Endovascular treatment for emergent large vessel occlusion due to severe intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis

OBJECTIVE

The optimal treatment strategy for patients with emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) due to underlying severe intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare treatment outcomes from intracranial angioplasty with or without stenting and intraarterial infusion of a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor in patients with ELVO due to severe ICAS, and to investigate predictors of outcome after endovascular therapy in such patients.

METHODS

A total of 140 consecutive patients with ELVO attributable to severe ICAS underwent endovascular therapy at two stroke centers (A and B). Intracranial angioplasty/stenting was primarily performed at center A and intraarterial infusion of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (tirofiban) at center B. Data from both centers were prospectively collected into a database and retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, successful reperfusion was achieved in 95% (133/140) of patients and a good outcome in 60% (84/140). The mortality rate was 7.9%. Symptomatic hemorrhage occurred in 1 patient. There were no significant differences in the rates of successful reperfusion, symptomatic hemorrhage, 3-month modified Rankin scale score 0-2, and mortality between the two centers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the only independent predictor of good outcome was a history of previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) (odds ratio 0.254, 95% confidence interval 0.094-0.689, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Both intracranial angioplasty/stenting and intraarterial infusion of a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor are effective and safe in the treatment of underlying severe ICAS in acute stroke patients with ELVO. In addition, a lack of a history of stroke/TIA was the only independent predictor of good outcome after endovascular therapy in such patients.

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.

Need for rescue treatment and its implication: stent retriever versus contact aspiration thrombectomy

Backgroud

The need for rescue treatment (RT) may differ depending on first-line modality (stent retriever (SR) or contact aspiration (CA)) in endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). We aimed to investigate whether the type of first-line modality in EVT was associated with the need for RT.

Methods

We identified all patients who underwent EVT for anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion from prospectively maintained registries of 17 stroke centers. Patients were dichotomized into SR-first and CA-first. RT involved switching to the other device, balloon angioplasty, permanent stenting, thrombolytics, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist, or any combination of these. We compared clinical characteristics, procedural details, and final recanalization rate between the two groups and assessed whether first-line modality type was associated with RT requirement and if this affected clinical outcome.

Results

A total of 955 patients underwent EVT using either SR-first (n=526) or CA-first (n=429). No difference occurred in the final recanalization rate between SR-first (82.1%) and CA-first (80.2%). However, recanalization with the first-line modality alone and first-pass recanalization rates were significantly higher in SR-first than in CA-first. CA-first had more device passes and higher RT rate. The RT group had significantly longer puncture-to-recanalization time (93±48 min versus 53±28 min). After adjustment, CA-first remained associated with RT (OR, 1.367; 95% CI, 1.019 to 1.834). RT was negatively associated with good outcome (OR, 0.597; 95% CI, 0.410 to 0.870).

Conclusion

CA was associated with requiring RT, while recanalization with first-line modality alone and first-pass recanalization rates were higher with SR. RT was negatively associated with good outcome.

Efficacy and Safety of Endovascular Treatment in Patients with Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion and Collateral Middle Cerebral Artery Flow

Objective

In patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, collateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) flow has a protective role against ischemia. However, some of these patients may experience initial major neurological deficits and major worsening on following days. Thus, we investigated the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment (EVT) for ICA occlusion with collateral MCA flow by comparing clinical outcomes of medical treatment versus EVT.

Methods

The inclusion criteria were as follows : 1) acute ischemic stroke with ICA occlusion and presence of collateral MCA flow on transfemoral cerebral angiography (TFCA) and 2) hospital arrival within 12 hours from symptom onset. The treatment strategy was made by the attending physician based on the patient’s clinical status and results of TFCA.

Results

Eighty-one patients were included (30 medical treatment, 51 EVT). The EVT group revealed a high incidence of intracranial ICA occlusion, longer ipsilesional MCA contrast filling time, and a similar rate of favorable clinical outcome despite a higher mean baseline the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. By binary logistic regression analysis, intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and EVT were independent predictors of favorable clinical outcome. In subgroup analysis based on stroke etiology, the non-atherosclerotic group showed a higher baseline NIHSS score, higher incidence of EVT, and a higher rate of distal embolization during EVT in comparison with the atherosclerotic group.

