Endovascular neuroradiological treatment of acute ischemic stroke: techniques and results in 350 patients

Basilar artery stenting in hyperacute stroke: A systematic review of published cases

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Basilar artery stenting is a rescue therapy in the management of hyperacute stroke. Published data on efficacy and safety are limited.

METHODS

A systematic review of published studies was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were adult patients with ischemic stroke with permanent basilar artery stent placement within 48 h of onset. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Additional cases from our institution were identified via a local stroke registry.

RESULTS

Of 212 screened articles, patient-level data was reported in 35 studies (87 individuals) and six additional patients were included from our registry. Patients (n = 93, 63 % male; median age 64) most often presented with mid-basilar occlusion (52 %) and 76 % received treatment within 12 hours of onset. Favorable angiographic results occurred in 67 %. The final modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) was 0-3 for 56 % of patients; mortality was 29 %. Those with complete flow post-procedure were more likely to have a final mRS of 0-3 (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In 93 cases of basilar stenting in hyperacute stroke, favourable angiographic and functional outcomes were reported in 67 % and 56 % of patients, respectively. International multicenter registries are required to establish benefit and identify patient and technical factors that predict favorable outcomes.

Safety and efficacy of intravascular therapy in patients with progressive stroke caused by intracranial large vascular occlusion exceeding the time window of 24 hours

PURPOSE

To compare endovascular and drug therapies for efficacy and safety in patients with a progressive stroke caused by intracranial large vascular occlusion exceeding the time window of 24 hours.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 58 patients with progressive stroke caused by large intracranial vascular occlusion exceeding the time window of 24 hours treated in the stroke center of our hospital for three years were retrospectively analyzed . According to the applied therapy, 58 patients were divided into the endovascular (n = 19) and drug (n = 39) therapy groups. Then, modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates, mortality rates and adverse events were assessed in both groups within 90 days.

RESULTS

The 90-day good prognosis rate was significantly higher in the endovascular therapy group compared with the drug group (68.4% VS 38.5%, odds ratio [OR] = 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.09-0.92; P = 0.032). The 90-day NIHSS scores were lower in the endovascular therapy group compared with the drug group (3.3 ± 2.6 VS 5.2 ± 3.0, OR = -1.89; 95%CI, -3.50 to -0.27; P = 0.023). Meanwhile, the proportion of patients with a Barthel index of 90-100 was significantly higher in the endovascular therapy group compared with the drug group (53.0% VS 25.6%, OR = 0.31; 95%CI, 0.10-0.98; P = 0.042). Finally, both groups showed similar rates of adverse events.

CONCLUSION

In patients with progressive stroke caused by large intracranial vascular occlusion exceeding 24 hours, endovascular therapy probably results in improved efficacy at 90 days compared with drug therapy, without increasing the rates of adverse effects.

Protective roles of intra-arterial mild hypothermia and arterial thrombolysis in acute cerebral infarction

Objective

Herein, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of intra-arterial mild hypothermia in combination with arterial thrombolysis to treat acute cerebral infarction due to middle cerebral artery occlusion.

Methods

A total of 26 patients with acute middle cerebral artery occlusion were divided into a normothermia group (n = 15) and a mild hypothermia group (n = 11). The infarct volumes at 24 h and 7 days after the operation were compared between the normothermia group and the mild hypothermia group. Additionally, we compared neurological deficit scores between the two groups at 24 h, 7 days, and 1 mo after the operation.

Results

The infarct volumes and neurological deficit scores of the mild hypothermia group were significantly reduced compared to those in the normothermia group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, no adverse reactions or complications occurred in the mild hypothermia group.

Conclusion

Intra-arterial mild hypothermia reduced infarct volume after ischemia–reperfusion injury in the arterial thrombolysis of an acute cerebral infarction. Additionally, it improved the prognosis of patients with an acute middle cerebral artery occlusion, suggesting that this procedure is safe and effective for treating acute cerebral infarction.

Complex interventional treatment in a patient with atrial fibrillation and stroke caused by large carotid artery thrombus: a case report

Background

The treatment option for acute ischaemic stroke depends on the duration of symptoms, the dynamics of neurological condition changes, the aetiology, type of stroke, as well as the results of angiographic and neuroimaging tests.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old male patient presented with progressive left hemisphere stroke caused by extensive cardiogenic embolism of the common carotid artery and a thrombus closing the internal carotid artery from its ostium to the level of its intracranial division. The complex revascularisation therapy involving surgical embolectomy of the common carotid artery, thrombectomy of the internal carotid artery and intra-arterial thrombolysis has led to the improvement of arterial patency and has countered the progression of acute cerebral ischaemia.

Conclusion

Emergency carotid embolectomy together with thrombectomy and local thrombolytic rt-PA treatment may be a reasonable rescue therapy for carefully selected patients with large-vessel acute stroke. Further research is needed to establish the advantages and safety of surgical thrombectomy in patients with acute embolic occlusion of the carotid artery and ineffectiveness of or contraindications for systemic thrombolytic treatment.

