Is bridging therapy still required in stroke due to carotid artery terminus occlusions?

Combined Technique for Internal Carotid Artery Terminus or Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusions in the ASTER2 Trial

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to report the results of a subgroup analysis of the ASTER2 trial (Effect of Thrombectomy With Combined Contact Aspiration and Stent Retriever vs Stent Retriever Alone on Revascularization in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke and Large Vessel Occlusion) comparing the safety and efficacy of the combined technique (CoT) and stent retriever as a first-line approach in internal carotid artery (ICA) terminus±M1-middle cerebral artery (M1-MCA) and isolated M1-MCA occlusions.

METHODS

Patients enrolled in the ASTER2 trial with ICA terminus±M1-MCA and isolated M1-MCA occlusions were included in this subgroup analysis. The effect of first-line CoT versus stent retriever according to the occlusion site was assessed on angiographic (first-pass effect, expanded Treatment in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2b50, and expanded Treatment in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2c grades at the end of the first-line strategy and at the end of the procedure) and clinicoradiological outcomes (24-hour National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, ECASS-III [European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study] grades, and 3-month modified Rankin Scale).

RESULTS

Three hundred sixty-two patients were included in the postsubgroup analysis according to the occlusion site: 299 were treated for isolated M1-MCA occlusion (150 with first-line CoT) and 63 were treated for ICA terminus±M1-MCA occlusion (30 with first-line CoT). Expanded Treatment in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2b50 (odds ratio, 11.83 [95% CI, 2.32-60.12]) and expanded Treatment in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2c (odds ratio, 4.09 [95% CI, 1.39-11.94]) were significantly higher in first-line CoT compared with first-line stent retriever in patients with ICA terminus±M1-MCA occlusion but not in patients with isolated M1-MCA.

CONCLUSIONS

First-line CoT was associated with higher reperfusion grades in patients with ICA terminus±M1-MCA at the end of the procedure.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03290885.

Meta-analysis of direct endovascular thrombectomy vs bridging therapy in the management of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion

BACKGROUND

Debates persist when using intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) before mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large-vessel occlusion (LVO). This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized evidence on outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO), comparing bridging therapy (BT) with MT alone.

METHOD

We conducted searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to July 2023 to identify pertinent clinical trials and observational studies.

RESULT

76 studies, involving 37,658 patients, revealed no significant difference in 90-day functional independence between DEVT and BT. However, a trend favoring BT for achieving functional independence with a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 0-1 was observed, having Odds ratio (OR) of 0.75 (95% CI 0.66-0.86; p < 0.001). DEVT was associated with higher postprocedural mortality (OR 1.44;95% CI 1.25-1.65; p < 0.001), but a lower risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage compared to BT (OR 0.855; 95% CI 0.621-1.177; p = 0.327). Successful recanalization rates favored BT, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment decisions (OR 0.759; 95% CI 0.594-0.969; p = 0.027). Sensitivity analyses were conducted to identify key contributors to heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis underscores the intricate equilibrium between functional efficacy and safety in the evaluation of DEVT and BT for ACS-LVO. Fundamentally, while BT appears more efficacious, concerns about safety arise due to the superior safety profile demonstrated by DEVT. Individualized treatment decisions are imperative, and further trials are warranted to enhance precision in clinical guidance.

Effect of Time Window on Endovascular Thrombectomy with or without Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Results from DIRECT-MT

INTRODUCTION

Whether time window affects the intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) effect before endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is uncertain. We aimed to investigate the effect of different time windows (0-3 h and >3-4.5 h from stroke onset to randomization) on clinical outcomes of EVT with or without IVT in a subgroup analysis of DIRECT-MT.

METHODS

The primary outcome was the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) according to time window. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the effect of different treatments (EVT with or without IVT) on outcomes within 0-3 h or >3-4.5 h.

RESULTS

Among 656 patients who were included in the analysis, 282 (43.0%) were randomized within >3-4.5 h after stroke onset (125 without IVT and 157 with IVT), and 374 (57.0%) were randomized within 0-3 h (202 without IVT and 172 with IVT). We noted no significant difference in the thrombectomy-alone effect between the time window subgroups according to 90-day ordinal mRS (adjusted common odds ratio [acOR] in patients within 0-3 h: 1.06 [95% CI: 0.73-1.52], acOR in patients within >3-4.5 h: 1.19 [95% CI: 0.78-1.82]) and 90-day functional independence. Thrombectomy alone resulted in an increased proportion of patients with 90-day mRS 0-3 treated within >3-4.5 h (62.90 vs. 48.72%) but not within 0-3 h (65.84 vs. 63.95%). However, there was no interaction effect regarding all outcomes after the Bonferroni correction.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results did not support thrombectomy-alone administration within 3-4.5 h in patients with acute ischemic stroke from large-vessel occlusion in the subgroup analysis of DIRECT-MT.

