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.     

Clinical and radiological predictors of recanalisation and outcome of 40 patients with acute basilar artery occlusion treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis

OBJECTIVE: To define predictors of recanalisation and clinical outcome of patients with acute basilar artery occlusions treated with local intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT). METHODS: Vascular risk factors, severity of the neurological deficit graded by the National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), and radiological findings were recorded at presentation. Outcome was measured using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) three months later and categorised as favourable (mRS 0-2), poor (mRS 3-5), or death (mRS 6). RESULTS: 40 patients were studied. Median NIHSS on admission was 18. Mean time from symptom onset to treatment was 5.5 hours (range 2.3 to 11). Outcome was favourable in 14 patients (35%) and poor in nine (23%); 17 (42%) died. There were two symptomatic cerebral haemorrhages (5%). Recanalisation of the basilar artery was achieved in 32 patients (80%); it was complete (TIMI grade 3) in 20% and partial (TIMI grade 2) in 60%. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, low NIHSS score on admission (p = 0.002) and vessel recanalisation (p = 0.005) were independent predictors of favourable outcome. Recanalisation occurred more often with treatment within six hours of symptom onset (p = 0.003) and when admission computed tomography showed a hyperdense basilar artery sign (p = 0.007). In a univariate model, quadriplegia (p = 0.002) and coma (p = 0.004) were associated with a poor outcome or death. CONCLUSIONS: Low baseline NIHSS on admission and recanalisation of basilar artery occlusions predict a favourable outcome after intra-arterial thrombolysis. Early initiation of IAT and the presence of a hyperdense basilar artery sign on CT were associated with a higher likelihood of recanalisation.     

Safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy with the Solitaire device in large artery occlusion

Background and Purpose: Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) has limited efficacy in proximal large vessel occlusions. This study was to assess the safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy with a retrievable Solitaire stent in acute large artery occlusions . Materials and Methods: This is a single center study enrolling patients treated with Solitaire-assisted thrombectomy between November 2010 and March 2011. Inclusion criteria were severe stroke of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥10, treatment initiation within 6 hours from onset, and an angiographically verified occlusion of proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) or internal carotid artery (ICA). The primary outcome was recanalization defined as Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarct (TICI) reperfusion grade 2b/3. Secondary outcomes were good functional outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] ≤2), early substantial neurological improvement (NIHSS score improvement ≥8 at 24 hours), and symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (SHT). Results: Ten patients were consecutively enrolled: Age: 72.4 ? 5.7 years; female: 70%; baseline median NIHSS score: 19.5; and ICA occlusion in 50% and M1 portion of MCA occlusion in 50%. Six patients received intravenous TPA before intra-arterial treatment, and five patients were treated with adjuvant intra-arterial urokinase. Successful recanalization was achieved in 7 (70%) patients. Four (40%) patients had a good functional outcome at 3 months, and three (30%) patients had an early substantial neurological improvement. SHT occurred in two patients (20%), and 3-month mortality rate was 30%. There was no procedure-related complication. Conclusions: Mechanical thrombectomy with the Solitaire device can effectively recanalize proximal large vessel occlusions, and potentially improves clinical outcome.     

Mechanical thrombectomy in patients with proximal occlusions and low NIHSS: Results from a large prospective registry

BackgroundMechanical thrombectomy is now standard of care for treatment of acute ischemic stroke secondary to large vessel occlusion in the setting of high NIHSS. We analysed a large nationwide registry focusing on patients with large vessel occlusion and low NIHSS on admission to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thrombectomy in this patient populationMethods2826 patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy were included in a multicentre registry from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2015. We included patients with large vessel occlusion and NIHSS ≤ 6 on admission. Baseline characteristics, imaging, clinical outcome, procedure adverse events and positive and negative outcome predictors were analysed.Results134 patients were included. 90/134 had an anterior circulation and 44 a posterior circulation stroke. One patient died before treatment. Successful revascularization (mTICI 2b-3) was achieved in 73.7% (98/133) of the patients. Intraprocedural adverse event was observed in 3% (4/133) of cases. Symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage rate was 5.3% (7/133). At three months, 70.9% (95/134) of the patients had mRS score 0-2, 15.7% (21/134) mRS 3-5 and 13.4% (18/134) mRS 6. Age and successful recanalization were significant predictors of a good clinical outcome on both univariate (p= 0.005 and p=0.007) and multivariable (p=0.0018 and p=0.009 [nat log]) analysis. Absence of vessel recanalization and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were independent predictors of poor outcome (p=0.021) .ConclusionsOur study suggests that patients with large vessel occlusion and low NIHSS score on admission can benefit from mechanical thrombectomy. Randomized trials are warranted.     

