Gadolinium-Enhanced Extracranial MRA Prior to Mechanical Thrombectomy Is Not Associated With an Improved Procedure Speed

Objectives: To assess whether performing a pre-intervention gadolinium-enhanced extracranial magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) in addition to intracranial vascular imaging is associated with improved thrombectomy time metrics.Methods: Consecutive patients treated by MT at a large comprehensive stroke center between January 2012 and December 2017 who were screened using pre-intervention MRI were included. Patients characteristics and procedural data were collected. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to compare MT speed, efficacy, complications, and clinical outcomes between patients with and without pre-intervention gadolinium-enhanced extracranial MRA.Results: A total of 912 patients were treated within the study period, including 288 (31.6%) patients with and 624 (68.4%) patients without extracranial MRA. Multivariate analysis showed no significant difference between groups in groin puncture to clot contact time (RR = 0.93 [0.85–1.02], p = 0.14) or to recanalization time (RR = 0.92 [0.83–1.03], p = 0.15), rates of successful recanalization (defined as a mTICI 2b or 3, RR = 0.93 [0.62–1.42], p = 0.74), procedural complications (RR = 0.81 [0.51–1.27], p = 0.36), and good clinical outcome (defined by a mRS ≤ 2 at 3 months follow-up, RR = 1.05 [0.73–1.52], p = 0.79).Conclusion: Performing a pre-intervention gadolinium-enhanced extracranial MRA in addition to non-contrast intracranial MRA at stroke onset does not seem to be associated with a delay or shortening of procedure times

Time to treatment with bridging intravenous alteplase before endovascular treatment:subanalysis of the randomized controlled SWIFT-DIRECT trial.

BACKGROUND We hypothesized that treatment delays might be an effect modifier regarding risks and benefits of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) before mechanical thrombectomy (MT). METHODS We used the dataset of the SWIFT-DIRECT trial, which randomized 408 patients to IVT+MT or MT alone. Potential interactions between assignment to IVT+MT and expected time from onset-to-needle (OTN) as well as expected time from door-to-needle (DTN) were included in regression models. The primary outcome was functional independence (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2) at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included mRS shift, mortality, recanalization rates, and (symptomatic) intracranial hemorrhage at 24 hours. RESULTS We included 408 patients (IVT+MT 207, MT 201, median age 72 years (IQR 64-81), 209 (51.2%) female). The expected median OTN and DTN were 142 min and 54 min in the IVT+MT group and 129 min and 51 min in the MT alone group. Overall, there was no significant interaction between OTN and bridging IVT assignment regarding either the functional (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.76, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.30) and safety outcomes or the recanalization rates. Analysis of in-hospital delays showed no significant interaction between DTN and bridging IVT assignment regarding the dichotomized functional outcome (aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.14 to 1.62), but the shift and mortality analyses suggested a greater benefit of IVT when in-hospital delays were short. CONCLUSIONS We found no evidence that the effect of bridging IVT on functional independence is modified by overall or in-hospital treatment delays. Considering its low power, this subgroup analysis could have missed a clinically important effect, and exploratory analysis of secondary clinical outcomes indicated a potentially favorable effect of IVT with shorter in-hospital delays. Heterogeneity of the IVT effect size before MT should be further analyzed in individual patient meta-analysis of comparable trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS gov ; Unique identifier: NCT03192332

Prognostic indicators and outcomes of hospitalised COVID-19 patients with neurological disease: An individual patient data meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Neurological COVID-19 disease has been reported widely, but published studies often lack information on neurological outcomes and prognostic risk factors. We aimed to describe the spectrum of neurological disease in hospitalised COVID-19 patients; characterise clinical outcomes; and investigate factors associated with a poor outcome. METHODS: We conducted an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis of hospitalised patients with neurological COVID-19 disease, using standard case definitions. We invited authors of studies from the first pandemic wave, plus clinicians in the Global COVID-Neuro Network with unpublished data, to contribute. We analysed features associated with poor outcome (moderate to severe disability or death, 3 to 6 on the modified Rankin Scale) using multivariable models. RESULTS: We included 83 studies (31 unpublished) providing IPD for 1979 patients with COVID-19 and acute new-onset neurological disease. Encephalopathy (978 [49%] patients) and cerebrovascular events (506 [26%]) were the most common diagnoses. Respiratory and systemic symptoms preceded neurological features in 93% of patients; one third developed neurological disease after hospital admission. A poor outcome was more common in patients with cerebrovascular events (76% [95% CI 67-82]), than encephalopathy (54% [42-65]). Intensive care use was high (38% [35-41]) overall, and also greater in the cerebrovascular patients. In the cerebrovascular, but not encephalopathic patients, risk factors for poor outcome included breathlessness on admission and elevated D-dimer. Overall, 30-day mortality was 30% [27-32]. The hazard of death was comparatively lower for patients in the WHO European region. INTERPRETATION: Neurological COVID-19 disease poses a considerable burden in terms of disease outcomes and use of hospital resources from prolonged intensive care and inpatient admission; preliminary data suggest these may differ according to WHO regions and country income levels. The different risk factors for encephalopathy and stroke suggest different disease mechanisms which may be amenable to intervention, especially in those who develop neurological symptoms after hospital admission

Prognostic indicators and outcomes of hospitalised COVID-19 patients with neurological disease: An individual patient data meta-analysis.