Clinical, angiographic and radiographic outcome differences among mechanical thrombectomy devices: initial experience of a large-volume center

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Higher reperfusion rates have been established with endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). There are limited data on the comparative performance of mechanical thrombectomy devices.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center analysis was undertaken of all consecutive patients who underwent thrombectomy using Merci, Penumbra or stent retrievers (SR) from September 2010 to November 2012. Baseline characteristics, rates of successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score 2b-3), symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), final infarct volume, 90-day mortality and independent functional outcomes at 90 days were compared across the three devices.

RESULTS

Our cohort included 287 patients. There were mild imbalances in baseline characteristics with trends towards higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score in patients in the Merci group (SR=18 vs Merci=21 vs Penumbra=19, p=0.06) and lower Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) in patients in the SR group (>7: SR=51% vs Merci=61% vs Penumbra=62%, p=0.12). On univariate analysis there were no differences in the rate of sICH (SR=7% vs Merci=7% vs Penumbra=6%, p=0.921) and infarct volume (SR=61.5 mL vs Merci=69.5 mL vs Penumbra=59.2 mL, p=0.621). Trends towards better functional outcomes were found with Penumbra and SR vs Merci (41% vs 36% vs 25%, respectively, p=0.079). Complete or near complete reperfusion (mTICI 2b-3) was higher in the SR and Penumbra groups than in the Merci group (86% vs 78% vs 70%, respectively, p=0.027). Binary logistic regression showed that SR was an independent predictor of good functional outcome (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.018 to 5.048; p=0.045).

CONCLUSIONS

Although our initial data confirm the superiority of SR technology over the Merci device, there was no significant difference in near complete/complete reperfusion, final infarct volumes or clinical outcomes between SR and Penumbra thromboaspiration.

Does modern ischemic stroke therapy in a large community-based dedicated stroke center improve clinical outcomes? A two-year retrospective study

BACKGROUND

To compare modern endovascular therapies in the acute ischemic stroke patients leading to more comprehensive acute stroke algorithm.

METHODS

A 2-year retrospective nonrandomized study on 76 patients who were placed into 5 different treatment groups for acute ischemic stroke. These groups included: group 1 (no treatment) (n = 24), group 2 (intravenous tissue plasminogen activator [tPA] only) (n = 18), group 3 (intra-arterial [IA] tPA) (n = 9), group 4 (Mechanical Embolus Removal in Cerebral Ischemia [MERCI]; retrieval only) (n = 17), and group 5 (combined IA/MERCI) (n = 8). Age range for all groups was 29-92 years. There were 39 women (51.3%) and 37 men (48.7%). The mean age for all patients was 70.1 years. The pre- and post-National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) values were obtained for each group on arrival and discharge from the hospital. The results of the 4 treatment cohorts were compared with the no treatment group, providing the relative efficacy of these procedures compared with conservative medical therapy alone.

RESULTS

Group 1 presented with an admission NIHSS value of 11.1 and 8.9 on discharge from the hospital. There was a NIHSS reduction of 2.2 without treatment. Group 2 had an admission NIHSS value of 11.8 and a discharge value of 4.7, resulting in an NIHSS reduction of 7.1. Group 3 had an admission NIHSS value of 16.1 and 7.4 at discharge, resulting in an NIHSS reduction of 8.7. Group 4 had an admission NIHSS value of 15.9 and discharge NIHSS value of 3.1, with an NIHSS reduction of 12.8. Group 5 had an admission NIHSS score of 15.7 and 10.6 at discharge, with an NIHSS reduction of 5.1. Four patients expired during their admission, 2 from group 1 (control group) and 2 from group 5 (combined IA/MERCI group). There was a statistically significant difference for the 5 groups at the P < .05 level in change in NIHSS scores: F (4, 24) = 9.10, P = .000.

CONCLUSIONS

Modern endovascular therapies for acute ischemic stroke do improve clinical outcomes when implemented in the setting of a dedicated comprehensive stroke team.

Temperature affects thrombolytic efficacy using rt-PA and eptifibatide, an in vitro study

The potential for hypothermia as a neuroprotectant during stroke has led to its increase in clinical use. At the same time, combination pharmaceutical therapies for ischemic stroke using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA), and GP IIb-IIIa inhibitors, such as Eptifibatide (Epf ), are under study. However, there is little data on how the reactions triggered by these agents are impacted by temperature. Here, clot lysis during exposure to the combination of rt-PA and Epf is measured in an in vitro human clot model at hypothermic temperatures. The hypothesis is that lytic efficacy of rt-PA and Epf decreases with decreasing temperature. Whole blood clots from 31 volunteers were exposed to rt-PA (0.5 μg/mL) and Epf (0.63 μg/mL) in human fresh-frozen plasma (rt-PA+Epf ), rt-PA alone in plasma (rt-PA Alone), or to plasma alone (Control), at temperatures from 30°C to 37°C, for 30 minutes. Clot lysis was measured using a microscopic imaging technique; the mean fractional clot loss (FCL) at 30 minutes was used to determine lytic efficacy. Temperature had a significant impact on FCL in clots exposed to rt-PA+Epf, with the FCL being lower at 30°C to 36°C than at 37°C. The FCL remained significantly higher for rt-PA+Epf–treated clots than Controls regardless of temperature, with the exception of measurements made at 30°C when no significant differences in the FCL were observed between groups. The use of hypothermia as a neuroprotectant may negatively impact the therapeutic benefit of thrombolytic agents.

