Case Report: Brain Metastasis Confined to the Infarcted Area Following Stroke

Background: Ischemic stroke and cancer are frequent in the elderly and are the two common causes of death and disability. They are related to each other, and cancer may lead to ischemic stroke and vice versa. If patients with cancer exhibited recurrent acute neurological deficits after index stroke, a cancer-related stroke could be considered. However, a brain metastasis is another common cause of neurological complications and has a poor prognosis in patients with ischemic stroke and comorbid cancer. Here, we report a rare case of metastatic cancer that occurred after index stroke in a patient with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and unusual imaging findings. Through the case, we discuss the pathophysiology and probable predisposing factors for metastatic disease in areas of infarction. Case Presentation: A 48-year-old man presented with sudden onset of left facial palsy and hemiparesis. He had a history of hypertension and RCC with pulmonary metastases treated with radical nephrectomy and chemotherapy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple scattered acute infarctions in the right insular, frontal, parietal, and left occipital cortices. There were no definite sources of embolism. Eight months after the index stroke, he presented with subacute onset of progressive left hemiparesis. He had no focal neurological deficits except left-sided weakness and left nasolabial fold blunting. MRI scan demonstrated partial diffusion restriction on the right frontotemporal cortices without decline of apparent diffusion coefficient values on the corresponding lesions and T1 hypointensities and T2 hyperintensities with perilesional vasogenic edema on the right insular, frontal, parietal, and left occipital cortices, indicative of brain metastases confined to the area of previous infarctions. Conclusions: Cerebral infarctions can cause neovascularization and disruption of the blood-brain barrier. Moreover, the compartmentalized cavity formed by the ischemic injury may accept a large volume of metastatic tumor cells. Such an altered microenvironment of infarcted tissue would be suitable for the colonization and proliferation of metastatic seed. Further, brain metastases should be considered, in addition to recurrence, when new focal neurological deficits develop in patients with ischemic stroke and comorbid cancer.

CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, ATRIA, and Essen stroke risk scores in stroke with atrial fibrillation: A nationwide multicenter registry study

The performance of scoring systems for risk stratification in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) was not validated well in patients with stroke. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the risk scoring systems predict vascular outcomes in stroke patients with AF.Data were obtained from a nationwide multicenter registry for acute stroke with AF from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2015. We investigated the predictive power of the CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, ATRIA, and Essen stroke scores in stroke patients with AF. The subjects were further stratified into groups according to treatment with or without oral anticoagulants (OACs).A total of 3112 stroke with AF subjects were included. The rate of recurrent ischemic stroke and any stroke were not associated with the CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, ATRIA, and Essen stroke risk scores. The risks of death and major adverse cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events (MACEs) increased sequentially with the increase of each risk score in OAC group. (the range of C-index 0.544-0.558 for recurrent ischemic stroke; 0.523-0.537 for any stroke; 0.580-0.597 for death; 0.564-0.583 for MACEs). However, in the group treated with OACs, all risk scores were significantly associated with the risk of MACEs. The C-statistics of the 4 scoring systems were 0.544 to 0.558, 0.523 to 0.537, 0.580 to 0.597, 0.564 to 0.583, respectively, for recurrent ischemic stroke, any stroke, death, and MACEs.The performance of the CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, ATRIA, and Essen stroke risk scores for the prediction of recurrent stroke was unsatisfactory in stroke patients with AF whereas the performance for the prediction of recurrent stroke was not MACEs or death was good. A new risk stratification scheme that is specific for secondary stroke prevention in the AF population is needed.

Etiological Approach to Understanding Recanalization Failure in Intracranial Large Vessel Occlusion and Thrombectomy: Close to Embolism but Distant From Atherosclerosis

Introduction: In patients with intracranial large vessel occlusion (LVO) who undergo endovascular treatment (EVT), recanalization failure may be related to intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). We evaluated whether the risk factors of recanalization failure could possibly be a marker of ICAS among various types of LVO.

Methods: From a multicenter registry, patients with middle cerebral artery M1 segment occlusions who underwent thrombectomy within 24 h were included. Based on the on-procedure and post-procedure angiographic findings, patients were classified into embolic, ICAS-related, tandem occlusion, and recanalization failure groups. Recanalization failure was defined if the occluded vessel could not be recanalized by stent retrieval, contact aspiration, or local lytics treatment. Risk factors, imaging markers, and EVT methods were compared between groups.