Mechanical thrombectomy combined with intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analyses

To assess the clinical value of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) combined with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) by comparing it with the MT alone. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of both observational and randomized controlled studies (RCTs) to investigate various outcomes. Our search for relevant studies was conducted between January 2011 and June 2022 in four major databases: PubMed, Embase, WOS, and Cochrane Library. We collected data on several outcomes, including functional independence (FI; defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2), excellent outcomes (mRS 0-1), successful recanalization (SR), symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), any intracerebral hemorrhage (aICH), and mortality at three months or discharge. The primary efficacy outcome and safety outcome were FI and sICH, respectively, whereas excellent outcomes and SR were considered secondary efficacy outcomes. Additionally, mortality and aICH were analyzed as secondary safety outcomes. We employed the Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effects model for RCTs when I² < 50%, otherwise the random-effects model was utilized. For observational studies and subgroup analyses, we used the random-effects model to minimize potential bias. A total of 55 eligible studies (nine RCTs and 46 observational studies) were included. For RCTs, the MT + IVT group was superior in FI (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.11-1.46), excellent outcomes (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.03-1.43), SR (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.05-1.45), mortality (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54-0.97) in crude analyses. In adjusted analyses, the MT + IVT group reduced the risk of mortality (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.49-0.88). However, the difference in FI between the MT + IVT group and the MT alone group was not significant (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.99-1.38, Fig. 3a). For observational studies, the results of FI (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.16-1.33), excellent outcomes (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.09-1.54), SR (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.05-1.44), mortality (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.64-0.77) in the MT + IVT group were better. Additionally, the MT + IVT group increased the risk of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) including sICH (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.11-1.21) and aICH (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.05-1.46) in crude analyses. In adjusted analyses, significant better outcomes were seen in the MT + IVT group on FI (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.21-1.52), excellent outcomes (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.26-1.75), and mortality (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.56-0.94). The MT + IVT therapy did improve the prognosis for AIS patients and did not increase the risk of HT compared with MT alone therapy.

Mechanical thrombectomy alone versus with thrombolysis for ischemic stroke: A meta-analysis of randomized trials

INTRODUCTION

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care in eligible patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The question of whether intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) improves outcomes in conjunction with MT remains unanswered. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials (RCT) to explore outcomes of MT with and without IVT.

METHODS

Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review of the English language literature was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of science, and Scopus. Outcomes of interest included 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2, thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score 2b-3, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), distal embolization, and mortality. We calculated pooled risk ratios (RRs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Six RCTs with 2334 patients compared outcomes of patients treated with MT alone and MT with IVT. Both treatments resulted in comparable rates of mRS 0-2 (RR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.88-1.04; p-value = 0.282), sICH (RR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.55-1.17; p-value = 0.253), mortality at 90-days (RR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.88-1.28; p-value = 0.529), and distal embolization (RR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.79-1.52; p-value = 0.572). MT alone was associated with a lower rate of TICI 2b-3 compared to MT with IVT (RR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.93-0.99; p-value = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

In this meta-analysis of six RCTs, MT alone was comparable to MT plus IVT for mRS 0-2, sICH, mortality, and distal embolization; however, MT alone resulted in lower rates of TICI 2b-3. Further trials are needed to determine which patient populations benefit from MT plus IVT and to increase the power of future meta-analyses.

Utility of tPA Administration in Acute Treatment of Internal Carotid Artery Occlusions

Background

Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) remains part of the guidelines for acute ischemic stroke treatment, yet internal carotid artery occlusions (ICAO) are known to be poorly responsive to IV-tPA. It is unknown whether bridging thrombolysis (BT) is beneficial in such cases.

Purpose

We sought to evaluate whether the use of IV-tPA improved overall clinical outcomes in patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for ICA occlusions.

Methods

Data from 1367 consecutive stroke cases treated with EVT from 2012-2019 were prospectively collected from a single center. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the relationship between IV-tPA administration and clinical outcome.

Results

153 patients were found to have carotid terminus and tandem ICAO who received EVT and presented within 4.5h of last seen well. 50% (n = 82) received IV tPA. There were no differences between the groups with respect to age, NIHSS, time to EVT and ASPECTS score. 53% had tandem ICA-MCA occlusions. Rate of recanalization (≥ TICI 2B) and sICH did not significantly differ between the two groups. Regression analysis demonstrated no effect of IV-tPA on modified Rankin Score (mRS) at 90 days and overall mortality. Factors significantly associated with reduced mortality included lower age, lower NIHSS, and better rate of recanalization.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes in those receiving BT vs. direct EVT for ICAO. For centers with optimal door-to-puncture times, bypassing IV-tPA may expedite recanalization times and potentially yield more favorable outcomes. Patients with higher NIHSS and tandem lesions may have better outcomes with BT.

Endovascular Recanalization for Acute Internal Carotid Artery Terminus Occlusion: A Subgroup Analysis From the Direct-MT Trial

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of endovascular recanalization for internal carotid artery (ICA) terminus occlusion has not been completely evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of endovascular recanalization for ICA terminus occlusion.

METHODS

Data from Direct-MT, a randomized controlled trial, were applied. ICA terminus occlusions were diagnosed with preprocedure computed tomography angiography by the core laboratory. We dichotomized the ICA terminus occlusions into 2 groups (non-T and T) and analyzed the differences between them. Single-factor analysis and multiple logistic regression were applied to detect independent factors for clinical outcomes and futile recanalization.

RESULTS

The rates of first-pass effect, successful recanalization, good clinical outcome, mortality, and futile recanalization were 22.3% (50 of 224), 83.0% (181 of 224), 24.6% (55 of 224), 26.7% (60 of 224), and 69.6% (126 of 181), respectively. Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (negative factor; odds ratio [OR] 0.89; 95% CI 0.84-0.95; P &lt; .001), hypertension (negative factor; OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.18-0.80; P = .010), Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score ≥ 6 (OR 3.68; 95% CI 1.29-10.5; P = .014), tirofiban use (OR 2.46; 95% CI 1.16-5.19; P = .018), first-pass effect (OR 2.87; 95% CI 1.28-6.41; P = .010), and final extended thrombolysis in cerebral infarction ≥ 2b (OR, 3.50; 95% CI 1.17-10.4; P = .024) were independent factors for good clinical outcome. Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.05-1.20; P = .004), Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score &lt; 6 (OR 4.68; 95% CI 1.51-14.5; P = .007), tirofiban use (negative factor; OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.18-0.86; P = .020), and first-pass effect (negative factor; OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.19-0.99; P = .047) were independent factors for futile recanalization.

CONCLUSION

More efforts in modifiable factors should be made to improve the efficacy of endovascular recanalization for better clinical outcomes and less futile recanalization in ICA terminus occlusions.

Effect of Occlusion Site on the Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous Alteplase Before Endovascular Thrombectomy: A Prespecified Subgroup Analysis of DIRECT-MT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recent trials showed thrombectomy alone was comparable to bridging therapy in patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion eligible for both intravenous alteplase and endovascular thrombectomy. We performed this study to examine whether occlusion site modifies the effect of intravenous alteplase before thrombectomy.

METHODS

This is a prespecified subgroup analysis of a randomized trial evaluating risk and benefit of intravenous alteplase before thrombectomy (DIRECT-MT [Direct Intra-Arterial Thrombectomy in Order to Revascularize AIS Patients With Large Vessel Occlusion Efficiently in Chinese Tertiary Hospitals]). Among 658 randomized patients, 640 with baseline occlusion site information were included. The primary outcome was the score on the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis with an interaction term was used to estimate treatment effect modification by occlusion location (internal carotid artery versus M1 versus M2). We report the adjusted common odds ratio for a shift toward better outcome on the modified Rankin Scale after thrombectomy alone compared with combination treatment adjusted for age, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at baseline, the time from stroke onset to randomization, the modified Rankin Scale score before stroke onset, and collateral score per the DIRECT-MT statistical analysis plan.

RESULTS

The overall adjusted common odds ratio was 1.08 (95% CI, 0.82-1.43) with thrombectomy alone compared with combination treatment, and there was no significant treatment-by-occlusion site interaction (P=0.47). In subgroups based on occlusion location, we found the following adjusted common odds ratios: 0.99 (95% CI, 0.62-1.59) for internal carotid artery occlusions, 1.12 (95% CI, 0.77-1.64) for M1 occlusions, and 1.22 (95% CI, 0.53-2.79) for M2 occlusions. No treatment-by-occlusion site interactions were observed for dichotomized modified Rankin Scale distributions and successful reperfusion (extended thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2b) before thrombectomy. Differences in symptomatic hemorrhage rate were not significant between occlusion locations (internal carotid artery occlusion: 7.02% in bridging therapy versus 7.14% for thrombectomy alone, P=0.97; M1 occlusion: 5.06% versus 2.48%, P=0.22; M2 occlusion: 9.09% versus 4.76%; P=0.78).

CONCLUSIONS

In this prespecified subgroup of a randomized trial, we found no evidence that occlusion location can inform intravenous alteplase decisions in endovascular treatment eligible patients directly presenting at endovascular treatment capable centers. Future studies are needed to confirm our findings. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03469206.

Clinical and Neuroimaging Outcomes of Direct Thrombectomy vs Bridging Therapy in Large Vessel Occlusion: Analysis of the SELECT Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the comparative safety and efficacy of direct endovascular thrombectomy (dEVT) compared to bridging therapy (BT; IV tissue plasminogen activator + EVT) and to assess whether BT potential benefit relates to stroke severity, size, and initial presentation to EVT vs non-EVT center.

