Relationship between stroke etiology and collateral status in anterior circulation large vessel occlusion

Journal of Neurology - Clinical outcome after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke is influenced by the intracerebral collateral status. We tested the hypothesis...     

Anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke in Saudi Arabia: Prevalence,predictors, and outcome

ObjectiveAnterior circulation Large Vessel Occlusion (LVO) stroke comes with significant morbidity and mortality. With the advent of endovascular interventions, its management has revolutionized. For health authorities to build systems and allocate resources, its burden, predictors, and outcome must be determined.MethodsIn a single tertiary care center, we retrospectively collected data from 1495 ischemic stroke patients to determine anterior circulation LVO prevalence, predictors, and outcome. Patients must have radiologically proven ischemic stroke within 24 hours before arrival at the emergency department. Anterior circulation LVO related stroke was defined as evidence of new anterior circulation infarct detected on neuroimaging, and vascular imaging confirming anterior circulation Large Vessel Occlusion. Data on demographics, vascular risk factors, treatment with reperfusion therapy, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at admission, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission, length of stay (LOS) in days, and in-hospital comorbidities and death were collected. Regression analysis was done to determine the predictors and outcomes of anterior circulation LVO ischemic strokes.ResultsWe found anterior circulation LVO in 27.8% (95 % CI 25.5–30.0) of all ischemic stroke patients. Atrial fibrillation and admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were the strongest predictors of LVO [OR 2.33, P = 0.0011 and OR 1.17, P < 0.0001] respectively. Occurrence of LVO was associated with worse disability score (mRS ≥ 3) [47.22 vs. 19.81% (P = 0.0073)], longer hospitalization in days [Median 9.0 vs. 3.0, IQR (14.0 vs. 5.0) P = 0.0432)], and was more likely to results in patient admission to intensive care unit [Mean 17.59 vs. 3.70 % (P = 0.0002)].ConclusionStroke with large vessel occlusion in Saudi Arabia is not uncommon. Its burden and outcome deserve national attention, as effective treatment is now readily available.     

High glycemic variability: An underestimated determinant of stroke functional outcome following large vessel occlusion

Background and purposeEarly glycemic variability (GV) in diabetic patients is a poor prognosis factor following cardiovascular events. However, its influence on the course of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion remains unclear. We investigated the relationship between high GV during acute stroke and three-month functional outcome among patients treated with combined intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular therapy for large vessel occlusion.MethodsA single-center retrospective analysis of AIS patients with proximal intracranial occlusion who underwent thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy between January 2015 and May 2017. Early GV was assessed using standard deviation (SD) of blood glucose levels for the first 24 hours. The main outcome was functional status at three months as defined by the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Secondary outcomes were change in NIHSS score from baseline to 24 hours and occurrence of severe hemorrhagic transformation. Multivariate logistic regression analyses including GV, admission glycemia and mean glycemia were performed.ResultsAmong the 93 patients evaluated, 26 had early high GV (≥ 20.9 mg/dl). High GV was associated with poor functional outcome (OR = 8.00; 95%CI [1.34–47.89]; P = 0.02) unlike admission glycemia and mean glycemia (OR = 2.92; 95%CI [0.51–16.60]; P = 0.23 and OR = 0.36; 95%CI [0.05-2.6]; p = 0.31, respectively). High GV was not associated with NIHSS at 24 hours or hemorrhagic transformation.ConclusionAcute high GV contributes to poorer functional outcome following AIS related to large vessel occlusion and should be considered as a new target in acute stroke management.     

Endovascular thrombectomy in octogenarians and nonagenarians with large vessel occlusion: Technical aspects and clinical outcome

