急性大脑中动脉闭塞机械取栓治疗的观察性研究

目的探讨大脑中动脉急性闭塞后行血管内机械取栓的优化治疗方式及疗效。方法以行血管内机械取栓的大脑中动脉闭塞的急性缺血性卒中患者为研究对象,回顾性分析其责任病灶特点、血管内治疗方式、血管开通状况及术后神经功能改善状况。结果连续纳入2014年1月-2016年8月期间于中山市人民医院脑血管介入科行急性大脑中动脉闭塞机械取栓的患者77例,其中M1段闭塞52例(右侧27例,左侧25例),上干闭塞15例,下干闭塞10例。取栓后Solitaire支架释放在狭窄部位17例,合并大脑中动脉严重狭窄应用Gateway球囊扩张6例,局部动脉给予溶栓药物3例。经血管内治疗后,77例大脑中动脉闭塞全部成功开通。术后再灌注出血6例(7.79%),取栓术后因急性脑肿胀行去骨瓣减压术5例(6.49%),术后90 d患者预后良好[改良Rankin量表(modified Rankin Scale,m RS)评分2分]48例(62.34%)。结论大脑中动脉急性闭塞行Solitaire支架急诊取栓可获得满意的再通率及3个月良好预后。     

Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Flow Improvement in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It has been suggested that intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) would not lyse the large thrombus associated with internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion and, therefore, would be ineffective in this setting. Vascular imaging, safety, and outcome of TPA therapy for ICA occlusion is not well described. Our goal was to determine the site of occlusion, early recanalization after TPA infusion, and its relationship to outcome. METHODS: We reviewed our database of all stroke patients treated with i.v. TPA between July 1997 and July 1999. We identified all cases with carotid occlusion suggested by transcranial Doppler (TCD) and angiography. Occlusion and recanalization were assessed by site including proximal ICA (prICA), terminal ICA (tICA), and middle cerebral artery (MCA). Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and follow-up Rankin scores were obtained. RESULTS: We treated 20 patients with carotid occlusion (age 63.9 +/- 10.8 years, 11 males, 9 females). Time to TPA infusion after stroke onset was 128 +/- 66 minutes. Baseline NIHSS scores were 16.4 +/- 5.4. Time to follow-up was 3.5 +/- 4.9 months (2 patients were lost to follow-up). Occlusion sites were prICA 40%, tICA 70%, and concurrent MCA 45%. Multiple sites were involved in 10/20 patients (50%). Among patients with pretreatment and posttreatment vascular imaging studies (n = 18), recanalization in the prICA and tICA was complete in 10%, partial in 16%, and none in 74%. MCA recanalization was complete in 35%, partial in 24%, and none in 41%. At follow-up, Rankin 0-1 was found in 8 patients (44%), Rankin 2-3 in 3 (17%), and Rankin 4-5 in 3 (17%). Mortality was 22% (n = 4) including 1 fatal intracerebral hemorrhage. Improvement was closely related to resumption of MCA flow (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients did not recanalize their ICA occlusion after intravenous TPA therapy. However, recanalization of associated proximal MCA clot, found in 45% of our patients, or improved MCA collateral flow was strongly associated with good outcome.     

Local intra-arterial fibrinolysis in acute hemispheric stroke: effect of occlusion type and fibrinolytic agent on recanalization success and neurological outcome

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of occlusion type and fibrinolytic agent on recanalization success and clinical outcome in patients undergoing local intra-arterial fibrinolysis (LIF) in acute hemispheric stroke. METHODS: LIF was performed in 137 patients with angiographically established occlusion in the carotid circulation within 6 h of stroke onset. Retrospective analysis included recanalization success, recanalization time, type of occlusion and fibrinolytic treatment mode. Five types of occlusion were categorized: intracranial bifurcation (carotid 'T') of the internal carotid artery (ICA; n = 35); proximal segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA; n = 66); distal segment of the MCA (n = 20); extracranial ICA with MCA embolism (n = 8); multiple peripheral branches of the anterior cerebral artery and the MCA (n = 8). Neurologic outcome was evaluated after 3 months by Barthel Index (BI) as good (BI >90), moderate (BI 50-90), poor (BI <50) or death. RESULTS: Recanalization was achieved in 74 patients (54%). Mean recanalization time in recanalized patients was 91 min. Neurologic outcome was good in 48 patients (35%), moderate in 34 (25%), poor in 30 (22%) and 25 died (18%). Outcome was significantly better in recanalized than in nonrecanalized patients (p < 0.001). Treatment results were significantly better in proximal and distal MCA occlusion than in carotid 'T' occlusions (p < 0.001). Recanalization success hardly differed between urokinase and rt-PA. Combined treatment with rt-PA and lys-plasminogen tended toward a faster recanalization. Parenchymal hemorrhage occurred in 13 patients (9%). CONCLUSION: The type of occlusion is of high prognostic value for successful fibrinolysis in the anterior circulation. However, recanalization is a time-consuming process even with an intra-arterial approach. Recanalization did not differ between type or dosage of plasminogen activators. Further innovative attempts are warranted towards hastening recanalization time in endovascular acute stroke treatment.     

