMI 1-2). Outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), 90-day modified Rankin scale (< or = 2 as a good outcome), and 3-month mortality. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients had either combined IV/IA (41) or IA (55) rtPA for AIS during a 7-year period. Any recanalization occurred in 69%; 55% of those had a good outcome versus 23% in the rest (Odds ratio = 3.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4-11.2; P = .007). Only 24% had complete recanalization; 74% had a good outcome versus 36% in the nonrecanalization group (OR = 5.1; 95% CI = 1.6-16.8; P = .002). When adjusted to time to therapy and vessel occluded, these results lessened but remained significant. The sICH rate with any recanalization was 7.6% versus 13.3% in patients with persistent clot (relative risk (RR) = 0.6; 95% CI = 0.2-2.0; P = .45). Death occurred in 19.7% of those whose vessels recanalized versus 33.3% in the rest (RR = 0.56; 95% = 0.26-1.19; P = .2). CONCLUSION: A total of 24% and 69% of patients had complete and any recanalization, respectively, following endovascular rtPA therapy of AIS. The degree of recanalization was directly related to time to therapy and associated with good clinical outcome without an increase in the rate of adverse effect.     

Reocclusion of recanalized arteries during intra-arterial thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Early reocclusion of recanalized arteries has been observed after thrombolysis for acute coronary occlusion and has been attributed to platelet activation after exposure to thrombolytic agents. We conducted a retrospective study to determine the rate of reocclusion during intra-arterial thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke and the effect of reocclusion on functional outcome. METHODS: Patients treated for acute ischemic stroke at our center between September 2000 and May 2002 received a maximum total dose of 4 U of reteplase intra-arterially in 1-U increments via superselective catheterization. Pharmacologic thrombolysis was supplemented by mechanical thrombolysis with balloon angioplasty or snare manipulation at the occlusion site. Angiography was performed after each unit of reteplase or mechanical maneuver, and the images were interpreted by a blinded reviewer. Reocclusion was defined as partial or complete initial recanalization with occlusion recurring at the same site as documented by angiography during the endovascular treatment. Reocclusions were treated by further pharmacologic and/or mechanical thrombolysis according to the discretion of the treating physician. Clinical evaluations were performed before and 24 hr, 7 to 10 days, and 1 to 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: Forty-six consecutive patients underwent intra-arterial thrombolysis. Reocclusion was observed in eight (17%). Among these patients, initial sites of occlusion were in the following arteries: intracranial internal carotid artery (n = 2), M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (n = 3), M1 and M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery (n = 2), and basilar artery (n = 1). The mean initial National Institutes of Health Scale score for these eight patients was 23.3 +/- 6.2; mean time from symptom onset to treatment was 4.4 +/- 1.2 hr. The reocclusions were treated by using additional doses of reteplase alone (n = 1), reteplase with snare maneuver and/or angioplasty (n = 5), reteplase with angioplasty or snare and then stent placement (n = 1), and angioplasty with stent placement (n = 1). The reocclusions resolved in six of eight patients after further treatment. Six patients died and two survived but were severely disabled at 1 month (modified Rankin Scale scores of 4 and 5, respectively). Independent functional outcome scores (modified Rankin Scale scores of 0-2) were significantly lower among patients with angiographically shown reocclusion than in those without (0 of 8 versus 17 of 38, P =.02). CONCLUSION: Reocclusion occurs relatively frequently during intra-arterial thrombolysis for ischemic stroke and seems to be associated with poor clinical outcomes.     

Direct endovascular thrombolytic therapy for dural sinus thrombosis: infusion of alteplase.

PURPOSETo evaluate the efficacy, safety, and results of direct thrombolytic therapy in intracranial dural sinus thrombosis by infusion of alteplase (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator).METHODSNine patients were treated during a 2-year period for intracranial dural sinus thrombosis. A microcatheter was placed directly into the thrombus in the dural sinus via the transfemoral route. Thrombolysis was initiated with a rapid injection of 10 mg of alteplase over 10 minutes, followed in 3 hours by a continuous infusion of 50 mg, then a continuous infusion at 5 mg per hour until complete thrombolysis or a total dose of 100 mg per day had been reached. Repeat thrombolysis was tried the following day if complete recanalization did not occur at 100 mg per day.RESULTSSuccessful recanalization with improvement of symptoms was achieved in all cases. Time required for complete thrombolysis was between 8 and 43 hours. The total dose of alteplase ranged from 50 to 300 mg. Complications of a small intrapelvic hemorrhage and oozing at a femoral puncture site occurred in separate cases, but were not related to the amount of infused alteplase. MR venograms obtained 1 to 4 weeks after the procedure showed no evidence of reocclusion of the dural sinuses.CONCLUSIONDirect fibrinolytic therapy with alteplase is safe, fast, and effective in treating dural sinus thrombosis. However, to prevent hemorrhagic complications, further studies are required to determine its optimal dose and proper rate of administration.     