Stroke initial severity and outcome relative to insurance status in a universal health care system in Switzerland

Background: Socioeconomic status is thought to have a significant influence on stroke incidence, risk factors and outcome. Its influence on acute stroke severity, stroke mechanisms, and acute recanalisation treatment is less known. Methods: Over a 4‐year period, all ischaemic stroke patients admitted within 24 h were entered prospectively in a stroke registry. Data included insurance status, demographics, risk factors, time to hospital arrival, initial stroke severity (NIHSS), etiology, use of acute treatments, short‐term outcome (modified Rankin Scale, mRS). Private insured patients (PI) were compared with basic insured patients (BI). Results: Of 1062 consecutive acute ischaemic stroke patients, 203 had PI and 859 had BI. They were 585 men and 477 women. Both populations were similar in age, cardiovascular risk factors and preventive medications. The onset to admission time, thrombolysis rate, and stroke etiology according to TOAST classification were not different between PI and BI. Mean NIHSS at admission was significantly higher for BI. Good outcome (mRS ≤ 2) at 7 days and 3 months was more frequent in PI than in BI. Conclusion: We found better outcome and lesser stroke severity on admission in patients with higher socioeconomic status in an acute stroke population. The reason for milder strokes in patients with better socioeconomic status in a universal health care system needs to be explained.     

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.     

Outcome of MRI-based intravenous thrombolysis in carotid-T occlusion

Low recanalization rates and poor clinical outcome have been reported after intravenous thrombolysis (IV-tPA) in carotid-T occlusion (CTO). We studied clinical outcome and imaging findings of MRI-based intravenous thrombolysis in CTO. Data of patients with acute ischemic stroke and CTO treated with IV-tPA within 6?h of symptom onset based on MRI criteria were retrospectively analyzed. Vessel occlusion was defined based on MR angiography. Acute diffusion and perfusion lesion volumes and final infarct volumes after 3-7?days were delineated. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used to assess the neurological deficit on admission. Recanalization was evaluated after 24?h. Clinical outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) after 90?days. Clinical and imaging data were compared to patients with middle cerebral artery main stem occlusion (MCAO). A total of 20 patients with CTO and 51 patients with MCAO were studied. Onset to treatment time, NIHSS on admission, initial diffusion and perfusion lesion volumes, and recanalization rates after 24?h were similar between groups. Final infarct volume was larger for CTO (82 vs. 30?ml, p?=?0.006). Although overall outcome was not significantly different between groups (p?=?0.251), independent outcome (mRS 0-2) tended to be less frequent in CTO (17 vs. 39?%), while poor outcome (mRS 4-6) appeared more common (72 vs. 43?%). The proportion of patients with good clinical outcome after intravenous thrombolysis in CTO is small. Moreover, final infarct volume is larger and clinical outcome appears to be worse compared to MCAO.     

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.     

青年卒中患者重组组织型纤溶酶原激活剂静脉溶栓治疗后临床预后不良的危险因素

目的 探讨青年卒中患者重组组织型纤溶酶原激活剂(rt-PA)静脉溶栓治疗后临床预后不良的危险因素.方法 回顾性、连续性纳入胜利油田中心医院2018年1月至2019年12月收治的首次发病并接受rt-PA静脉溶栓的青年卒中患者114例.根据发病90 d mRS评分,将青年卒中患者分为预后良好组(90 d mRS评分0～2分...     