Results: Among 326 patients, 214 were classified as embolism, 76 as ICAS, 16 as tandem, and 20 as recanalization failure. The group with recanalization failure showed higher scores on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (median, 16.0 vs. 14.5 vs. 14.0 vs. 17.0, p = 0.097), frequent atrial fibrillation (59.3 vs. 18.4 vs. 0 vs. 40.0% p < 0.001), and elevation in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (14.5 ± 15.7 vs. 15.0 ± 14.1 vs. 21.2 ± 19.5 vs. 36.0 ± 32.9, p < 0.001) among the groups. The rate of computed tomography angiography-based truncal-type occlusion in recanalization failure group was not as high as that in the ICAS group (8.1 vs. 37.5 vs. 0 vs. 16.7%, p < 0.001). Balloon guide catheters (BGC) were less frequently utilized in the recanalization failure group as compared to their use in the other groups (72.0 vs. 72.4 vs. 62.5 vs. 30.0%, p = 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, initial higher NIHSS [odds ratio (OR), 1.11 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–1.22 p = 0.027], higher ESR (OR, 1.03 CI, 1.01–1.05 p = 0.006), and non-use of BGCs (OR, 3.41 CI, 1.14–10.17 p = 0.028) were associated with recanalization failure. In M1 occlusions, the predominant mechanism of recanalization failure was presumed to be embolic in 80% and due to ICAS in 20%.

Conclusion: The analysis of recanalization failures does not suggest an underlying predominant ICAS mechanism. Sufficient utilization of thrombectomy devices and procedures may improve the rates of recanalization.

Predictors and prognoses of Willisian collateral failure during mechanical thrombectomy

During mechanical thrombectomy in the anterior cerebral circulation, thrombus embolization resulting in Willisian collateral failure may lead to critical stroke outcomes due to a shutdown of leptomeningeal collaterals. We hypothesized that the outcomes of dynamic Willisian collateral failure (DWF), induced during mechanical thrombectomy, would be associated with grave outcomes. We evaluated this hypothesis in consecutive patients, between January 2011 and May 2016, who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation occlusions, with an onset-to-puncture of 24 h. Patients with initial Willisian collateral failure (IWF) were identified first, with remaining patients classified into the DWF and Willisian collateral sparing (WCS) groups. Comparative and multivariable analyses were performed to predict grave outcomes (3-month modified Rankin Scale score of 5–6). Among 567 patients, 37 were in the IWF group, 38 in the DWF group, and 492 in the WCS group. Compared to the WCS and DWF groups, the IWF group had a higher baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score and lower Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score. The prevalence of grave outcomes was similarly high in the IWF (48.6%) and DWF (47.4%) groups, but lower in the WCS group (22.0%; p < 0.001). IWF and DWF were independent risk factors for a grave outcome.

Modification of Acute Stroke Pathway in Korea After the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak

Background: Since the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the process of emergency medical services has been modified to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals as well as patients, possibly leading to a negative impact on the timely delivery of acute stroke care. This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the acute stroke care processes and outcomes in tertiary COVID-19-dedicated centers in South Korea.

Methods: We included 1,213 patients with acute stroke admitted to three centers in three cities (Seoul, Seongnam, and Daegu) through the stroke critical pathway between September 2019 and May 2020 (before and during the COVID-19 pandemic). In all three centers, we collected baseline characteristics and parameters regarding the stroke critical pathway, including the number of admitted patients diagnosed with acute stroke through the stroke critical pathway, door to brain imaging time, door to intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator time, door to groin puncture time, and door to admission time. We performed an interrupted time series analysis to determine the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on outcomes and critical pathway parameters.

Results: Three centers modified the protocol of the stroke critical pathway during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was an immediate decrease in the number of patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke after the outbreak of COVID-19 in Korea, especially in the center of Daegu, an epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the number of patients with stroke soon increased to equal that before the Covid-19 outbreak. In several critical pathway parameters, door to imaging time showed a temporary increase, and door to admission was transiently decreased after the COVID-19 outbreak. However, there was no significant effect on the timely trend. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes between the periods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the COVID-19 outbreak immediately affected the management process. However, it did not have a significant overall impact on the trends of stroke treatment processes and outcomes. The stroke management process should be modified according to changing situations for optimal acute management.

Local tirofiban infusion for remnant stenosis in large vessel occlusion: tirofiban ASSIST study

BACKGROUND

Compared with embolic occlusions, intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS)-related large vessel occlusions (LVOs) often require rescue treatment following mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Herein, we hypothesized that local tirofiban infusion can be effective and safe for remnant stenosis in LVO during endovascular treatment and can improve clinical outcomes.