BackgroundSafety and efficacy of thrombectomy in patients ≥80-year-old is not fully understood as this age group is underrepresented in major clinical trials.ObjectivesTo review the procedural aspects and clinical outcome of thrombectomy among octogenarians and nonagenarians in a busy comprehensive stroke center.MethodsWe retrospectively identified all patients ≥80-year-old who underwent thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke with emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) in the anterior circulation in our institution. Demographics, procedural variables, anesthesia modality, and clinical outcome measures were extracted. The rates of successful recanalization (defined as TICI ≥ 2B), symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation and favorable clinical outcome (defined as mRS<3 at 90 days) were identified.ResultsA total of 113 patients were identified. The median age for the cohort was 85 years (range: 80-103). Median admission NIHSS score was 18 (IQR: 14–25). Successful recanalization was achieved in 101 patients (89%). Monitored anesthesia care (MAC) was used in 78% of the patients. Groin puncture to recanalization time was shorter in patients under MAC (45±36 vs 120±50; p=0.006); however, no statistically significant difference in the rate of 90-day favorable outcome was observed between MAC and general anesthesia(23% vs 20%, p=0.77). From 72 patients with baseline mRS<3, 22% had a favorable 90-day outcome.ConclusionThrombectomy in octogenarians and nonagenarians is technically feasible and associated with high rate of recanalization. Anesthesia type was not a predictor of outcome and does not pose a threat on procedural time. Nearly one out of four patients in this study had a favorable clinical 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.     

Early partial recanalization after intravenous thrombolysis leads to prediction of favorable outcome in cases of acute ischemic stroke with major vessel occlusion

We investigated the association between early recanalization degree after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation, and functional outcome. We also evaluated whether recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) dosing error could influence the outcome. Patients with ischemic stroke with major vessel occlusion (n = 256) who underwent IVT were included. Recanalization status (no recanalization, partial recanalization, and complete recanalization) was confirmed by subsequent magnetic resonance or conventional angiography. Association between early recanalization degree and favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Early partial recanalization was achieved in 33 (12.9%), and complete recanalization in 7 (2.7%) patients. Patients with the highest quintile of rTPA dosage achieved complete recanalization more frequently than the lower four quintiles (8.0% vs 2.0%, P = 0.03). Hemorrhagic transformation tended to occur more frequently in patients with complete recanalization as compared with patients with partial recanalization (57.1% vs 21.2%, P = 0.15). The proportion of favorable outcome was significantly lower in patients with the highest quintile of rTPA dosage used as compared with the patients with lower four quintiles (40.8%, 57.0%, P = 0.04). In multivariable analysis, partial recanalization was significantly associated with favorable outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 3.15; 95% CI, 1.06–9.35), but complete recanalization was not. Early partial recanalization after IVT may be an indicator of favorable outcome with low occurrence of any hemorrhagic transformation.     

SPAN对行早期血管内治疗的前循环急性大血管闭塞性卒中患者临床预后的评估价值

目的 探讨卒中患者预后指数(SPAN)对早期血管内治疗前循环急性大血管闭塞性卒中(ALVOS)患者临床预后的评估价值.方法 收集2018年1月至2020年6月在晋中市第一医院就诊并行早期血管内治疗的ALVOS患者138例,根据术后90d改良Rankin量表(mRS)分为预后良好组(mRS≤2分,n=63)和预后不良组(...     

Susceptibility vessel sign as a predictor for recanalization and clinical outcome in acute ischaemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo assess the prognostic values of susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) on T2*-weighted MRI using GRE and SWI sequences for recanalization status and clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischaemic stroke undergoing different therapies.MethodsLiterature search on PubMed, EMBASE databases and other sources from inception up to 01 June 2021 was conducted. 11 studies which reported SVS, recanalization and clinical outcomes were included in qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis.ResultsPooled analysis demonstrated significant association between good clinical outcome and SVS-positive patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy (RR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.07–1.67, p = 0.01), which is in line with higher recanalization rate in SVS-positive patients who were treated with mechanical thrombectomy compared to intravenous thrombolysis only. No statistically significant association was demonstrated between presence of SVS and successful recanalization, likely due to limitations in the recruited studies.ConclusionsPresence of SVS in patients with acute ischaemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy is associated with good clinical outcome. SVS-positive patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy also shows better recanalization rate comparing to intravenous thrombolysis only, although not statistically significant. MRI assessment of the clot content using SVS is useful in selection of reperfusion strategy for acute ischaemic stroke and prognostication.     