Conservative medical treatment and intravenous thrombolysis in acute stroke from carotid T occlusion

BACKGROUND: We aimed to analyse the course of early recanalization and corresponding functional outcome in patients with an acute occlusion of the carotid T who were treated conservatively or underwent intravenous thrombolysis. METHODS: Forty-two patients with an acute occlusion of the carotid T within 6 h were recruited from consecutive admissions to a neurological department participating in the Duplex Sonography in Acute Stroke study. All patients underwent a standardized admission and follow-up procedure. Colour-coded duplex sonography was performed on admission, 30 min after thrombolysis, and at 6 and 24 h after onset of symptoms. Recanalization of the carotid T was classified as complete, partial and absent. Functional outcome was rated with the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 3 months as favourable (mRS 0-2) or poor (mRS 3-6). RESULTS: Within 6 h, complete or partial recanalization occurred in 1 of 27 patients treated conservatively and in 6 of 15 thrombolysed patients. Intravenous thrombolysis predicted early recanalization also after adjustment for age, sex, cardioembolic stroke aetiology and time to treatment (adjusted odds ratio, OR, 39.7; 95% confidence interval, CI, 2.0-801.7; p = 0.016). An early recanalization was the only selected predictor of a favourable outcome (OR, 13.6; 95% CI, 1.0-179.0; p = 0.047) at regression analysis, and was achieved in 3 thrombolysed patients but in none with conservative medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In patients treated conservatively, functional outcome is poor and early recanalization rarely occurs. The latter can be achieved by intravenous thrombolysis with a rate comparable to that found at an intra-arterial approach without major intracranial bleeding complications. Early recanalization is associated with a better functional outcome.     

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。     

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.     

Effect of race/ethnicity on arterial recanalization following intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke patients

IntroductionSeveral reports have identified that clinical outcomes such as death or disability in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients following intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment can vary according to race and ethnicities. We determined the effect of race/ethnicity on rates of arterial recanalization in AIS patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) after IV tPA.MethodsWe analyzed 234 patients with LVO detected on computed tomographic angiography (CTA) who received IV tPA and subsequently underwent angiography for potential thrombectomy. The primary occlusion sites on CTA and digital subtracted angiography (DSA) were compared and a score was given to the level of recanalization with values ranging from 1 (complete recanalization), 2 (partial recanalization), or 3 (no recanalization).The effect of race/ethnicity were assessed for predicting vessel recanalization using the covariates of age, gender, time since stroke onset, tPA dose received, NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale) score at baseline, and location of the occlusion, using logistic regression analysis.ResultsFive patients (2.1%) were Hispanic or Latino, 8 (3.4%) Asian, 24 (10.3%) African American, and 197 (84.2%) White. A total of 50% had a distal ICA/proximal M1 occlusion, 20% distal M1 occlusion, and 16% single M2 occlusion. At the primary occlusion site, 44 (18.8%) had complete recanalization on post IV tPA angiogram, 17 (7.3%) had partial recanalization, and 165 (70.5%) had no recanalization. We did not find any association between race/ethnicity and vessel recanalization post IV tPA (Nonwhite combined [OR=1.49, p=0.351]; Asian [OR=1.460, p=0.650]; African American [OR=1.508, p=0.415]; White [OR=0.672, p=0.351]; ethnicity (Hispanic or Latino) [OR= 1.008, p=0.374]); Occlusion location (OR=0.189, p<0.001). Final TICI scores and mRS at 90 days were similar among the different groups.ConclusionApproximately 19% of patients had complete recanalization after IV tPA, but race and ethnicity did not seem to have an effect on arterial recanalization. Arterial recanalization was only affected by location of occlusion.     

Long-term follow-up after extracranial internal carotid artery dissection

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term outcome after extracranial internal carotid artery dissection (eICAD) in consideration of the applied antithrombotic therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Among 33 consecutive eICAD patients initially treated either with anticoagulation (n = 25) or with antiplatelets (n = 8), a standardized interview was performed after 28 +/- 22.1 months to analyze risks and benefits of both agents. Ischemic and hemorrhagic complications, occurrence of seizure and rates of arterial recanalization were compared and long-term clinical outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Barthel Index (BI). RESULTS: Among anticoagulated patients, 1 died due to brain herniation. In 3 patients stroke (n = 2) or TIA (n = 1) recurred. In the antiplatelet group, none died and no subsequent ischemic events happened. Hemorrhagic complications were noted in neither treatment group. Functional outcome among anticoagulated patients was BI 92 +/- 21.6 and mRS 1.48 +/- 1.50, which did not differ from patients initially treated with antiplatelets (BI 89 +/- 18.9, mRS 1.50 +/- 1.41, p > 0.05). Four anticoagulated patients developed seizures, compared to 2 patients with antiplatelets (p > 0.05). Arterial recanalization occurred in 16 of 22 antico- agulated patients with ultrasound follow-up, compared to 6 of 6 patients with antiplatelets (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the absence of iatrogenic side effects, both anticoagulation and antiplatelets seem to be safe for eICAD. The rates for death and stroke were low and outcome ratings did not differ between both agents. These findings may indicate that a controlled randomized trial comparing anticoagulation and antiplatelets is ethically justified.     