Endovascular treatment strategies for acute ischemic stroke

The limitations of intravenous thrombolysis therapy have paved the way for the development of novel endovascular technologies for use in the setting of acute stroke. These technologies range from direct intraarterial thrombolysis to various thrombus disruption or retrieval devices to angioplasty and stenting. The tools in the armamentarium of the neuroendovascular interventionalist enable fast, effective revascularization to be offered to a wider population of patients that may otherwise have few therapeutic options available to them. In this paper, we review the current state-of-the-art in neuroendovascular intervention for acute ischemic stroke. Particular emphasis is placed on delineating the indications and outcomes for use of these various technologies.

Higher degrees of recanalization after mechanical thrombectomy for acute stroke are associated with improved outcome and decreased mortality: pooled analysis of the MERCI and Multi MERCI trials

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although the combined end point of partial and complete recanalization is a well-established predictor of good outcome following acute stroke intervention, few investigations have evaluated the effect of the degree of recanalization. We hypothesized that greater degrees of recanalization would be associated with a higher likelihood of favorable functional outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from MERCI and Multi MERCI-prospective single-arm trials of endovascular mechanical thrombectomy for acute stroke-were pooled. The TIMI score was used to define the degree of recanalization, and a favorable outcome was defined as an mRS score of 0-2 at 90 days.

RESULTS

A total of 305 patients were included. Age, stroke severity, and site of arterial occlusion did not differ among groups stratified by the TIMI score. The unadjusted OR for a favorable outcome increased significantly as the TIMI score increased from 0 to 1 (OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 1.7-20.0; P = .007) and from 2 to 3 (OR. 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2-4.5; P = .01) and the likelihood of death decreased significantly as the TIMI score increased from 2 to 3 (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1-4.3; P = .05). In multivariate analysis, each increase in TIMI grade increased the odds of a good outcome 2.6-fold (95% CI, 1.9-3.4, P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Increases in the TIMI score were highly associated with improved outcomes. This finding not only provides additional evidence that restoration of blood flow improves clinical outcomes in ischemic stroke but also suggests that interventionalists should strive for complete revascularization when they provide endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke.

CT angiography predicts use of tertiary interventional services in acute ischemic stroke patients

Background

Patients with acute stroke are often transferred to tertiary care centers for advanced interventional services. We hypothesized that the presence of a proximal cerebral artery occlusion on CT angiography (CTA) is an independent predictor of the use of these services.

Methods

We performed a historical cohort study of consecutive ischemic stroke patients presenting within 24 h of symptom onset to an academic emergency department who underwent emergent CTA. Use of tertiary care interventions including intra-arterial (IA) thrombolysis, mechanical clot retrieval, and neurosurgery were captured.

Results

During the study period, 207/290 (71%) of patients with acute ischemic stroke underwent emergent CTA. Of the patients, 74/207 (36%) showed evidence of a proximal cerebral artery occlusion, and 22/207 (11%) underwent an interventional procedure. Those with proximal occlusions were more likely to receive a neurointervention (26% vs. 2%, p < 0.001). They were more likely to undergo IA thrombolysis (9% vs. 0%, p = 0.001) or a mechanical intervention (19% vs. 0%, p < 0.0001), but not more likely to undergo neurosurgery (5% vs. 2%, p = 0.2). After controlling for the initial NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) score, proximal occlusion remained an independent predictor of the use of neurointerventional services (OR 8.5, 95% CI 2.2-33). Evidence of proximal occlusion on CTA predicted use of neurointervention with sensitivity of 82% (95% CI 59-94%), specificity of 71% (95% CI 64%-77%), positive predictive value (PPV) of 25% (95% CI 16%-37%), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 97% (95% CI 92%-99%).

Conclusion

Proximal cerebral artery occlusion on CTA predicts the need for advanced neurointerventional services.

Reperfusion Strategies for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite preventive measures, effective management strategies are needed to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this devastating condition. While the management of hemorrhagic stroke is mostly limited to supportive care, reperfusion strategies in ischemic stroke have been developed and continue to evolve. Conceptually, the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke is similar to that of acute myocardial infarction and the objective of management is similar (ie, to rapidly restore normal flow to reduce permanent damage). It is, therefore, not surprising that the management of acute ischemic stroke includes intravenous (IV) thrombolysis, the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved strategy at this point. In addition, there are a myriad of emerging endovascular interventional techniques. We review the current literature and discuss some of the technical aspects of endovascular therapy in the setting of acute ischemic stroke.