METHODS

This observational multicenter registry study (January 2011 to February 2016) included patients with ICAS who underwent endovascular treatment for LVO within 24 h after stroke onset. An underlying fixed focal stenosis at the occlusion site observed on cerebral angiography during and after MT was retrospectively determined as a surrogate marker of ICAS. Procedural and clinical outcomes were compared between the tirofiban and non-tirofiban groups.

RESULTS

Of 118 patients, 59 received local tirofiban infusion. Compared to the non-tirofiban group, patients were older (non-tirofiban group versus tirofiban group; median, 63 years vs. 71 years, p = 0.015) and the onset-to-puncture time was longer (median, 275 min vs. 395 min, p = 0.036) in the tirofiban group. The median percent of residual stenosis prior to rescue treatment tended to be higher in the tirofiban group (80 [71-86] vs. 83 [79-90], p = 0.056). Final reperfusion success (modified Treatment In Cerebral Ischemic 2b-3) was more frequent (42.4%vs. 86.4%, p = 0.016) and post-procedure parenchymal hematoma type 2 and/or thick subarachnoid hemorrhages were less frequent (15.3%vs. 5.1%, p = 0.068) in the tirofiban group. The frequency of favorable outcomes 3 months after endovascular treatment (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) was significantly higher in the tirofiban group (32.2% vs. 52.5%, p = 0.025), and tirofiban administration was an independent predictor of favorable outcomes (odds ratio, 2.991; 95% confidence interval, 1.011-8.848; p = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

Local tirofiban infusion can be a feasible adjuvant treatment option for patients with ICAS-LVO.

Immediate effects of first-line thrombectomy devices for intracranial atherosclerosis-related occlusion: stent retriever versus contact aspiration

BACKGROUND

Although stent retriever (SR) is recommended as a frontline device of endovascular treatment (EVT) for embolic large artery occlusion causing acute ischemic stroke, contact aspiration (CA) device showed similar efficacy in the recent trials. However, the efficacy of the both devices as first-line therapy for intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS)-related large vessel occlusion has not yet been established. Therefore, we compared the immediate effects and final outcomes of SR and CA as first-line devices for treating ICAS-related occlusions.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent EVT for acute ischemic stroke from the registry of three Korean hospitals. Patients with ICAS-related occlusion who were treated within 24 h of onset of the symptoms were included. We investigated immediate reperfusion performance, immediate safety outcomes, and 3-month clinical outcomes for the two first-line devices.

RESULTS

Of the 720 registered patients, 111 were eligible for this study. Forty-nine patients (44.1%) used SR and 62 (55.9%) used CA as the first-line device. Achieving successful reperfusion immediately after first-line thrombectomy was more frequent in the SR group than that in the CA group (77.6% vs. 43.5%, p = 0.001), with fewer additional rescue treatments (12.2% vs. 59.7%, p < 0.001). The incidence of iatrogenic dissection or rupture was lower in the SR group than that in the CA group (8.2% vs. 29.0%, p = 0.012). After additional rescue treatments, however, the final successful reperfusion rate did not differ between the two groups (SR 87.8% vs. CA 77.4%, p = 0.247), and there was no significant difference in the 3-month good outcomes (modified Rankin Scale, p = 0.524).

CONCLUSIONS

First-line SR thrombectomy showed higher immediate reperfusion and less vessel injury for ICAS-related occlusions than CA. However, there was no significant difference in the final reperfusion status or 3-month outcomes from additional rescue treatments.

Cilostazol versus aspirin in ischemic stroke with cerebral microbleeds versus prior intracerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

In PreventIon of CArdiovascular Events in Ischaemic Stroke Patients with High Risk of Cerebral HaemOrrhage (PICASSO), cilostazol versus aspirin was comparable for the end points of cerebral hemorrhage and major vascular events. However, underlying hemorrhage-prone lesions could modify the treatment effect.

AIMS

We explored whether the safety and efficacy of cilostazol versus aspirin would differ between hemorrhage-prone lesions (multiple cerebral microbleeds vs. prior intracerebral hemorrhage).

METHODS

In this post hoc analysis of PICASSO, we divided patients into the cerebral microbleeds and prior intracerebral hemorrhage subgroups. The primary safety end point was the first occurrence of cerebral hemorrhage. The primary efficacy end point was the composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, or vascular death.