Atrial fibrillation is associated with poor long-term outcome after mechanical thrombectomy for anterior large vessel occlusion stroke

ObjectivesAtrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the leading causes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The aim of our study was to determine the influence of AF on the long-term outcome of patients with AIS due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT).MethodsOur study included 127 consecutive patients with AIS due to anterior LVO who underwent MT between January 2018 and March 2020. Demographics, clinical, radiological and treatment characteristics were prospectively collected. Modified Rankin scale (mRS) score ≤2 was defined as a good functional outcome.ResultsAF was detected in 62 (48.8%) patients. Patients with AF were elder (73.1 ± 8.7 vs. 58.5 ± 14.2 years, p<0.01) and usually female (56.5% vs. 36.9%, p=0.03). They had a lower percentage of good functional outcome (31.6% vs. 62.3%, p<0.01) and a higher mortality rate (47.5% vs. 18.5%, p<0.01) after one year of follow-up. In the multivariate logistic regression the variables that showed significance with p <0.05 in previous univariate analyses were included. The presence of AF (aOR 0.29, 95% CI 0.11-0.78, p=0.01) and initial NIHSS score >15 (aOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.11-0.56, p<0.01) were independent negative predictors of good functional outcome after one year of follow-up. However, the presence of AF did not affect all-cause mortality within one year (p=0.18).ConclusionAF and initial NIHSS score >15 are independent negative predictors of good long-term functional outcome in patients with AIS due to anterior circulation LVO treated with MT.     

Effects of tumor type on outcomes in patients with large vessel occlusion stroke and cancer

BackgroundLarge vessel occlusions (LVO) stroke is associated with cancer. Whether this association differs among patients with LVO that undergo endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) according to cancer type remains unknown.Patients and methodsData from consecutive patients that underwent EVT for LVO at three academic centers were pulled and analyzed retrospectively. Patients with LVO and solid tumors were compared to those with hematological tumors. Associations of cancer type with 90-day functional outcome and mortality were calculated in multivariable analyses.ResultsOf the 154 patients with cancer and LVO that underwent EVT (mean age 74±11, 43% men, median NIHSS 15), 137 had solid tumors (89%) and 17 (11%) had hematologic tumors. Patients with solid cancer did not significantly differ from those with hematological malignancy in demographics, risk factor profile, stroke severity and subtype, and procedural variables. Outcome parameters including rates of favorable target recanalization and favorable outcome or mortality at discharge and 90 days post stroke were similar. Safety parameters including rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage also did not differ between the groups. On regression analyses, controlling for various prognostic variables cancer type was not associated with mortality or favorable outcomes.ConclusionsOur study suggests that the safety and efficacy of EVT in patients with malignancy does not depend on cancer type. Patients with malignancy should be considered for EVT regardless of cancer type.     

机械取栓治疗急性大动脉闭塞性轻型卒中

目的探讨血管内机械取栓治疗急性大动脉闭塞性轻型卒中患者的安全性和有效性。方法回顾性纳入2014年6月至2017年11月首都医科大学宣武医院神经外科急诊采用血管内机械取栓治疗的美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表（NIHSS）评分〈6分的急性大动脉闭塞性卒中患者,共16例。其中大脑中动脉闭塞5例（M1段闭塞2例,M2段闭塞3例）,大脑前动脉闭塞1例,颈内动脉闭塞2例,椎－基底动脉闭塞8例,对其中6例大动脉重度狭窄基础上的闭塞者,同期行急诊血管成形术。结果16例患者的闭塞血管均获得有效再通,术后脑梗死溶栓分级（TICI）3级12例,2b级4例;1例患者术后发生症状性脑出血而死亡,无血管内治疗操作相关的并发症;90 d改良Ranks量表评分0分8例,1分2例,2分3例,3分2例,6分（死亡）1例。结论初步临床经验显示,对于伴有急性大动脉闭塞性轻型卒中患者,血管内机械取栓治疗是安全有效的。     

Intravenous thrombolysis versus antiplatelet therapy in minor stroke patients with large vessel occlusion

Aim

Our study aimed to explore the effectiveness and safety of intravenous t-PA compared with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and aspirin alone for minor stroke with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤5 and large vessel occlusion (LVO).

Methods

Patients with minor stroke harboring LVO within 4.5-h time window were included from the Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR-III) between August 2015 and March 2018 in China. Clinical outcomes including modified Rankin scale (mRS) score, recurrent stroke, and all-cause mortality at 90 days and 36-h symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) were collected. Multivariable logistic regression models and propensity score matching analyses were used to determine the association between treatment groups and clinical outcomes.

