Outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy for patients with stroke presenting with low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score in the early and extended window

Importance: Limited data are available about the outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for real-world patients with stroke presenting with a large core infarct. Objective: To investigate the safety and effectiveness of MT for patients with large vessel occlusion and an Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) of 2 to 5. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study used data from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR), which combines the prospectively maintained databases of 28 thrombectomy-capable stroke centers in the US, Europe, and Asia. The study included 2345 patients presenting with an occlusion in the internal carotid artery or M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020. Patients were followed up for 90 days after intervention. The ASPECTS is a 10-point scoring system based on the extent of early ischemic changes on the baseline noncontrasted computed tomography scan, with a score of 10 indicating normal and a score of 0 indicating ischemic changes in all of the regions included in the score. Exposure: All patients underwent MT in one of the included centers. Main Outcomes and Measures: A multivariable regression model was used to assess factors associated with a favorable 90-day outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2), including interaction terms between an ASPECTS of 2 to 5 and receiving MT in the extended window (6-24 hours from symptom onset). Results: A total of 2345 patients who underwent MT were included (1175 women [50.1%]; median age, 72 years [IQR, 60-80 years]; 2132 patients [90.9%] had an ASPECTS of ≥6, and 213 patients [9.1%] had an ASPECTS of 2-5). At 90 days, 47 of the 213 patients (22.1%) with an ASPECTS of 2 to 5 had a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 (25.6% [45 of 176] of patients who underwent successful recanalization [modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia score ≥2B] vs 5.4% [2 of 37] of patients who underwent unsuccessful recanalization; P = .007). Having a low ASPECTS (odds ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38-0.85; P = .002) and presenting in the extended window (odds ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.55-0.88; P = .001) were associated with worse 90-day outcome after controlling for potential confounders, without significant interaction between these 2 factors (P = .64). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, more than 1 in 5 patients presenting with an ASPECTS of 2 to 5 achieved 90-day functional independence after MT. A favorable outcome was nearly 5 times more likely for patients with low ASPECTS who had successful recanalization. The association of a low ASPECTS with 90-day outcomes did not differ for patients presenting in the early vs extended MT window

Outcomes of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Patients With Stroke Presenting With Low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score in the Early and Extended Window

Importance: Limited data are available about the outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for real-world patients with stroke presenting with a large core infarct. Objective: To investigate the safety and effectiveness of MT for patients with large vessel occlusion and an Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) of 2 to 5. Design, setting, and participants: This retrospective cohort study used data from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR), which combines the prospectively maintained databases of 28 thrombectomy-capable stroke centers in the US, Europe, and Asia. The study included 2345 patients presenting with an occlusion in the internal carotid artery or M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020. Patients were followed up for 90 days after intervention. The ASPECTS is a 10-point scoring system based on the extent of early ischemic changes on the baseline noncontrasted computed tomography scan, with a score of 10 indicating normal and a score of 0 indicating ischemic changes in all of the regions included in the score. Exposure: All patients underwent MT in one of the included centers. Main outcomes and measures: A multivariable regression model was used to assess factors associated with a favorable 90-day outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2), including interaction terms between an ASPECTS of 2 to 5 and receiving MT in the extended window (6-24 hours from symptom onset). Results: A total of 2345 patients who underwent MT were included (1175 women [50.1%]; median age, 72 years [IQR, 60-80 years]; 2132 patients [90.9%] had an ASPECTS of ≥6, and 213 patients [9.1%] had an ASPECTS of 2-5). At 90 days, 47 of the 213 patients (22.1%) with an ASPECTS of 2 to 5 had a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 (25.6% [45 of 176] of patients who underwent successful recanalization [modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia score ≥2B] vs 5.4% [2 of 37] of patients who underwent unsuccessful recanalization; P = .007). Having a low ASPECTS (odds ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38-0.85; P = .002) and presenting in the extended window (odds ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.55-0.88; P = .001) were associated with worse 90-day outcome after controlling for potential confounders, without significant interaction between these 2 factors (P = .64). Conclusions and relevance: In this cohort study, more than 1 in 5 patients presenting with an ASPECTS of 2 to 5 achieved 90-day functional independence after MT. A favorable outcome was nearly 5 times more likely for patients with low ASPECTS who had successful recanalization. The association of a low ASPECTS with 90-day outcomes did not differ for patients presenting in the early vs extended MT window

Association of Noncontrast Computed Tomography and Perfusion Modalities With Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Late-Window Stroke Thrombectomy

Importance: There is substantial controversy with regards to the adequacy and use of noncontrast head computed tomography (NCCT) for late-window acute ischemic stroke in selecting candidates for mechanical thrombectomy. Objective: To assess clinical outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke presenting in the late window who underwent mechanical thrombectomy stratified by NCCT admission in comparison with selection by CT perfusion (CTP) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Design, setting, and participants: In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, prospectively maintained Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm (STAR) database was used by selecting patients within the late window of acute ischemic stroke and emergent large vessel occlusion from 2013 to 2021. Patients were selected by NCCT, CTP, and DWI. Admission Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) as well as confounding variables were adjusted. Follow-up duration was 90 days. Data were analyzed from November 2021 to March 2022. Exposures: Selection by NCCT, CTP, or DWI. Main outcomes and measures: Primary outcome was functional independence (modified Rankin scale 0-2) at 90 days. Results: Among 3356 patients, 733 underwent late-window mechanical thrombectomy. The median (IQR) age was 69 (58-80) years, 392 (53.5%) were female, and 449 (65.1%) were White. A total of 419 were selected with NCCT, 280 with CTP, and 34 with DWI. Mean (IQR) admission ASPECTS were comparable among groups (NCCT, 8 [7-9]; CTP, 8 [7-9]; DWI 8, [7-9]; P = .37). There was no difference in the 90-day rate of functional independence (aOR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.59-1.71; P = .99) after adjusting for confounders. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (NCCT, 34 [8.6%]; CTP, 37 [13.5%]; DWI, 3 [9.1%]; P = .12) and mortality (NCCT, 78 [27.4%]; CTP, 38 [21.1%]; DWI, 7 [29.2%]; P = .29) were similar among groups. Conclusions and relevance: In this cohort study, comparable outcomes were observed in patients in the late window irrespective of neuroimaging selection criteria. Admission NCCT scan may triage emergent large vessel occlusion in the late window

Gluten-free diet among school-age children in Olmsted County, Minnesota

Objective: To assess the prevalence of gluten-free diet (GFD) among school-age children in Olmsted County, Minnesota, and compare it with the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) in the same age group. Methods: We performed a population-based study in Olmsted County using a survey to collect information from the six school districts in the county for the academic year 2014–2015. The survey contained questions to (1) assess the prevalence of GFD among school-age children in the public schools of Olmsted County; (2) assess the prevalence of CD among school-age children in Olmsted County; and (3) determine the indications for GFD in these children. We used the infrastructure of the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) to calculate the prevalence of CD in children aged 4–18 years in December 2014. Results: Using the REP data, we identified sixty patients with CD in the county aged 4–18 years; the prevalence of CD among school students in 2014 was 193.6/100,000. The prevalence of GFD in Olmsted County children, however, was higher, at 265/100,000 according to the survey from the school districts. The prevalence of GFD was highest in Rochester, the largest city. GFD was more common among children in secondary schools. Conclusion: According to our study, there are more children on GFD than the actual cases of CD in Olmsted County during the study period. This finding could be related to an increased number of children without CD who are following GFD for other indications

Focal seizure as a manifestation of serotonin syndrome: case report

Serotonin syndrome is a life-threatening condition. Seizure is one of the complications of serotonin syndrome that may delay diagnosis and complicate management. We report a patient who had a focal seizure with abnormal electroencephalogram in the setting of serotonin syndrome with no prior history of epilepsy or seizure-provoking factors (fever, electrolyte abnormalities, specific medication combinations, and specific medication overdosing). Recognition of seizure as a symptom of serotonin syndrome is important for early treatment and avoidance of long-term consequences. Treatment of serotonin syndrome is mostly supportive. However, a short course of antiepileptics may be needed if these patients develop seizures

Experience With Neuroform Atlas Stenting as Rescue Endovascular Treatment After Failed Mechanical Thrombectomy Secondary to Intracranial Atherosclerosis

Background Patients with emergent large vessel occlusion secondary to intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis who fail mechanical thrombectomy pose a treatment challenge. The aim of this study is to report our single‐center experience using the Neuroform Atlas stent as a potential rescue modality. Methods Data were analyzed from a prospectively maintained database at a Comprehensive Stroke Center between January 2019 and September 2021 of all patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis–emergent large vessel occlusion who underwent mechanical thrombectomy and required rescue stenting with the Neuroform Atlas. We systematically gathered demographic, clinical, procedural, and functional characteristics on patients presenting with emergent large vessel occlusion within 24 hours of last known normal. The primary outcome was the rate of revascularization following stenting. Results Twenty‐six patients met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 56.5 years, 34.6% of whom were women. On presentation, the median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 11 and median Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score was 9. Mechanical thrombectomy was performed using a direct aspiration, first‐pass technique in all patients. Following Neuroform Atlas stent placement, 3 patients (11.5%) had moderate in‐stent stenosis, while severe stenosis was encountered in 4 patients (15.4%). The rate of successful revascularization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2B–3) was identified in 92.3% of the patients. On follow‐up vascular images, reocclusion occurred in 2 patients (7.7%) and symptomatic hemorrhage was encountered in 3 patients (11.5%). Excellent outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin scale 0–2) was achieved in 13 of 26 (50%) patients. Conclusion Our series provides preliminary safety and efficacy data regarding the use of the Neuroform Atlas stent as a rescue modality in intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis–emergent large vessel occlusion cases

Abstract Number ‐ 144: Rescue Endovascular Treatment of Patients with Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion Due to Intracranial Atherosclerosis: Meta‐analysis

Introduction Acute stroke patients presenting with large vessel occlusion secondary to intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS‐LVO) may require rescue therapy (RT) in addition to mechanical thrombectomy (MT) to achieve and maintain successful recanalization. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of comparative studies that reported outcomes of RT in ICAS‐LVO patients to evaluate its safety and efficacy. Methods Databases searched include PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and Scopus from database date of inception through August 17, 2021. We included comparative studies that reported the outcomes of ICAS‐LVO RT compared to outcomes of ICAS‐LVO patients who did not undergo RT or to those presenting with embolic LVO patients (non‐ICAS LVO). Meta‐analysis using the random effects model was used to combine estimates reporting odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Total of 9 nonrandomized studies were included: 5 studies in ICAS‐LVO RT vs. ICAS‐LVO non‐RT analysis and 5 ICAS‐LVO RT vs. non‐ICAS LVO analysis. Rescue treatments included intra‐arterial antiplatelets, angioplasty, stenting or combination of treatments. Compared to non‐RT ICAS LVO, RT was associated with increased favorable 90‐day outcome (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.91‐5.32, I2 14%) and decreased 90‐day mortality (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.16‐0.76, I2 21%) (Figure 1). In the analysis of ICAS LVO vs embolic LVO, the incidence of favorable 90‐day outcome and 90‐day mortality did not differ between the ICAS‐LVO RT and non‐ICAS LVO (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.58‐1.64, I2 50%) and (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.90‐1.66, I2 0%), respectively. Conclusions Rescue treatment is associated with better outcomes in ICAS‐LVO patients. The outcomes of ICAS‐LVO patients who receive RT may be comparable to embolic LVO patients (non‐ICAS LVO)