Combined Perfusion and Permeability Imaging Reveals Different Pathophysiologic Tissue Responses After Successful Thrombectomy.

Despite successful recanalization of large-vessel occlusions in acute ischemic stroke, individual patients profit to a varying degree. Dynamic susceptibility-weighted perfusion and dynamic T1-weighted contrast-enhanced blood-brain barrier permeability imaging may help to determine secondary stroke injury and predict clinical outcome. We prospectively performed perfusion and permeability imaging in 38 patients within 24 h after successful mechanical thrombectomy of an occlusion of the middle cerebral artery M1 segment. Perfusion alterations were evaluated on cerebral blood flow maps, blood-brain barrier disruption (BBBD) visually and quantitatively on ktrans maps and hemorrhagic transformation on susceptibility-weighted images. Visual BBBD within the DWI lesion corresponded to a median ktrans elevation (IQR) of 0.77 (0.41-1.4) min-1 and was found in all 7 cases of hypoperfusion (100%), in 10 of 16 cases of hyperperfusion (63%), and in only three of 13 cases with unaffected perfusion (23%). BBBD was significantly associated with hemorrhagic transformation (p < 0.001). While BBBD alone was not a predictor of clinical outcome at 3 months (positive predictive value (PPV) = 0.8 [0.56-0.94]), hypoperfusion occurred more often in patients with unfavorable clinical outcome (PPV = 0.43 [0.10-0.82]) compared to hyperperfusion (PPV = 0.93 [0.68-1.0]) or unaffected perfusion (PPV = 1.0 [0.75-1.0]). We show that combined perfusion and permeability imaging reveals distinct infarct signatures after recanalization, indicating the severity of prior ischemic damage. It assists in predicting clinical outcome and may identify patients at risk of stroke progression

Direct to angiography suite approaches for the triage of suspected acute stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Increasing evidence suggests improved time metrics leading to better clinical outcomes when stroke patients with suspected large vessel occlusion (LVO) are transferred directly to the angiography suite (DTAS) compared with cross-sectional imaging followed by transfer to the angiography suite. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of DTAS approaches.; We searched Embase, Medline, Scopus, and clinicaltrials.gov for studies comparing outcomes of DTAS and conventional triage. Eligible studies were assessed for risk of bias. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis on the differences of median door-to-groin and door-to-reperfusion times between intervention and control group. Secondary outcomes included good outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale ⩽ 2) rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and mortality within 90 days.; Eight studies (one randomized, one cluster-randomized trial and six observational studies) with 1938 patients were included. Door-to-groin and door-to-reperfusion times in the intervention group were on median 29.0 min [95% confidence interval (CI): 14.3-43.6;; p; < 0.001] and 32.1 min (95% CI: 15.1-49.1;; p; < 0.001) shorter compared with controls. Prespecified subgroup analyses for transfer (; n; = 1753) and mothership patients (; n; = 185) showed similar reductions of the door-to-groin and door-to-reperfusion times in response to the intervention. The odds of good outcome did not differ significantly between both groups but were numerically higher in the intervention group (odds ratio: 1.38, 95% CI: 0.97-1.95;; p; = 0.07). There was no significant difference for mortality and sICH between the groups.; DTAS approaches for the triage of suspected LVO patients led to a significant reduction in door-to-groin and door-to-reperfusion times but an effect on functional outcome was not detected. The subgroup analysis showed similar results for transfer and mothership patients.; Registration:; This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020213621)

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

Access to and application of recanalizing therapies for severe acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion

Abstract Background Groundbreaking study results since 2014 have dramatically changed the therapeutic options in acute therapy for severe ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO). The scientifically proven advances in stroke imaging and thrombectomy techniques have allowed to offer the optimal version or combination of best medical and interventional therapy to the selected patient, yielding favorable or even excellent clinical outcomes within time windows unheard of before. The provision of the best possible individual therapy has become a guideline-based gold standard, but remains a great challenge. With geographic, regional, cultural, economic and resource differences worldwide, optimal local solutions have to be strived for. Aim This standard operation procedure (SOP) is aimed to give a suggestion of how to give patients access to and apply modern recanalizing therapy for acute ischemic stroke caused by LVO. Method The SOP was developed based on current guidelines, the evidence from the most recent trials and the experience of authors who have been involved in the above-named development at different levels. Results This SOP is meant to be a comprehensive, yet not too detailed template to allow for freedom in local adaption. It comprises all relevant stages in providing care to the patient with severe ischemic stroke such as suspicion and alarm, prehospital acute measures, recognition and grading, transport, emergency room workup, selective cerebral imaging, differential treatment by recanalizing therapies (intravenous thrombolysis, endovascular stroke treatmet, or combined), complications, stroke unit and neurocritical care. Conclusions The challenge of giving patients access to and applying recanalizing therapies in severe ischemic stroke may be facilitated by a systematic, SOP-based approach adapted to local settings

Concomitant Acute Ischemic Stroke and Upper Extremity Arterial Occlusion: Feasibility of Mechanical Thrombectomy of the Upper Limb Using Neurointerventional Devices and Techniques

Background: Concomitant acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO), and acute upper extremity arterial occlusion causing upper limb ischemia (ULI) is a rarely observed coincidence. The first-line treatment for AIS is mechanical thrombectomy (MT), with or without additional intravenous thrombolysis, while there are different pharmacological, surgical and endovascular treatment options for an acute occlusion of the UL arteries. Here, we describe the practicability, efficacy and safety of neurointerventional devices and techniques for MT of upper extremity arterial occlusions. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected patient databases from four neurovascular centers was performed. Clinical and imaging data, as well as procedural parameters, were assessed. Results: Seven out of 6138 patients (incidence: 0.11%) presenting with an AIS due to the occlusion of craniocervical arteries requiring MT and a concomitant occlusion of the brachial (4/7), axillary (2/7), or ulnar (1/7) artery causing acute ULI were identified. Craniocervical MT was technically successful in all cases. Subsequent MT of the upper limb was performed using neurointerventional thrombectomy techniques, most frequently stent retriever thrombectomy (in 4/7 cases) and direct aspiration (in 7/7 cases). MT achieved successful recanalization in 6/7 cases, and the UL completely recovered in all six cases. In one case, recanalization was not successful, and the patient still had a marginally threatened extremity after the procedure, which improved after pharmacological therapy. Conclusion: In the rare case of AIS requiring MT and concomitant acute upper extremity arterial occlusion, MT of the UL arteries using neurointerventional devices and techniques is practical, effective, and safe

Sine Spin flat detector CT can improve cerebral soft tissue imaging: a retrospective in vivo study

Abstract Background Flat detector computed tomography (FDCT) is frequently applied for periinterventional brain imaging within the angiography suite. Novel technical developments such as the Sine Spin FDCT (S-FDCT) may provide an improved cerebral soft tissue contrast. This study investigates the effect of S-FDCT on the differentiation between gray and white matter compared to conventional FDCT (C-FDCT) and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Methods A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained patient database was performed, including patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy in our institution and received S-FDCT or C-FDCT as well as MDCT. Differentiation between gray and white matter on the contralateral hemisphere to the ischemic stroke was analyzed quantitatively by contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and qualitatively (5-point ordinal scale). Results In a cohort of 109 patients, MDCT demonstrated the best differentiation between gray and white matter compared to both FDCT techniques (p ≤ 0.001). Comparing both generations of FDCT, S-FDCT provided better visibility of the basal ganglia (p = 0.045) and the supratentorial cortex (p = 0.044) compared to C-FDCT both in quantitative and qualitative analyses. Median CNR were as follows: S-FDCT 2.41 (interquartile range [IQR] 1.66–3.21), C-FDCT 0.96 (0.46–1.70), MDCT 3.43 (2.83–4.17). For basal ganglia, median score and IQR were as follows: S-FDCT 2.00 (2.00–3.00), C-FDCT 1.50 (1.00–2.00), MDCT 5.00 (4.00–5.00). Conclusions The novel S-FDCT improves the periinterventional imaging quality of cerebral soft tissue compared to C-FDCT. Thus, it may improve the diagnosis of complications within the angiography suite. MDCT provides the best option for x-ray-based imaging of the brain tissue. Relevance statement Flat detector computed tomography is a promising technique for cerebral soft tissue imaging, while the novel Sine Spin flat detector computed tomography technique improves imaging quality compared to conventional flat detector computed tomography and thus may facilitate periinterventional diagnosis of gray and white matter. Key points • Flat detector computed tomography (FDCT) is frequently applied for periinterventional brain imaging. • The potential of novel Sine Spin FDCT (S-FDCT) is unknown so far. • S-FDCT improves the visibility of cerebral soft tissue compared to conventional FDCT. • Multidetector computed tomography is superior to both FDCT techniques. • S-FDCT may facilitate the evaluation of brain parenchyma within the angiography suite. Graphical Abstrac