Intra-arterial adjuvant tirofiban after unsuccessful intra-arterial thrombolysis of acute ischemic stroke: preliminary experience in 16 patients

Introduction  

Intra-arterial (IA) thrombolysis with plasminogen activator is well-known, but the use of IA tirofiban as an adjuvant for IA thrombolysis is not well-known. We investigated the feasibility of IA tirofiban as an adjuvant after unsuccessful IA recanalization with urokinase (UK) for acute ischemic stroke.     

Microcatheter navigation and thrombolysis in acute symptomatic cervical internal carotid occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The treatment of acute stroke distal to an occluded cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) presents a challenge. We report our results of endovascular therapy in 7 patients presenting with acute symptomatic cervical ICA occlusion.PATIENTS AND TECHNIQUES: Among patients presenting with acute stroke at our institution from June 2001 to June 2005, we retrospectively identified 7 patients who underwent endovascular therapy of acute cervical ICA occlusion. The techniques used for vessel recanalization were analyzed. Postprocedure CT scans were reviewed for hemorrhage. The clinical outcomes were assessed by using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) with good outcomes assigned scores of ≤2.RESULTS: All 7 patients revealed cervical ICA occlusion, with additional intracranial thrombus in 6 of the 7 patients. In all patients, a guiding catheter was placed in the ipsilateral common carotid artery proximal to the occlusion and a microcatheter advanced through the ICA clot to deliver intra-arterial (IA) tissue plasminogen activator (in 6 patients, the microcatheter was also advanced intracranially for thrombolysis). Successful recanalization of the occluded ICA was achieved in 6 patients. In 3 patients, balloon angioplasty and stent placement of the cervical ICA was also performed. Follow-up CT in 6 patients showed small basal ganglia infarcts in 4, patchy parietal infarcts in one, and frontal lobe hematoma in one patient. At 1 month after the procedure, 5 patients had good clinical outcomes (mRS of 0 in 4 patients and 1 in one patient).CONCLUSION: Performance of IA thrombolysis by passing a microcatheter through an acutely occluded internal carotid artery may be an effective therapy in acute stroke.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke trial showed the benefit of intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in patients presenting within 3 hours of onset of symptoms of acute stroke.¹ Recent studies have revealed promising results for intra-arterial (IA) thrombolysis especially in patients with significant clot burden that may be refractory to IV tPA.^2–5 At our institution, patients presenting with symptoms of acute stroke within 3 to 6 hours of onset who have thrombus in the M1 or M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) are considered for IA thrombolysis. A unique subset of patients presenting with acute stroke may have an occluded MCA distal to an occluded internal carotid artery (ICA) just distal to the common carotid artery (CCA) bifurcation. Acute ICA occlusions may be embolic, related to atherosclerotic disease, or caused by dissections. These patients may have a poor response to IV tPA.⁶ The natural history of patients presenting with signs and symptoms of acute stroke distal to an acutely occluded cervical ICA is poor. There is a 16% to 55% likelihood of death from complications of infarction, 40% to 69% will be severely disabled, and only 2% to 12% will make a good recovery.⁷ There are various surgical options in acute symptomatic ICA occlusions, which include carotid endarterectomy (CEA), embolectomy, and surgical bypass. Patients with profound neurologic deficits or large infarcts, however, are at high risk for hemorrhagic transformation after CEA, thus making this a strong exclusion criterion in recent studies evaluating CEA.^8,9 In addition, the results of urgent surgical recanalization may not be ideal: 26.5% normal neurologic outcome after emergency CEA in a study by Meyer et al.⁷Catheter navigation through an acutely occluded ICA for the purpose of performing IA thrombolysis has been considered an obstacle and is an issue of debate.⁸ Several small case series have described successful IA thrombolysis in the territory of an acutely occluded cervical ICA.^8,10,11 Traversing the acutely occluded ICA segment combined with IA tPA may, however, uncover an underlying severe stenosis at the carotid bulb. The management of this residual stenosis or occlusion at the bulb presents an interesting challenge. Some authors have advocated acute angioplasty and stent placement at the time of thrombolysis.¹⁰ We report our results of urgent IA thrombolysis of acute MCA thrombus by navigating a microcatheter through an acutely occluded ICA and discuss the management of the underlying proximal ICA stenosis or occlusion in 7 patients presenting with acute stroke.     