Conclusion

In patients with ICA occlusion and collateral MCA flow, decisions regarding treatment strategy based on TFCA can help achieve favorable clinical outcomes. EVT strategy with respect to etiology of ICA occlusion might help achieve better angiographic outcomes.

Abstract TP519: The Effect of Different Oral Anticoagulants on Vascular Outcomes in Stroke With Atrial Fibrillation: A Real-world Data

Background and Purpose: Little is known about the different effect of outcomes and factors associated with vascular outcomes in stroke patients with atrial fibrillation in real world practice setting especially in Korea. In this study, we investigated the effect of each oral anticoagulants on vascular outcomes using K-ATTENTION (Korean ATrial fibrillaTion EvaluatioN regisTry in Ischemic strOke patieNts) study.

Methods: Consecutive data of acute stroke patients with atrial fibrillation were collected from 11 centers in Korea from January 2013 to December 2015. Eligibility of inclusion was acute stroke within 7 days from the onset of stroke and diagnosis of non-valvular or valvular atrial fibrillation. Vascular outcomes included ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, death of any cause, and major adverse cerebro/cardiovascular events (MACE). To describe the effect of each oral anticoagulants on vascular outcomes, we performed time-dependent Cox’s regression analyses with the class of oral anticoagulant as a time dependent covariate. For stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and any stroke, death was considered as competing risk.

Results: Among 3213 stroke patients included in K-ATTENTION study, a total 3033 stroke patients (mean age 73.45 ± 9.93 years old, female 48.5%) were included. Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.89 ± 1.37. During the study period, a total of 161 ischemic strokes, 46 hemorrhagic strokes, 199 any strokes, 556 death and 720 MACE were captured. Time-dependent Cox’s regression analysis revealed that use of oral anticoagulants [vitamin K antagonist (VKA), dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban] was associated with significantly lower risk of death and MACE compared with no oral anticoagulants use. Although, there was no difference among oral anticoagulants for ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, or any stroke when compared with no oral anticoagulants, dabigatran showed a trend of reduced risk of any stroke (HR 0.48, 95%CI 0.23 - 1.01, p = 0.0545).

Conclusion: This real-world data revealed that the use of oral anticoagulants was associated with the reduced risk of MACE and death. However, for ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, the results were not conclusive. Dabigatran showed a trend of reduced risk of any stroke.

Frontline Contact Aspiration Treatment for Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion: A Review Focused on Practical Techniques

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) as the standard care for acute stroke due to large vessel occlusion has recently been validated through several randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Contact aspiration (CA) and stent retriever (SR) are the two major EVT methods currently used. Because the RCTs have mostly evaluated SR devices, there was a demand to test CA in relation to SR as a frontline EVT treatment method. Recently, the Contact Aspiration vs Stent Retriever for Successful Recanalization (ASTER) study, the first RCT to compare CA and SR, demonstrated similar efficacy between them as a frontline EVT for patients with large vessel occlusions. This facilitates further investigation to confirm better frontline EVT for patients with acute stroke. In this review, we discuss past and recent developments in CA techniques, focusing on related literature. Additionally, we describe practical skills to overcome technical difficulties that can be encountered during the CA procedure. Finally, we review the evolution of device technologies, including a newer version of using a large-bore aspiration catheter.

CTA-Based Truncal-Type Occlusion Is Best Matched With Postprocedural Fixed Focal Stenosis in Vertebrobasilar Occlusions

Background: Differentiation of embolic and atherosclerotic occlusions is difficult prior to endovascular treatment (EVT) of acute ischemic stroke due to intracranial large artery occlusions. CTA-determined occlusion type has been reported to be associated with a negative cardiac embolic source and stent retriever failure, a potential of intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS)-related occlusions. In this study, we evaluated the agreement between preprocedural identification of CTA-determined truncal-type occlusion (TTO) and postprocedural evaluation of underlying fixed focal stenosis (FFS) in the occlusion site.