基底动脉急性闭塞患者支架再通预后与侧支代偿之间的关系

目的探讨急性基底动脉近端或中段闭塞行Solitaire~(TM)支架再通后3个月预后与术前侧支循环代偿之间的关系。方法对天坛医院2014-01—2014-12期间33例因基底动脉近端或中段急性闭塞行SolitaireTM支架机械再通患者的资料进行回顾性分析,根据再通术前脑血管造影(DSA)所示侧支循环代偿情况进行分级(Ⅰ-Ⅳ级),将患者侧支循环代偿程度分级,术前NIHSS评分,闭塞血管再通时间,有无高血压、糖尿病、高脂血症,是否合并基础狭窄、合并溶栓、合并支架植入等与SolitaireTM支架机械再通3个月预后情况〔分为预后良好(MRS评分0~2)和预后差(MRS评分3~6分)两组〕分别进行单因素分析,并将两组间比较P0.10的因素与3个月预后情况行多因素Logistics回归分析,筛选出影响3个月预后的独立风险因素。结果与SolitaireTM支架机械再通3个月预后差的基底动脉近端或中段急性闭塞患者比较,预后良好的患者侧支循环代偿程度较好(H=13.6,P=0.001)、再通术前NIHSS评分低(t=-3.315,P=0.004);其他相关因素两组间比较差异无统计学意义(均P0.05)。其中,血管代偿程度分级、术前NIHSS评分和合并高血压病(P=0.066)等三种因素P0.10,对这三种因素进行多因素Logistics回归分析显示,代偿程度分级(OR=7.536,P=0.017)和术前NIHSS评分(OR=1.150,P=0.039)是影响患者预后的独立风险因素。结论术前NIHSS评分、血管代偿程度分级是评估近端或中段急性基底动脉闭塞患者3个月预后的独立风险因素,而且术前血管代偿程度分级评价近端或中段急性基底动脉闭塞患者3个月预后的灵敏度更高。     

Critical Use of Balloon Angioplasty after Recanalization Failure with Retrievable Stent in Acute Cerebral Artery Occlusion

Objective

Sudden major cerebral artery occlusion often resists recanalization with currently available techniques or can results in massive symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) after thrombolytic therapy. The purpose of this study was to examine mechanical recanalization with a retrievable self-expanding stent and balloon in acute intracranial artery occlusions.

Methods

Twenty-eight consecutive patients with acute intracranial artery occlusions were treated with a Solitaire retrievable stent. Balloon angioplasty was added if successful recanalization was not achieved after stent retrieval. The angiographic outcome was assessed by Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) and the clinical outcomes were assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

Results

At baseline, mean age was 69.4 years and mean initial NIHSS score was 12.5. A recanalization to TICI 2 or 3 was achieved in 24 patients (85%) after stent retrieval. Successful recanalization was achieved after additional balloon angioplasty in 4 patients. At 90-day follow-up, 24 patients (85%) had a NIHSS improvement of ≥4 and 17 patients (60%) had a good outcome (mRS ≤2). Although there was sICH, there was one death associated with the procedure.

Conclusion

Mechanical thromboembolectomy with a retrievable stent followed by additional balloon angioplasty is a safe and effective first-line therapy for acute intracranial artery occlusions especially in case of unsuccessful recanalization after stent thrombectomy.     