Periprocedural aspects in mechanical recanalization for acute stroke: data from the ENDOSTROKE registry

Introduction

The ENDOSTROKE registry aims to accompany the spreading use of endovascular stroke treatment (EVT) in academic and non-academic hospitals. This analysis focuses on preprocedural imaging, patient handling and referral, as well as on different treatment modalities in mechanical recanalization.

Methods

Data for this study were from observational registry study in 12 stroke centers in Germany and Austria with online assessment of prespecified variables concerning endovascular stroke therapy.

Results

Data from 734 patients undergoing EVT were analyzed. Preferred imaging modality prior to EVT was CT (83 %) and CTA (78 %). In 95 %, EVT was performed under general anesthesia. In 55 % of patients, a combination of intravenous (IV) thrombolysis and EVT was used, followed by pure EVT (25 %), intra-arterial (IA) thrombolysis plus EVT (13 %) and IV?+?IA thrombolysis plus EVT (7 %). Intrahospital time delay until start of EVT was 91 and 99 min in anterior and vertebrobasilar circulation stroke, respectively. Average duration of EVT was 60 min. Overall thrombolysis in myocardial infarction grade 2/3 recanalization rate was 85 %. Stent retrievers were used in 75 %, being associated with higher recanalization rates than non-stent retrievers. Hemorrhagic complications (symptomatic and asymptomatic) occurred in 12 %. Overall vessel occlusion time was approximately 60 min longer in patients being referred from a primary care hospital for EVT.

Conclusion

This study gives an overview of procedure-related factors in current EVT practice. It gives estimates on preprocedural imaging modalities, periprocedural handling, and treatment combinations used for EVT. Patient referral for EVT from primary care hospitals is associated with longer vessel occlusion times.     

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.     

Intra-arterial tirofiban infusion for thromboembolic complication during coil embolization of ruptured intracranial aneurysms

Introduction

Intra-arterial (IA) thrombolytic intervention for acute thrombosis has been challenged due to the risk of bleeding during the endovascular treatment of ruptured aneurysms. We present the results of IA tirofiban infusion for thromboembolic complications during coil embolization in patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

Thromboembolic events requiring thrombolytic intervention occurred in 39 (10.5%) cases during coil embolization of 372 consecutive ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Maximal aneurysm diameters of 39 patients (mean age, 54.7 ± 13.2 years; 23 female, 16 male) ranged from 2.1 to 13.1 mm (mean, 6.6 ± 3.0 mm). The anterior communicating artery was the most common site (n = 13), followed by the middle cerebral artery (n = 9) and the posterior communicating artery (n = 7). In this series, we used intracranial stents in 10 patients during the procedure. Superselective IA tirofiban infusion through a microcatheter was performed to resolve thrombi and emboli. We assessed the efficacy and safety of IA tirofiban infusion in patients with ruptured aneurysms.

Results

Intraarterially administered tirofiban doses ranged from 0.25 to 1.25 mg (mean, 0.71 ± 0.26 mg). Effective thrombolysis or recanalization was achieved in 34 patients (87.2%), and three patients (7.7%) suffered distal migration of clots with partial recanalization. The rest (5.1%) had no recanalization. Nonconsequent intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in two patients (5.1%) after the procedure. Thromboemboli-related cerebral infarction developed in eight patients, and only two patients remained infarction related disabilities.

Conclusion

IA tirofiban infusion seems to be efficacious and safe for thrombolysis during coil embolization in patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms.     