Treatment of acute middle cerebral artery occlusion with a Solitaire AB stent: preliminary experience

We report our initial experience with a Solitaire AB neurovascular remodeling stent device in performing cerebral embolectomy in seven patients presenting to our institution with acute stroke who were resistant to iv thrombolytic drug treatment. The main inclusion criteria were: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥10; treatment performed within 8 h from the onset of symptoms and no large hypodensity on CT; and occlusion of a major cerebral artery on the CT angiogram. An admission and a post-interventional NIHSS score were calculated for all patients by two different neurologists. Efficacy was assessed radiologically by post-treatment thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) scores and clinically by a 30-day Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) score. The mean duration of neurointerventional treatment was 84 min. All interventions were successful, with TIMI scores of 2 or 3 achieved in 100% of patients. There was one procedural complication in our series owing to a self-detached stent and one patient had a small asymptomatic basal ganglia haemorrhage. There was improvement of more than 4 points on the NIHSS score in 5 (72%) of the patients following treatment, of whom 4 (57%) had a 30-day MRS score of ≤2. The use of a Solitaire stent in acute stroke was safe, time-efficient and encouraging; however, a larger sample size will be required to further evaluate the use of this device, which could benefit a significant number of stroke patients.

Percutaneous vascular interventions for acute ischaemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Most disabling strokes are due to blockage of a large artery in the brain by a blood clot. Prompt removal of the clot with intra-arterial thrombolytic drugs or mechanical devices, or both, can restore blood flow before major brain damage has occurred, leading to improved recovery. However, these so-called percutaneous vascular interventions can cause bleeding in the brain.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous vascular interventions in patients with acute ischaemic stroke.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Trials Registers of the Cochrane Stroke Group and Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group (last searched May 2010), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 5), MEDLINE (1980 to May 2010), EMBASE (1980 to May 2010) and eight additional databases. We also searched trials registers, screened reference lists, contacted researchers and equipment manufacturers, and handsearched journals and conference proceedings.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised, controlled and unconfounded trials of any percutaneous vascular intervention compared with control in patients with definite ischaemic stroke.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors applied the inclusion criteria, extracted data and assessed trial quality. We obtained both published and unpublished data if available

MAIN RESULTS

We included four trials involving 350 patients. Not all trials contributed data to each outcome. The trials tested either intra-arterial urokinase or recombinant pro-urokinase versus an open control. One trial used guidewire-mediated clot disruption in some patients randomised to the intervention group. Most data came from trials that started treatment up to six hours after stroke; one small trial started treatment up to a median of 12.5 hours after stroke. Most data came from trials of middle cerebral artery territory infarction. Compared with non-thrombolytic standard medical treatment, the intervention administered up to six hours after ischaemic stroke significantly increased the proportion of patients with favourable outcome (modified Rankin 0 to 2) three months after stroke (relative risk (RR) 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07 to 2.02). The intervention also significantly increased the risk of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage within 24 hours of treatment (RR 3.85, 95% CI 0.91 to 16.36). There was no significant heterogeneity between the included trials.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Overall, intervention results in a significant increase in the proportion of patients with a favourable outcome, despite a significant increase in intracranial haemorrhage. Further trials are needed to confirm or refute these findings and, given the cost and practical difficulties, to establish whether percutaneous techniques are feasible and cost effective in wider clinical practice.

The pattern of leptomeningeal collaterals on CT angiography is a strong predictor of long-term functional outcome in stroke patients with large vessel intracranial occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The role of noninvasive methods in the evaluation of collateral circulation has yet to be defined. We hypothesized that a favorable pattern of leptomeningeal collaterals, as identified by CT angiography, correlates with improved outcomes.

METHODS

Data from a prospective cohort study at 2 university-based hospitals where CT angiography was systematically performed in the acute phase of ischemic stroke were analyzed. Patients with complete occlusion of the intracranial internal carotid artery and/or the middle cerebral artery (M1 or M2 segments) were selected. The leptomeningeal collateral pattern was graded as a 3-category ordinal variable (less, equal, or greater than the unaffected contralateral hemisphere). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to define the independent predictors of good outcome at 6 months (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2).

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-six patients were selected. The mean age was 69±17 years and the median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score was 13 (interquartile range, 6 to 17). In the univariate analysis, age, baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score, prestroke modified Rankin Scale score, Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT score, admission blood glucose, history of hypertension, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, site of occlusion, and collateral pattern were predictors of outcome. In the multivariate analysis, age (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93 to 0.98; P=0.001), baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (OR, 0.75; 0.69 to 0.83; P<0.001), prestroke modified Rankin Scale score (OR, 0.41; 0.22 to 0.76; P=0.01), intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (OR, 4.92; 1.83 to 13.25; P=0.01), diabetes (OR, 0.31; 0.01 to 0.98; P=0.046), and leptomeningeal collaterals (OR, 1.93; 1.06 to 3.34; P=0.03) were identified as independent predictors of good outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent with angiographic studies, leptomeningeal collaterals on CT angiography are also a reliable marker of good outcome in ischemic stroke.