Methods: Patients who underwent intracranial EVT for acute ischemic stroke within 24 h of onset and who had baseline CTA were identified from a multicenter registry collected between January 2011 and May 2016. Preprocedural occlusion type was classified as TTO (target artery bifurcation saved) or branching-site occlusion (bifurcation involved) on CTA. As for postprocedural identification, FFS was evaluated by stepwise analyses of procedural and postprocedural angiographies. The agreement between TTO and FFS was evaluated in respective intracranial vascular beds. Receiver operating characteristics analyses were also performed.

Results: A total of 509 patients were included [intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA): 193, middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1: 256, and vertebrobasilar artery (VBA): 60]. In preprocedural identification, 33 (17.1%), 41 (16.0%), and 29 patients (48.3%) had TTOs, respectively. TTOs had good agreement with angiographic FFS in M1 (positive predictive value: 63.4%, negative predictive value: 83.2%, likelihood ratio: 5.42, P_multivariate < 0.001) and VBA (72.4%, 96.8%, and 4.54, respectively, P_multivariate = 0.004), but not in intracranial ICA occlusions (P_multivariate = 0.358). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was the largest for VBA (0.872, p < 0.001), followed by MCA M1 (0.671, p < 0.001), and intracranial ICA (0.551, p = 0.465).

Conclusions: Agreement between preprocedural TTO and postprocedural FFS, both of which are surrogate markers for ICAS-related occlusions, is highest for VBA, followed by MCA M1 occlusions. There is no significant association in intracranial ICA.

Executive Summary of Stroke Statistics in Korea 2018: A Report from the Epidemiology Research Council of the Korean Stroke Society

Despite the great socioeconomic burden of stroke, there have been few reports of stroke statistics in Korea. In this scenario, the Epidemiologic Research Council of the Korean Stroke Society launched the “Stroke Statistics in Korea” project, aimed at writing a contemporary, comprehensive, and representative report on stroke epidemiology in Korea. This report contains general statistics of stroke, prevalence of behavioral and vascular risk factors, stroke characteristics, pre-hospital system of care, hospital management, quality of stroke care, and outcomes. In this report, we analyzed the most up-to-date and nationally representative databases, rather than performing a systematic review of existing evidence. In summary, one in 40 adults are patients with stroke and 232 subjects per 100,000 experience a stroke event every year. Among the 100 patients with stroke in 2014, 76 had ischemic stroke, 15 had intracerebral hemorrhage, and nine had subarachnoid hemorrhage. Stroke mortality is gradually declining, but it remains as high as 30 deaths per 100,000 individuals, with regional disparities. As for stroke risk factors, the prevalence of smoking is decreasing in men but not in women, and the prevalence of alcohol drinking is increasing in women but not in men. Population-attributable risk factors vary with age. Smoking plays a role in young-aged individuals, hypertension and diabetes in middle-aged individuals, and atrial fibrillation in the elderly. About four out of 10 hospitalized patients with stroke are visiting an emergency room within 3 hours of symptom onset, and only half use an ambulance. Regarding acute management, the proportion of patients with ischemic stroke receiving intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular treatment was 10.7% and 3.6%, respectively. Decompressive surgery was performed in 1.4% of patients with ischemic stroke and in 28.1% of those with intracerebral hemorrhage. The cumulative incidence of bleeding and fracture at 1 year after stroke was 8.9% and 4.7%, respectively. The direct costs of stroke were about ₩1.68 trillion (KRW), of which ₩1.11 trillion were for ischemic stroke and ₩540 billion for hemorrhagic stroke. The great burden of stroke in Korea can be reduced through more concentrated efforts to control major attributable risk factors for age and sex, reorganize emergency medical service systems to give patients with stroke more opportunities for reperfusion therapy, disseminate stroke unit care, and reduce regional disparities. We hope that this report can contribute to achieving these tasks.

Solitaire Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke Due to Intracranial Atherosclerosis-Related Occlusion: ROSE ASSIST Study

Background: Solitaire, a representative stent retriever, has shown high performance in removing embolic clots. However, its reperfusion potential in intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS)-related occlusions has rarely been reported. In this ROSE ASSIST study, we hypothesized that Solitaire device is as effective and safe for removing in situ thrombi in ICAS-related occlusions as it is for removal of embolic occlusions.

Methods: Data from ASIAN KR, an observational multicenter registry (n = 720) enrolling patients who have undergone endovascular treatment for acute cervicocephalic artery occlusions, were retrospectively reviewed. Through blinded evaluations, occlusions were classified as ICAS-related (significant fixed focal stenosis observed at the occlusion site during endovascular treatment) or embolic (no or minimal stenosis observed). Among patients treated within 720 min after stroke onset, those who undertook Solitaire thrombectomy and whose underlying etiology was ICAS-related or embolic were included. The primary endpoint was immediate successful reperfusion (modified Treatment In Cerebral Ischemia 2b−3) after Solitaire stent retrieval. The safety endpoint included intracerebral hemorrhagic transformation and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Comparative analyses were performed between embolic and ICAS-related occlusions with 2:1 propensity score matching.

Results: In total, 303 patients (embolic, 228; ICAS-related, 75) were included in the analyses. As for the primary endpoint, the immediate successful reperfusion rate following Solitaire thrombectomy did not differ between the two etiologic groups after propensity score matching (73.1% embolic vs. 65.8% ICAS-related, p = 0.261). The final successful reperfusion grade was also similar in the two groups (79.3 vs. 72.0%, p = 0.219). The grades and frequencies of intracerebral hemorrhagic transformation and subarachnoid hemorrhage did not differ between groups (p = 0.134 and p = 0.269, respectively).

Conclusions: The immediate reperfusion performance in terms of thrombus removal of Solitaire thrombectomy for ICAS-related occlusions was similar to that for embolic occlusions.

Medication Adherence of Statin Users after Acute Ischemic Stroke

Although statins are established therapy for the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke, factors associated with adherence to statin treatment following ischemic stroke are not well known. To address this, we assessed the 6-month statin adherence using 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Of 991 patients, 65.6% were adherent to statin at 6-month after discharge. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that patients' awareness of hyperlipidemia (OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.07-2.43), large artery stroke subtype (versus non-large artery stroke, OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.19-2.68), and alcohol drinking habits (OR 1.64; 95% CI 1.06-2.53) were positively associated, while high statin dose (versus low dose, OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.40-0.90) and higher daily number of medication pills (OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.88-0.97) were found to have a negative association with self-reported good adherence to statin medication after acute ischemic stroke. However, stroke severity and diagnosis of hyperlipidemia were not associated with adherence. These results suggest that educational and motivational interventions may enhance statin adherence because modifiable factors were associated with statin adherence.

Prognosis of Acute Intracranial Atherosclerosis-Related Occlusion after Endovascular Treatment

Background and Purpose

Little is known about prognosis after endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute large artery occlusion (LAO) caused by underlying intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). Therefore, we investigated the prognosis following EVT according to the underlying etiology of LAO.

Methods

Patients from the Acute Stroke due to Intracranial Atherosclerotic occlusion and Neurointervention-Korean Retrospective (ASIAN KR) registry (n=720) were included if their occlusion was in the intracranial anterior circulation and their onset-to-puncture time was <24 hours. Occlusion was classified according to etiology as follows: no significant stenosis after recanalization (Embolic group), and fixed significant focal stenosis in the occlusion site with flow impairment or re-occlusion observed during EVT (ICAS group). Patients were excluded when significant extracranial carotid lesions existed, and when the intracranial occlusion was intractable to EVT so that the etiology was undetermined. The effect of angiographic etiologic classification on outcomes was evaluated using multivariable analysis that was adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

Among eligible patients (n=520), 421 and 99 were classified in the Embolic and ICAS groups, respectively. Patients in the Embolic and ICAS groups had similar successful reperfusion rates with EVT (79.6% vs. 76.8%, P=0.537) and 3-month functional independence (54.5% vs. 45.5%, P=0.104). In multivariable analysis, ICAS-related occlusion (odds ratio, 0.495; 95% confidence interval, 0.269 to 0.913; P=0.024) showed poorer 3-month functional independence compared to embolic occlusion.

Conclusions

After EVT, patients with acute ICAS-related occlusion have relatively poor functional outcomes compared to those with embolic occlusion. Novel strategies need to be developed to improve EVT outcomes for ICAS occlusion.

Safety and Optimal Neuroprotection of neu2000 in acute Ischemic stroke with reCanalization: study protocol for a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase-II trial

BACKGROUND

The potential of neuroprotective agents should be revisited in the era of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute large-artery occlusion because their preclinical effects have been optimized for ischemia and reperfusion injury. Neu2000, a derivative of sulfasalazine, is a multi-target neuroprotectant. It selectively blocks N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and scavenges for free radicals. This trial aimed to determine whether neuroprotectant administration before EVT is safe and leads to a more favorable outcome.

METHODS

This trial is a phase-II, multicenter, three-arm, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, blinded-endpoint drug trial that enrolled participants aged ≥ 19 years undergoing an EVT attempt less than 8 h from symptom onset, with baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥ 8, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score ≥ 6, evidence of large-artery occlusion, and at least moderate collaterals on computed tomography angiography. EVT-attempted patients are randomized into control, low-dose (2.75 g), and high-dose (5.25 g) Neu2000KWL over 5 days. Seventy participants per group are enrolled for 90% power, assuming that the treatment group has a 28.4% higher proportion of participants with functional independence than the placebo group. The primary outcome, based on intention-to-treat criteria is the improvement of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 3 months using a dichotomized model. Safety outcomes include symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 5 days. Secondary outcomes are distributional change of mRS, mean differences in NIHSS score, proportion of NIHSS score 0-2, and Barthel Index > 90 at 1 and 4 weeks, and 3 months.

DISCUSSION

The trial results may provide information on new therapeutic options as multi-target neuroprotection might mitigate reperfusion injury in patients with acute ischemic stroke before EVT.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02831088 . Registered on 13 July 2016.

Impact of varying levels of hyperglycemia on clinicoradiographic outcomes after endovascular reperfusion treatment

We evaluated the effects of admission hyperglycemia with different cut-off levels on 3-month outcomes, infarct growth, and hemorrhagic transformation in acute stroke patients with large artery occlusion of anterior circulation who received endovascular treatment (EVT). Between January 2011 and May 2016, patients that underwent EVT with pre-procedural and post-procedural diffusion-weighted imaging were identified from a multicenter registry. Normoglycemia was defined as a glucose level ≤ 110 mg/dL, moderate hyperglycemia as >110 and ≤170 mg/dL, and overt hyperglycemia as >170 mg/dL. Its effects on poor outcomes (3-month modified Rankin Scale score 3-6), infarct growth, and parenchymal hematoma type 2 were analyzed. Of 720 patients encountered, 341 patients were eligible. There was a statistically significant difference in glycated hemoglobin levels between the normoglycemia/moderate hyperglycemia and overt hyperglycemia groups (p < 0.001). Moderate hyperglycemia (odds ratio 2.37 [95% confidence interval 1.26-4.45], p = 0.007) and overt hyperglycemia (2.84 [1.19-6.81], p = 0.019) were associated with poor outcomes. Post-procedural infarct volumes were significantly greater in hyperglycemic patients (p_adjusted = 0.003). Only overt hyperglycemia (9.28 [1.66-51.88], p = 0.011) was associated with parenchymal hematoma type 2. Overall hyperglycemia was associated with poor outcomes and infarct growth, whereas overt hyperglycemia was associated with parenchymal hematoma type 2.

Temporal Changes in Care Processes and Outcomes for Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: Retrospective Registry Data from Three Korean Centers

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the influence of temporal patterns related to the availability of new endovascular treatment (EVT) devices on care processes and outcomes among patients with AIS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We enrolled 720 consecutive patients (January 2011 to May 2016) in a retrospective registry, ASIAN KR, from three Korean hospitals, who received EVT for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by cervicocephalic arterial occlusions. We performed period-to-period analyses based on stent retriever reimbursement and the availability of second-generation direct-aspiration devices (Period 1: January 2011-July 2014 vs. Period 2: August 2014-May 2016); time metrics and outcomes were compared when the onset-to-puncture time was <720 min among patients with EVT for intracranial occlusion.

RESULTS

Period 2 had better post-EVT outcomes (3-month modified Rankin Scale 0-2 or equal to prestroke score, 48.3% vs. 60.2%, P=0.004), more successful reperfusion rates (modified Treatment In Cerebral Ischemia 2b-3, 74.2% vs. 82.2%, P=0.019), fewer subarachnoid hemorrhages (modified Fisher grade 3-4, 5.5% vs. 2.0%, P=0.034) and lower hemorrhagic transformation rates (any intracerebral hemorrhage, 35.3 vs. 22.7%, P=0.001) than Period 1. Compared to Period 1, Period 2 had a shorter door-to-puncture time (median 109 vs. 90 min, P<0.001), but longer onset-to-door time (129 vs. 143 min, P=0.057).

CONCLUSION

Recent temporal improvements in post-EVT AIS outcomes in Korea are likely due to a combination of enhanced hospital care processes and administration of newer thrombectomy devices.

Abstract WP30: Role of Solitaire in Endovascular treatment for Acute Serious Stroke Due to Intracranial In Situ Thrombosis (ROSE ASSIST study)

Background: Solitaire, a representative stent retriever, shows high performance in removing embolic clots; however, its reperfusion potential in intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD)-related occlusions is rarely reported. In this ROSE ASSIST study, we hypothesized that Solitaire is as effective for removing in-situ thrombi in ICAD-related occlusions as much as its performance in cardiogenic or cryptogenic embolism.

Methods: ASIAN KR, an observational multicenter registry (n=721) enrolling patients who underwent endovascular treatment for acute cervicocephalic artery occlusions, was retrospectively reviewed. Through blinded evaluations, ICAD-related (significant fixed focal stenosis observed at the occlusion site during endovascular treatment) and embolic (no or minimal stenosis observed) occlusions were classified. Among patients treated with Solitaire stent (n=373), exclusion criteria were as follows: onset to puncture time >720 min; occlusion etiology neither ICAD-related nor embolic; both ICAD-related occlusion and atrial fibrillation. Primary endpoint was successful reperfusion (modified Treatment In Cerebral Ischemia 2b-3) immediately after Solitaire stent retrieval. Comparative analyses were performed between embolic and ICAD-related occlusions (2:1 matched by propensity score; age, sex, onset to puncture time and primary endovascular method adjusted).

Results: In total, 270 patients (embolic, 216; ICAD-related, 54) were included in the analyses. After propensity score matching, successful reperfusion rate following Solitaire stent treatment did not differ between etiologic groups (embolic, 77.8% vs. 68.5%, p=0.201). Although final successful reperfusion grade was similarly achieved between groups (83.3% vs. 75.9%, p=0.259), median number of endovascular methods was higher in ICAD-related occlusions (2 [interquartile range, 1-2] vs. 2 [2-3], p<0.001). The grade and frequency of intracerebral hemorrhagic transformation and subarachnoid hemorrhage did not differ between groups.

Conclusions: The immediate reperfusion performance of Solitaire for ICAD-related occlusions was as substantial as for embolic occlusions although these occlusions more often needed other treatment methods.

Rivaroxaban vs Warfarin Sodium in the Ultra-Early Period After Atrial Fibrillation-Related Mild Ischemic Stroke: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

In atrial fibrillation (AF)-related acute ischemic stroke, the optimal oral anticoagulation strategy remains unclear.

Objective

To test whether rivaroxaban or warfarin sodium is safer and more effective for preventing early recurrent stroke in patients with AF-related acute ischemic stroke.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A randomized, multicenter, open-label, blinded end point evaluation, comparative phase 2 trial was conducted from April 28, 2014, to December 7, 2015, at 14 academic medical centers in South Korea among patients with mild AF-related stroke within the previous 5 days who were deemed suitable for early anticoagulation. Analysis was performed on a modified intent-to-treat basis.

Interventions

Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive rivaroxaban, 10 mg/d for 5 days followed by 15 or 20 mg/d, or warfarin with a target international normalized ratio of 2.0-3.0, for 4 weeks.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was the composite of new ischemic lesion or new intracranial hemorrhage seen on results of magnetic resonance imaging at 4 weeks. Primary analysis was performed in patients who received at least 1 dose of study medications and completed follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. Key secondary end points were individual components of the primary end point and hospitalization length.

Results

Of 195 patients randomized, 183 individuals (76 women and 107 men; mean [SD] age, 70.4 [10.4] years) completed magnetic resonance imaging follow-up and were included in the primary end point analysis. The rivaroxaban group (n = 95) and warfarin group (n = 88) showed no differences in the primary end point (47 [49.5%] vs 48 [54.5%]; relative risk, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.69-1.20; P = .49) or its individual components (new ischemic lesion: 28 [29.5%] vs 31 of 87 [35.6%]; relative risk, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.54-1.26; P = .38; new intracranial hemorrhage: 30 [31.6%] vs 25 of 87 [28.7%]; relative risk, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.70-1.71; P = .68). Each group had 1 clinical ischemic stroke, and all new intracranial hemorrhages were asymptomatic hemorrhagic transformations. Hospitalization length was reduced with rivaroxaban compared with warfarin (median, 4.0 days [interquartile range, 2.0-6.0 days] vs 6.0 days [interquartile range, 4.0-8.0]; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

In mild AF-related acute ischemic stroke, rivaroxaban and warfarin had comparable safety and efficacy.

Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02042534.

Effects of Triflusal and Clopidogrel on the Secondary Prevention of Stroke Based on Cytochrome P450 2C19 Genotyping

Background and Purpose

To compare the efficacy and safety of antiplatelet agents for the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke based on cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) polymorphisms.

Methods

This study was a prospective, multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, open-label, blind genotype trial. First time non-cardiogenic ischemic stroke patients were enrolled and screened within 30 days. Participants were randomized to receive either triflusal or clopidogrel for secondary stroke prevention. The primary outcome was the time from randomization to first recurrent ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke.

Results

The required sample size was 1,080 but only 784 (73%) participants were recruited. In patients with a poor CYP2C19 genotype for clopidogrel metabolism (n=484), the risk of recurrent stroke among those who received triflusal treatment was 2.9% per year, which was not significantly different from those who received clopidogrel treatment (2.2% per year; hazard ratio [HR], 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60–2.53). In the clopidogrel treatment group (n=393), 38% had good genotypes and 62% poor genotypes for clopidogrel metabolism. The risk of recurrent stroke in patients with a good CYP2C19 genotype was 1.6% per year, which was not significantly different from those with a poor genotype (2.2% per year; HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.26–1.79).

Conclusions

Whilst there were no significant differences between the treatment groups in the rates of stroke recurrence, major vascular events, or coronary revascularization, the efficacy of antiplatelet agents for the secondary prevention of stroke according to CYP2C19 genotype status remains unclear.

Efficacy, safety, and clinical outcome of modern mechanical thrombectomy in elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

The average life expectancy is increasing worldwide, surpassing 80 years in some countries. Recently, mechanical thrombectomy (MT) using modern devices and techniques has led to improved clinical outcomes following acute ischemic stroke. However, thus far, it remains uncertain whether MT is effective in elderly patients aged over 80 years.

METHODS

Between July 2013 and June 2016, 207 patients with acute ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation received MT at our center. The applied MT strategies were forced arterial suction thrombectomy (FAST) and stent retriever thrombectomy. Patients were divided into those <80 years (n = 173) and those ≥80 years (n = 34). We compared clinical and angiographic parameters between groups.

RESULTS

The median age was 67.5 in the younger group and 82 in the elderly group; 92.5% of the younger group and 70.6% of the elderly group received MT via the FAST technique. Angiographic outcomes, including procedural time, mTICI 2b-3 reperfusion (85.5% vs. 82.4%, p = 0.633), and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, were not different between the groups. A favorable clinical outcome rate was significantly higher in the younger group (62.4% vs. 44.1%, p = 0.047). Younger age, a low NIHSS score, and fast onset to reperfusion time were favorable prognostic factors in elderly patients.

CONCLUSION

Modern MT in elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke is safe and effective compared to younger patients despite a lower favorable clinical outcome. Our findings may suggest that an appropriate MT strategy with respect to the location of the target occlusion and vascular tortuosity might be helpful to achieve fast reperfusion and improved outcomes for elderly patients.

Forced Arterial Suction Thrombectomy Using Distal Access Catheter in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Historical innovations in mechanical thrombectomy devices and strategies for ischemic stroke have resulted in improved angiographic outcomes and better clinical outcomes. Various devices have been used, but the two most common approaches are aspiration thrombectomy and stent-retrieval thrombectomy. Aspiration thrombectomy has advanced from the traditional Penumbra system to forced arterial suction thrombectomy and a direct aspiration first-pass technique. Newer generation aspiration catheters with flexible distal tips and a larger bore have demonstrated faster and better recanalization relative to older devices. Recently, several species of distal access catheters have similar structural characteristics to the Penumbra reperfusion catheter. Therefore, we used the distal access catheter for forced arterial suction thrombectomy in three patients with acute ischemic stroke. In each case, we achieved fast and complete recanalization without significant complications. Forced arterial suction thrombectomy using a distal access catheter might provide another option for mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Abstract WP30: Trends and Outcomes of Endovascular Revascularization Therapy for the ASIAN KR Registry

Background and Purpose: The rapid evolution of endovascular therapy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke has benefited its performance in real clinical practice. The aim of this study is to describe the annual trends of EVT performance after the introduction of the stentriever in Korea.

Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from the ASIAN KR (Acute Stroke due to Intracranial Atherosclerotic occlusion and Neurointervention - Korean Retrospective) registry between January 2011 and December 2015. The ASIAN KR registry is an observational multicenter registry of consecutive patients treated with EVT for acute ischemic stroke. Trends in EVT performance were described and analyzed.

Results: A total of 649 patients were included for analysis. The target arterial occlusive lesions included 584 in the anterior circulation (including 158 ICA terminuses and 293 MCA M1s) and 65 in the posterior circulation. Overall, successful reperfusion (mTICI 2b-3, post-procedure) and favorable outcome (mRS 0-2 or equal to prestroke mRS, at 3-month) was achieved in 500 patients (77.0%) and 332 patients (51.2%), respectively. A trend for increase in successful reperfusion and favorable outcome over time was observed (73.9% in 2011 vs. 83.1% in 2015, p =0.040; 48.7% in 2011 vs. 58.1% in 2015, p =0.074). Utilization of a stentriever as a first-chosen device for EVT increased over time from 12.8% in 2011 to 46.9% in 2015 ( p <0.001). This was accompanied by a significant trend for shorter time regarding arrival to groin puncture and groin puncture to end of EVT procedure (median 119 minutes in 2011 vs. 86 minutes in 2015, p <0.001; 68 minutes in 2011 vs. 54.5 minutes in 2015, p <0.001). After adjustment for age, onset to groin puncture time, and successful reperfusion, a trend for better clinical outcome over time following EVT remained statistically significant (odds ratio 1.13, 95% CI 1.01-1.27; p =0.033)

Conclusions: A upward trend in successful reperfusion and better clinical outcome was observed along with improvement in intra-hospital workflow and utilization of up-to-date thrombectomy devices over time, which emphasizes the role of EVT experience, quality improvement of workflow, and use of newer EVT devices.