RESULTS

Of 1512 patients, 903 (59.7%) had multiple cerebral microbleeds and 609 (40.3%) had prior intracerebral hemorrhage. The cerebral hemorrhage risk was lower with cilostazol versus aspirin (0.12%/year vs. 1.49%/year; hazard ratio, 0.08 [95% confidence interval 0.01-0.60]; p = 0.015) in the cerebral microbleeds subgroup, but was not different (1.26%/year vs. 0.79%/year; hazards ratio 1.60 [0.52-4.90]; p = 0.408) in the prior intracerebral hemorrhage subgroup. The interaction of treatment-by-subgroup was significant (p_interaction = 0.011). For the composite of major vascular events, there was a trend toward a lower risk with cilostazol versus aspirin (3.56%/year vs. 5.53%/year; hazards ratio 0.64 [0.41-1.01]; p = 0.056) in the cerebral microbleeds subgroup, but was comparable (5.21%/year vs. 5.05%/year; hazards ratio 1.03 [0.63-1.67]; p = 0.913) in the prior intracerebral hemorrhage subgroup without a significant treatment-by-subgroup interaction (p_interaction = 0.165).

CONCLUSIONS

Cilostazol versus aspirin might be a better option in ischemic stroke with multiple cerebral microbleeds, but confirmatory trials are needed.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL:http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. NCT01013532.

A Retrieved Sparganum of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei from a Korean Man during Mechanical Thrombectomy

Human sparganosis is a zoonotic disease caused by infection and migration of the plerocercoid of Spirometra spp. Although sparganosis were reported from most parts of the body, the sparganum parasitizing inside cerebral artery is remarkably uncommon. We report a case of cerebral intravascular sparganosis in an elderly patient with acute ischemic stroke who was diagnosed by retrieving sparganum during mechanical thrombectomy. Finally, the parasites were identified as Spirometra erinaceieuropaei using multiplex PCR and cox1 gene sequencing.

Front-line thrombectomy for acute large-vessel occlusion with underlying severe intracranial stenosis: stent retriever versus contact aspiration

OBJECTIVE

The optimal front-line thrombectomy choice for primary recanalization of a target artery remains unknown for patients with acute large-vessel occlusion (LVO) and an underlying intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). The authors aimed to compare procedural characteristics and outcomes between patients who received a stent-retriever thrombectomy (SRT) and patients who received a contact aspiration thrombectomy (CAT), as the front-line approach for treating LVO due to severe underlying ICAS.

METHODS

One hundred thirty patients who presented with acute LVO and underlying severe ICAS at the occlusion site were included. Procedural characteristics and treatment outcomes were compared between patients treated with front-line SRT (n = 70) and those treated with front-line CAT (n = 60). The primary outcomes were the rate of switching to an alternative thrombectomy technique, time from groin puncture to initial reperfusion, and duration of the procedure. Initial reperfusion was defined as revealing the underlying culprit stenosis with an antegrade flow after thrombectomy.

RESULTS

The rate of switching to an alternative thrombectomy after failure of the front-line technique was significantly higher in the CAT group than in the SRT group (40% vs 4.3%; OR 2.543, 95% CI 1.893–3.417, p < 0.001). The median time from puncture to initial reperfusion (17 vs 31 minutes, p < 0.001) and procedure duration (39 vs 75.5 minutes, p < 0.001) were significantly shorter in the SRT group than in the CAT group. In the binary logistic regression analysis, a longer time from puncture to initial reperfusion was an independent predictor of a 90-day poor (modified Rankin Scale score 3–6) functional outcome (per 1-minute increase; OR 1.029, 95% CI 1.008–1.050, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors’ results suggest that SRT may be more effective than CAT for identifying underlying culprit stenosis and therefore considered the optimal front-line thrombectomy technique in acute stroke patients with LVO and severe underlying ICAS.

Changes in High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Risks of Cardiovascular Events: A Post Hoc Analysis from the PICASSO Trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Whether pharmacologically altered high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) affects the risk of cardiovascular events is unknown. Recently, we have reported the Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Asian Patients with Ischaemic Stroke at High Risk of Cerebral Haemorrhage (PICASSO) trial that demonstrated the non-inferiority of cilostazol to aspirin and superiority of probucol to non-probucol for cardiovascular prevention in ischemic stroke patients (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01013532). We aimed to determine whether on-treatment HDL-C changes by cilostazol and probucol influence the treatment effect of each study medication during the PICASSO study.

METHODS

Of the 1,534 randomized patients, 1,373 (89.5%) with baseline cholesterol parameters were analyzed. Efficacy endpoint was the composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis examined an interaction between the treatment effect and changes in HDL-C levels from randomization to 1 month for each study arm.