Results

A total of 1401 minor stroke patients with LVO were included. Overall 251 patients (17.9%) received intravenous t-PA, 722 patients (51.5%) received DAPT, and 428 patients (30.5%) received aspirin alone. The intravenous t-PA was associated with greater proportions of mRS 0–1 (aspirin versus t-PA: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32 to 0.80; p = 0.004; DAPT versus t-PA: aOR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.49 to 1.19; p = 0.23). Using propensity score matching analyses, the results were similar. There was no difference in 90-day recurrent stroke among the groups. The rates of all-cause mortality in intravenous t-PA, DAPT, and aspirin groups were 0%, 0.55%, 2.34%, respectively. No patient developed sICH within 36 h of intravenous t-PA.

Conclusion

In patients with minor stroke harboring LVO within 4.5-h time window, intravenous t-PA was associated with higher odds for the excellent functional outcome, as compared with the aspirin alone. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted.     

急性大血管闭塞性卒中早期成功再通后恶性脑水肿发生的影响因素分析

目的:观察急性大血管闭塞性卒中(acute large vascular occlusion stroke,ALVOS)早期成功再通后恶性脑水肿(malignant brain edema,MBE)的发生率、影响因素及对预后的影响。方法:回顾性分析2014年7月至2019年2月在皖南医学院第一附属医院行早期血管内治疗后血管成功再通的前循环ALVOS患者149例,年龄(68±11)岁,其中男性85例(57.0%)。收集入组患者的基线数据、围手术期参数及90 d预后信息。采用单因素和多因素回归分析探讨MBE与患者预后的关系以及引起MBE的危险因素。结果:149例患者中基线美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表评分16(13,20)分,基线Alberta卒中项目早期CT评分9(8,10)分,发病-置鞘时间(248.3±61.3)min,发病-再通时间(312.4±69.7)min。其中发生MBE患者23例(15.4%,23/149);发生MBE患者90 d功能独立[90 d改良Rankin量表评分≤2分]率明显低于无MBE患者[分别为17.4%(4/23)、61.1%(77/126),χ2=14.985,P<0.001],且90 d病死率明显高于无MBE患者[分别为43.5%(10/23)、14.3%(18/126),χ2=10.861,P=0.003]。多因素分析结果显示MBE是影响90 d良好预后(调整OR=12.078,95%CI 1.934~75.443,P=0.008)和死亡(调整OR=4.146,95%CI 1.060~16.216,P=0.041)的独立危险因素;而脑侧支循环状态是影响前循环ALVOS患者早期血管内治疗血管再通后MBE发生的独立影响因素(2级侧支循环比0级侧支循环,调整OR=0.109,95%CI 0.021~0.563,P=0.008)。结论:MBE是影响ALVOS患者90 d良好预后和死亡的独立危险因素;对于ALVOS患者,即使早期血管内治疗后闭塞血管已获成功再通,但MBE仍不少见,而脑侧支循环状态是影响ALVOS患者早期血管内治疗血管再通后MBE发生的独立影响因素。     

Identification of embolic stroke in patients with large vessel occlusion: The Chinese embolic stroke score,CHESS

AimsThe aim of the study was to develop a simple and objective score using clinical variables and quantified perfusion measures to identify embolic stroke with large vessel occlusions.MethodsEligible patients from five centers participating in the International Stroke Perfusion Imaging Registry were included in this study. Patients were split into a derivation cohort (n = 213) and a validation cohort (n = 116). A score was developed according to the coefficients of independent predictors of embolic stroke from stepwise logistic regression model in the derivation cohort. The performance of the score was validated by assessing its discrimination and calibration.ResultsThe independent predictors of embolic stroke made up the Chinese Embolic Stroke Score (CHESS). There were: history of atrial fibrillation (3 points), non‐hypertension history (2 points), and delay time>6 s volume/delay time>3 s volume on perfusion imaging ≥0.23 (2 points). The AUC of CHESS in the derivation cohort and validation cohort were 0.87 and 0.79, respectively. Patients with a CHESS of 0 could be identified as low‐risk of embolic stroke, with a CHESS of 2–4 could be identified as medium‐risk and with a CHESS of 5–7 could be regarded as high‐risk. The observed rate of embolic stroke of each risk group was well‐calibrated with the predicted rate.ConclusionCHESS could reliably and independently identify embolic stroke as the cause of large vessel occlusion.     

Sex-specific differences in presentations and determinants of outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion stroke

Journal of Neurology - Sex-specific differences in ischemic stroke outcomes are prevalent. We sought to investigate sex differences in the determinants of reperfusion and functional outcomes after...