Residual Flow Signals Predict Complete Recanalization in Stroke Patients Treated With TPA

BACKGROUND: Residual blood flow around thrombus prior to treatment predicts success of coronary thrombolysis. The authors aimed to correlate the presence of residual flow signals in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) with completeness of recanalization after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (TPA). METHODS: The authors studied consecutive patients treated with intravenous TPA therapy who had a proximal MCA occlusion on pretreatment transcranial Doppler (TCD). Patients were continuously monitored for 2 hours after TPA bolus. Absent residual flow signals correspond to the thrombolysis in brain ischemia (TIBI) 0 grade, and the presence of residual flow signals was determined as TIBI 1-3 flow grades. Complete recanalization was defined as flow improvement to TIBI grades 4-5. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients with a proximal MCA occlusion had median pre-bolus NIHSS 16 (85% with > or = 10 points). TPA bolus was given at 141 +/- 56 minutes (median 120 minutes). Complete recanalization was observed in 25 (33%), partial in 23 (31%), and no early recanalization was seen in 27 (36%) patients within 2 hours after TPA bolus. Only 19% with absent residual flow signals (TIBI grade 0, n = 26) on pretreatment TCD had complete early recanalization. If pretreatment TCD showed the presence of any residual flow (TIBI 1-3, n = 49), 41% had complete recanalization within 2 hours of TPA bolus (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with detectable residual flow signals before IV TPA bolus are twice as likely to have early complete recanalization. Those with no detectable residual flow signals have less than 20% chance for complete early recanalization with intravenous TPA and may be candidates for intra-arterial therapies.     

Flow diversion in transcranial Doppler ultrasound is associated with better improvement in patients with acute middle cerebral artery occlusion

BACKGROUND: Flow diversion (FD) can occur with an acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. FD is thought to represent the collateral blood flow to the occluded MCA territory, but it is unclear whether or not FD lessens the stroke severity or leads to improved outcome. METHODS: Patients with a proximal MCA occlusion were selected from the CLOTBUST trial data bank. FD to the anterior or posterior cerebral artery was determined using transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Stroke severity and clinical improvement were measured using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores. RESULTS: We evaluated 47 patients with an isolated M1 MCA occlusion who received intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) within 3 h of symptom onset. FD was present in 83% of the patients. Median baseline NIHSS scores were 15.5 in the FD- group and 18 in the FD+ group (n.s.). Complete recanalization rates were 25 and 25.6% (n.s.). In 35 patients with a persistent occlusion, the average NIHSS score reduction was 22% (FD+) and 0.52% (FD-) during 90 min after t-PA bolus (p=0.017), and 29 versus -25% during the first 24 h after the t-PA bolus, respectively (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with persistent MCA occlusions after thrombolytic treatment, arterial blood flow diversion is associated with earlier and better neurological improvement. FD has protective effects on the ischemic brain tissue with persistent MCA occlusion.     

大脑中动脉M2段急性闭塞机械取栓临床疗效评估

目的 评估机械取栓应用于大脑中动脉（middle middle cerebral artery,MCA）M2段急性闭塞的有效 性和安全性。 方法 回顾性收集MCA M2段急性闭塞并实施机械取栓患者的临床资料,以90 d mRS评分分为良好 结局（mRS评分0～2分）与不良结局（mRS评分＞2分）组,比较两组基线临床资料、入院NIHSS评分、是 否合并静脉溶栓、闭塞部位、颅内出血（symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage,SICH）、再通时间等资料 的差异。 结果 共入组行机械取栓术的MCA M2段急性闭塞患者12例（男女各6例）。平均年龄（71.4±8.1)岁, 入院NIHSS评分中位数为18分,术后即刻血管再通[改良的脑梗死溶栓（modified thrombolysis in cerebral i nfarcti on,mTI CI ）2b～3级]11例（91.6%）,出血3例（25.0%）,其中SI CH 1例（8.3%）,24 h时血管再通11 例（91.6%）。90 d良好结局组4例,不良结局组8例。良好结局组入院NIHSS评分低于不良结局组（中位 数14分 vs 22分,P =0.038）,两组间其余因素差异无统计学意义。 结论 MCA M2段急性闭塞机械取栓的有效性及安全性有待观察,患者入院时NIHSS评分较低与 90 d预后良好有关。     

