Endovascular revascularisation of acute tandem vertebrobasilar artery occlusion: seven case series with literature reviews

Rescue extracranial vertebral stenting in tandem occlusions: A preliminary Vietnamese study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The acute vertebrobasilar occlusion associated with the poor prognosis, particularly tandem occlusion. However, few data on the efficacy of the endovascular therapy was indicated in this occlusion. We investigated whether the additional rescue extracranial vertebral stenting improved clinical outcome by modified Rankin scale (mRS) score within 3 months after the procedure.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of patients with acute posterior tandem occlusion who were treated with rescue extracranial vertebral stenting between December 2020 and January 2024 at our hospital. Clinical, neuroimaging, procedural, and complication data were collected. Primary outcomes included the rate of good outcomes (mRS ≤ 2) at 3-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Nine patients who underwent rescue extracranial vertebral stenting in posterior circulation tandem occlusions were enrolled in the study. All patients were achieved the successful recanalization (mTICI ≥ 2b). Of Dotter technique in the "distal-to-proximal" approach, Diagnostic-Dotter made up 66.7%. Five patients (55.6%) with good outcome (mRS ≤ 2) at 3 months, and 1 patient (11.1%) underwent suboccipital decompressive craniectomy due to the malignant cerebellar infarction.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that despite the small series with posterior tandem occlusions, the rescue extracranial vertebral stenting could be an important alternative treatment followed by mechanical thrombectomy.

Endovascular revascularization of vertebrobasilar tandem occlusions in comparison to isolated basilar artery occlusions: A multi-center experience

BACKGROUND

Acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a severe disease that is associated with an 85% mortality rate if untreated. Several studies have analyzed the use of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in the different scenarios of BAO. However, the results remain conflicting and the role of MT as standard of care for vertebrobasilar tandem occlusions (VBTO) has not been confirmed. Our goal was to assess technical feasibility, safety, and functional outcome of endovascular treatment of VBTO in comparison to isolated BAO (IBAO).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all prospectively collected patients with acute BAO from six tertiary centers between September 2016 and November 2021. Patients were subsequently divided into two groups: VBTO and IBAO. Baseline data, procedural details, and outcomes were compared between groups.

RESULTS

A total of 190 patients were included, 55 presenting with a VBTO and 135 with IBAO. Successful recanalization was equally common in both groups (89.1% and 86.0%). Rates of favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale: 0-2) were higher in patients with VBTO compared to IBAO (36.4% vs. 25.2%, p = 0.048) and mortality was lower (29.1% vs. 33.3%). However, these associations faded after adjustment for confounders (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.86, 95% CI 0.35-2.05; aOR 0.93, 95% CI 0.35-2.45). Rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage did not differ between the groups (VBTO: 7.3% vs. IBAO: 4.2%; p = 0.496).

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment of VBTO is technically feasible and safe with similar rates of successful recanalization, favorable functional outcome, and mortality to those in patients with IBAO.

Management of posterior circulation tandem occlusions in acute ischemic stroke: Recanalize the dominant vertebral artery with priority

PURPOSE

To illustrate the characteristics of acute ostial vertebral artery (VA) and basilar artery (BA) tandem occlusions. The endovascular treatment strategy for ostial VA-BA tandem occlusion was reported.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with ostial VA-BA tandem occlusion who underwent endovascular treatment in our center between November 2018 and February 2022. We preferred to recanalize the dominant vertebral artery with priority. The imaging characteristics, treatment strategy, clinical outcomes, and complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 9 patients with ostial VA-BA tandem occlusion were enrolled in this study. All the VA-BA tandem occlusion was caused by acute occlusion of the dominant VA. Endovascular revascularization was performed through the occluded dominant VA in 8 patients and was performed through contralateral non-dominant VA in 1 patient. Successful recanalization (mTICI 2b/3 grade) was achieved in all 9 patients, and 5 patients (55.5%) achieved functional independence with a mRS score of 0-2 at 90 days.