Making the right choice: optimizing rt-PA and eptifibatide lysis, an in vitro study

INTRODUCTION

Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is the only FDA approved lytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke. However, there can be complications such as intra-cerebral hemorrhage. This has led to interest in adjuncts such as GP IIb-IIIa inhibitors. However, there is little data on combined therapies. Here, we measure clot lysis for rt-PA and eptifibatide in an in vitro human clot model, and determine the drug concentrations maximizing lysis. A pharmacokinetic model is used to compare drug concentrations expected in clinical trials with those used here. The hypothesis is that there is a range of rt-PA and eptifibatide concentrations that maximize in vitro clot lysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Whole blood clots were made from blood obtained from 28 volunteers, after appropriate institutional approval. Sample clots were exposed to rt-PA and eptifibatide in human fresh-frozen plasma; rt-PA concentrations were 0, 0.5, 1, and 3.15 μg/ml, and eptifibatide concentrations were 0, 0.63, 1.05, 1.26 and 2.31 μg/ml. All exposures were for 30 minutes at 37 C. Clot width was measured using a microscopic imaging technique and mean fractional clot loss (FCL) at 30 minutes was used to determine lytic efficacy. On average, 28 clots (range: 6-148) from 6 subjects (3-24) were used in each group.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

FCL for control clots was 14% (95% Confidence Interval: 13-15%). FCL was 58% (55-61%) for clots exposed to both drugs at all concentrations, except those at an rt-PA concentration of 3.15 μg/ml, and eptifibatide concentrations of 1.26 μg/ml (Epf) or 2.31 μg/ml. Here, FCL was 43% (36-51) and 35% (32-38) respectively. FCL is maximized at moderate rt-PA and eptifibatide concentration; these values may approximate the average concentrations used in some rt-PA and eptifibatide treatments.

Current endovascular treatment of acute stroke and future aspects

Acute ischemic stroke remains a condition of high morbidity and mortality. Until now, the only established therapy has been intravenous (IV) tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA). Only 3-10% of patients with acute ischemic stroke receive this treatment. On the basis of data from part 3 of the European Collaborative Acute Stroke Study (ECASS III), the time window for beneficial treatment of ischemic stroke with IV tPA has been extended from 3 to 4.5h after the onset of stroke symptoms. Beyond that window of opportunity, and additionally to IV treatment, interventional stroke therapy has assumed an important role for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Currently, new promising pharmacological and mechanical treatment options are being established as routine procedures to achieve a further improved outcome for stroke patients.

Continuous thrombolysis and repeated thrombectomy with the Penumbra System in a child with hemorrhagic sinus thrombosis: technical note

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is an uncommon but potentially lethal event. When showing a malignant clinical course despite anticoagulant therapy, new endovascular techniques and technology allow the possibility of more aggressive thrombolysis and thrombectomy. The authors present a case of recanalization of an extensive cerebral thrombosis using a new endovascular thromboaspiration device, the Penumbra System.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

CVST in children is a rare but potentially lethal disorder. When showing a malignant progression despite anticoagulant therapy, the use of local thrombolytics and thrombectomy procedures might provide therapeutic solution.

METHODS

A 16-year-old girl presented with signs and symptoms of a hemorrhagic cerebral sinus thrombosis and showed progression despite full dose anticoagulant therapy. The evolution being attributed to increasing mass effect, decompressive surgery was performed without clinical improvement. Further brain imaging demonstrated progression of the sinus thrombosis. Repeated local thrombectomy with the Penumbra thrombectomy system and continuous, relatively low dose local thrombolysis was performed during a period of 60 h, resulting in recanalization and clinical improvement. The methodology of combined thromboaspiration and thrombolysis is described.

CONCLUSIONS

We present a novel method for revascularization using the Penumbra System in combination with long-term, relatively low dose thrombolysis, in the setting of both clinically and morphologically progressive, hemorrhagic sinus thrombosis. The procedure proved to be both safe and effective and may be considered in the future for patients with progressive sinovenous thrombosis despite adequate medical therapy.

Predictors of functional outcome vary by the hemisphere of involvement in major ischemic stroke treated with intra-arterial therapy: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Conflicting data exists regarding the effect of hemispheric lateralization on acute ischemic stroke outcome. Some of this variability may be related to heterogeneous study populations, particularly with respect to the level of arterial occlusion. Furthermore, little is known about the relationship between stroke lateralization and predictors of outcome. The purpose of this study was to characterize the impact of stroke lateralization on both functional outcome and its predictors in a well-defined population of anterior circulation proximal artery occlusions treated with IAT.

