Isolated Striatocapsular Infarcts after Endovascular Treatment of Acute Proximal Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusions: Prevalence, Enabling Factors, and Clinical Outcome

Movement disorders following mechanical thrombectomy resulting in ischemic lesions of the basal ganglia: An emerging clinical entity

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Post-stroke movement disorders (PMDs) following ischemic lesions of the basal ganglia (BG) are a known entity, but data regarding their incidence are lacking. Ischemic strokes secondary to proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion treated with thrombectomy represent a model of selective damage to the BG. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and features of movement disorders after selective BG ischemia in patients with successfully reperfused acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

METHODS

We enrolled 64 consecutive subjects with AIS due to proximal MCA occlusion treated with thrombectomy. Patients were clinically evaluated by a movement disorders specialist for PMDs onset at baseline, and after 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

None of the patients showed an identifiable movement disorder in the subacute phase of the stroke. At 6 and 12 months, respectively, 7/25 (28%) and 7/13 (53.8%) evaluated patients developed PMDs. The clinical spectrum of PMDs encompassed parkinsonism, dystonia and chorea, either isolated or combined. In most patients, symptoms were contralateral to the lesion, although a subset of patients presented with bilateral involvement and prominent axial signs.

CONCLUSION

Post-stroke movement disorders are not uncommon in long-term follow-up of successfully reperfused AIS. Follow-up conducted by a multidisciplinary team is strongly advisable in patients with selective lesions of the BG after AIS, even if asymptomatic at discharge.

Dysphagia assessment in ischemic stroke after mechanical thrombectomy: When and how?

Background

Dysphagia is a frequent symptom in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Endovascular treatment (EVT) has become the standard of care for acute stroke secondary to large vessel occlusion. Although standardized guidelines for poststroke dysphagia (PSD) management exist, they do not account for this setting in which patients receive EVT under general anesthesia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate PSD prevalence and severity, as well as an appropriate time point for the PSD evaluation, in patients undergoing EVT under general anesthesia (GA).

Methods

We prospectively included 54 AIS patients undergoing EVT under GA. Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) was performed within 24 h post-extubation in all patients. Patients presenting significant PSD received a second FEES-assessment to determine the course of dysphagia deficits over time. Dysphagia severity was rated according the Fiberoptic Dysphagia Severity Scale (FEDSS).

Results

At first FEES (FEES 1) assessment, performed in the median 13 h (IQR 5-17) post-extubation, 49/54 patients (90.7%) with dysphagia were observed with a median FEDSS of 4 (IQR 3-6). Severe dysphagia requiring tube feeding was identified in 28/54 (51.9%) subjects, whereas in 21 (38.9%) patients early oral diet with certain food restrictions could be initiated. In the follow up FEES examination conducted in the median 72 h (IQR 70-97 h) after initial FEES 34/49 (69.4%) patients still presented PSD. Age (p = 0.030) and ventilation time (p = 0.035) were significantly associated with the presence of PSD at the second FEES evaluation. Significant improvement of dysphagia frequency (p = 0.006) and dysphagia severity (p = 0.001) could be detected between the first and second dysphagia assessment.

Conclusions

PSD is a frequent finding both immediately within 24 h after extubation, as well as in the short-term course. In contrast to common clinical practice, to delay evaluation of swallowing for at least 24 h post-extubation, we recommend a timely assessment of swallowing function after extubation, as 50% of patients were safe to begin oral intake. Given the high amount of severe dysphagic symptoms, we strongly recommend application of instrumental swallowing diagnostics due to its higher sensitivity, when compared to clinical swallowing examination. Furthermore, advanced age, as well as prolonged intubation, were identified as significant predictors for delayed recovery of swallowing function.

Delayed CTP-Derived Deep Venous Outflow: A Novel Predictor of Striatocapsular Infarction after M1 Thrombectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Isolated striatocapsular infarction occurs commonly in patients with ischemic stroke following M1 thrombectomy. We aimed to explore the correlation between CTP-derived parameters of deep venous outflow at presentation and subsequent striatocapsular infarction in a retrospective cohort of such patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TTP and peak enhancement were measured on CTP-derived time-attenuation curves of the internal cerebral and thalamostriate veins bilaterally. The difference in TTP (ΔTTP) and the relative decrease in venous enhancement between the ischemic and normal sides were calculated. NCCT performed 24 (SD, 12) hours postthrombectomy was used to determine tissue fate in the caudate head, caudate body, lentiform nucleus, and internal capsule. Striatocapsular ischemia (striatocapsular infarction-positive) was defined as infarction and striatocapsular injury as either infarction, contrast enhancement, or hemorrhagic transformation in ≥1 of these regions. A striatocapsular ischemia score was calculated (0 = no ischemic region, 1 = 1 ischemic region, 2 = ≥2 ischemic regions).