RESULTS

One-month post-randomization mean HDL-C level was significantly higher in the cilostazol group than in the aspirin group (1.08 mmol/L vs. 1.00 mmol/L, P<0.001). The mean HDL-C level was significantly lower in the probucol group than in the non-probucol group (0.86 mmol/L vs. 1.22 mmol/L, P<0.001). These trends persisted throughout the study. In both study arms, no significant interaction was observed between HDL-C changes and the assigned treatment regarding the risk of the efficacy endpoint.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite significant HDL-C changes, the effects of cilostazol and probucol treatment on the risk of cardiovascular events were insignificant. Pharmacologically altered HDL-C levels may not be reliable prognostic markers for cardiovascular risk.

Abstract TP435: Oral Anticoagulant Therapy Adherent to ESC Guidelines Reduces the Risk of Recurrent Stroke in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: Oral anticoagulant therapy is the primary treatment for the prevention of recurrent ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Early anticoagulant therapy can be beneficial for the prevention of recurrent ischemic stroke, however, also can provoke symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of standard oral anticoagulant therapy adherent to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines compared to early oral anticoagulant therapy.

Methods: Acute ischemic stroke patients with AF were included from a nationwide multicenter registry (K-ATTENTION). The primary outcome was recurrent all-type stroke during 90 days of follow-up. Secondary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, acute coronary syndrome, all-cause death, and major hemorrhage. The propensity score was used to match the baseline characteristics between the two treatment groups.

Results: Among 2,321 eligible patients, 532 patients with standard anticoagulation were matched to 532 patients with early anticoagulation. Eight participants (1.5%) with standard anticoagulation had recurrence of all-type stroke compared with 19 (3.5%) of participants with early anticoagulation (odds ratio [OR], 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18-0.95; P=0.038). Standard anticoagulation was also associated with reduced risk of recurrent ischemic stroke (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.11-0.82; P=0.019). Other secondary outcomes, including intracranial hemorrhage and major hemorrhage, appeared not to be informative.

Conclusions: In conclusion, standard oral anticoagulant therapy adherent to ESC guidelines reduces the risk of recurrent all-type stroke and ischemic stroke compared to early oral anticoagulant therapy.

Abstract TP37: Ten-Year Single Center Experience of Intra-Hospital Triage for Endovascular Treatment: The Hardest Hurdle During Late Off-Duty Hours

Background and Purpose: Intra-hospital time delays can affect the outcome following endovascular treatment (EVT). To overcome these hurdles, multidisciplinary quality improvement (QI) program could be helpful in that it can improve intra-hospital time-related factors with subsequent better clinical outcome. We aimed to describe our ten-year experience of endovascular triage via the multidisciplinary QI program with emphasis on time-related factors.

Methods: Based on our prospectively maintained EVT registry (n=602), three consecutive periods were defined based on the implementation of QI program and the changes in the primary modality of first angiographic imaging: (1) period 1 (May 2006 to December 2009); (2) period 2 (January 2010 to August 2012); and (3) period 3 (September 2012 to April 2016). Definitions of working hours: On-duty was defined as regular working hour from AM 8:00 to PM 6:00, and off-duty was defined as night shift from PM 6:00 to AM 8:00 the following day. Off-duty was classified into two groups by early off-duty as PM 6:00 to midnight and late off-duty as midnight to AM 08:00 the next day. Also, regular working hours in holidays were considered same as early off-duty.

Results: Overall, successful reperfusion (mTICI 2b-3, post-procedure) and favorable outcome (mRS 0-2 or equal to pre-stroke mRS, at 3-month) was achieved in 395 patients (65.6%) and 311 patients (51.6%), respectively. A trend for increase in successful reperfusion and favorable outcome over periods was observed ( p<0.001 , respectively). Also, significant trends for shorter door-to-picture and door-to-puncture (DtoP) times over periods were observed ( p<0.001 , respectively). Inside each period, late off-duty hours were the hardest time period for improvement. In period 3, the DtoP time was 98.0 (IQR 79.0 - 118.0) minutes in late off-duty hours compared to 77.0 (IQR 60.5 - 88.5) minutes in on-duty hours ( p<0.001 ).

Conclusions: Upward trend in successful reperfusion and better outcome were observed along with improvement in intra-hospital workflow to decrease door-to-puncture time, which emphasizes the importance of incessant QI program of EVT workflow. However, late-off duty hours were the hardest time point for improvement.