METHODS

Thirty-five consecutive left- and 35 consecutive right-sided stroke patients with intracranial ICA and/or MCA occlusions who underwent IAT were retrospectively analyzed. Ischemic change on pre-treatment imaging was quantified. Reperfusion success was graded using the Mori scale. Good outcome at three months was defined as an mRS <or= 2. Left- and right-sided strokes were compared for outcome and its predictors.

RESULT

Of 70 patients with median NIHSS score of 18 (IQR, 14-21), 19 (27.1%) had a good outcome. There were 21 terminal ICA and 49 MCA occlusions. There was no difference in the rate of good outcomes between left- (n = 9) and right-sided (n = 10) strokes (p = 0.99). There were no significant differences in occlusion level, age, ischemic change on initial imaging and degree of reperfusion between left- and right-sided strokes. Left-sided strokes had higher baseline NIHSS scores (p = 0.02) and lower admission SBP (p = 0.009). Independent predictors of outcome for left-sided strokes were NIHSS (p = 0.0002) and reperfusion (p = 0.006), and for right-sided strokes were age (p = 0.002) and reperfusion (p = 0.003). In univariate analysis, pre-treatment ischemic change on NCCT was associated with outcome only for left-sided strokes (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In anterior circulation proximal artery occlusions treated with IAT, hemispheric lateralization influences the clinical and imaging predictors of outcome. Most notably, NIHSS predicts outcome only for the left-sided strokes in this population. This finding has important implications for outcome prediction in the acute setting and indicates a need for stroke severity scales more sensitive to right hemispheric deficits.

SAFETY, EFFECTIVENESS, AND PRACTICALITY OF ENDOVASCULAR THERAPY WITHIN THE FIRST 3 HOURS OF ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE ONSET

OBJECTIVE

This study assesses the safety, effectiveness, and practicality of endovascular therapy for ischemic stroke within the first 3 hours of symptom onset.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review (January 2000–July 2008) was performed of 94 consecutive patients who had endovascular therapy within 3 hours after acute ischemic stroke onset. Endovascular therapy was administered in patients in whom intravenous (IV) thrombolysis failed or was contraindicated. Outcome measures analyzed were recanalization rate, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) rate, procedural complications, modified Rankin Scale score, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and mortality rate.

RESULTS

The study included 41 male and 53 female patients with a mean age of 68 years (age range, 13–98 years). The mean NIHSS score at the time of admission was 14.7. Eight-three patients had anterior circulation ischemic events, and 11 had posterior circulation ischemic events. The cause was determined to be arterioembolic in 21 patients (22%), cardioembolic in 45 (48%), arterial dissection in 2, left-to-right cardiac shunt in 1, and unknown in 25 (27%). Endovascular interventions included intra-arterial (IA) pharmacological thrombolysis (n = 44), mechanical thrombolysis (Merci Retrieval System, intracranial or extracranial stent, microwire) (n = 79), and intracranial or extracranial angioplasty (n = 32) in various combinations. The mean time from stroke onset to angiogram was 72 minutes. Thirteen patients received a half dose (n = 8) or full dose (n = 5) of IV thrombolysis (tissue plasminogen activator [tPA]) in conjunction with endovascular therapy. Twenty-two patients received IA or IV adjunctive glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (eptifibatide). Partial-to-complete recanalization (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction scale score of 2 or 3) was achieved in 62 of 89 of patients (70%) presenting with significant occlusion (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction scale score of 0 or 1). Postprocedure symptomatic ICH occurred in 5 patients (5.3%), which was purely subarachnoid hemorrhage in 3 patients. Of these, 2 received IA tPA in conjunction with Merci Retrieval System passes; the others each received IA tPA, mechanical thrombectomy (guidewire), or extracranial angioplasty. The total mortality rate including procedural mortality, progression of disease, and other comorbidities was 26.6%. Sixteen patients (17%) were discharged home, 49 (52%) to rehabilitation, and 4 (4%) to long-term care facilities. Overall, 36.7% had a modified Rankin Scale score of 2 or less at discharge. The mean NIHSS score at discharge was 6.5, representing an overall 8-point improvement on the NIHSS.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular therapy within the first 3 hours of stroke symptom onset in patients in whom IV tPA therapy is contraindicated or fails is safe, effective, and practical. The risk of symptomatic ICH is low and should be viewed relative to the poor prognosis in this group of patients.

Endovascular approaches to acute stroke, part 2: a comprehensive review of studies and trials

Reperfusion remains the mainstay of acute ischemic stroke treatment. Endovascular therapy has become a promising alternative for patients who are ineligible for or have failed intravenous (IV) thrombolysis. The conviction that recanalization of properly selected patients is essential for the achievement of good clinical outcomes has led to the rapid and widespread growth in the adoption of endovascular stroke therapies. However, comparisons of the recent reperfusion studies have brought into question the strength of the association between revascularization and improved clinical outcome. Despite higher rates of recanalization, the mechanical thrombectomy studies have demonstrated substantially lower rates of good outcomes compared with IV and/or intra-arterial thrombolytic trials. However, such analyses disregard important differences in clot location and burden, baseline stroke severity, time from stroke onset to treatment, and patient selection in these studies. Many clinical trials are testing novel devices and drugs as well as the paradigm of physiology-based stroke imaging as a treatment-selection tool. The objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the relevant past, current, and upcoming data on endovascular stroke therapy with a special focus on the prospective studies and randomized clinical trials.