CONCLUSIONS

In this case series, the occurrence of ostial VA-BA tandem occlusions was mainly caused by acute occlusion of the dominant VA. Endovascular revascularization of ostial VA-BA tandem occlusions through occluded dominant VA was feasible and recommended.

A Case Series and Literature Review of Vertebral Artery Stump Syndrome

Purpose

Stump syndrome refers to cerebral ischaemic symptoms caused by an embolus from a previously occluded ipsilateral artery that occludes a down-stream artery. It can be divided into two types: carotid stump syndrome and vertebral artery stump syndrome (VASS). At present, there is limited clinical experience with VASS. We aimed to propose a more precise diagnostic standard for VASS, and to share our experience with handling this condition.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively collected data of patients who were treated with endovascular thrombectomy in the stroke centre of the First Hospital of Jilin University from January 2016 to March 2020. After screening patients with posterior-circulation acute ischaemic stroke, we selected patients who had an acute occlusion of an intracranial artery in the context of a previously occluded ipsilateral vertebral artery origin, as confirmed by digital subtraction angiography.

Results

Eleven patients met our inclusion criteria. Nine patients achieved recanalization of both extracranial and intracranial occluded arteries, one patient had modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade 3, and eight patients had grade 2b. Residual stenosis of recanalized intracranial arteries was less than 30% in all cases, while three patients had embolism of distal arteries. No dissection or subarachnoid haemorrhage occurred. Two patients didn't reach vascular recanalization. Among the nine patients with recanalized artery, four had a 90-day modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 3 (favourable outcome), and four patients died; As for the two non-recanalized patients, one had a mRS score of 5 and one died.

Conclusion

VASS is a clinical syndrome caused by embolic occlusion of a distal intracranial artery occluded ipsilateral extracranial vertebral artery. Antegrade blood flow from the collateral vessels, distal embolic occlusion and mild or no residual stenosis of the occluded intracranial artery after recanalization are notable features of this clinical event. Endovascular thrombectomy may be effective for treating VASS.

Revascularization of vertebrobasilar tandem occlusions: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To investigate the difference in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) outcomes between vertebrobasilar tandem occlusion (VBTO) and isolated basilar artery (BA) occlusion (non-VBTO) and the difference in rates of successful recanalization between the clean-road and dirty-road pathways, in VBTO.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis after searching PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases as of April 2021. We only included adult patients who underwent MT to treat acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to VBTO, and the following outcomes should be reported: successful recanalization, functional outcome at 90 days, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). The main effect size measures were odds ratio and risk difference, and the software used was RevMan 5.4.

RESULTS

The analysis included 81 VBTO and 324 non-VBTO patients (seven studies). We found no significant difference regarding 3 m functional independence [4 studies: OR = 1.71 (95% CI, 0.54, 5.43), I² = 75%], 3 m mortality [4 studies: OR = 1.62 (95% CI, 0.62, 4.25), I² = 66%], sICH [4 studies: OR = 1.71 (95% CI, 0.67, 4.39), I² = 0%], and successful recanalization [3 studies: OR = 0.81 (95% CI, 0.12, 5.57), I² = 80%]. A subgroup analysis of 118 VBTO patients (five studies) showed no significant difference in successful recanalization between clean-road and dirty-road pathways [RD = 0.07 (95% CI, - 0.09, 0.24), I² = 40%].

CONCLUSION

The results of this meta-analysis support the use of MT for AIS patients with VBTO. In VBTO patients, none of the clean-road or dirty-road pathways proved to be superior to the other.

Delayed reperfusion therapy for ischemic stroke tandem occlusion with subsequent secondary prophylaxis of cerebral ischemic events: A case report and literature review

Mechanical thrombectomy is currently the gold standard treatment of large vessel occlusions, especially in anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke. At the same time, the problem of tandem occlusions seems especially important since most of the major clinical mechanical thrombectomy studies did not specifically evaluate patients with concomitant extracranial occlusions or critical stenoses.

To date, there is no universally accepted optimal treatment strategy for such tandem lesions in acute ischemic stroke: it remains unclear which lesion – intracranial or extracranial – should be treated first. The selected reperfusion method should be based on the patients’ individual characteristics, data from non-invasive radiologic studies, and the stroke team experience.