Low-pressure balloon angioplasty with adjuvant pharmacological therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by intracranial arterial occlusions

Introduction The use of coronary balloons in the cerebral vasculature is limited due to their poor trackability and increased risk of vessel injury. We report our experience using more compliant elastomer balloons for thrombus resistant to intraarterial (IA) pharmacological and mechanical thrombolysis in acute stroke. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 12 consecutive patients with an occluded intracranial artery treated with angioplasty using a low-pressure elastomer balloon. Angiograms were graded according to the Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) and Qureshi grading systems. Outcomes were categorized as independent (modified Rankin scale, mRS, score ≤2), dependent (mRS score 3–5), or dead (mRS score 6). Results Included in the study were 12 patients (mean age 66±17 years, range 31–88 years; mean baseline National Institutes of Health stroke scale score 17±3, range 12–23). The occlusion sites were: internal carotid artery (ICA) terminus (five patients, including two concomitant cervical ICA occlusions), M1 segment (two patients), and basilar artery (two patients). Pharmacological treatment included intravenous (IV) t-PA only (two patients), IA urokinase only (nine patients), both IV t-PA and IA urokinase (one patient), and IV and/or IA eptifibatide (eight patients). Mean time to treatment was 5.9±3.9 h (anterior circulation) and 11.0±7.2 h (posterior circulation). Overall recanalization rate (TICI grade 2/3) was 91.6%. Procedure-related morbidity occurred in one patient (distal posterior inferior cerebellar artery embolus). There were no symptomatic hemorrhages. Outcomes at 90 days were independent (five patients), dependent (three patients) and dead (four patients, all due to progression of stroke with withdrawal of care). Conclusion Angioplasty of acutely occluded intracranial arteries with low-pressure elastomer balloons results in high recanalization rates with an acceptable degree of safety. Prior use of thrombolytics may increase the chances of recanalization, and glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors may be helpful in preventing reocclusion and in increasing patency rates. This work was presented at the American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology Third Annual Course and Workshop (Puerto Rico, August 2006).     

Review of the Current Status of Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis for Treating Acute Cerebral Infarction: a Retrospective Analysis of the Data from Multiple Centers in Korea

Objective

The purpose of the study was to review the current status of intra-arterial (IA) thrombolysis in Korea by conducting a retrospective analysis of the data from multiple domestic centers.

Materials and Methods

The radiologists at each participating institution were asked to fill out case report forms on all patients who had undergone IA recanalization due to acute anterior circulation ischemia. These forms included clinical, imaging and procedure-related information. A central reader analyzed the CT/MR and angiographic results. The rates of successful recanalization, hemorrhagic transformation and functional outcome were obtained. The univariate analyses were performed together with the multivariate analysis.

Results

We analyzed the data from 163 patients, and they had been treated at seven institutes. The initial imaging modalities were CT for 46 patients (28%), MR for 63 (39%), and both for 54 (33%). Various mechanical treatment methods were applied together in 50% of the patients. Radiologically significant hemorrhage was noted in 20/155 patients (13%). We found various factors that influenced the recanalization rate and the occurrence of significant hemorrhagic transformations. The favorable outcome rate, reported as modified Rankin Scale ≤ 2, was 40%, and the mortality rate was 11%. The factors that predicted a poor functional outcome were old age (p = 0.01), initially severe neurological symptoms (p < 0.0001), MR findings of a wide distribution of lesions (p = 0.001), involvement of the basal ganglia (p = 0.01), performance of procedures after working hours (p = 0.01), failure of recanalization (p = 0.003), contrast extravasation after the procedure (p = 0.007) and significant hemorrhagic transformation (p = 0.002). The subsequent multivariate analysis failed to show any statistically significant variable.

Conclusion

There was a trend toward increased dependency on MR imaging during the initial evaluation and increased usage of combined pharmacologic/mechanical thrombolysis. The imaging and clinical outcome results of this study were comparable to those of the previous major thrombolytic trials.     