Predicting Endovascular Treatment Outcomes in Acute Vertebrobasilar Artery Occlusion: A Model to Aid Patient Selection from the ASIAN KR Registry

Background The decision to perform endovascular treatment (EVT) for stroke related to vertebrobasilar occlusion (VBO) remains controversial. Purpose To identify preprocedural predictors of good outcomes and to develop a model to aid patient selection for VBO. Materials and Methods For this retrospective study using a Korean multicenter registry, a predictive model for good outcomes (modified Rankin scale score, 0-2) was generated based on a derivation sample of patients with VBO (January 2011-February 2016). Preprocedural parameters, including onset-to-puncture time, infarct volume, occlusion type as a surrogate marker of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis-related occlusion or embolic occlusion (truncal-type occlusion vs branching site occlusion), and collateral status, were analyzed. Continuous variables were dichotomized based on receiver operating characteristic analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to generate a predictive model. The model was internally validated with the bootstrap method and was externally validated with a single-center sample (April 2016-December 2018). Results A predictive model was generated from 71 patients (mean age, 67 years ± 11 [standard deviation]; 41 [58%] men) and was externally validated in 32 patients (mean age, 72 years ± 13; 19 [59%] men). The composite of initial DW imaging volume of less than 10 mL (odds ratio [OR], 19.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0, 126.4; P = .002), onset-to-puncture time of less than 8 hours (OR, 8.7; 95% CI: 1.8, 42.0; P = .007), and branching-site occlusion (OR, 6.1; 95% CI: 1.5, 26.0; P = .01) could be used to predict good outcomes, with a median area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.86 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.77-0.95; bootstrap optimism-corrected C statistic, 0.837) in the derivation sample and 0.78 (IQR, 0.62-0.95) in the validation sample. Results failed to show an association between collateral status and outcome (P = .67). Conclusion When selecting patients with vertebrobasilar occlusion for endovascular treatment, the combination of onset-to-puncture time of less than 8 hours, initial infarct volume of less than 10 mL, and presence of branching-site occlusions is indicative of a good outcome. © RSNA, 2020 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Cilostazol Versus Aspirin in Ischemic Stroke Patients With High-Risk Cerebral Hemorrhage: Subgroup Analysis of the PICASSO Trial

Background and Purpose- Although cilostazol has shown less hemorrhagic events than aspirin, only marginal difference was observed in hemorrhagic stroke events among patients at high risk for cerebral hemorrhage. To identify patients who would most benefit from cilostazol, this study analyzed interactions between treatment and subgroups of the PICASSO trial (Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Asian Ischemic Stroke Patients With High Risk of Cerebral Hemorrhage). Methods- Ischemic stroke patients with a previous intracerebral hemorrhage or multiple microbleeds were randomized to treatment with cilostazol or aspirin and followed up for a mean 1.8 years. Efficacy, defined as the composite of any stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death, and safety, defined as the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke, were analyzed in the 2 groups. Interactions between treatment and age, sex, presence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, index of high-risk cerebral hemorrhage, and white matter lesion burden were analyzed for primary and key secondary outcomes. Changes in vital signs and laboratory results were compared in the 2 groups. Results- Among all 1534 patients enrolled, a significant interaction between treatment group and index of high risk for cerebral hemorrhage on hemorrhagic stroke (P for interaction, 0.03) was observed. Hemorrhagic stroke was less frequent in the cilostazol than in the aspirin group in patients with multiple microbleeds (1 versus 13 events; hazard ratio, 0.08 [95% CI, 0.01-0.61]; P=0.01). A marginal interaction between treatment group and white matter change on any stroke (P for interaction, 0.08) was observed. Cilostazol reduced any stroke significantly in patients with mild (5 versus 16 events; hazard ratio, 0.36 [95% CI, 0.13-0.97]; P=0.04)-to-moderate (16 versus 32 events; hazard ratio, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.29-0.92]; P=0.03) white matter changes. Heart rate and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol level were significantly higher in the cilostazol group than in the aspirin group at follow-up. Conclusions- Cilostazol may be more beneficial for ischemic stroke patients with multiple cerebral microbleeds and before white matter changes are extensive. Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01013532.

