Quantitative collateral assessment evaluated by cerebral blood volume measured by CT perfusion in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Geometrical determinants of cerebral artery fenestration for cerebral infarction

Purpose

Few data are available on the causality of cerebral artery fenestration (CAF) triggering cerebral infarction (CI) and this study aims to identify representative morphological features that can indicate risks.

Methods

A cohort comprising 89 patients diagnosed with CAF were enrolled from a total of 9,986 cranial MR angiographies. These patients were categorized into Infarction Group (n = 55) and Control Group (n = 34) according to infarction events. These two groups are divided into two subgroups depending on fenestration location (basilar artery or other cerebravascular location), respectively, i.e., BA Infarction Group (n = 37), BA Control Group (n = 23), Non_BA Infarction Group (n = 18), Non_BA Control Group (n = 11). This study firstly defined 12 indices to quantify the morphological characteristics of fenestration per se and its connecting arteries. The data were evaluated using either the independent sample t-test or the Mann-Whitney U test. Conducting univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to ascertain potential independent predictors of CI.

Results

The initiation angle φ 1 and confluence angle φ 2 at the fenestration in the Infarction Group are both smaller compared to the Control Group, but only the Infarction Group and BA Infarction Group have significant difference (p < 0.05). The maximum left fenestration axis (fAL) and the left tortuosity index (TIL) were greater in the Infarction Group for CAFs than those in the Control Group (p < 0.05). In contrast, the maximum right fenestration axis (fAR) and the right tortuosity index (TIR) were smaller than those in Control Group (p < 0.05). The logistic regression analysis revealed that φ 2 (AUC = 0.68, p = 0.02), fAL (AUC = 0.72, p < 0.01), and fAR (AUC = 0.70, p < 0.01) serve as independent risk factors influencing the occurrence of CI. The regression predictive model achieved an AUC of 0.83, enabling accurate classification of 77.5% of cases, indicating a robust predictive performance of the model.

Conclusion

Morphological results demonstrated a left-leaning type of fenestration with more narrow fenestration terminals indicating a higher risk of CI occurrence. Furthermore, the regression predictive model established in this study demonstrates a good predictive performance, enabling early prediction of CI occurrence in fenestrated patients and facilitating early diagnosis of CI.

Determinants of Leptomeningeal Collateral Status in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

BACKGROUND

Leptomeningeal collateral status is a major determinant of outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke; however, the factors that determine collateral status are not well understood. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to identify determinants associated with collateral status in patients with anterior circulation infarction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for studies that reported the determinants of leptomeningeal collateral status in acute ischemic stroke between January 2000 and June 2023. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to pool the determinants of leptomeningeal collateral status. Eighty-one studies with 17 366 patients met the inclusion criteria. We analyzed 31 potential risk factors, and the results indicated that worse leptomeningeal collateral status was significantly associated with older age (weighted mean difference, 1.22 [95% CI, 0.69 to 1.76]), male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.12 [95% CI, 1.02 to 1.23]), hypertension (OR, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.15 to 1.40]), diabetes (OR, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.10 to 1.33]), atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.09 to 1.46]), cardioembolic stroke (OR, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.04 to 1.55]), internal carotid artery occlusion (OR, 1.84 [95% CI, 1.50 to 2.25]), and higher admission blood glucose (weighted mean difference, 8.74 [95% CI, 2.52 to 18.51]).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertension and diabetes could be modifiable risk factors associated with leptomeningeal collateral status. Older age and male sex could be nonmodified risk factors. Further high-quality therapeutic studies focusing on controlling risk factors are needed to support our findings.