经颅多普勒超声脑缺血溶栓分级与阿替普酶静脉溶栓治疗急性前循环不同大动脉闭塞性脑梗死预后相关性研究

目的探讨分析经颅多普勒超声脑缺血溶栓分级与静脉溶栓治疗急性前循环不同大动脉闭塞性脑梗死患者血管再通评价与预后的相关性研究。方法选择急性前循环大动脉闭塞性脑梗死患者,对符合静脉溶栓者给予阿替普酶静脉溶栓治疗,分别于溶栓前及溶栓后24 h行床旁经颅多普勒超声(transcranial Doppler,TCD)检查并记录脑缺血溶栓分级(thrombolysis in brain ischemia,TIBI)。采用美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale,NIHSS)评分记录患者临床神经功能缺损,3个月随访时采用改良Rankin量表(modified Rankin Scale,m RS)评分评估患者预后,分析前循环不同大血管闭塞性脑梗死患者静脉溶栓前后血管再通情况及患者3个月预后。结果共入选46例患者,其中颈内动脉(internal carotid artery,ICA)闭塞患者19例,大脑中动脉(middle cerebral artery,MCA)闭塞患者27例。溶栓前与溶栓后24 h TCD监测TIBI分级提示血管再通者,ICA闭塞组5.26%,MCA闭塞组55.56%。ICA闭塞组与MCA闭塞组比较,MCA闭塞组90 d随访生活自理及良好预后的比例均高于ICA闭塞组,死亡率低于ICA闭塞组,而两组间溶栓后的症状性颅内出血发生率差异无显著性。结论急性前循环大动脉闭塞性脑梗死经静脉溶栓治疗后可获得血管再通,尤其是MCA闭塞患者;溶栓前后TIBI血流分级变化可反映大动脉血管再通情况,且有助于判断患者临床预后。     

Intra-arterial thrombolysis of embolic middle cerebral artery using collateral pathways

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion associated with middle cerebral artery (MCA) embolic occlusion requires prompt revascularization to prevent devastating stroke. With the advent of endovascular techniques for chemical and mechanical thrombolysis, the clinical outcome of patients with major arterial occlusions will improve. Finding the most expedient pathway to the site of end organ occlusion for thrombolysis is important. METHODS: We present two cases of acute stroke secondary to thrombotic occlusion of the cervical ICA associated with MCA embolic occlusion treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis via catheter navigation through the posterior communicating artery to the site of MCA arterial occlusion. No attempt was made to transverse the occluded ICA. RESULTS: Near complete restoration of flow was achieved in one patient and minimal vessel reopening was observed in the other patient. Both patients had good outcomes. CONCLUSION: Intra-arterial thrombolysis via Circle of Willis collaterals such as the posterior communicating artery for the treatment of acute thrombotic occlusion of the cervical internal carotid artery associated with embolic occlusion of the middle cerebral artery is a therapeutic option. This treatment option avoids the potential complications of navigating through an occluded proximal internal carotid artery and may expedite reopening of the MCA.     

Stent for temporary endovascular bypass and thrombectomy in major ischemic stroke

Endovascular techniques for acute stroke have evolved from a pharmacological to a mechanical approach. We report illustrative cases of successful anterior circulation recanalization in patients with large arterial occlusions, using a stent-based technique to perform arterial recanalization and thrombectomy, without permanent stent implantation. Four patients (mean age 59 years), presented with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores of 18 to 24, from 2 hours to 6 hours after stroke onset, with middle cerebral artery (MCA), MCA branch, internal carotid artery (ICA) terminus, or tandem ICA-MCA occlusions. A closed-cell stent was temporarily inserted to achieve temporary endovascular bypass, and then used as a thrombectomy device during withdrawal. Rapid and complete recanalization with successful thrombectomy was achieved in all patients within 28 minutes to 52 minutes. One week after treatment patients achieved NIHSS scores of 2 to 5, with no hemorrhagic complications. This approach allowed rapid endovascular revascularization and thrombectomy, without permanent stent implant. Stent-based thrombectomy devices may become a valuable tool in the management of acute ischemic stroke.     

FLAIR Vascular Hyperintensities in Acute ICA and MCA Infarction: A Marker for Mismatch and Stroke Severity?