Endovascular approaches to acute stroke, part 1: Drugs, devices, and data

Despite years of research and pioneering clinical work, stroke remains a massive public health concern. Since 1996, we have lived in the era of US Food and Drug Administration-approved intravenous (i.v.) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA). This treatment, despite its promise, continues to exhibit its limitations. Endovascular therapy has several theoretic advantages over i.v. rtPA, including site specificity, longer treatment windows, and higher recanalization rates. In this article, we will review the various pharmacologic strategies for acute stroke treatment, providing both a historic context and the state of the art. The drugs will be classified on the basis of their theoretic rationale for therapy. Next, we will review the various devices and strategies for mechanical revascularization with an aim toward comprehensiveness. These range from wire disruption of thrombus to preclinical trials for novel mechanical solutions. This first installment of this 2-part series will end with an analysis of retrograde reperfusion techniques.

Prior statin use, intracranial hemorrhage, and outcome after intra-arterial thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There are only limited data on whether prior statin use and/or cholesterol levels are associated with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and outcome after intra-arterial thrombolysis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of statin pretreatment and cholesterol levels with the overall frequency of ICH, the frequency of symptomatic ICH, and clinical outcome at 3 months.

METHODS

We analyzed 311 consecutive patients (mean age, 63 years; 43% women) who received intra-arterial thrombolysis.

RESULTS

Statin pretreatment was present in 18%. The frequency of any ICH was 20.6% and of symptomatic ICH 4.8%. Patients with any ICH were more often taking statins (30% versus 15%, P=0.005), more often had atrial fibrillation (45% versus 30%, P=0.016), had more severe strokes (mean National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score 16.5 versus 14.7, P=0.022), and less often good collaterals (16% versus 24%, P=0.001). Patients with symptomatic ICH were more often taking statins (40% versus 15%, P=0.009) and had less often good collaterals (0% versus 24%, P<0.001). Any ICH or symptomatic ICH were not associated with cholesterol levels. After multivariate analysis, the frequency of any ICH remained independently associated with previous statin use (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.53 to 6.39; P=0.004), atrial fibrillation (OR, 2.5; CI, 1.35 to 4.75; P=0.004), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (OR, 1.1; CI, 1.00 to 1.10; P=0.037), and worse collaterals (OR, 1.7; CI, 1.19 to 2.42; P=0.004). There was no association of outcome with prior statin use, total cholesterol level, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level.

CONCLUSIONS

Prior statin use, but not cholesterol levels on admission, is associated with a higher frequency of any ICH after intra-arterial thrombolysis without impact on outcome.

Endovascular intervention for acute thromboembolic stroke in young patients: an ideal population for aggressive intervention?

Object

Endovascular treatment of acute thromboembolic stroke is a rapidly developing field that appears to hold great promise. Young patients may be particularly suited to benefit from endovascular acute stroke therapy. The authors sought to identify outcomes in young patients with thromboembolic stroke who underwent endovascular intervention.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed a prospectively collected endovascular intervention registry of patients with ischemic strokes treated at a single large-volume institution between December 2000 and June 2007 to identify patients 18–35 years of age who were treated for thromboembolic stroke. Data are presented as the mean ± standard deviation unless otherwise noted.

Results

Seven young patients underwent 8 consecutive endovascular interventions for thromboembolic stroke (mean age 26 ± 6 years; 5 women). The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at presentation was 13 ± 4.3 (median 13). All patients presented within 6 hours of symptom onset. Revascularization was attempted with mechanical thrombectomy/disruption, intraarterial thrombolysis, and/or angioplasty, with or without stent placement.

The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge was 2.2 ± 1.5 (median 1.5), with 5 patients (62.5%) achieving independence at discharge (mRS Score 0–2). There were no deaths. Hospital length of stay was 6.5 ± 3.7 days (4.4 ± 1.5 days for patients with an mRS score of 0–2; 10 ± 3.6 days for patients with an mRS score of 4). All patients became independent and had reached an mRS score of ≤ 2 at last follow-up evaluation (29 ± 25 months).

Conclusions

The data demonstrate the relative safety of endovascular intervention in young patients with thromboembolic cerebral ischemia and may suggest a potential benefit in outcome. Further investigation is indicated with larger numbers of patients and an appropriate control population.

Vertebrobasilar recanalization after 12 h of onset using balloon expandable stent and thrombolysis

Basilar artery (BA) thrombosis is a severe condition that has a high percentage of mortality if no treatment is performed. Recanalization is the most successful way of reducing mortality and improving outcome in patients with BA thrombosis. We present a case of a patient that presented to our hospital 12 h after onset of symptoms in which a combination of techniques were used to perform a vertebrobasilar recanalization.