Effect of Statin Therapy on Outcomes of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation

Background

There is insufficient evidence on the effect of statins, particularly high‐intensity statins, in patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation. We investigated the impact of statins on the outcomes in these patients, including those who might be vulnerable to statin therapy and those without clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

Methods and Results

A total of 2153 patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation were enrolled in the present nationwide, multicenter, cohort study. The primary composite end point was the occurrence of net adverse clinical and cerebral events (NACCE; death from any cause, stroke, acute coronary syndrome, or major bleeding) over a 3‐year period based on statin intensity. NACCE rates were lower in patients receiving low‐ to moderate‐intensity (adjusted hazard ratio 0.64; 95% CI: 0.52‐0.78) and high‐intensity statins (hazard ratio 0.51; 95% CI 0.40‐0.66) than in those not receiving statin therapy. High‐intensity statins were associated with a lower risk for NACCE than low‐ to moderate‐intensity statins (hazard ratio 0.76; 95% CI 0.59‐0.96). Subgroup analyses showed that the differences in hazard ratio for 3‐year NACCE favored statin use across all subgroups, including older patients, those with low cholesterol levels, patients receiving anticoagulants, and patients without clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Magnified benefits of high‐intensity statins compared with low‐ to moderate‐intensity statins were observed in patients who underwent revascularization therapy and those under 75 years of age.

Conclusions

Statins, particularly high‐intensity statins, could reduce the risk for NACCE in patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation; this needs to be further explored in randomized controlled trials.

Characteristics and Factors for Short-Term Functional Outcome in Stroke Patients With Atrial Fibrillation, Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study

Background and aims: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major cause of ischemic stroke; however, detailed clinical data and prognostic factors for stroke patients with AF are lacking in Korea. We aimed to investigate clinical information and factors associated with functional outcomes of stroke patients with AF from the Korean nationwide ATrial fibrillaTion EvaluatioN regisTry in Ischemic strOke patieNts (K-ATTENTION) database.

Methods: From January 2013 to December 2015, consecutive clinical information from acute stroke patients with AF or history of AF was collected from 11 centers in Korea. Collected data included demographics, risk factors, pre-stroke medication, stroke severity, stroke subtypes, concomitant cerebral atherosclerosis, brain image findings, recanalization therapy, discharge medication, and functional outcome at 3 months after index stroke.

Results: A total of 3,213 stroke patients (mean age, 73.6 ± 9.8 years; female, 48.6%) were included. The mean CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was 4.9. Among the 1,849 (57.5%) patients who had brain image and functional outcome data, poor outcome (modified Rankin scale > 2) was noted in 53.1% (981/1,849) of patients. After adjusting for age, sex, and variables that had a p < 0.05 in univariate analysis or well-known factors for functional outcome, presence of asymptomatic extracranial cerebral atherosclerosis [odd ratio (OR): 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36–2.82, p = 0.001] and less frequent prior stroke statin intake (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.49–0.98, p = 0.038) were associated with poor functional outcome.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that presence of non-relevant extracranial cerebral atherosclerosis may affect poor functional outcome and prior stroke statin therapy may be feasible in Korean stroke patients with AF.

Baseline D-Dimer Levels as a Risk Assessment Biomarker for Recurrent Stroke in Patients with Combined Atrial Fibrillation and Atherosclerosis

Background: We investigated the effect of D-dimer levels and efficacy of different antithrombotic therapies according to the baseline D-dimer levels on recurrent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF)-related stroke and atherosclerosis. Methods: We enrolled 1441 patients with AF-related stroke and atherosclerosis in this nationwide multicenter study. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of recurrent ischemic stroke over a 3-year period. Results: High D-dimer levels (≥2 μg/mL) were significantly associated with higher risk of recurrent ischemic stroke (adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 1.80; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13–2.84; p = 0.012). The risk of recurrent stroke was similar between the anticoagulant and the antiplatelet groups in all subjects (adjusted HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.46–1.32; p = 0.369). However, in patients with high D-dimer levels (≥2 μg/mL), risk of recurrent stroke was significantly lower in the anticoagulant group than in the antiplatelet group (adjusted HR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.18–0.87; p = 0.022). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that baseline D-dimer levels could be used as a risk assessment biomarker of recurrent stroke in patients with AF-related stroke and atherosclerosis. High D-dimer levels would facilitate the identification of patients who are more likely to benefit from anticoagulants to ensure secondary prevention of stroke.

Blood Pressure Variability Is Associated With White Matter Lesion Growth in Intracranial Atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

High blood pressure variability (BPV) is associated with recurrent stroke. We investigated the association between BPV, new ischemic lesions (NILs), and white matter lesion (WML) growth in patients with ischemic stroke due to intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS).

METHODS

This study was performed as a post-hoc analysis of the STABLE-ICAS trial, which enrolled subacute ischemic stroke patients with symptomatic ICAS (>50% stenosis) and hypertension. BPV was measured at the office (visit by visit) and at home (day by day). Patients were divided into 3 groups (tertiles) according to their home BPV. WML growth and the occurrence of NILs were compared among the 3 groups. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify the independent risk factors of WML growth and NILs.

RESULTS

Of the 111 enrolled patients, 69 patients (67.6%) demonstrated WML growth and 15 patients (13.7%) had NILs. Patients with higher BPV demonstrated a more WML growth (50% vs. 61.8% vs. 83.8; P = 0.02, by tertiles) and more NILs (5.4% vs. 5.4% vs. 29.7%; P = 0.002, by tertiles). In multivariable analyses, old age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.052 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.005-1.101); P = 0.03] and home BPV [OR = 1.149 (95% CI = 1.013-1.304); P = 0.02] were independently associated with WML growth. Low mean diastolic blood pressure [OR = 0.913 (95% CI = 0.874-0.984); P = 0.02] and high home BPV [OR = 1.287 (95% CI = 1.086-1.526); P = 0.004] were independently associated with NILs at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

High BPV is associated with WML growth and NIL in ischemic stroke patients with symptomatic ICAS. BPV monitoring at home may be helpful.

Clinical Impact of Intracerebral Hemorrhage after Hyperacute Extracranial Stenting in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

Purpose

Emergent intracranial occlusions causing acute ischemic stroke are often related to extracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. This study aimed to investigate the association between post-procedure intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and emergent extracranial artery stenting and assess their effects on clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing hyperacute endovascular treatment for cervicocephalic vascular occlusion in three Korean hospitals between January 2011 and February 2016. Patients who had extracranial artery involvement and were treated from 24 hours of symptom onset to puncture were included in this study, and they were divided into the extracranial stenting (ES) and non-ES groups. Any type of petechial hemorrhages and parenchymal hematoma was defined as ICH for the current study.

Results

In total, 76 patients were included in this study. Among them, 56 patients underwent ES, and 20 patients did not. Baseline characteristics, risk factors, laboratory data, treatment methods, successful reperfusion rates, and baseline stenotic degrees of extracranial internal carotid artery did not differ between these two groups. However, atrial fibrillation was more frequent in patients without than with ES (P=0.002), and post-procedure ICH was more frequent in patients with than without ES (P=0.035). Logistic regression models revealed that ES was independently associated with post-procedure ICH (odds ratio [OR], 7.807; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.213–50.248; P=0.031), and ICH was independently associated with poor clinical outcomes (OR, 0.202; 95% CI, 0.054–0.759; P=0.018); however, ES itself was not associated with clinical outcomes (OR, 0.530; 95% CI, 0.117–2.395; P=0.409). Notably, ICH and ES had interaction for predicting good outcomes (P=0.041).

Conclusion

Post-procedure ICH was associated with ES and poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, ES should be cautiously considered in patients with hyperacute stroke.

Frontline contact aspiration thrombectomy using SOFIA catheter for acute ischemic stroke: period-to-period comparison with Penumbra catheter

BACKGROUND

Recent aspiration thrombectomy devices tend to have a more flexible distal tip and larger bore for easy target access and effective reperfusion. Here, this study primarily focused on the efficacy and safety of the SOFIA catheters when it was used as a frontline contact aspiration thrombectomy (CAT) tool for acute intracranial large vessel occlusion in comparison with the data from a period when the Penumbra catheter was used.

METHODS

The subjects comprised 189 patients who underwent CAT (90 with Penumbra Max family and 99 with SOFIA/SOFIA plus). Patients' data were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate overall clinical and angiographic outcomes and compared between the devices.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. But, intravenous alteplase was more frequently administered in the Penumbra group (43.3% vs. 29.3%, p = 0.045), while incidence of ICA occlusion was higher in SOFIA group (18.9% vs. 38.4%, p = 0.013). The modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b-3 of reperfusion was 94.4% for the Penumbra group and 92.9% for the SOFIA group (p = 0.656). The first-pass effect was more frequently achieved in the SOFIA group (20.0% vs. 39.4%, p = 0.004) and endovascular procedure time was significantly shorter (55.5 min vs. 36 min, p < 0.001). However, clinical outcomes did not differ significantly regarding mortality (11.1% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.213), hemorrhagic complications, and mRS 0-2 at 3 months (63.3% vs. 58.6%; p = 0.504).

CONCLUSION

CAT using SOFIA may be safe and comparable to thrombectomy using the Penumbra reperfusion catheter. And, the SOFIA catheter could be advantageous for rapid reperfusion and first-pass effect without any significant complications.