RESULTS

One hundred sixteen patients were included in the analysis. Sixty-one patients had striatocapsular infarction (striatocapsular infarction-positive). The mean thalamostriate ΔTTP was 1.95 (SD, 1.9) seconds for patients positive for striatocapsular infarction and 0.79 (SD, 2.1) for patients negative for it (P = .010). Results were similar for striatocapsular injury. The mean thalamostriate ΔTTP was 0.79 (SD, 2.1), 1.68 (SD, 1.4), and 2.05 (SD, 2) for striatocapsular infarction scores of 0, 1, and 2, respectively (P = .030).

CONCLUSIONS

CTP-derived thalamostriate ΔTTP is an excellent surrogate marker for striatocapsular infarction in patients post-M1 thrombectomy. The novel approach of extracting venous outflow parameters from CTP has numerous potential applications and should be further explored.

Incidence, outcomes, and associated factors of isolated striatocapsular infarct after mechanical thrombectomy

OBJECTIVE

To describe baseline and procedural characteristics and clinical outcomes of isolated striatocapsular infarct (iSCI) after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with large-vessel occlusion of the anterior cerebral circulation and its clinical outcome.

METHODS

We performed a longitudinal study including all patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy at our centre between 2015 and 2017; patients were divided into 2 groups (iSCI and non-iSCI) according to whether they presented iSCI in a control CT scan at 24 hours.

RESULTS

Of the 83 patients identified, 22.9% developed an iSCI. There were no statically significant differences in baseline characteristics or in reperfusion times. Patients presenting iSCI showed better collateral circulation and better reperfusion rates in the bivariate analysis. No significant difference was observed for mortality at discharge or at 3 months, or for functional prognosis at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Even if successful reperfusion is achieved, iSCI is a common sequela, independently of reperfusion time, especially in patients with good collateral circulation.

Incidence, outcomes, and associated factors of isolated striatocapsular infarct after mechanical thrombectomy

OBJECTIVES

To describe baseline and procedural characteristics and clinical outcomes of isolated striatocapsular infarct (iSCI) after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with large-vessel occlusion of the anterior cerebral circulation andits clinical outcome.

METHODS

We performed a longitudinal study including all patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy at our centre between 2015 and 2017; patients were divided into 2 groups (iSCI and non-iSCI) according to whether they presented iSCI in a control CT scan at 24h.

RESULTS

Of the 83 patients identified, 22.9% developed an iSCI. There were no statically significant differences in baseline characteristics or in reperfusion times. Patients presenting iSCI showed better collateral circulation and better reperfusion rates in the bivariate analysis. No significant difference was observed for mortality at discharge or at 3 months, or for functional prognosis at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Even if successful reperfusion is achieved, iSCI is a common sequela, independently of reperfusion time, especially in patients with good collateral circulation.

Basal Ganglia versus Peripheral Infarcts: Predictive Value of Early Fiber Alterations

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Impairment of fiber integrity of the corticospinal tract in the subacute and chronic phases after ischemic stroke has been linked to poor motor outcome. The aim of the study was an assessment of fiber integrity in the acute poststroke phase and an evaluation of its association with the clinical course dependent on the infarction pattern (subtypes: peripheral versus basal ganglia infarction).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients who underwent mechanical recanalization of a large-vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation and postinterventional DTI were included (n = 165). The fractional anisotropy index of the patient-specific corticospinal tract within the posterior limb of the internal capsule was correlated to clinical parameters (NIHSS scores/mRS at 90 days), and the interaction of stroke subtype (peripheral infarcts versus basal ganglia infarction) was tested in a moderation analysis.

RESULTS

The fractional anisotropy index was reduced in the acute poststroke phase with a correlation to clinical presentation, especially in case of peripheral infarcts (eg, with the NIHSS motor subscore: r = -0.4, P < .001). This correlation was absent for basal ganglia infarction (r = -0.008, P > .05). There was a significant association between the fractional anisotropy index and clinical outcome (mRS after 90 days, P < .01), which is moderated by stroke subtype with significant effects only for peripheral infarcts.

CONCLUSIONS

Corticospinal tract abnormalities can be observed in the early stage after mechanical recanalization and have prognostic capacity. This finding increases the clinical value of early DTI imaging parameters. Because the effects observed were limited to peripheral infarcts, further and longitudinal evaluation of fiber integrities within basal ganglia infarction is required.

Endovascular coil embolization of proximal middle cerebral artery aneurysms has better outcomes than other middle cerebral artery aneurysms: A retrospective study

Purpose

Although some authors proposed that coil embolization in middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms is a useful and effective alternative, the characteristics of the aneurysms may be different at each location. We compared the results of coil embolization of proximal middle cerebral artery aneurysms with those of other middle cerebral artery aneurysms.

Methods

Data from 46 patients with 50 aneurysms were retrospectively evaluated. We defined the aneurysms inside of the insular cortex as proximal MCA (pMCA) aneurysms and those outside of the insular cortex as non-proximal MCA (npMCA) aneurysms. The results of the occlusion were divided into classes 1, 2, and 3 of the Raymond scale. We collected the results of the occlusion from the operative notes supplied by a neuroendovascular specialist.

Results

Univariate analysis identified favorable results for pMCA aneurysms (class 1: pMCA = 22 npMCA = 11; P < 0.01). In the radiological follow-up results, we achieved class 1 in 29 patients (69%; pMCA = 21 and npMCA = 8; P < 0.01). Side wall type aneurysms (pMCA = 14, npMCA = 2; P < 0.01) and the number of branches from the neck of ≤1 (pMCA = 14, npMCA = 2; P < 0.01) were significantly recognized at the pMCA.

Conclusions

Proximal middle cerebral artery aneurysm clipping is difficult because the origin of the lenticulostriate arteries is often hidden behind the aneurysmal dome. In the present study, endovascular coil embolization for pMCA aneurysms obtained better results than that for npMCA aneurysms because of the morphological characteristics. Endovascular coil embolization seems to be efficacious for pMCA aneurysms as compared with npMCA aneurysms.

Clinical RoPE (cRoPE) score predicts patent foramen ovale detection among stroke patients: a multicenter observational study

BACKGROUD

The role of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in cryptogenic stroke (CS) is debated. Tools to predict PFO occurrence and attributable fraction are needed to guide cost-effective diagnostics and treatment. Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE) score relies on neuroimaging findings, which might be inconclusive in up to 30% of cases.

METHODS

We developed a clinical-based easy tool to predict the presence and attributable fraction of PFO in CS patients, without using neuroimaging. The clinical RoPE (cRoPE) score, ranging 1-10, was elaborated through Delphi method from the original RoPE score, replacing cortical infarction with the Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project (OCSP) classification (lacunar stroke = 0 points, other subtypes = 1 point). Then, from the SISIFO (Studio Italiano di prevalenza nello Stroke Ischemico di pervietà del Forame Ovale, or Prevalence of Patent Foramen Ovale in Ischemic Stroke in Italy) study, a multicenter, prospective study on consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients (n = 1130) classified by Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) and OCSP criteria and undergoing PFO testing, we selected the VV-CDC cohort (Vibo Valentia, Città di Castello, n = 323) to test the accuracy of cRoPE in predicting PFO detection. We compared cRoPE with RoPE to verify cRoPE reliability. Finally, we tested, through ROC analysis, the performance of cRoPE depending on TOAST classification.

RESULTS

Overall, PFO was detected in 21% in VV-CDC and in 23.4% in remaining SISIFO cohort (n = 807). cRoPE_AUC and RoPE_AUC were similar in VV-CDC. cRoPE performance was comparable with RoPE among CS (cRoPE_AUC 0.76, 95%CI 0.67-0.85, RoPE_AUC 0.75, 95%CI 0.66-0.84). Moving to the remaining SISIFO cohort, cRoPE confirmed satisfactory accuracy in predicting PFO detection in CS patients (cRoPE_AUC 0.71, 95%CI 0.66-0.78, p = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

Conclusions: cRoPE might help in stratification of patients with CS, allowing accurate esteem of the likelihood of PFO to be found, especially in cases when neuroimaging is inconclusive.

Recanalization is the Key for Better Outcome of Thrombectomy in Basilar Artery Occlusion

PURPOSE

Patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) were excluded from previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of endovascular treatment (ET) for acute ischemic stroke, but are commonly treated in clinical practice. This study aimed at analyzing predictors of functional outcome of ET in patients with BAO to improve patient selection for ET.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with BAO who received ET over a 2-year time period were prospectively studied. Baseline characteristics, procedural and outcome data were evaluated. Outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 90 days after stroke. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of outcome across the range of the mRS, of poor outcome (mRS 5-6) and independent outcome (mRS 0-2).