Guidelines for the Early Management of Adults With Ischemic Stroke

Purpose— Our goal is to provide an overview of the current evidence about components of the evaluation and treatment of adults with acute ischemic stroke. The intended audience is physicians and other emergency healthcare providers who treat patients within the first 48 hours after stroke. In addition, information for healthcare policy makers is included.

Methods— Members of the panel were appointed by the American Heart Association Stroke Council’s Scientific Statement Oversight Committee and represented different areas of expertise. The panel reviewed the relevant literature with an emphasis on reports published since 2003 and used the American Heart Association Stroke Council’s Levels of Evidence grading algorithm to rate the evidence and to make recommendations. After approval of the statement by the panel, it underwent peer review and approval by the American Heart Association Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee. It is intended that this guideline be fully updated in 3 years.

Results— Management of patients with acute ischemic stroke remains multifaceted and includes several aspects of care that have not been tested in clinical trials. This statement includes recommendations for management from the first contact by emergency medical services personnel through initial admission to the hospital. Intravenous administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator remains the most beneficial proven intervention for emergency treatment of stroke. Several interventions, including intra-arterial administration of thrombolytic agents and mechanical interventions, show promise. Because many of the recommendations are based on limited data, additional research on treatment of acute ischemic stroke is needed.

Guidelines for the early management of adults with ischemic stroke: a guideline from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Stroke Council, Clinical Cardiology Council, Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention Council, and the Atherosclerotic Peripheral Vascular Disease and Quality of Care Outcomes in Research Interdisciplinary Working Groups: the American Academy of Neurology affirms the value of this guideline as an educational tool for neurologists

PURPOSE

Our goal is to provide an overview of the current evidence about components of the evaluation and treatment of adults with acute ischemic stroke. The intended audience is physicians and other emergency healthcare providers who treat patients within the first 48 hours after stroke. In addition, information for healthcare policy makers is included.

METHODS

Members of the panel were appointed by the American Heart Association Stroke Council's Scientific Statement Oversight Committee and represented different areas of expertise. The panel reviewed the relevant literature with an emphasis on reports published since 2003 and used the American Heart Association Stroke Council's Levels of Evidence grading algorithm to rate the evidence and to make recommendations. After approval of the statement by the panel, it underwent peer review and approval by the American Heart Association Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee. It is intended that this guideline be fully updated in 3 years.

RESULTS

Management of patients with acute ischemic stroke remains multifaceted and includes several aspects of care that have not been tested in clinical trials. This statement includes recommendations for management from the first contact by emergency medical services personnel through initial admission to the hospital. Intravenous administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator remains the most beneficial proven intervention for emergency treatment of stroke. Several interventions, including intra-arterial administration of thrombolytic agents and mechanical interventions, show promise. Because many of the recommendations are based on limited data, additional research on treatment of acute ischemic stroke is needed.

Successful Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Immediate Postpartum Period: Case Report

Stroke in pregnancy and the puerperium is a rare but potentially devastating event. We present the case of a previously healthy woman who underwent a cesarean delivery and experienced a middle cerebral artery thrombosis in the immediate postpartum period that was subsequently lysed with intra-arterial urokinase. The patient made a complete neurologic recovery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of successful intra-arterial thrombolysis for ischemic stroke in the postpartum period.

Multimodal Reperfusion Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose— Endovascular therapies using mechanical and pharmacological modalities for large vessel occlusions in acute stroke are rapidly evolving. Our aim was to determine whether one modality is associated with higher recanalization rates.

Methods— We retrospectively reviewed 168 consecutive patients treated with intra-arterial (IA) therapy for acute ischemic stroke between May 1999 and November 15, 2005. Demographic, clinical, radiographic, angiographic, and procedural notes were reviewed. Recanalization was defined as achieving thrombolysis in myocardial infarction 2 or 3 flow after intervention. A logistic regression model was constructed to determine independent predictors of successful recanalization.

Results— A total of 168 patients were reviewed with a mean age of 64±13 years and mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 17±4. Recanalization was achieved in 106 (63%) patients. Independent predictors of recanalization include: the combination of IA thrombolytics and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (odds ratio [OR], 2.9 [95% CI, 1.04 to 6.7]; P <0.048), intracranial stent placement with angioplasty (OR, 4.8 [95% CI, 1.8 to 10.0]; P <0.001), or extracranial stent placement with angioplasty (OR, 4.2 [95% CI, 1.4 to 9.8]; P <0.014). Lesions at the terminus of the internal carotid artery were recalcitrant to revascularization (OR, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.16 to 0.73]; P value 0.006).

Conclusions— Intracranial or extracranial stenting or combination therapy with IA thrombolytics and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in the setting of multimodal therapy is associated with successful recanalization in patients treated with multimodal endovascular reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke.