Endovascular Therapy vs Medical Management for Patients With Acute Stroke With Medium Vessel Occlusion in the Anterior Circulation

Importance Randomized clinical trials have shown the efficacy of endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute large vessel occlusion strokes. The benefit of EVT in acute stroke with distal, medium vessel occlusion (DMVO) remains unclear. Objective To examine the efficacy and safety outcomes associated with EVT in patients with primary DMVO stroke when compared with a control cohort treated with medical management (MM) alone. Design, Setting, and Participants This multicenter, retrospective cohort study pooled data from patients who had an acute stroke and a primary anterior circulation emergency DMVO, defined as any segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) or distal middle cerebral artery, between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019. Those with a concomitant proximal occlusion were excluded. Outcomes were compared between the 2 treatment groups using propensity score methods. Data analysis was performed from March to June 2021. Exposures Patients were divided into EVT and MM groups. Main Outcomes and Measures Main efficacy outcomes included 3-month functional independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] scores, 0-2) and 3-month excellent outcome (mRS scores, 0-1). Safety outcomes included 3-month mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Results A total of 286 patients with DMVO were evaluated, including 156 treated with EVT (mean [SD] age, 66.7 [13.7] years; 90 men [57.6%]; median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score, 13.5 [IQR, 8.5-18.5]; intravenous tissue plasminogen activator [IV tPA] use, 75 [49.7%]; ACA involvement, 49 [31.4%]) and 130 treated with medical management (mean [SD] age, 69.8 [14.9] years; 62 men [47.7%]; median NIHSS score, 7.0 [IQR, 4.0-14.0], IV tPA use, 58 [44.6%]; ACA involvement, 31 [24.0%]). There was no difference in the unadjusted rate of 3-month functional independence in the EVT vs MM groups (151 [51.7%] vs 124 [50.0%]; P = .78), excellent outcome (151 [38.4%] vs 123 [31.7%]; P = .25), or mortality (139 [18.7%] vs 106 [11.3%]; P = .15). The rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was similar in the EVT vs MM groups (weighted: 4.0% vs 3.1%; P = .90). In inverse probability of treatment weighting propensity analyses, there was no significant difference between groups for functional independence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.36; 95% CI, 0.84-2.19; P = .20) or mortality (aOR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.63-2.43; P = .53), whereas the EVT group had higher odds of an excellent outcome (mRS scores, 0-1) at 3 months (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.02-2.87; P = .04). Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this multicenter cohort study suggest that EVT may be considered for selected patients with ACA or distal middle cerebral artery strokes. Further larger randomized investigation regarding the risk-benefit ratio for DMVO treatment is indicated

Large Genomic Deletions in CACNA1A Cause Episodic Ataxia Type 2

Episodic ataxia (EA) syndromes are heritable diseases characterized by dramatic episodes of imbalance and incoordination. EA type 2 (EA2), the most common and the best characterized subtype, is caused by mostly nonsense, splice site, small indel, and sometimes missense mutations in CACNA1A. Direct sequencing of CACNA1A fails to identify mutations in some patients with EA2-like features, possibly due to incomplete interrogation of CACNA1A or defects in other EA genes not yet defined. Previous reports described genomic deletions between 4 and 40 kb in EA2. In 47 subjects with EA (26 with EA2-like features) who tested negative for mutations in the known EA genes, we used multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification to analyze CACNA1A for exonic copy number variations. Breakpoints were further defined by long-range PCR. We identified distinct multi-exonic deletions in three probands with classic EA2-like features: episodes of prolonged vertigo and ataxia triggered by stress and fatigue, interictal nystagmus, with onset during infancy or early childhood. The breakpoints in all three probands are located in Alu sequences, indicating errors in homologous recombination of Alu sequences as the underlying mechanism. The smallest deletion spanned exons 39 and 40, while the largest deletion spanned 200 kb, missing all but the first three exons. One deletion involving exons 39 through 47 arose spontaneously. The search for mutations in CACNA1A appears most fruitful in EA patients with interictal nystagmus and onset early in life. The finding of large heterozygous deletions suggests haploinsufficiency as a possible pathomechanism of EA2

The Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN) Mechanical Thrombectomy Registry: Methods and Primary Results

Background A better understanding of real‐world practice patterns in the endovascular treatment for large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke is needed. Here, we report the methods and initial results of the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN) Registry. Methods The SVIN Registry is an ongoing prospective, multicenter, observational registry capturing patients with large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular treatment since November 2018. Participating sites also contributed pre‐SVIN Registry data collected per institutional prospective registries, and these data were combined with the SVIN Registry in the SVIN Registry+ cohort. Results There were 2088 patients treated across 11 US centers included in the prospective SVIN Registry and 5372 in SVIN Registry+. In the SVIN Registry cohort, the median number of enrollments per institution was 160 [interquartile range 53–243]. Median age was 67 [58–79] years, 49% were women, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 16 [10–21], Alberta stroke program early CT score 9 [7–10], and 20% had baseline modified Rankin scale (mRS)≥2. The median last‐known normal to puncture time was 7.7 [3.1–11.5] hours, and puncture‐to‐reperfusion was 33 [23–52] minutes. The predominant occlusion site was the middle cerebral artery‐M1 (45%); medium vessel occlusions occurred in 97(4.6%) patients. The median number of passes was 1 [1–3] with 93% achieving expanded Treatment In Cerebral Ischemia2b50–3 reperfusion and 51% expanded Treatment In Cerebral Ischemia3/complete reperfusion. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 5.3% of patients, with 37.3% functional independence (mRS0–2) and 26.4% mortality rates at 90‐days. Multivariable regression indicated older age, longer last‐normal to reperfusion, higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and glucose, lower Alberta stroke program early CT score, heart failure, and general anesthesia associated with lower 90‐day chances of mRS0–2 at 90‐days. Demographic, imaging, procedural, and clinical outcomes were similar in the SVIN Registry+. A comparison between AHA Guidelines‐eligible patients from the SVIN Registry against the Highly Effective Reperfusion evaluated in Multiple Endovascular Stroke Trials study population demonstrated comparable clinical outcomes. Conclusions The prospective SVIN Registry demonstrates that satisfactory procedural and clinical outcomes can be achieved in real‐world practice, serving as a platform for local quality improvement and the investigation of unexplored frontiers in the endovascular treatment of acute stroke

Repeated Mechanical Endovascular Thrombectomy for Recurrent Large Vessel Occlusion: A Multicenter Experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is now the standard of care for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. However, little is known about the frequency and outcomes of repeat MT (rMT) for patients with recurrent LVO. METHODS: This is a retrospective multicenter cohort of patients who underwent rMT at 6 tertiary institutions in the United States between March 2016 and March 2020. Procedural, imaging, and outcome data were evaluated. Outcome at discharge was evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale. RESULTS: Of 3059 patients treated with MT during the study period, 56 (1.8%) underwent at least 1 rMT. Fifty-four (96%) patients were analyzed; median age was 64 years. The median time interval between index MT and rMT was 2 days; 35 of 54 patients (65%) experienced recurrent LVO during the index hospitalization. The mechanism of stroke was cardioembolism in 30 patients (56%), intracranial atherosclerosis in 4 patients (7%), extracranial atherosclerosis in 2 patients (4%), and other causes in 18 patients (33%). A final TICI recanalization score of 2b or 3 was achieved in all 54 patients during index MT (100%) and in 51 of 54 patients (94%) during rMT. Thirty-two of 54 patients (59%) experienced recurrent LVO of a previously treated artery, mostly the pretreated left MCA (23 patients, 73%). Fifty of the 54 patients (93%) had a documented discharge modified Rankin Scale after rMT: 15 (30%) had minimal or no disability (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2), 25 (50%) had moderate to severe disability (modified Rankin Scale score 3-5), and 10 (20%) died. CONCLUSIONS: Almost 2% of patients treated with MT experience recurrent LVO, usually of a previously treated artery during the same hospitalization. Repeat MT seems to be safe and effective for attaining vessel recanalization, and good outcome can be expected in 30% of patients

Decline in subarachnoid haemorrhage volumes associated with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, decreased volumes of stroke admissions and mechanical thrombectomy were reported. The study\u27s objective was to examine whether subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) hospitalisations and ruptured aneurysm coiling interventions demonstrated similar declines. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective, observational study across 6 continents, 37 countries and 140 comprehensive stroke centres. Patients with the diagnosis of SAH, aneurysmal SAH, ruptured aneurysm coiling interventions and COVID-19 were identified by prospective aneurysm databases or by International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, codes. The 3-month cumulative volume, monthly volumes for SAH hospitalisations and ruptured aneurysm coiling procedures were compared for the period before (1 year and immediately before) and during the pandemic, defined as 1 March-31 May 2020. The prior 1-year control period (1 March-31 May 2019) was obtained to account for seasonal variation. FINDINGS: There was a significant decline in SAH hospitalisations, with 2044 admissions in the 3 months immediately before and 1585 admissions during the pandemic, representing a relative decline of 22.5% (95% CI -24.3% to -20.7%, p\u3c0.0001). Embolisation of ruptured aneurysms declined with 1170-1035 procedures, respectively, representing an 11.5% (95%CI -13.5% to -9.8%, p=0.002) relative drop. Subgroup analysis was noted for aneurysmal SAH hospitalisation decline from 834 to 626 hospitalisations, a 24.9% relative decline (95% CI -28.0% to -22.1%, p\u3c0.0001). A relative increase in ruptured aneurysm coiling was noted in low coiling volume hospitals of 41.1% (95% CI 32.3% to 50.6%, p=0.008) despite a decrease in SAH admissions in this tertile. INTERPRETATION: There was a relative decrease in the volume of SAH hospitalisations, aneurysmal SAH hospitalisations and ruptured aneurysm embolisations during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings in SAH are consistent with a decrease in other emergencies, such as stroke and myocardial infarction

Abstract 235: General Anesthesia vs. Non‐General Anesthesia in Endovascular Treatment for Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction Current evidence supports endovascular therapy (EVT) for eligible patients with acute ischemic stroke in the anterior and posterior circulation. However, there is no consensus regarding the choice of anesthetic approach during EVT and early reported studies were observational with potential biases and confounding. Therefore, we sought to build concrete evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the general anesthesia (GA) vs. non‐GA via a systematic review and meta‐analysis approach. Methods Data from inception to June 2023 were reviewed and only RCTs comparing the GA vs. non‐GA were included. We then pooled data for the main procedural, safety, and efficacy outcomes with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CI for dichotomous data and mean difference (MD) with 95% CI for continuous data under random effect model. Results Eight RCTs were included in the final analysis (n=1203) with seven of them reporting data for the anterior circulation (n=1116) and one for the posterior circulation (n=87). Regarding efficacy outcomes, pooled results revealed non‐statistically significant difference between GA and non‐GA for functional independence at 90 days defined as modified Rankin Score scale of 0‐2 (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.88–1.56, P= 0.28; I2 = 26%, Figure A) and the results of the anterior circulation subgroup showed non‐statistically significant difference (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.90–1.67, P= 0.2; I2 = 31%) and the difference was not also evident for posterior circulation (48.8% vs 54.5%; RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.58‐1.38; adjusted OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.37‐2.22). Successful recanalization, defined as Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b‐3, showed a statistically significant results favoring GA over non‐GA (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.42–2.63, P=0.0001; I2 = 0%, Figure B) and this continued to show statistically significant in both anterior and posterior circulation subgroups. Onset to reperfusion time was not statistically significant between GA and non‐GA (MD, ‐2.59; 95% CI: ‐22.38 to 17.21, P= 0.8; I2=24%, Figure C). Regarding safety outcomes, there were no statistically significant differences in intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.67–1.35, p = 0.79; I2 =0%, Figure D) or mortality (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.71–1.29, p = 0.76; I2 =0%, Figure E). However, GA showed a higher risk of hypotension compared to non‐GA (OR = 6.05, 95% CI: 3.25–11.25, P=0.00001; I2 =69%, Figure F). Sensitivity analysis by leave one out removing Ren et al (5) showed homogenous results (OR = 8.43, 95% CI: 5.85–12.16, P=0.00001; I2 =0%) Conclusion In this study‐level meta‐analysis, GA resulted in higher rates of successful reperfusion as compared to non‐GA despite being associated with higher rates of hypotension. Since many of the included studies were small and single center, more studies are warranted to support these findings

Abstract 286: Endovascular Management of Pediatric Vertebro‐Vertebral Arterio‐Venous Fistula: Case report

Introduction Vertebro‐vertebral arteriovenous fistula (VV‐AVF) is a rare vascular malformation with abnormal high flow shunt between extracranial vertebral artery and an adjacent vertebral vein plexus without intervening capillaries.1 While seen in both adult and pediatric populations, the majority of the VV‐AVFs seen in childhood are largely congenital, seen in the setting of connective tissue diseases such as Ehler‐Danlos Syndrome, Neurofibromatosis type 1, and Marfan’s syndrome, with abnormal involution of the proatlantal system also thought to be implicated.2,3,4 Approximately 70% of the presenting population are symptomatic at presentation, with a pulsatile mass over the side of the neck or pulsatile tinnitus. Additionally, symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency including gait abnormalities, limb weakness, vertigo, recurrent vomiting, diplopia, and in severe cases, cardiac decompensation can also be seen.5 Methods This is a case report of a 2‐year‐old boy presented to our pediatric neurovascular center of excellence with a progressively enlarging pulsatile left neck mass appreciated a year ago. Further evaluation with neck MRA followed by catheter cerebral angiogram revealed an upper cervical AVF with primary arterial feeders from V3 segment of the left vertebral artery, enlarged left occipital artery, and retrograde filling via the right vertebral artery into the left V4 with a direct shunt into a large venous pouch which drained into the vertebral venous plexus. Results Given the progressive enlargement of the mass, location of AVF, and concern for detrimental subsequent venous congestion, decision was made to pursue elective endovascular embolization of the VV‐AVF. The goal was set to obtain complete occlusion of the venous pouch to obliterate all arterial inflow contribution and prevent further recruitment. Occipital artery catheterization was attempted however given the redundant anatomical loops; optimum microcatheter navigation was not feasible. Given the non‐dominant configuration of the left VA, along with the presence of left AICA‐PICA system off the basilar trunk, coil embolization of the venous pouch followed by sacrifice of the V3 segment left VA was achieved satisfactorily leading to obliteration of the AVF along with all the arterial contributions from bilateral vertebral arteries and left occipital artery (Figure‐1). Given the potential vertebrobasilar inadvertent embolization, the procedure was performed under continuous neurophysiological monitoring and post‐periprocedural therapeutic anticoagulation. The patient tolerated the procedure well without any intraoperative issues. He was monitored in the pediatric ICU for 24 hours after the procedure, and subsequently discharged home. Conclusion We report a successful endovascular coil embolization of a VV‐AVF. To our knowledge, this is the youngest reported case where endovascular technique was successfully utilized to achieve cure of such high flow VV‐AVF in this 2‐year‐old patient. Systematic and methodical angiographic analyses with close post‐procedural monitoring are pivotal in ensuring successful outcomes

Abstract 1122‐000128: Imaging Follow‐Up in Carotid Webs: Is There Vascular Remodeling?

Introduction: Carotid web (CaW) is a shelf‐like fibrotic projection at the carotid bulb and constitutes an underrecognized cause of ischemic stroke. Atherosclerotic lesions are known to have dynamic remodeling with time however, little is known regarding the evolution of CaW over time. We aimed to better understand if CaW is a static or dynamic entity on delayed vascular imaging. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of the CaW database at our comprehensive stroke center, including patients diagnosed with CaW between September 2014 through June 2021. Patients who had at least two good quality CT angiograms (CTAs) that were at least 6 months apart were included (CTAs with CaW and superimposed thrombus were excluded). CaW were quantified with 3‐D measurements using Horos software. This was done via volumetric analysis of free‐hand delineated CaW borders on thin cuts of axial CTA (Figure 1 Panel A). NASCET criteria was used to evaluate the degree of stenosis. Results: Sixteen CaW in 13 patients were identified and included. The median imaging follow‐up window was 16 months (IQR 12–22, range 6–29). Median patient age was 45.5 years‐old, 69% were women, 25% had hypertension, 38% hyperlipidemia, 25% diabetes mellitus, 0% atrial fibrillation, and 13% active smokers. 75% of the included CaW were symptomatic while 25% were asymptomatic. Median volume of CaW on initial CTA (8.52 mm3 [IQR 3.7‐13], range 2.2‐30.4) was comparable to median volume of CaW on most recent CTA (8.47 mm3 [IQR 4.0‐12.8], range 2.3‐29.4; p = <0.001 (Figure 1 Panel B). The CaW volumetric measurement correlation between the initial and most recent CTA was near perfect (rs = ‐0.99, p = <0.001). The median change in measured volume of CaW between first and last CTA was ‐0.19 mm3 [IQR ‐0.6‐0.4], range ‐1‐0.8. Median degree of stenosis was 8.1% [IQR 4.5‐17.1], range 0.4‐31.2. The duration of follow‐up imaging was not correlated with the change in CaW volume (Kendall tau‐b[τb] = ‐0.17, p = 0.93). The initial CaW volume was not found to be correlated to the degree of stenosis (τb = ‐0.08, p = 0.65). Conclusions: The volume of the CaW was not found to change over time, reinforcing the idea that this is a relatively static lesion. The CaW volume was not found to correlate with the degree of stenosis caused by it. Further longitudinal studies with longer follow‐up intervals are warranted

Abstract Number ‐ 51: Automated Versus Human Hyperdense Vessel Sign Detection Using Non‐Contrast Computed Tomography Scans

Introduction Rapid detection of large vessel occlusion (LVO) is very crucial in triaging stroke patients potentially candidates for mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Hyperdense vessel sign (HDVS) is one of the earliest ischemic changes in non‐contrast CT scan (NCCT) indicating LVO stroke. Artificial intelligence emerged to detect HDVS with the advantages of faster acquisition, less variation, and a lower need for experience than the usual detection. We aimed to identify the diagnostic performance of automated software (e‐Stroke, Brainomix) in HDVS detection. Methods A prospectively collectedMT database from March 2020 to August 2021 was reviewed. Patients were included if they had intracranial internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery M1 or M2 occlusion. Cases with HDVS were identified through the routine 2.5‐mm slice thickness NCCT scans after being correlated with patients’ clinical information and confirmed with CT angiography (CTA) scans. NCCT scans were classified according to slice thickness into two groups: 2.5‐mm scans and 0.625‐mm generated scans. All NCCT scans were read by e‐Stroke software, then deidentified and reviewed by two stroke neurologists who were blinded to any clinical, other imaging, or therapeutic information. They were required to record the presence/laterality of HDVS before and after observing other NCCT early ischemic changes like gaze deviation, loss of insular ribbon, caudate or lentiform hypodensity. ROC curve analysis was used to estimate sensitivity and specificity and the area under the curve (AUC) was compared using DeLong’s test. Inter‐rater agreement between the two readers’ final reads, e‐Stroke, and the standard read was measured using the Fleiss Kappa test. Results Among 304 patients included in the study, 37.7% had HDVS. Approximately 44% of the scans had 2.5‐mm slice thickness and 56% had 0.625‐mm slice thickness. The e‐Stroke software identified HDVS with a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 71% (Table 1). The mean AUC value of e‐Stroke HDVS detection (0.67[0.61‐0.74]) was similar to reader‐1 (0.68[0.62‐0.74];p = 0.87) and reader‐2 (0.63[0.57‐0.70];p = 0.56). HDVS detection improved by reader‐1(0.78[0.72‐0.83];p = 0.03) after observing other early ischemic changes on the same scans, but reader‐2 performance remained similar to e‐Stroke (0.69[0.63‐0.76];p = 0.71). AUC, sensitivity and specificity ofHDVS detection by e‐Stroke were significantly higher using 2.5‐mm compared to 0.625‐mm sliced NCCT scans (0.78[0.70‐0.86],sensitivity 70%,specificity 86%;p< 0.001) vs (0.58[0.50‐0.67],sensitivity 56%,specificity 61%;p = 0.06) respectively;p = 0.01. The readers also had higher AUC values with 2.5‐mm scans but not statistically significant, (0.74[0.66‐0.83] vs 0.64[0.56‐0.73];p = 0.18) for reader‐1 and (0.68[0.59‐0.77] vs 0.57[0.48‐0.66];p = 0.23) for reader‐2. The same after the final read, (0.85[0.78‐0.92] vs 0.75[0.67‐0.82];p = 0.08) for reader‐1 and (0.73[0.65‐0.82] vs 0.67[0.58‐0.76];p = 0.43) for reader‐2. Similarly, inter‐rater agreement was higher using 2.5‐mm sliced scans, k = 0.50(0.43‐0.75) compared to0.625‐mm scans,k = 0.27(0.21‐0.33). Conclusions Artificial intelligence (e‐Stroke software) has comparable sensitivity and specificity to human readers in HDVS detection. For e‐Stroke software, 2.5‐mm sliced CT scans are better to identifyHDVS compared to 0.625‐mm scans