We present a case of successful reperfusion therapy of acute tandem occlusion of the right internal carotid artery, followed by contralateral carotid artery stenting in a patient with stenosing extracranial atherosclerosis.

Tandem Lesions of the Vertebrobasilar System Treated by Thrombectomy and Vertebral Artery Stenting: A Case Report

Objective

There are few reports on endovascular treatment of tandem lesions in the posterior circulation and no consensus on treatment strategies has been reached. We report a case of tandem lesions of basilar artery occlusion and vertebral artery stenosis treated by thrombectomy and vertebral artery stenting.

Case Presentation

We present the case of a 73-year-old man who developed consciousness disorder and tetraplegia. Head and neck CTA revealed tandem left vertebral artery stenosis and basilar artery occlusion. The patient was treated using a reverse technique, which involves performing thrombectomy first and then vertebral artery stenting, along with Carotid Guardwire PS. Postoperative impairment of consciousness and improvement of tetraplegia were achieved.

Conclusion

The reverse technique combined with Carotid Guardwire PS may be a useful treatment strategy for tandem lesions in the posterior circulation.

Outcome and recanalization rate of tandem basilar artery occlusion treated by mechanical thrombectomy

BACKGROUND

Tandem basilar artery occlusions (tBAO) are defined as concomitant basilar artery and extracranial dominant vertebral artery occlusions. The prognosis of such tBAO treated by mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has been scantly reported. The purpose of our study was to compare the safety and effectiveness of MT for patients with tBAO compared to those with non-tandem basilar artery occlusions (ntBAO).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of a database of patients who underwent MT at two academic centres. All patients treated for BAO were retrieved. Patients with tBAO, defined as a concomitant BAO and extracranial vertebral artery (VA) occlusion or severe stenosis ≥70% (V1 or proximal V2 segment) were compared with patients with ntBAO.

RESULTS

A total of 15 patients with tBAO and 74 patients with ntBAO were enrolled. Successful reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score ≥2b) was obtained in 73.3% versus 90.5% (OR = 0.29, 95%CI: 0.07-1.15), good clinical outcome (3-months modified Rankin scale ≤2) was reached by 26.7% versus 32.4% (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.24-2.63) and mortality at 3-months was 46.7% versus 31% (OR = 1.94; 95%CI: 0.63-6) of patients with tBAO versus ntBAO, respectively. Two patients (13.3%) with tBAO and three (4%) with ntBAO had symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (OR = 3.64; 95% CI: 0.55-24).

CONCLUSION

Mechanical thrombectomy for patients with tandem basilar artery occlusion tends to be associated with lower rates of successful reperfusion and good clinical outcome, and higher rate of mortality. Larger multicentre studies are warranted to better precise the proper selection and management of such patients.

Endovascular Treatment for Vertebrobasilar Artery Tandem Occlusion Beyond 24 Hours From Onset of Stroke-Case Report

We report a case in which endovascular treatment (EVT) was performed for vertebral and basilar artery (VA and BA) tandem occlusion beyond 24 hours from onset of stroke. A 78-year-old man was admitted to our institution with dysarthria and disturbance of gait. MRI revealed occlusion of the BA with acute ischemic change in bilateral cerebellum and brain stem. At 36 hours after onset and 30 hours after administration, EVT was performed because of deteriorating neurological symptom. Successful revascularization was achieved with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for VA and thrombectomy for BA occlusion. The neurological symptoms were improved in postoperative course.

Posterior circulation tandem occlusions: Classification and techniques

BACKGROUND

Posterior circulation tandem occlusions are poorly characterized in current literature. Data regarding endovascular approaches and outcomes in this patient subgroup is extremely limited.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database and identified 17 patients with posterior circulation tandem occlusions who underwent mechanical thrombectomy between 2014 and 2019.