METHODS

In a prospective multicenter cohort study of imaging selection for endovascular thrombectomy (Optimizing Patient Selection for Endovascular Treatment in Acute Ischemic Stroke [SELECT]), patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) presenting to EVT-capable centers within 4.5 hours from last known well were stratified into BT vs dEVT. The primary outcome was 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0-2). Secondary outcomes included a shift across 90-day mRS grades, mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. We also performed subgroup analyses according to initial presentation to EVT-capable center (direct vs transfer), stroke severity, and baseline infarct core volume.

RESULTS

We identified 226 LVOs (54% men, mean age 65.6 ± 14.6 years, median NIH Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score 17, 28% received dEVT). Median time from arrival to groin puncture did not differ in patients with BT when presenting directly (dEVT 1.43 [interquartile range (IQR) 1.13-1.90] hours vs BT 1.58 [IQR 1.27-2.02] hours, p = 0.40) or transferred to EVT-capable centers (dEVT 1.17 [IQR 0.90-1.48] hours vs BT 1.27 [IQR 0.97-1.87] hours, p = 0.24). BT was associated with higher odds of 90-day functional independence (57% vs 44%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-4.03, p = 0.046) and functional improvement (adjusted common OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.18-3.60, p = 0.011) and lower likelihood of 90-day mortality (11% vs 23%, aOR 0.20, 95% CI 0.07-0.58, p = 0.003). No differences in any other outcomes were detected. In subgroup analyses, patients with BT with baseline NIHSS scores <15 had higher functional independence likelihood compared to those with dEVT (aOR 4.87, 95% CI 1.56-15.18, p = 0.006); this association was not evident for patients with NIHSS scores ≥15 (aOR 1.05, 95% CI 0.40-2.74, p = 0.92). Similarly, functional outcomes improvements with BT were detected in patients with core volume strata (ischemic core <50 cm3: aOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.02-4.33, p = 0.044 vs ischemic core ≥50 cm3: aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.01-16.02, p = 0.64) and transfer status (transferred: aOR 2.21, 95% CI 0.93-9.65, p = 0.29 vs direct to EVT center: aOR 1.84, 95% CI 0.80-4.23, p = 0.15).

CONCLUSIONS

BT appears to be associated with better clinical outcomes, especially with milder NIHSS scores, smaller presentation core volumes, and those who were "dripped and shipped." We did not observe any potential benefit of BT in patients with more severe strokes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02446587.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class III evidence that for patients with ischemic stroke from anterior circulation LVO within 4.5 hours from last known well, BT compared to dEVT leads to better 90-day functional outcomes.

Bridging May Increase the Risk of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage in Thrombectomy Patients With Low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Whether intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) increases the risk for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) in patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a matter of debate. Purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent of early ischemia as a possible factor influencing the risk for sICH after IVT+MT versus direct MT.

METHODS

An explorative analysis of the BEYOND-SWIFT (Bernese-European Registry for Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated Outside Current Guidelines With Neurothrombectomy Devices Using the SOLITAIRE FR With the Intention for Thrombectomy) multicenter cohort was performed. We hypothesized that the sICH risk between IVT+MT versus direct MT differs across the strata of Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scores (ASPECTS). For this purpose, all patients with ICA, M1, and M2 vessel occlusions and available noncontrast computed tomography or diffusion-weighed imaging ASPECTS (n=2002) were analyzed. We used logistic regression analysis in subgroups, as well as interaction terms, to address the risk of sICH in IVT+MT versus direct MT patients across the ASPECTS strata.

RESULTS

In 2002 patients (median age, 73.7 years; 50.7% women; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 16), the overall rate of sICH was 6.5% (95% CI, 5.5%-7.7%). Risk of sICH differed across ASPECTS groups (9-10: 6.3%; 6-8: 5.6% and ≤5 9.8%; P=0.042). With decreasing ASPECTS, the risks of sICH in the IVT+MT versus the direct MT group increased from adjusted odds ratio of 0.61 ([95% CI, 0.24-1.60] ASPECTS 9-10), to 1.72 ([95% CI, 0.69-4.24] ASPECTS 6-8) and 6.31 ([95% CI, 1.87-21.29] ASPECTS ≤5), yielding a positive interaction term (1.91 [95% CI, 1.01-3.63]). Sensitivity analyses regarding diffusion-weighed imaging versus noncontrast computed tomography ASPECTS did not alter the primary observations.

CONCLUSIONS

The extent of early ischemia may influence relative risks of sICH in IVT+MT versus direct MT patients, with an excess sICH risk in IVT+MT patients with low ASPECTS. If confirmed in post hoc analyses of randomized controlled trial data, IVT may be administered more carefully in patients with low ASPECTS eligible for and with direct access to MT.