BackgroundNeurological COVID-19 disease has been reported widely, but published studies often lack information on neurological outcomes and prognostic risk factors. We aimed to describe the spectrum of neurological disease in hospitalised COVID-19 patients; characterise clinical outcomes; and investigate factors associated with a poor outcome.MethodsWe conducted an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis of hospitalised patients with neurological COVID-19 disease, using standard case definitions. We invited authors of studies from the first pandemic wave, plus clinicians in the Global COVID-Neuro Network with unpublished data, to contribute. We analysed features associated with poor outcome (moderate to severe disability or death, 3 to 6 on the modified Rankin Scale) using multivariable models.ResultsWe included 83 studies (31 unpublished) providing IPD for 1979 patients with COVID-19 and acute new-onset neurological disease. Encephalopathy (978 [49%] patients) and cerebrovascular events (506 [26%]) were the most common diagnoses. Respiratory and systemic symptoms preceded neurological features in 93% of patients; one third developed neurological disease after hospital admission. A poor outcome was more common in patients with cerebrovascular events (76% [95% CI 67-82]), than encephalopathy (54% [42-65]). Intensive care use was high (38% [35-41]) overall, and also greater in the cerebrovascular patients. In the cerebrovascular, but not encephalopathic patients, risk factors for poor outcome included breathlessness on admission and elevated D-dimer. Overall, 30-day mortality was 30% [27-32]. The hazard of death was comparatively lower for patients in the WHO European region.InterpretationNeurological COVID-19 disease poses a considerable burden in terms of disease outcomes and use of hospital resources from prolonged intensive care and inpatient admission; preliminary data suggest these may differ according to WHO regions and country income levels. The different risk factors for encephalopathy and stroke suggest different disease mechanisms which may be amenable to intervention, especially in those who develop neurological symptoms after hospital admission

Timing and Spectrum of Neurological Complications After Flow Diverter Implantation for Intracranial Aneurysms

International audienceBackground and Purpose: The aim of this study was to characterize neurological complications after flow diverter (FD) treatment on a long follow-up cohort and identify predictive factors associated with these complications. Methods: This study was conducted on a monocentric cohort of patients treated for intracranial aneurysms by FD. Results: Between September 2008 and July 2018, 413 patients were treated for 514 aneurysms: 18% of the patients presented with at least one neurological complication during a median follow-up of 446 days (IQR 186–1,210). Sixty-one patients presented with ischemic complications, 13 with hemorrhagic ones and 10 with compressive processes. Among 89 neurological complications 64.5% were peri-operative (occurring within the 30 days following the procedure) and 35.5% were delayed after 1 month. Conclusions: Overall, neurological complications after FD implantation were overrepresented by cerebrovascular ischemic events occurring during the peri-operative period, but also in a delayed manner after 1 year. Long-term follow-up is relevant after aneurysm intervention using FD

Magnitude of Blood Pressure Change After Endovascular Therapy and Outcomes: Insight From the BP-TARGET Trial

International audienceBACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To assess the association between systolic blood pressure change (ΔSBP) at different time intervals after successful reperfusion with radiographic and clinical outcomes. METHODS: This is a post hoc analysis of the BP-TARGET multicenter trial (Blood Pressure Target in Acute Stroke to Reduce Hemorrhage After Endovascular Therapy). ΔSBP was defined as end of procedure SBP minus mean SBP at different time intervals (15-60 minutes, 1-6 hours, and 6-24 hours postprocedure). The primary outcome was the poor functional outcome (90-day modified Rankin Scale score 3-6). RESULTS: We included a total of 267 patients (130 in the intensive treatment group). Compared with patients with favorable outcome, patients with poor outcome had lower ΔSBP (less SBP reduction) at all times intervals. After adjusting for potential confounders including baseline SBP, both ΔSBP15-60M and ΔSBP6-24H were associated with lower odds of poor outcome (adjusted odds ratio per 5 mm Hg SBP reduction, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.81-0.99], and adjusted odds ratio 0.82 [95% CI, 0.73-0.92], respectively). Concerning safety outcomes, patients with intraparenchymal hemorrhage had lower ΔSBP at all time intervals. ΔSBP15-60M was associated with lower odds of any intraparenchymal hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio per 5 mm Hg SBP reduction 0.91 [95% CI, 0.83-0.99]). Conversely, ΔSBP was not associated with mortality or neurological deterioration at any time interval. CONCLUSIONS: After successful reperfusion, ΔSBP had a linear relationship with poor outcome and the risk of poor outcome was higher with less reduction from the baseline SBP. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT031606