Background: Vascular hyperintensities of brain-supplying arteries on stroke FLAIR MRI are common and represent slow flow or stasis. FLAIR vascular hyperintensities (FVH) are discussed as an independent marker for cerebral hypoperfusion, but the impact on infarct size and clinical outcome in acute stroke patients is controversial. This study evaluates the association of FVH with infarct morphology, clinical stroke severity and infarct growth in patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. Methods: MR images of 84 patients [median age 73 years (IQR 65-80), 56.0% male, median NIHSS 7 (IQR 3-13)] with acute stroke due to symptomatic ICA or MCA occlusion or stenosis were reviewed. Vessel occlusions were identified by MRA time of flight and graded with the TIMI score. Diffusion and perfusion deficit volumes on admission and FLAIR lesion volumes on discharge were assessed. The presence and number of FVH were evaluated according to MCA-ASPECT areas, and associations with MR volumes, morphology of infarction, recanalization status, presence of white matter disease and hemorrhagical transformation as well as with stroke severity (NIHSS), stroke etiology and thrombolysis rate were analyzed. Results: FVH were detectable in 75 (89.3%) patients. The median number of FVH was 4 (IQR 2-7). Patients with FVH >4 presented with more severe strokes due to NIHSS (p = 0.021), had larger initial DWI lesions (p = 0.008), perfusion deficits (p = 0.001) and mismatch volumes/ratios (p = 0.005). The final infarct volume was larger (p = 0.005), and hemorrhagic transformation was more frequent (p = 0.029) in these patients. Conclusions: The presence of FVH indicates larger ischemic areas in brain parenchyma predominantly caused by proximal anterior circulation vessel occlusion. A high count of FVH might be a further surrogate marker for initial ischemic mismatch and stroke severity.     

时间窗超过3h急性缺血性卒中患者动脉溶栓治疗观察

目的 评价时间窗超过3 h的急性缺血性卒中患者动脉溶栓治疗的疗效及影响因素.方法 选择法国南锡大学中心医院神经影像科自2008年1月至2009年1月收治的16例急性缺血性卒中患者(时间窗均达到或超过3 h,颈内动脉系统卒中时间窗不超过6 h,椎基底动脉系统卒中时间窗不超过24h.昏迷不超过6 h),行动脉内药物联合机械溶栓治疗,分析不同因素对疗效的影响.结果 7例患者闭塞血管达到完全再通,7例达到部分再通,另有2例闭塞血管未再通,再通率为87.5%.患者动脉溶栓后与溶栓前NIHSS评分比较明显降低.时间窗大于5 h的前循环系统闭塞患者溶栓前后NIHSS评分无改善,与时间窗较短患者相比较,出院时mRS评分明显较高.5例颈内动脉闭塞患者溶栓前后NIHSS评分无改善,与9例大脑中动脉闭塞患者、2例基底动脉闭塞患者相比预后较差.4例患者溶栓后24h出现症状性颅内出血,3例为颈内动脉闭塞,1例死亡.1例溶栓后发生血管再闭,但因侧支循环血流丰富,最终临床预后仍较好.结论 对于时间窗超过3 h大脑中动脉和基底动脉闭塞急性缺血性卒中患者,动脉溶栓可使闭塞血管达到较高的再通率,短期内使临床神经功能恢复,改善临床结局.临床应用动脉溶栓时应注意个体化选择性治疗,评价其疗效需结合时间窗、血管闭塞部位、侧支循环、并发症等因素,避免出血等并发症.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of intra-arterial hrombolytic therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke having their time window over 3 h and analyze its influencing factors.Methods Sixteen patients with acute ischemic stroke having their time window over 3 h, admitted to Department of Neuroradiology of Central Hospital of Nancy University from January 2008 to January 2009, were treated by intra-arterial thrombolysis using chemical (rt-PA) and mechanical technique. These patients had carotid stroke for less than 3 h, vertebrobasilar stroke for less than 24 h or coma for less than 6 h. According to the images of DSA, the recanalization after thrombolysis was evaluated by thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) grades. CT scans 24 h after thrombolysis were operated to detect the hemorrhage complications. NIHSS at baseline and 24 h after thrombolysis and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were recorded to evaluate the clinical efficacy. Results After intra-arterial thrombolysis, 7 (43.75%) in 16 patients got totally recanalization (TICI grade 3), another 7 partial recanalization (TICI grade 2), and the left 2 patients failed in recanalization (TICI grade 1); the total recanalization rate was 87.5%. A significant reduction of NIHSS scores after the thrombolysis was noted as compared with that before the thrombolysis. The atients with occlusion of anterior ciculation having time window over 5 h enjoyed no reduction of NIHSS scores after thrombolysis; mRS scores in patients having time window over 5 h were ignificantly higher as compared with those in patients having time window less than 5 h.The patients having ICA occlusion (n=5) had no reduction of NIHSS scores after thrombolysis, and enjoyed poorer prognosis as compared with whose occlusion lay in the middle cerebral artery (MCA,n=9) and basilar artery (BA, n=2). By CT scan 24 h after thrombolysis, 4 patients were detected with symptomatic intra cerebral hemorrhage (ICH, 25%) and all of them with occlusion in the internal carotid artery system: 1 patient with occlusion in MCA died of cerebral hernia causing by the large hematoma;the other 3 were all occlusion in ICA. Although reocclusion after thrombolysis occurred, 1 patient was benefitted from the affluent collateral perfusion and got a good prognosis. Conclusion For patientswith BA and MCA occlusion having time window over 3 h, intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy is effective and selective resulting from their high recanalization rate, improvement of neurological function and clinical end. The therapy should be individually chosen; mutiple factors as time window of stroke,location of stroke, ompensatory circulation and complications should be considered in evaluating the efficacy; and the hemorrhage complications should be avoided.     