Bridging Thrombolysis Achieved Better Outcomes Than Direct Thrombectomy After Large Vessel Occlusion: An Updated Meta-Analysis

The utility and necessity of pretreatment with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) before mechanical thrombectomy (MT) remains an issue of strong debate. This study aims to compare the outcomes of bridging thrombolysis (BT, IVT+MT) with direct MT (d-MT) after large vessel ischemic stroke based on the most up-to-date evidence. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library from January 2017 to June 2020 were searched for studies that directly compared the outcomes of the 2 strategies. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. Combined estimates of odds ratios (ORs) of BT versus d-MT were derived. Multiple subgroup analyses were performed, especially for IVT-eligible patients. Thirty studies involving 7191 patients in the BT group and 4891 patients in the d-MT group were included. Methodological quality was generally high. Compared with patients in the d-MT group, patients in the BT group showed significantly better functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) at 90 days (OR=1.43 [95% CI, 1.28-1.61]), had lower mortality at 90 days (OR=0.67 [95% CI, 0.60-0.75]), and achieved higher successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia score 2b-3) rate (OR=1.23 [95% CI, 1.07-1.42]). No significant difference was detected in the occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage between 2 groups (OR=1.01 [95% CI, 0.86-1.19]). Subgroup analysis showed that functional independence frequency remained significantly higher in BT group regardless of IVT eligibility or study design. Compared with d-MT, bridging with IVT led to better clinical outcomes, lower mortality at 90 days, and higher successful recanalization rates, without increasing the risk of near-term hemorrhagic complications. The benefits of BT based on this most recent literature evidence support the current guidelines of using BT.

Intravenous Thrombolysis before Thrombectomy may Increase the Incidence of Intracranial Hemorrhage inTreating Carotid T Occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current evidence does not agree on the merits of direct and bridging thrombectomy. This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of direct thrombectomy (DT) and bridging thrombectomy (BT) in treating patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to carotid T occlusion.

METHODS

Patients with stroke due to carotid T occlusion who were treated with DT or BT were retrospectively collected from four advanced stroke centres. Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. Successful recanalization was defined by a modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score of 2b or 3. A favourable outcome was defined by a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2 at 90 days after stroke onset. Multivariable analysis was performed to control for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Of the 111 enrolled patients, 57 (51.4%) patients were treated with DT, and 54 (48.6%) were treated with BT. Patients treated with DT had a shorter imaging to puncture (ITP) time (53 min versus 92 min, P<0.001) and symptom onset to puncture (OTP) time (198 min versus 218 min, P=0.045) than patients treated with BT. No significant difference was detected concerning the rate of successful recanalization (80.7% versus 77.8%, P=0.704) or a favourable outcome between patients treated with DT and BT (35.1% versus 33.3%, P=0.846). Patients treated with DT had a lower intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) rate (40.4% versus 59.3%, P=0.046), but the difference was not significant for symptomatic ICH (sICH, 12.3% versus 16.7%, P=0.511) or asymptomatic ICH (aICH, 28.1% versus 42.6%, P=0.109). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the ratio of favorable prognosis, successful reperfusion, sICH and mortality did not differ between the two groups. However, there was a higher rate of ICH (OR=2.492, 95% CI 1.005 to 6.180, p=0.049) in the BT group as compared with the DT group.

CONCLUSIONS

DT seems equivalent to BT in treating stroke due to carotid T occlusion in favorable outcome, successful recanalization, 90-day morality and sICH. However, BT may increase the incidence of ICH in this specific type stroke.

More than five stentriever passes: real benefit or futile recanalization?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Clot extraction is associated with favorable outcome in patients with large vessel occlusions (LVO) undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). However, whether revascularization becomes futile or harmful with an increasing number of passes remains unknown.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 271 consecutive patients with LVO who underwent stentriever-based EVT as the primary recanalization strategy. Primary outcomes including favorable recanalization, survival, and favorable functional outcomes were compared according to a dichotomized number of stentriever passes utilized with a cutoff of 4.

RESULTS

In the entire cohort, 234 (86%) patients reached favorable recanalization and 46 (17%) patients had ≥ 5 passes (range 5-40). Patients that had ≤ 4 passes had significantly higher rates of favorable recanalization and favorable outcomes and a trend towards lower mortality rates compared with those that had ≥ 5 stentriever passes (92% vs. 61%; p < 0.001, 52% vs. 30%; p = 0.009 and 12% vs. 22%, p = 0.098). Among patients that received ≥ 5 stentriever passes, 30% reached favorable outcomes. Patients who achieved recanalization after ≥ 5 passes had higher rates of favorable outcome in comparison with those who did not (p = 0.009). Among patients that had ≥ 5 stentriever passes favorable recanalization (OR 97.3, 95%CI 2.8-3399.3) and admission NIHSS (OR 0.77, 95%CI 0.60-0.99) remained independent predictors of favorable outcome, whereas the number of passes did not.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial proportion of patients reach favorable outcomes even when ≥ 5 stentriever passes are performed. Treatment choices should be individualized based on personal preferences and expertise as well as on patient and clot-specific characteristics.