RESULTS

Of 17 patients with posterior circulation tandem occlusion, the mean age was 55.76 ± 11.8 with 35.3% female. The mean NIHSS score on presentation was 17.2 ± 9.2. Tissue plasminogen activator was administered in 7 (41.2%) patients, stent-retrievers alone were used in 2 (11.8%), aspiration catheters alone were used in 2 (11.8%), a combination was used 12 (70.6%), and a self-expandable stent in 5 (29.4%). The mean number of device passes was 2.24 ± 2.02, recanalization failure occurred in 4 (23.5%) patients, the mean time from stroke onset to puncture was 6.9 ± 2.4 h, and the mean time from puncture to recanalization was 59.3 ± 26.6 min. Postprocedural symptomatic ICH occurred in 1 (5.9 %) patient, periprocedural ICH/SAH occurred in 2 (11.8%), periprocedural distal emboli occurred in 0 (0%), periprocedural vessel dissection occurred in 1 (5.9%), and periprocedural vessel perforation occurred in 1 (5.9%) patient. TICI score>2b was achieved in 13 (76.5%) patients. An improvement in NIHSS>3 at discharge occurred in 10 (58.8%) patients, and good outcomes (mRS score < 2) occurred in 7 (41.2%). The mean length of stay was 11.6 ± 12.2 days, and the mortality rate was 41.2%.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular intervention with mechanical thrombectomy is safe and feasible in patients with posterior circulation tandem occlusions.

Endovascular treatment combined with vertebral artery endarterectomy for patients with acute tandem vertebrobasilar artery occlusion

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment combined with vertebral artery endarterectomy in patients with acute tandem vertebrobasilar artery occlusion.

METHODS

From April 2017 to March 2019, three patients with acute basilar artery occlusion combined with ostial vertebral occlusion in our institution were enrolled in the study. They underwent endovascular treatment combined with vertebral artery endarterectomy. The clinical, technical and functional outcomes of the patients were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

All three patients in the study underwent complete recanalization. The modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grade was 2b/3 in all patients. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was 0-2 for the three patients at 3 months. Follow-up CT scans revealed no cerebral haemorrhage, and no patients died during follow-up. All patients achieved good clinical outcomes after the combined treatment.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment combined with vertebral artery endarterectomy is a feasible method to treat patients with acute basilar artery occlusion combined with ostial vertebral occlusion, especially when the guidewire cannot pass through the ostium of the dominant vertebral artery occlusion.

The "distal-to-proximal" strategy for the treatment of posterior circulation tandem occlusions: a single-centre experience

PURPOSE

Data on posterior circulation tandem occlusions in acute ischemic stroke are scarce: recognition may be challenging and little is known about optimal treatment strategy. We report our endovascular treatment strategy for posterior circulation tandem occlusion.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with posterior circulation tandem occlusions in our centre were enrolled retrospectively. The preferred strategy was "distal-to-proximal" strategy, which means opening the distal occlusion first followed by treatment of the proximal pathology. The imaging characteristics, treatment strategy, clinical outcomes, and complications of patients with posterior circulation tandem occlusions were analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 21 patients with posterior circulation tandem occlusions were enrolled in the study, which accounted for 23.6% of patients with posterior circulation stroke in our centre. The mean age was 60 years (range 32 to 80), and median pre-procedure NIHSS score was 28 (interquartile range: 13-31). Eighteen patients (85.7%) had vertebrobasilar artery tandem occlusions and 3 (14.3%) had basilar artery to basilar artery tandem occlusions. All distal occlusions were successfully recanalized (modified TICI 2b/3). Two (9.5%) of the proximal lesions were not treated. A total of 57.1% of the patients had stents implanted on the proximal occlusions. The rate of mRS 0-3 at 3 months was 57.1% and the mortality rate was 19.0%.

CONCLUSION

In patients with acute ischaemic stroke caused by posterior circulation tandem occlusions, we favor "distal-to-proximal" strategy based on the positive results in this small series. Nevertheless, a more extensive study is required to explore the optimal treatment strategy further.