时间窗超过3h急性缺血性卒中患者动脉溶栓治疗观察

目的 评价时间窗超过3 h的急性缺血性卒中患者动脉溶栓治疗的疗效及影响因素.方法 选择法国南锡大学中心医院神经影像科自2008年1月至2009年1月收治的16例急性缺血性卒中患者(时间窗均达到或超过3 h,颈内动脉系统卒中时间窗不超过6 h,椎基底动脉系统卒中时间窗不超过24h.昏迷不超过6 h),行动脉内药物联合机械溶栓治疗,分析不同因素对疗效的影响.结果 7例患者闭塞血管达到完全再通,7例达到部分再通,另有2例闭塞血管未再通,再通率为87.5%.患者动脉溶栓后与溶栓前NIHSS评分比较明显降低.时间窗大于5 h的前循环系统闭塞患者溶栓前后NIHSS评分无改善,与时间窗较短患者相比较,出院时mRS评分明显较高.5例颈内动脉闭塞患者溶栓前后NIHSS评分无改善,与9例大脑中动脉闭塞患者、2例基底动脉闭塞患者相比预后较差.4例患者溶栓后24h出现症状性颅内出血,3例为颈内动脉闭塞,1例死亡.1例溶栓后发生血管再闭,但因侧支循环血流丰富,最终临床预后仍较好.结论 对于时间窗超过3 h大脑中动脉和基底动脉闭塞急性缺血性卒中患者,动脉溶栓可使闭塞血管达到较高的再通率,短期内使临床神经功能恢复,改善临床结局.临床应用动脉溶栓时应注意个体化选择性治疗,评价其疗效需结合时间窗、血管闭塞部位、侧支循环、并发症等因素,避免出血等并发症.     

时间窗超过3h急性缺血性卒中患者动脉溶栓治疗观察

目的 评价时间窗超过3 h的急性缺血性卒中患者动脉溶栓治疗的疗效及影响因素.方法 选择法国南锡大学中心医院神经影像科自2008年1月至2009年1月收治的16例急性缺血性卒中患者(时间窗均达到或超过3 h,颈内动脉系统卒中时间窗不超过6 h,椎基底动脉系统卒中时间窗不超过24h.昏迷不超过6 h),行动脉内药物联合机械溶栓治疗,分析不同因素对疗效的影响.结果 7例患者闭塞血管达到完全再通,7例达到部分再通,另有2例闭塞血管未再通,再通率为87.5%.患者动脉溶栓后与溶栓前NIHSS评分比较明显降低.时间窗大于5 h的前循环系统闭塞患者溶栓前后NIHSS评分无改善,与时间窗较短患者相比较,出院时mRS评分明显较高.5例颈内动脉闭塞患者溶栓前后NIHSS评分无改善,与9例大脑中动脉闭塞患者、2例基底动脉闭塞患者相比预后较差.4例患者溶栓后24h出现症状性颅内出血,3例为颈内动脉闭塞,1例死亡.1例溶栓后发生血管再闭,但因侧支循环血流丰富,最终临床预后仍较好.结论 对于时间窗超过3 h大脑中动脉和基底动脉闭塞急性缺血性卒中患者,动脉溶栓可使闭塞血管达到较高的再通率,短期内使临床神经功能恢复,改善临床结局.临床应用动脉溶栓时应注意个体化选择性治疗,评价其疗效需结合时间窗、血管闭塞部位、侧支循环、并发症等因素,避免出血等并发症.     

Mechanical thrombectomy of acute distal posterior cerebral artery occlusions

To describe our experience with mechanical thrombectomy (MTE) of acute distal posterior cerebral artery (PCA) occlusions, either isolated or in combination with more proximal vessel occlusions regarding recanalization rates, MTE techniques, and procedural safety. From the prospectively maintained stroke thrombectomy databases of two institutions, all consecutive patients subjected to MTE of acute distal PCA occlusion (P2 and 3 segments) between July 2013 and May 2020 were retrospectively identified. Imaging data and angiographic features, as well as patients’ demographic and clinical data were evaluated. 35 consecutive patients were included in the study. In 17 patients MTE of isolated acute distal PCA occlusion was performed. 9 patients had combined basilar artery (BA) and distal PCA occlusion on stroke imaging and 3 had embolic distal PCA occlusion following MTE for BA occlusion. 6 patients harbored distal PCA occlusions in combination with carotid-T occlusion and a dominant posterior communicating artery. The median NIHSS at presentation was 14 (IQR 8 – 27). 25 patients (71.4%) had occlusions of the P2 and 10 patients (28.6%) of the P3 segment. Successful recanalization (TICI 2b/3) was achieved in 31 patients (88.6%). 10 patients (28.6%) were treated with a direct contact aspiration technique, while a stent retriever was used in 25 patients (71.4%). No complication attributable to distal PCA MTE occurred. Good outcome (mRS ≤ 2) was achieved in 14 patients (46.7%) and mortality was 22.9%. MTE for acute distal PCA occlusion in the setting of different occlusion patterns appears both safe and angiographically effective. Yet, clinical effectiveness remains to be determined.     

Influence of pretreatment MRI parameters on clinical outcome, recanalization and infarct size in 49 stroke patients treated by intravenous tissue plasminogen activator

We hypothesized that pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters might predict clinical outcome, recanalization and final infarct size in acute ischemic stroke patients treated by intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA). MRI was performed prior to thrombolysis and at day 1 with the following sequences: magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), T2*-gradient echo (GE) imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI). Final infarct size was assessed at day 60 by T2-weighted imaging (T2-WI). The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was assessed prior to rt-PA therapy and the modified Rankin Scale (m-RS) score was assessed at day 60. A poor outcome was defined as a day 60 m-RS score >2. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the predictors of clinical outcome, recanalization and infarct size. Forty-nine patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Baseline NIHSS score was the best independent indicator of clinical outcome (p=0.002). A worse clinical outcome was observed in patients with tandem internal carotid artery (ICA)+middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion versus other sites of arterial occlusion (p=0.009), and in patients with larger pretreatment PWI (p=0.001) and DWI (p=0.01) lesion volumes. Two factors predict a low rate of recanalization: a proximal site of arterial occlusion (p=0.02) and a delayed time to peak (TTP) on pretreatment PWI (p=0.05). The final infarct size was correlated with pretreatment DWI lesion volume (p=0.025). Recanalization was associated with a lower final infarct size (p=0.003). In conclusion, a severe baseline NIHSS score, a critical level of pretreatment DWI/PWI parameters and a proximal site of occlusion are predictive of a worse outcome after IV rt-PA for acute ischemic stroke.     

Thrombectomy or intravenous thrombolysis in patients with NIHSS of 5 or less?

Background and purposeTo compare outcomes of minor stroke patients with intracranial vessel occlusions (IVO) underwent mechanical thrombectomy (MT) versus those treated with intravenous thrombolysis alone (IVT).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed two large prospective stroke databases from two European centers searching for patients admitted with minor stroke (i.e. NIHSS Score░≤░5), baseline mRS░=░0 and occlusion of the M1–M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Groups receiving (A) IVT alone and (B) MT+/-IVT were compared. Primary outcome measures were MT safety, successful recanalization rate (mTICI 2b-3) and NIHSS shift (discharge NIHSS minus admission NIHSS); secondary outcomes included discharge rates and excellent outcome (mRS 0-1) at 3 months. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.ResultsThirty-two patients were enrolled in Group B (19░MT alone; 13 MT░+░IVT) and 24 in Group A. Successful recanalization (mTICI 2b-3) was obtained in 100% of cases in Group B vs 38% in Group A. Symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation rate did not differ between the two groups. Multivariate analysis reported MT as the only predictor of early (<░12░h) favorable NIHSS shift and lower NIHSS at discharge. Moreover, discharge at home and excellent outcome at 3-month follow-up were statistically associated with MT.ConclusionsMT in patients with minor strokes and intracranial vessel occlusion (IVO) is safe and can determine a rapid improvement of NIHSS Score. MT seems also associated with a higher rate of patients discharged at home after hospitalization and better clinical outcome at 3-month follow-up. Larger randomized trials are warranted to confirm these results.     

Manual Aspiration Thrombectomy Using Penumbra Catheter in Patients with Acute M2 Occlusion : A Single-Center Analysis

ObjectiveThe efficacy and safety of manual aspiration thrombectomy using Penumbra in an acute occlusion of large intracranial arteries has been proven in many previous studies. Our study aimed to retrospectively assess the efficacy and safety of manual aspiration thrombectomy using Penumbra in patients with small vessel occlusions (M2 segment of the MCA).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of 32 patients who underwent manual aspiration thrombectomy using the Penumbra 4 MAX Reperfusion Catheter for treatment of an M2 occlusion between January 2013 and November 2014. We evaluated immediate angiographic results and clinical outcomes through review of patient electronic medical records.ResultsThere were slightly more men in this study (M : F=18 : 14) and the median age was 72.5 (age range : 41–90). The rate of successful recanalization (TICI grade ≥2b) was 84% (27/32). NIHSS at discharge and favorable clinical outcomes at 3 months were significantly improved than baseline. Median initial NIHSS score was 10 (range : 4–25) and was 4 (range : 0–14) at discharge. Favorable clinical outcomes (mRS score ≤2 at 3 months) were seen in 25 out of 32 patients (78%). There were no procedure-related symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages. One patient expired after discharge due to a cardiac problem.ConclusionManual aspiration thrombectomy might be safe and is capable of achieving a high rate of successful recanalization and favorable clinical outcomes in patients with distal cerebral vessel occlusion (M2).     

Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients Presenting with NIHSS Score <6: A Safety and Efficacy Analysis

Background and ObjectivesGroundbreaking trials have shown the tremendous efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusions. Currently, mechanical thrombectomy is limited to patients with NIHSS scores ≥6. We investigated the feasibility and safety of MT in patients presenting with NIHSS scores <6.Materials and MethodsA retrospective review of patient who presented with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion with an NIHSS score <6 between 2015 – 2021. The patients were then divided into two groups: those who received mechanical thrombectomy and those who did not.ResultsAmong 83 patients, 41 received a mechanical thrombectomy while 42 received medical treatment only. The mean age in the mechanical thrombectomy group was 66 years versus 60 years in the medical group (p = 0.06). Risk factors for stroke did not differ significantly between both groups. 14 patients (34.1%) in the mechanical thrombectomy group and 20 (47.6%) in the medical group received tissue plasminogen activator. No significant difference in clinical improvement (NIHSS) at discharge (p=0.85) or the mRS score at 90 days (p = 0.15) was noted. Mechanical thrombectomy was associated with smaller infarct size (p=0.04) and decreased mortality (p=0.03).ConclusionsMechanical thrombectomy is safe and effective for patients who present with large vessel occlusions and low initial NIHSS scores. Therefore, the decision to offer the patient mechanical thrombectomy or not should not be decided by NIHSS score alone. Rather, the decision should be multifactorial with the aim of maximizing the patients’ outcomes.