Does Intravenous Thrombolysis Influence the Time of Recanalization and Success of Mechanical Thrombectomy during the Acute Phase of Cerebral Infarction?

Objectives

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is an effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion. Recanalization time is a key factor in the treatment of AIS. It has previously been suggested that intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) may be associated with a shorter recanalization time. The aim of our study was to investigate whether IVT or other factors could be associated with shorter or longer MT procedure times.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of a local cohort of patients treated by MT. We collected procedure time (puncture to recanalization and clot visualization to recanalization), demographic data, localization of the thrombus, antithrombotic treatment at arrival, IVT infusion, and stroke subtype at discharge according to the TOAST classification. We planned to analyze the full cohort and the successful revascularization subgroup.

Results

There was no difference in procedure times between patients who received IVT and those who did not. In the successful revascularization subgroup, patients presenting with cardioembolic stroke had a significantly shorter time between clot visualizations and revascularization than the other patients (41 vs. 56 min, p = 0.024), but this was not the case in the full cohort. Also in the successful revascularization subgroup, the revascularization time was 76 vs. 61 min (p = 0.075) in patients presenting with tandem occlusion vs. the others, but there was no difference between these groups in the full cohort.

Conclusions

There was no difference in terms of procedure times in patients treated by IVT and MT vs. patients treated by MT alone either in the full cohort or in the successful revascularization subgroup. The data from the successful revascularization subgroup may be useful for studying revascularization times, provided that data from procedures that were stopped prematurely by the operator due to the length of time since symptom onset is removed.

Outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy with pre-intravenous thrombolysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Whether pre-intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) provides any extra benefits to mechanical thrombectomy (MT) remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare MT with pre-IVT (IVT + MT) and MT without pre-IVT (MT) for acute ischemic stroke of large vessel occlusion.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library to identify studies comparing outcomes between IVT + MT and MT from inception to Jan 24, 2019. Random effects mode was used to pool relative risk (RR) with confidence intervals (CI) to compare functional independence in terms of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2, favorable outcome (mRS 0-1) and mortality at three-months, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, successful reperfusion, and complete reperfusion between the two treatments groups.

RESULTS

We included 30 studies enrolling 8970 patients with acute ischemic stroke of large vessel occlusion. Compared with MT, IVT + MT significantly increased the rate of 3-month functional independence (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.12-1.30;  P < 0.0001) and favorable outcome (RR 1.28; 95% CI 1.16-1.40; P < 0.0001), increased the rate of successful reperfusion (RR 1.04,95% CI 1.01-1.08;  P =  0.013) and complete reperfusion (RR 1.10; 95% CI 1.01-1.19; P = 0.024), reduced the rate of mortality (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.67-0.82;  P < 0.0001), without significantly increasing the rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (RR 0.98,95% CI 0.82-1.17;  P = 0.833). The results remained stable in sensitivity analyses and adjusting for publication bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-IVT provides extra benefits to MT on clinical and imaging outcomes without increasing symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage in acute ischemic stroke of large vessel occlusion.

Association of Time From Stroke Onset to Groin Puncture With Quality of Reperfusion After Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Meta-analysis of Individual Patient Data From 7 Randomized Clinical Trials

Importance

Reperfusion is a key factor for clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for large-vessel intracranial occlusion. However, data are scarce on the association between the time from onset and reperfusion results.

Objective

To analyze the rate of reperfusion after EVT started at different intervals after symptom onset in patients with AIS.

Design, Setting, and Participants

We conducted a meta-analysis of individual patient data from 7 randomized trials of the Highly Effective Reperfusion Using Multiple Endovascular Devices (HERMES) group. This is a multicenter cohort study of the intervention arm of randomized clinical trials included in the HERMES group. Patients with anterior circulation AIS who underwent EVT for M1/M2 or intracranial carotid artery occlusion were included. Each trial enrolled patients according to its specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data on patients eligible but not enrolled (eg, refusals or exclusions) were not available. All analyses were performed by the HERMES biostatistical core laboratory using the pooled database. Data were analyzed between December 2010 and April 2015.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Successful reperfusion was defined as a modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score of 2b/3 at the end of the EVT procedure adjusted for age, occlusion location, pretreatment intravenous thrombolysis, and clot burden score and was analyzed in relation to different intervals (onset, emergency department arrival, imaging, and puncture) using mixed-methods logistic regression.

Results

Among the 728 included patients, with a mean (SD) age of 65.4 (13.5) years and of whom 345 were female (47.4%), decreases in rates of successful reperfusion defined as a thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score of 2b/3 were observed with increasing time from admission or first imaging to groin puncture. The magnitude of effect was a 22% relative reduction (odds ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.64-0.95) per additional hour between admission and puncture and a 26% relative reduction (odds ratio, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.59-0.93) per additional hour between imaging and puncture.

Conclusions and Relevance

Because the probability of reperfusion declined significantly with time between hospital arrival and groin puncture, we provide additional arguments for minimizing the intervals after symptom onset in anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke.

Is intravenous thrombolysis still necessary in patients who undergo mechanical thrombectomy?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize available evidence on the potential utility of pretreatment with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) using recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with large vessel occlusions (LVO) who are treated with mechanical thrombectomy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Despite theoretical concerns of a higher bleeding risk with IVT pretreatment, there are no data showing increased risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) in patients with LVO receiving bridging therapy (IVT and mechanical thrombectomy) compared with direct mechanical thrombectomy (dMT). Additionally, evidence from observational studies suggest lower rates of infarctions in previously unaffected territories and higher rates of successful reperfusion, with lower number of device passes, in patients receiving bridging therapy. There are substantial discrepancies in studies comparing clinical outcomes between dMT and bridging therapy that are directly related to the inclusion of patients with contraindications to IVT in the dMT group. Ongoing clinical trials will provide definitive answers on the potential additional benefit of IVT in LVO patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy.

SUMMARY

IVT and mechanical thrombectomy are two effective reperfusion therapies that should be used in a swift and noncompeting fashion in AIS patients. AIS patients with LVO and no contraindications for IVT should receive promptly rt-PA bolus followed by immediate initiation of mechanical thrombectomy as indicated by current international recommendations, unless future randomized controlled trials provide evidence to proceed differently.

Intravenous thrombolysis prior to mechanical thrombectomy in large vessel occlusions

OBJECTIVE

The substantial clinical improvement in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT), combined with the poor response of proximal intracranial occlusions to intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), led to questions regarding the utility of bridging therapy (BT; IVT followed by MT) compared to direct mechanical thrombectomy (dMT) for AIS patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO).

METHODS

We aimed to investigate the comparative safety and efficacy of BT and dMT in AIS patients. We included all observational studies and post hoc analyses from randomized controlled clinical trials that provided data on the outcomes of AIS patients with LVO stratified by IVT treatment status prior to MT.

RESULTS

We identified 38 eligible observational studies (11,798 LVO patients, mean age = 68 years, 56% treated with BT). In unadjusted analyses, BT was associated with a higher likelihood of 3-month functional independence (odds ratio [OR] = 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.32-1.76), 3-month functional improvement (common OR [cOR] for 1-point decrease in modified Rankin Scale score = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.18-1.97), early neurological improvement (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.83-1.76), successful recanalization (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.02-1.46), and successful recanalization with ≤2 device passes (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.43-3.64) compared to dMT. BT was also related to a lower likelihood of 3-month mortality (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.57-0.73). In the adjusted analyses, BT was independently associated with a higher likelihood of 3-month functional independence (adjusted OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.26-1.91) and lower odds of 3-month mortality (adjusted OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.66-0.97) compared to dMT. The two groups did not differ in functional improvement (adjusted cOR = 1.24, 95% CI = 0.89-1.74) or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (adjusted OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.61-1.25).

INTERPRETATION

BT appears to be associated with improved functional independence without evidence for safety concerns, compared to dMT, for AIS patients with LVO. ANN NEUROL 2019;86:395-406.

Safety and efficacy of tirofiban combined with endovascular treatment in acute ischaemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Tirofiban is used off-label in clinical practice for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). However, it is unknown whether tirofiban increases the bleeding risk or improves the outcome of endovascular treatment (EVT) in AIS. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of tirofiban in combination with EVT for AIS.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with AIS receiving EVT were included in the prospective stroke registry from 2015 to 2018. The efficacy outcomes were modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at 24 h. The safety outcomes were symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), any in-hospital intracerebral hemorrhage, in-hospital death and 3-month death.

RESULTS

Of 211 patients, 82 (38.9%) received tirofiban. A total of 39 (48.1%) with tirofiban and 44 (36.1%) without tirofiban had mRS score 0-2 [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 2.41; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11-5.23, P = 0.026]. NIHSS score at 24 h was lower in the tirofiban group (9.5 vs. 12.0, adjusted P = 0.032). Five (6.1%) patients with tirofiban and 16 (12.4%) without tirofiban had sICH (adjusted OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.16-1.83, P = 0.32). In-hospital intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 10 (12.2%) patients with tirofiban and 41 (31.8%) without tirofiban (adjusted OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.13-0.76, P = 0.01). In-hospital death occurred in 7 (8.5%) patients with tirofiban and 16 (12.4%) without tirofiban (adjusted OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.22-2.13, P = 0.52). A total of 13 (15.9%) patients with tirofiban and 22 (17.1%) without tirofiban were dead at 3 months (adjusted OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.40-2.40, P = 0.96).

CONCLUSIONS

Tirofiban in combination with EVT was associated with a lower mRS score at 3 months and NIHSS score at 24 h. It was not associated with a higher rate of sICH, in-hospital death and death at 3 months.