Recanalization of Tandem Vertebrobasilar Occlusions with Contralateral Vertebral Occlusion or Hypoplasia via either Direct Passage or the SHERPA Technique

Introduction

Tandem vertebral ostial disease with acute intracranial vertebrobasilar occlusion with contralateral vertebral occlusion or hypoplasia presents a unique challenge to the interventionalist.

Methods

The authors queried a prospectively maintained institutional endovascular database from August 2013 to June 2018 for cases of endovascularly treated acute tandem vertebrobasilar occlusions in the presence of contralateral vertebral occlusive disease or hypoplasia. Demographic and presentation data, the technique, results, and clinical outcome were extracted.

Results

Tandem recanalization was attempted and achieved in 5 patients with a thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 3 result in 4 patients and a TICI 2c result in 1 patient. To facilitate effective manual aspiration thrombectomy for the tandem basilar occlusion, performed in all cases in 1 or 2 passes, the Neuron^TM MAX sheath was advanced into the V2 after Dotter or balloon angioplasty of the diseased origin. In cases where the origin cannot be crossed/visualized, the Synchro Helper to Evaluate via Retrograde Passage an Arterial origin (SHERPA) technique, entailing the passage of a microwire retrograde via the hypoplastic contralateral vertebral artery was utilized to delineate the vertebral ostium (n = 2 cases). All but 1 patient had substantial improvement in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score after the procedure.

Conclusion

Recanalization of tandem vertebrobasilar occlusions with contralateral occlusion or hypoplasia is feasible. Intracranial recanalization is facilitated by the passage of a long 6F sheath into V2, and retrograde delineation of an occluded vertebral origin with a microwire may serve as a crucial adjunct.

Treatment Strategies for Basilar Top Syndrome Caused by Acute Vertebral Artery Occlusion

Objective

We report a patient with basilar artery embolism caused by vertebral artery stenosis who was successfully treated using simultaneous percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and mechanical thrombectomy.

Case Presentation

A 64-year-old male, who had undergone medical treatment for cerebellum infarction at another hospital, was referred to our hospital due to disturbance of consciousness. Angiography revealed acute occlusion of the first part of the right vertebral artery and an embolism of the top of basilar artery. After performing PTA to create an approach route for the embolism, we collected it using a clot recovering device. The postoperative course was good, and the patient was discharged with mild ataxia and dysarthria.

Conclusion

We report the successful treatment of progressive cerebral infarction of the posterior circulation with revascularization 30 hours after symptom onset. Unlike the anterior circulation, the posterior circulation consists of smaller arteries and fewer collateral arteries, making it vulnerable to ischemic attack. Therefore, shortening the time until treatment may improve the outcome.

Endovascular treatment of tandem occlusions in vertebrobasilar stroke: technical aspects and outcome compared with isolated basilar artery occlusion

Background and purpose

Acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a devastating disease with a high rate of mortality and morbidity, and early recanalization is crucial to achieve a good prognosis. The best treatment strategy for BAO combined with a proximal stenosis (tandem occlusion) is not yet clear. Our study aimed to evaluate whether and how vertebrobasilar tandem occlusions can be treated effectively and safely compared with isolated BAO.

Materials and methods

Fifty-two patients with acute vertebrobasilar occlusive stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy were identified in a prospective database from March 2010 to September 2016. We retrospectively analysed the clinical, technical, and functional outcomes of the patients.

Results

Of the 52 patients, 15 presented with a tandem occlusion, 14 with a single intracranial occlusion due to an underlying stenosis, and 23 with a single embolic BAO. Successful recanalization was achieved in all of the patients with tandem occlusions (modified Thrombolysis in Cranial Infarction 2b/3) and in 35 of 37 patients with a single BAO (with and without stenosis). A favourable outcome was achieved (modified Rankin Scale ≤2) in 8 of the 15 patients with a tandem occlusion compared with 4 of the 14 patients with a single BAO with underlying stenosis and 5 of the 23 patients with isolated embolic BAO (p=0.18).

Conclusions

We suggest that endovascular treatment of vertebrobasilar tandem occlusions is safe and feasible, with a high rate of good outcome.