High relative cerebral blood volume is associated with good long term clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke has been shown to be highly effective in selected patients. However, the ideal criteria for patient selection are still debated. It is well known that collateral flow is an important factor, but the assessment is often subjective and time-consuming. Relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) is a putative indicator of collateral capacity and can be quickly and easily determined by automated quantitative analysis. We investigated the relationship between rCBV of the affected region and clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke after endovascular therapy.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study on consecutive patients between January 2017 and May 2019. Patients with acute ischemic stroke of the anterior circulation who underwent imaging including computed tomography perfusion and were treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) were eligible for inclusion. rCBV was calculated automatically with RAPID software by dividing the average cerebral blood volume (CBV) of the affected region (time-to-maximum (Tmax) > 6 s) by the CBV of the unaffected contralateral side. The primary outcome was determined by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) after 90 days. Good clinical outcome was defined as mRS ≤ 2. We compared means, performed mono- and multivariate logistical regression and calculated a receiver operating characteristic (ROC)-analysis to determine the ideal cutoff value to predict clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

155 patients were enrolled in this study. 66 patients (42.58%) had good clinical outcomes. Higher rCBV was associated with good clinical outcome (p < 0.001), even after adjustment for the patients' status according to mRS and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) age and Alberta stroke program early computed tomography score (ASPECTS) at baseline (p = 0.006). ROC-analysis revealed 0.650 (confidence interval: 0.616-0.778) as the optimal cutoff value.

CONCLUSION

Higher rCBV at baseline is associated with good clinical long-term outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated by MT. In this study we provide the biggest collective so far that gives evidence that rCBV can be a valuable tool to identify patients who might benefit from MT and are able give a threshold to help to offer patients MT in borderline cases.

Hemodynamic characteristics of vertebrobasilar artery fenestration combined with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia: a study based on magnetic resonance angiography

PURPOSE

This study delves into the hemodynamic characteristics of Vertebrobasilar Artery Fenestration (VBAF) combined with Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia (VBD) using Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA). By summarizing the hemodynamic features and identifying high-risk populations, we aim to provide insights for clinical treatment.

METHODS

Utilizing MRA images as a foundation, arterial three-dimensional geometric models were constructed. A total of 22 cases were categorized into control, S, L, U, and Spiral groups, and numerical simulation analysis of the vessels was conducted using computational fluid dynamics methods.

RESULTS

Hemodynamic parameters of the VBAF combined with the VBD model were obtained, including blood flow velocity, oscillatory shear stress (OSI), wall shear stress (WSS), and aneurysm formation indicator (AFI). The V, OSI, and WSS indices of the L, U, and Spiral groups were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). High-speed blood flow, elevated WSS, and increased OSI in these groups were concentrated at the fenestration site, with scattered distribution along the tortuous vertebral artery and basilar artery segments, accompanied by significant differences in the parameters of the bilateral vertebral arteries.

CONCLUSION

This preliminary investigation identifies the L, U, and Spiral groups as high-risk populations. Abnormal hemodynamics may lead to a vicious cycle in vascular wall pathology, increasing the likelihood of adverse events such as cerebral infarction. Clinical attention should focus on individuals within these groups and their corresponding vascular regions.

Quantitative evaluation of CTP derived time-density alterations versus CTP for collateral status prediction with stroke

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Collateral status is a pivotal determinant of clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS); however, its evaluation can be challenging. We investigated the predictive value of CT perfusion (CTP) derived time and density alterations versus CTP for collateral status prediction in AIS.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with anterior circulation occlusion within 24 h were retrospectively included. Time-density curves of the CTP specified ischemic core, penumbra, and the corresponding contralateral unaffected brain were obtained. The collateral status was dichotomised into robust (4-5 scores) and poor (0-3 scores) using multiphase collateral scoring, as described by Menon et al.. Receiver operating characteristic curves and multivariable regression analysis were performed to assess the predictive ability of CTP-designated tissue time and density alterations, CTP for robust collaterals, and favourable outcomes (mRS score of 0-2 at 90 days).