Factors impacting on technical success in stroke thrombectomy: experience of a UK neuro-interventional unit

AIM

To investigate factors that could impact on recanalisation and reperfusion in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy and to assess the technical success over time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred consecutive patients who underwent thrombectomy for a proximal anterior circulation occlusion were dichotomised into equal groups (groups 1 and 2) based on the date that immediate access to emergency general anaesthesia (GA) commenced.

RESULTS

Recanalisation success using thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 2b/3 or TICI 2c/3 significantly improved in group 2 (67% versus 93%, p<0.0001; 52% versus 78%, p=0.0002). Symptomatic haemorrhage also reduced from 9% to 4%. Despite similar presentation Alberta Stroke Program Early (computed tomography) CT Scores (ASPECTS), post-procedural ASPECTS was significantly increased in group 2 (7; [interquartile range {IQR} 4-9] versus 8 [IQR 7-9]; p=0.0034). The number of patients with a post procedural ASPECTS of 8-10 increased (46% versus 64%, p=0.0155) and the difference in ASPECTS between pre- and post-thrombectomy CT was significantly lower (2 [IQR 1-4] versus 1 [IQR 0-2], p<0.0001). GA use increased from 8% to 56% (p=0.0001) as did use of distal aspiration (59% versus 87%, p=0.0001) mostly in combination with a stent-retriever. Failed access fell from 8% to 3%. When GA was used, successful recanalisation (TICI 2b/3) was achieved more frequently (90.5% versus 76.7%; OR 3.04, 1.2-7.69, p=0.0187).

CONCLUSION

Technical results for thrombectomy are improving over time. Technique modification, operator experience, and judicious use of GA may be contributing.

Direct Thrombectomy versus Bridging for Patients with Emergent Large-Vessel Occlusions

Background and Aims

Patients with emergent large-vessel occlusion (ELVO) that present earlier than 4 h from onset are usually treated with bridging systemic thrombolysis followed by endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Whether direct EVT (dEVT) could improve the chances of favorable outcome remains unknown.

Methods

Consecutively, prospectively enrolled patients with ELVO presenting within 4 h of onset were entered into a National Acute Stroke Registry of patients undergoing revascularization. Patients treated with bridging were compared to those treated with dEVT. Excellent outcome was defined as having a modified Rankin Scale score ≤1 at 90 days following stroke.

Results

Out of 392 patients that underwent thrombectomy, 270 (68%) presented within 4 h and were included. Of those, 159 (59%) underwent bridging and 111 (41%) underwent dEVT. Atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure were more common in the dEVT group (43 vs. 30%, p = 0.04 and 20 vs. 8%, p = 0.009, respectively), but other risk factors, demographics, stroke severity and subtypes as well as baseline vessel patency state and time metrics did not differ. Excellent target vessel recanalization defined as TICI 3 (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score) was more common in the dEVT group (75 vs. 61%, p = 0.03), but in-hospital mortality, discharge destinations, short- and long-term excellent outcome rates did not differ. On multivariate regression analysis, treatment modality did not significantly modify the chances of excellent outcome at discharge (OR 0.7; 95% CI 0.3-1.5) or at 3 months (OR 0.78 95% CI 0.4-1.4).

Conclusions

The chances of attaining excellent functional outcomes are similar in ELVO patients undergoing dEVT or bridging.

Safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke of anticoagulated patients

Background

Anticoagulated patients (APs) are currently excluded from acute ischemic stroke reperfusion therapy with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV-rtPA); however, these patients could benefit from mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Evidence for MT in this condition remains scarce. The aim of this study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of MT in APs.

Methods

We analyzed three patient groups from two prospective registries: APs with MT (AP-MT group), non-anticoagulated patients treated with MT (NAP-MT group), and non-anticoagulated patients treated with IV-rtPA and MT (NAP-IVTMT group). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate treatment efficacy with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤2 and safety (radiologic intracranial hemorrhage (rICH), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and death rate at 3 months) between groups.

Results

333 patients were included in the study, with 44 (12%) in the AP-MT group, 105 (31%) in the NAP-MT group, and 188 (57%) in the NAP-IVTMT group. Univariate analysis showed that the AP-MT group was older (P<0.001), more often had atrial fibrillation (P<0001), and had a higher ASPECTS (P<0.006 and P<0.002) compared with the NAP-MT group and NAP-IVTMT groups, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the AP-MT group had a lower risk of rICH (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.01 to 7.61, P=0.05) but a higher risk of death at 3 months (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.76, P=0.01) compared with the NAP-IVTMT group. No difference was found between the AP-MT and NAP-MT groups.

Conclusions

With regard to intracranial bleeding and functional outcome at 3 months, MT in APs seems as safe and efficient as in NAPs. However, there is a higher risk of death at 3 months in the AP-MT group compared with the NAP-IVTMT group.