Number of stentriever passes and outcome after thrombectomy in stroke

Background and purposesStroke secondary to emergent large vessel occlusions (ELVO) involving the anterior circulation can be treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) or thrombectomy. Data regarding the influence of the number of stentriever passes needed for vessel recanalization on outcome is lacking.Patients and methodsWe prospectively accrued data on consecutive patients with ELVO that were treated with thrombectomy. Procedural details including the number of stentriever passes needed to achieve vessel recanalization and clot length were collected. Functional outcome was determined with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days post stroke with mRS ≤ 2 considered favorable outcome. Data on demographics, risk factors, stroke severity, survival, and occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) was also collected.ResultsOn univariate analysis more than one pass needed to achieve recanalization impacted survival and functional outcome after 90 days as did age, stroke severity and collateral and reperfusion status. On multivariate logistic regression the number of passes needed to achieve revascularization (OR: 10.0, 95% CI: 2.28–43.94, P = 0.002), age (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.84–0.96, P = 0.001) and collateral status (OR: 7.90, 95% CI: 1.87–33.35, P = 0.005) remained significant modifiers for favorable outcome. On logistic regression the only variable associated with the need to perform more than a single stentriever pass was time from symptom onset to target vessel recanalization (OR: 1.007, 95% CI: 1.002–1.012).ConclusionsThe number of passes needed to achieve target vessel recanalization modifies outcome after thrombectomy and successful recanalization after a single pass is associated with favorable outcome.     

Management of tandem internal carotid and middle cerebral arterial occlusions with endovascular multimodal reperfusion therapy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of multimodal reperfusion therapy (MMRT) for tandem internal carotid artery and middle cerebral arterial (TIM) occlusions. Cases of TIM occlusion were collected and retrospectively reviewed. The analyzed objects included etiology, sites of tandem occlusion, collateral flow, location and size of infarcts. Combined with mechanical recanalization techniques and its complications, the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and imaging data that was derived pre- and post-procedure were further contrasted. The study enrolled six patients with TIM occlusions. The mean NIHSS score on admission was 17 (range 13–20) and the median time from puncture to recanalization was 141 min (range 60–230). The substantial recanalization rate (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b or 3) was 83.3% and no symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage was observed. The mean NIHSS score after three days was 14 (range 10–19) and 9 (range 3–17) following discharge. However, one patient died of pulmonary infection one month after discharge. For the five patients who survived, the modified Rankin Scale was evaluated at three months, with scores of 3, 1, 3, 5 and 3, respectively. It is concluded that endovascular therapy for acute TIM occlusions are complex, MMRT may be relatively safe and effective.     

应激性高血糖与前循环取栓再通后早期预后的相关性研究

目的 探讨应激性高血糖与急性前循环大血管闭塞取栓再通后早期预后的相关性。方法 本回顾性研究纳入于丽水市中心医院接受急诊取栓并成功再通的急性前循环大血管闭塞性缺血性卒中患者,成功再通定义为m TICI分级为2b～3级。依据应激性高血糖比值（stress hyperglycemia ratio,SHR）中位数将患者分为低SHR组和高SHR组,主要结局为出院功能预后不良（mRS评分4～6分）,次要结局为术后72 h内恶性脑水肿（malignant cerebral edema,MCE）。采用有序logistic回归分析SHR与出院mRS评分增加的关系,多因素logistic回归探究SHR与出院功能预后不良、MCE的相关性。结果 研究最终纳入312例患者,低SHR组与高SHR组各156(50%)例,SHR为0.953(0.817～1.100),静脉溶栓率为48.1%,NIHSS评分为14(11～18)分,72 h内发生MCE的有74例,出院功能预后不良的有196例。与低SHR组相比,高SHR组入院NIHSS评分更高（16分vs. 14分,P=0.031）,72 h内MCE发生率更高（33.3%...     

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.