Association of Contrast Enhancement After Reperfusion With Outcomes According to Blood Pressure Lowering in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke

International audienceBACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Observational studies described associations between higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) values and intracranial hemorrhages (ICHs) and worse outcomes after successful reperfusion by endovascular therapy (EVT). However, the BP-TARGET trial [BP-Target in Acute Ischemic Stroke to Reduce Hemorrhage after EVT] found that an intensive SBP target did not reduce ICH rates after successful EVT. The presence of contrast enhancement (CE) immediately after reperfusion is also associated with higher odds of ICH and worse outcomes. Our research question was to investigate the effect of 2 SBP strategies after reperfusion on ICH rates and functional outcomes according to the presence of CE in the BP-TARGET trial. We hypothesized that patients with CE could benefit from an intensive SBP control. METHODS: We included BP-TARGET patients in whom a brain flat panel was performed immediately after reperfusion. We described CE as present or absent, ICH consisted of any radiographic ICH 24 hours after EVT, and unfavorable outcome consisted of a modified Rankin Scale score between 3 and 6 at 3 months. RESULTS: Among the 324 patients randomized in BP-TARGET, 164 were included in this analysis, of whom 113 (68.9%) presented CE after reperfusion. The 24-hour mean SBP was significantly lower in the intensive SBP group compared with the standard group (129.7 vs 138.3 mm Hg, p < 0.001). Patients with CE and randomized in the intensive and standard SBP group had increased ICH rates: aOR = 11.26, 95% CI 4.59-27.63, and aOR = 4.08, 95% CI 1.75-9.50, respectively. However, the test of heterogeneity did not reach the significant level (aOR = 2.76, 95% CI 0.80 to 9.48, p = 0.11). Patients with CE and randomized in the intensive SBP group had also higher odds of unfavorable outcomes (aOR = 2.91, 95% CI 1.24-6.82), but this association was not significant in the standard SBP group (aOR = 1.89, 95% CI 0.85-4.23). No significant heterogeneity was found between the 2 groups (aOR, 1.54, 95% CI 0.48 to 4.97, p = 0.47). DISCUSSION: Altogether, patients with CE and randomized in the intensive SBP group did not have lower rates of ICH or improved outcomes compared with the standard SBP group, as CE was associated with higher odds of ICH in both groups, without significant heterogeneity. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: NCT03160677. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class IV evidence that for adults with contrast-enhancing lesions after successful EVT of an AIS, intensive blood pressure management did not significantly increase the risk of ICH

Corrigendum to ‘Benefits and Safety of Periprocedural Heparin During Thrombectomy in Patients Contra-Indicated for Alteplase’ [Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Vol. 29, No. 10 (October), 2020: 105052]

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Rescue carotid puncture for ischemic stroke treated by endovascular therapy: a multicentric analysis and systematic review

International audienceBackground Endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) can be challenging in older patients with supra-aortic tortuosity. Rescue carotid puncture (RCP) can be an alternative in case of supra-aortic catheterization failure by femoral access, but data regarding RCP are scarce. We sought to investigate the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of RCP for AIS treated by EVT. Methods Patients treated by EVT with RCP were included from January 2012 to December 2019 in the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) multicentric registry. Main outcomes included reperfusion rates (≥TICI2B), 3 month functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale) and 3 month mortality. We also performed an additional systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA checklist to summarize previous studies on RCP. Results 25 patients treated by EVT with RCP were included from the ETIS registry. RCP mainly concerned elderly patients (median age 85 years, range 73–92) with supra-aortic tortuosity (n=16 (64%)). Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) was used for nine patients (36%). Successful reperfusion was achieved in 64%, 87.5% of patients were dependent at 3 months, and 3 month mortality was 45.8%. The systematic review yielded comparable results. In pooled individual data, there was a shift toward better functional outcome in patients with successful reperfusion (median (IQR) 4 (2–6) vs 6 (4–6), p=0.011). Conclusion RCP mainly concerned elderly patients admitted for AIS with anterior LVO with supra-aortic tortuosity. The procedure seemed feasible, notably for patients treated with IVT, and led to significant reperfusion rates at the end of procedure, but with pronounced unfavorable outcomes at 3 months. RCP should be performed under general anesthesia to avoid life-threatening complications and ensure airways safety. Finally, RCP led to low rates of closure complications, emphasizing that this concern should not withhold RCP, if indicated

Balloon remodeling-assisted Woven EndoBridge technique: description and feasibility for complex bifurcation aneurysms

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