Intra-arterial reteplase compared to urokinase for thrombolytic recanalization in acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Reteplase (RP) and urokinase (UK) are being used "off-label" to treat acute ischemic stroke. The safety and efficacy of intra-arterial RP or UK in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, however, has yet to be proved. We aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RP compared with UK in acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was conducted of cases from a prospectively collected stroke data base on consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion by digital subtraction angiography treated with intra-arterial RP or UK. Thrombolytic dosage, recanalization rate, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), mortality, and outcome were determined. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients received RP and 22 received UK (mean doses, 2.5 +/- 1.4 mg and 690,000 +/- 562,000 U, respectively). Vascular occlusions included 9 basilar arteries (BAs), 7 internal carotid arteries (ICAs), and 17 middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) with RP and 9 BAs, 4 ICAs, and 9 MCAs with UK. Median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scales were as follows: 16 (range, 5-25; 81% > or = 10) with RP and 17 (range, 6-38; 85% > or =10) with UK. Mean time from symptom onset to thrombolytic initiation: 333 +/- 230 minutes with RP and 343 +/- 169 minutes with UK. Recanalization rates were as follows: 82% with RP and 64% with UK (P = .13). Symptomatic ICH rates were as follows: 12% with RP and 4.5% with UK (P = .50). The mortality rate was 24% with RP and 27% with UK (P = .8). CONCLUSION: Although limited in statistical power, our study suggests that, although IA thrombolysis with RP shows a trend for higher recanalization rates and hemorrhage rates, IA thrombolysis with RP is not significantly different in recanalization, outcome, mortality, and ICH compared with that of UK or rates reported with IA pro-UK.     

急诊动脉内溶栓治疗急性缺血性脑梗死

目的 观察急诊动脉内溶栓（intra-arterial thrombolysis,IAT)治疗急性缺血性脑梗死的疗效及并发症，分析预后相关因素。方法 对25例发病在6h内的急性缺血性脑梗死患者行IAT治疗。血管再通程度根据“急性心肌梗死溶栓标准”（TIMI）分类。临床结果评价在溶栓后30d进行，根据改良的Rank分数（MRS）分为好结果（MRS0－3）、差结果（MRS4－6）两类。结果 溶栓前18例（72％）患者为TIMI0-1,7例（28％）为TIMI2。溶栓后13例（72％）患者部分／完全再通，5例（28％）未再通。18例患者（72％）为好结果，7例（28％）为差结果，其中4例死亡。发生症状性脑出血4例（16％）。结论 急诊动脉溶栓是可行安全的，溶栓前侧支循环、再通及溶栓后24h神经学检查上的提高（NI）与好结果密切相关，无再通与脑出血及死亡密切相关。提高动脉内溶栓临床效果的关键在于提高再通率。     

Combined stent placement and thrombolysis in acute vertebrobasilar ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute vertebrobasilar ischemic stroke is often associated with high morbidity and mortality with limited therapeutic options. Endovascular treatment with thrombolysis has offered some hope for affected patients; however, overall outcomes have been less than satisfactory. In this report, we present the results of our approach in six consecutive cases of acute vertebrobasilar ischemic stroke by combined proximal vessel stent placement and thrombolysis. METHODS: Six consecutive cases were retrospectively reviewed for the clinical outcome of patients presenting to our institution with acute posterior circulation stroke who underwent cerebral revascularization including proximal arterial stent placement by using balloon-expandable coronary stents and intraarterial thrombolysis. All of these patients were initially evaluated by stroke team neurologists and imaged with MR, including diffusion-weighted imaging documenting acute posterior circulation stroke. MR angiography of the circle of Willis was also obtained. Short-term follow-up was conducted to assess National Institutes of Health stroke scores (NIHSS) and modified Rankin scores. RESULTS: In these six cases, a combined approach of proximal arterial stent placement (five cases of vertebral artery origin and one case of carotid and subclavian stent placement plus vertebral artery revascularization) and thrombolysis was performed at variable times after stroke onset (range, 30 hours to 5 days). Four of the six patients had good basilar artery recanalization (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] grade 0-1 before tissue plasminogen activator thrombolysis and TIMI grade 2 after procedure). Four of six patients had excellent immediate recovery and were discharged to an acute rehabilitation unit or their homes with improved neurologic symptoms and functional status. Two patients died: one patient presented with coma at outset with an NIHSS of 38, and the other patient probably had reocclusion of the basilar artery within 24 hours despite initial postprocedural improvement. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that, in the setting of acute stroke, stent placement in combination with revascularization and thrombolysis is practical and allows quick access to a clot and simultaneously increases perfusion through collaterals during the thrombolytic process. In particular, basilar thrombolysis may be facilitated by proximal vertebral stent placement as concomitant atheromatous vertebrobasilar stenosis is common.     

Local intraarterial fibrinolysis of thromboemboli occurring during endovascular treatment of intracerebral aneurysm: a comparison of anatomic results and clinical outcome.