RESULTS

One-hundred patients (median age, 68 years; interquartile range, 57-80 years; 61 men) were included. A smaller ischemic core, shorter peak time delay, lower peak density decrease, lower cerebral blood volume ratio, and cerebral blood flow ratio in the CTP specified ischemic core were significantly associated with robust collaterals (PFDR ≤ 0.004). The peak time delay demonstrated the highest diagnostic value (AUC, 0.74; P < 0.001) with 66.7 % sensitivity and 73.7 % specificity. Furthermore, the peak time delay of less than 8.5 s was an independent predictor of robust collaterals and favourable clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Robust collateral status was significantly associated with the peak time delay in the ischemic core. It is a promising image marker for predicting collateral status and functional outcomes in AIS.

Utilizing imaging parameters for functional outcome prediction in acute ischemic stroke: A machine learning study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We aimed to predict the functional outcome of acute ischemic stroke patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusions (LVOs), irrespective of how they were treated or the severity of the stroke at admission, by only using imaging parameters in machine learning models.

METHODS

Consecutive adult patients with anterior circulation LVOs who were scanned with CT angiography (CTA) and CT perfusion were queried in this single-center, retrospective study. The favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin score (mRS) of 0-2 at 90 days. Predictor variables included only imaging parameters. CatBoost, XGBoost, and Random Forest were employed. Algorithms were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), the area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC), accuracy, Brier score, recall, and precision. SHapley Additive exPlanations were implemented.

RESULTS

A total of 180 patients (102 female) were included, with a median age of 69.5. Ninety-two patients had an mRS between 0 and 2. The best algorithm in terms of AUROC was XGBoost (0.91). Furthermore, the XGBoost model exhibited a precision of 0.72, a recall of 0.81, an AUPRC of 0.83, an accuracy of 0.78, and a Brier score of 0.17. Multiphase CTA collateral score was the most significant feature in predicting the outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Using only imaging parameters, our model had an AUROC of 0.91 which was superior to most previous studies, indicating that imaging parameters may be as accurate as conventional predictors. The multiphase CTA collateral score was the most predictive variable, highlighting the importance of collaterals.

Dynamics of cerebral blood volume during and after middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats - Comparison between ultrafast ultrasound and dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced MRI measurements

Tomographic perfusion imaging techniques are integral to translational stroke research paradigms that advance our understanding of the disease. Functional ultrasound (fUS) is an emerging technique that informs on cerebral blood volume (CBV) through ultrasensitive Doppler and flow velocity (CBFv) through ultrafast localization microscopy. It is not known how experimental results compare with a classical CBV-probing technique such as dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion MRI (DSC-MRI). To that end, we assessed hemodynamics based on uUS (n = 6) or DSC-MRI (n = 7) before, during and up to three hours after 90-minute filament-induced middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats. Recanalization was followed by a brief hyperperfusion response, after which CBV and CBFv temporarily normalized but progressively declined after one hour in the lesion territory. DSC-MRI data corroborated the incomplete restoration of CBV after recanalization, which may have been caused by the free-breathing anesthetic regimen. During occlusion, MCAO-induced hypoperfusion was more discrepant between either technique, likely attributable to artefactual signal mechanisms related to slow flow, and processing algorithms employed for either technique. In vivo uUS- and DSC-MRI-derived measures of CBV enable serial whole-brain assessment of post-stroke hemodynamics, but readouts from both techniques need to be interpreted cautiously in situations of very low blood flow.

Can angiographic Flat Detector Computed Tomography blood volume measurement be used to predict final infarct size in acute ischemic stroke?

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

Flat detector computed tomography (FD-CT) technology is becoming more widely available in the angiography suites of comprehensive stroke centers. In patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), who are referred for endovascular therapy (EVT), FD-CT generates cerebral pooled blood volume (PBV) maps, which might help in predicting the final infarct area. We retrospectively analyzed pre- and post-recanalization therapy quantitative PBV measurements in both the infarcted and hypoperfused brain areas of AIS patients referred for EVT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included AIS patients with large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation referred for EVT from primary stroke centers to our comprehensive stroke center. The pre- and post-recanalization FD-CT regional relative PBV (rPBV) values were measured between ipsilateral lesional and contralateral non-lesional areas based on final infarct area on post EVT follow-up cross-sectional imaging. Statistical analysis was performed to identify differences in PBV values between infarcted and non-infarcted, recanalized brain areas.

RESULTS

We included 20 AIS patients. Mean age was 63 years (ranging from 36 to 86 years). The mean pre- EVT rPBV value was 0.57 (±0.40) for infarcted areas and 0.75 (±0.43) for hypoperfusion areas. The mean differences (Δ) between pre- and post-EVT rPBV values for infarcted and hypoperfused areas were respectively 0.69 (±0.59) and 0.69 (±0.90). We found no significant differences (p > 0.05) between pre-EVT rPBV and ΔrPBV values of infarct areas and hypoperfusion areas.

CONCLUSION

Angiographic PBV mapping is useful for the detection of cerebral perfusion deficits, especially in combination with the fill run images. However, we were not able to distinguish irreversibly infarcted tissue from potentially salvageable, hypoperfused brain tissue based on quantitative PBV measurement in AIS patients.

Postoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio predicts unfavorable outcome of acute ischemic stroke patients who achieve complete reperfusion after thrombectomy

Purpose

Only approximately half of anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) patients receiving endovascular treatment (EVT) have a favorable outcome. The aim of this study was to explore the association of dynamic inflammatory markers (i.e., neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios, NLR, measured at different times after EVT) as well as other potential influencing factors with unfavorable outcome among acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who achieved complete reperfusion after EVT.

Methods

Patients treated with EVT for LVO between January 2019 to December 2021 were prospectively enrolled. Complete reperfusion was defined as modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) grade 3. A modified Rankin scale at 90 days (mRS90) of 3-6 was defined as unfavorable outcome (i.e., futile reperfusion). A logistic regression analysis was performed with unfavorable outcome as a dependent variable. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) were then used to determine the diagnostic values of NLR and other relevant factors.

Results

170 patients with complete reperfusion (mTICI 3) were included in this study. Unfavorable outcome was observed in 70 (41.2%). Higher NLR within 24h (p=0.017) and at 3-7d (p=0.008) after EVT were an independent risk factors for unfavorable outcome at 3 months. In addition, older age, higher NIHSS scores, poor collaterals, and general anesthesia were independent predictors of unfavorable outcomes. When accounting for NLR, the diagnostic efficiency improved compared to conventional characteristics.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that advanced age, increased stroke severity, poor collaterals, general anesthesia, and NLR are independent predictors for an unfavorable clinical outcome following complete reperfusion after EVT. Neuroinflammation may merit particular attention in future studies.

Flat Detector CT with Cerebral Pooled Blood Volume Perfusion in the Angiography Suite: From Diagnostics to Treatment Monitoring

C-arm flat-panel detector computed tomographic (CT) imaging in the angiography suite increasingly plays an important part during interventional neuroradiological procedures. In addition to conventional angiographic imaging of blood vessels, flat detector CT (FD CT) imaging allows simultaneous 3D visualization of parenchymal and vascular structures of the brain. Next to imaging of anatomical structures, it is also possible to perform FD CT perfusion imaging of the brain by means of cerebral blood volume (CBV) or pooled blood volume (PBV) mapping during steady state contrast administration. This enables more adequate decision making during interventional neuroradiological procedures, based on real-time insights into brain perfusion on the spot, obviating time consuming and often difficult transportation of the (anesthetized) patient to conventional cross-sectional imaging modalities. In this paper we review the literature about the nature of FD CT PBV mapping in patients and demonstrate its current use for diagnosis and treatment monitoring in interventional neuroradiology.

Correlation between the CT Perfusion Parameter Values and Response to Recanalization in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Objective

CT perfusion (CTP) provides various hemodynamic parameters. However, it is unclear which CTP parameters are useful in predicting clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

Between February 2019 and June 2021, patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion who achieved successful recanalization within 8 hours after stroke onset were included. The relative CTP parameter values analyzed by the reformulated singular value decomposition (SVD) method in the affected middle cerebral artery territories compared to those in the unaffected side were calculated. In addition, the ischemic core volume (ICV) was evaluated using a Bayesian Vitrea. The final infarct volume (FIV) was assessed by 24-hour MRI. The correlation between these CTP-derived values and clinical outcome was assessed.

Results

Forty-two patients were analyzed. Among the CTP-related parameters, the ICV, relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), and relative mean transit time (rMTT) showed a strong correlation with the FIV (ρ = 0.74, p <0.0001; ρ = -0.67, p <0.0001; and ρ = -0.66, p <0.0001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, rCBV, rMTT, and ICV were significantly associated with good functional outcome, which was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 (OR, 6.87 [95% CI, 1.20-39.30], p = 0.0303; OR, 11.27 [95% CI, 0.97-130.94], p = 0.0269; and OR, 36.22 [95% CI, 2.78-471.18], p = 0.0061, respectively).

Conclusion

Among the CTP parameters analyzed by the SVD deconvolution algorithms, rCBV and rMTT could be useful imaging predictors of response to recanalization in patients with AIS, and the performances of these variables were similar to that of the ICV calculated by the Bayesian Vitrea.

Plasma Lipid Mediators Associate With Clinical Outcome After Successful Endovascular Thrombectomy in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background

Neuroinflammatory response contributes to early neurological deterioration (END) and unfavorable long-term functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who recanalized successfully by endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), but there are no reliable biomarkers for their accurate prediction. Here, we sought to determine the temporal plasma profiles of the bioactive lipid mediators lipoxin A4 (LXA4), resolvin D1 (RvD1), and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) for their associations with clinical outcome.

Methods

We quantified levels of LXA4, RvD1, and LTB4 in blood samples retrospectively and longitudinally collected from consecutive AIS patients who underwent complete angiographic recanalization by EVT at admission (pre-EVT) and 24 hrs post-EVT. The primary outcome was unfavorable long-term functional outcome, defined as a 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 3-6. Secondary outcome was END, defined as an increase in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥4 points at 24 hrs post-EVT.

Results

Eighty-one consecutive AIS patients and 20 healthy subjects were recruited for this study. Plasma levels of LXA4, RvD1, and LTB4 were significantly increased in post-EVT samples from AIS patients, as compared to those of healthy controls. END occurred in 17 (20.99%) patients, and 38 (46.91%) had unfavorable 90-day functional outcome. Multiple logistic regression analyses demonstrated that post-EVT levels of LXA4 (adjusted odd ratio [OR] 0.992, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.987-0.998), ΔLXA4 (adjusted OR 0.995, 95% CI 0.991-0.999), LTB4 (adjusted OR 1.003, 95% CI 1.001-1.005), ΔLTB4 (adjusted OR 1.004, 95% CI 1.002-1.006), and post-EVT LXA4/LTB4 (adjusted OR 0.023, 95% CI 0.001-0.433) and RvD1/LTB4 (adjusted OR 0.196, 95% CI 0.057-0.682) ratios independently predicted END, and post-EVT LXA4 levels (adjusted OR 0.995, 95% CI 0.992-0.999), ΔLXA4 levels (adjusted OR 0.996, 95% CI 0.993-0.999), and post-EVT LXA4/LTB4 ratio (adjusted OR 0.285, 95% CI 0.096-0.845) independently predicted unfavorable 90-day functional outcome. These were validated using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses.

Conclusions

Plasma lipid mediators measured 24 hrs post-EVT were independent predictors for early and long-term outcomes. Further studies are needed to determine their causal-effect relationship, and whether the imbalance between anti-inflammatory/pro-resolving and pro-inflammatory lipid mediators could be a potential adjunct therapeutic target.