PURPOSEWe describe our therapeutic strategy and correlate the anatomic results and clinical outcomes in patients who received immediate fibrinolytic therapy for thromboembolic complications occurring during endovascular treatment of an intracerebral aneurysm.METHODSThe medical records and angiographic examinations of 19 patients were reviewed. All endovascular procedures were performed with the patients under general anesthesia and fully heparinized. Thirteen patients received an intravenous bolus injection of aspirin. Thromboemboli occurred during catheterization or insertion of embolic material (Guglielmi detachable coils or mechanical detachable spirals) or in the first hours after the intervention. Clot distribution was within the MCA territory in 14 patients, the ACA in three patients, and the basilar trunk in two patients. A continuous intraarterial injection of urokinase was administered immediately, either superselectively distal to the thrombus or selectively within or closely proximal to the thrombus. In nine cases, chemical lysis was combined with mechanical clot fragmentation. Initial anatomic recanalization as well as clinical outcome at 3 months were evaluated.RESULTSTen patients showed complete recanalization and nine patients showed partial recanalization. Fourteen patients had a good clinical recovery. One patient was moderately disabled and two were severely disabled according to their scores on the Glasgow outcome scale. Two patients died, one as a consequence of the preexisting subarachnoid hemorrhage and the other because of a large intracerebral hematoma that developed after fibrinolysis. Of the 14 patients with a good clinical outcome, nine exhibited complete recanalization and five partial recanalization.CONCLUSIONPharmacological thrombolysis seems to be a safe and efficient therapy that facilitates the natural fibrinolytic process, increasing the rate of recanalization in thromboembolic events. Clot fragmentation and superselective drug infusion appear to improve the rate of recanalization. Complete recanalization increases the chance of a better clinical outcome; however, clinical outcome does not always correspond to recanalization and vice versa.     

Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion: Outcome of Mechanical Thrombectomy with Solitaire Stent within 8 Hours of Stroke Onset

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Mechanical thrombectomy with a stent retriever applied shortly after symptom onset could increase good functional outcomes and improve survival in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion, but this has not yet been studied. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy with a Solitaire stent within 8 hours of stroke onset in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion.MATERIALS AND METHODS:We analyzed 25 consecutive patients with acute basilar artery occlusion who were treated with mechanical thrombectomy by use of the Solitaire stent within 8 hours of stroke symptom onset. Successful recanalization was defined as TICI grade 2b or 3. Good outcome was defined as mRS score of 0–2 at 3 months. Clinical and radiologic data in patients with good outcomes were compared with those with poor outcomes.RESULTS:Successful recanalization was achieved in 96% (24/25) of patients, and 48% (12/25) of patients had good outcomes. Eighty-eight percent (22/25) of patients survived to 3 months. The median NIHSS score on admission was significantly lower in patients with good outcomes than in those with poor outcomes (9.5 versus 14, P = .005). Procedure-related complications occurred in 2 patients (8%). No symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages occurred.CONCLUSIONS:The current study suggests that mechanical thrombectomy by use of a Solitaire stent within 8 hours of stroke onset increases good outcomes and improves survival in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion.

Acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is associated with a very poor outcome and has the highest mortality rate among intracranial large-vessel occlusions.^1,2 In a prospective, observational study (BASICS [Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study]), 27 patients were treated conservatively because the patients were either comatose (n = 26) or tetraplegic (n = 1) at the time of presentation; 96.3% (26/27) of these patients died, and the 1 remaining patient had an mRS score of 5 at 1 month.²Clinical outcomes were unsatisfactory, even when patients with acute BAO were treated with intravenous or intra-arterial (IA) pharmacologic thrombolysis. A systematic analysis including 420 patients showed that the rates of death or dependency were 78% (59/76) in patients treated with IV thrombolysis and 76% (260/344) in those treated with IA thrombolysis.³In the past few years, the introduction of stent-type clot removal devices (stent retrievers) have initiated a new era in endovascular stroke therapy. Two randomized, controlled trials and many case series showed that stent retrievers can achieve a high rate of successful recanalization of up to 90%, thus improving the clinical outcome in patients with acute intracranial large-vessel occlusion.^4–11 Most studies were focused on anterior circulation stroke.The efficacy of stent retrievers for treating acute BAO was reported in several recent case series.^12–14 These previous studies used a longer time window of up to 24 hours for mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute BAO. However, BASICS showed that early recanalization therapy in patients with acute BAO is associated with a more favorable outcome, and all patients with severe stroke treated >9 hours after symptom onset had poor functional outcome despite IV or IA thrombolysis.¹⁵ In this regard, the use of mechanical thrombectomy with a stent retriever within a shorter time period from symptom onset would increase the patient''s chances for a good functional outcome and decrease the mortality rate in patients with acute BAO, but this has not yet been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy with a stent retriever (Solitaire; Covidien, Irvine, California) as a first-line endovascular therapy within 8 hours of stroke onset in patients with acute BAO.     

Thromboaspiration in the basilar artery: report of two cases

Recanalization of the basilar artery is not always achieved with intraarterial fibrinolysis. We report two cases of thromboaspiration in the basilar artery in which recanalization with fibrinolysis was successful. Thromboaspiration requires favorable anatomy and a fresh nonadhesive clot. It reduces the time for recanalization, has no hemorrhagic risk, and may prevent distal clot migration. Thromboaspiration may be attempted as an adjunct or alternative to intraarterial fibrinolysis for basilar artery recanalization.     

Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis with a Continuous Infusion of Low-Dose Urokinase for Non-Acute Deep Venous Thrombosis of the Lower Extremity

Objective

We wanted to evaluate the feasibility of catheter-directed thrombolysis with a continuous infusion of low-dose urokinase for treating non-acute (less than 14 days) deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity.

Materials and Methods

The clinical data of 110 patients who were treated by catheter-directed thrombolysis with a continuous infusion of low-dose urokinase for lower extremity deep venous thrombosis was analysed. Adjunctive angioplasty or/and stenting was performed for the residual stenosis. Venous recanalization was graded by pre- and post-treatment venography. Follow-up was performed by clinical evaluation and Doppler ultrasound.

Results

A total of 112 limbs with deep venous thrombosis with a mean symptom duration of 22.7 days (range: 15-38 days) were treated with a urokinase infusion (mean: 3.5 million IU) for a mean of 196 hours. After thrombolysis, stent placement was performed in 25 iliac vein lesions and percutaneous angioplasty (PTA) alone was done in five iliac veins. Clinically significant recanalization was achieved in 81% (90 of 112) of the treated limbs; complete recanalization was achieved in 28% (31 of 112) and partial recanalization was achieved in 53% (59 of 112). Minor bleeding occurred in 14 (13%) patients, but none of the patients suffered from major bleeding or symptomatic pulmonary embolism. During follow-up (mean: 15.2 months, range: 3-24 months), the veins were patent in 74 (67%) limbs. Thirty seven limbs (32%) showed progression of the stenosis with luminal narrowing more than 50%, including three with rethrombosis, while one revealed an asymptomatic iliac vein occlusion; 25 limbs (22%) developed mild post-thrombotic syndrome, and none had severe post-thrombotic syndrome. Valvular reflux occurred in 24 (21%) limbs.

Conclusion

Catheter-directed thrombolysis with a continuous infusion of low-dose urokinase combined with adjunctive iliac vein stenting is safe and effective for removal of the clot burden and for restoration of the venous flow in patients with non-acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.     

Catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy for thoracic deep vein thrombosis is safe and effective in selected patients with and without cancer

Objective

To assess the safety, feasibility and efficacy of catheter-directed thrombolysis for thoracic central venous thrombosis in both cancer and non-cancer patients.

Materials and methods

A retrospective case series of 68 patients, including 35 with active cancer and 33 without cancer, was analysed. They all received catheter-directed thrombolysis with alteplase or urokinase for symptomatic acute major thoracic vein thrombosis.

Results

Substantial clot lysis was obtained in 62 out of 68 patients (91%), the results being 88.6 and 93.8% for cancer and non-cancer patients respectively (P?=?0.68). The mean infusion time in patients with and without cancer was 2.11 and 1.84 days respectively (P?=?0.3259). Procedure-related complications occurred in two cancer patients (8.6%) and in seven non-cancer patients (21%) (P?=?0.18). One cancer patient developed a fatal intracranial bleeding. Additional intervention after successful lysis was performed in cancer (n?=?18; 51%) as well as in non-cancer patients (n?=?29; 88%).

Conclusion

Catheter-directed thrombolysis is a feasible and highly effective interventional procedure with an acceptable safety profile in selected patients with and without cancer for the treatment of symptomatic thoracic central venous thrombosis. In most cases, additional endovascular or surgical procedures are required to restore and maintain vessel patency after successful thrombolysis.