RESULTS

A total of 39 patients with BAO (median age: 75 years, 67% male) were included. Median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 24. Intravenous thrombolysis therapy (IVT) was administered in 56%. Successful recanalization assessed by a modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score ≥2b was achieved in 82%. Independent outcome was observed in 30% of patients with successful recanalization, but in no patient with failed recanalization. Poor outcome was observed in 47% and 86%, respectively. Successful recanalization was associated with lower scores on the mRS at 90 days (p = 0.035), and failed recanalization was associated with an odds ratio of 13.6 for poor outcome (p = 0.036).

CONCLUSION

Reperfusion is the major predictor of functional outcome in BAO in clinical practice. Failed recanalization resulted in a 13-fold increase of the risk of poor outcome. Successful recanalization is crucial to achieve a better functional outcome in BAO.

24-Hour Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Monitoring of Acute Ischaemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Thrombolysis or Thrombectomy: A Pilot Study

INTRODUCTION

Monitoring of acute ischaemic stroke patients during thrombolysis or thrombectomy is based mostly on frequent physical examinations, since no objective measurement of cerebrovascular haemodynamics is available in routine clinical practice. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a bed-side, noninvasive assessment tool that could help monitor these patients and potentially guide therapeutic interventions. Our goal in this pilot study was to investigate whether NIRS is a suitable method to monitor leptomeningeal collateral circulation via changes in cortical oxygen saturation in the first 24 hours of acute ischaemic stroke.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our study included 5 patients with acute anterior circulation infarcts. All patients received thrombolytic therapy and 1 had thrombectomy. 24-hour continuous NIRS monitoring was performed on all participants.

RESULTS

We aimed to give a detailed description of each NIRS recording and explain how the observed findings could correlate with changes in anterior watershed territory collateral circulation and clinical outcome.

CONCLUSION

Our pilot study supports the use of NIRS monitoring in acute ischaemic stroke. We believe that this technique could provide real-time information on the dynamic changes of leptomeningeal collateral circulation and help monitor the effects of thrombolysis and thrombectomy.

Cortical Vein Opacification for Risk Stratification in Anterior Circulation Endovascular Thrombectomy

INTRODUCTION

There is continued interest in identifying factors that predict a favorable outcome after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (ACLVO). We compared the predictive values of 2 different scoring systems for evaluating venous collateral circulation.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who underwent EVT for ACLVO at a single institution was performed. Those who underwent preprocedural computed tomography angiography (CTA) were selected. The Cortical Vein Opacification Score (COVES) and Prognostic Evaluation based on Cortical vein score difference In Stroke (PRECISE) score were calculated from each patient's CTA. Our primary outcome of interest was the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days.

RESULTS

A total of 103 patients were included in the study (average age = 68.3 years, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale = 15). The mean time to reperfusion was 6.4 hours and Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2B or 3 reperfusion was achieved in 77.7% of cases. An unfavorable COVES score was significantly associated with an unfavorable (mRS 3-6) outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.06; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-8.13, P = .025), while an unfavorable PRECISE score was not (aOR: 1.02; 95% CI .37-2.80, P = .966). Based on the Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis, the COVES score had a sensitivity of 68.1%, specificity of 71.4%, and area under the curve (AUC) of .77. The PRECISE score had a sensitivity of 68.9%, specificity of 70.7%, and the AUC of .73.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVES score, but not the PRECISE score, is associated with functional outcomes at 90 days after EVT for ACLVO.

Impact of isolated basal ganglia infarction at pretreatment DWI on outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy in acute anterior circulation stroke

PURPOSE

Acute infarction confined to the basal ganglia (BG) is occasionally observed on baseline imaging before endovascular thrombectomy. This study aimed to investigate the impact of isolated BG infarction revealed on pretreatment DWI in a large cohort of patients with acute anterior circulation stroke who underwent thrombectomy.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed clinical and DWI data from 328 patients who underwent thrombectomy for emergent occlusions of the intracranial internal carotid artery or the middle cerebral artery. Characteristics and treatment outcomes were compared between patients with isolated BG infarction and those with non-isolated BG infarction. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of good outcome (90-day mRS 0-2).

RESULTS

Isolated BG infarction was found in 57 patients (17.4%). Patients with isolated BG infarction had a higher incidence of underlying severe intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (21.1% vs. 10.7%, P = 0.032) than those with non-isolated BG infarction. Successful reperfusion occurred more frequently in patients with isolated BG infarction than those with non-isolated BG infarction (93% vs. 79%, odds ratio 3.529, 95% confidence interval 1.226-10.161, P = 0.014). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent predictors of good outcome were age, DWI-ASPECTS, and admission NIHSS score. There was no significant difference in the rate of good outcome between the two groups (54.4% vs. 42.8%, P = 0.110).

CONCLUSION

Isolated BG infarction on pretreatment DWI may predict successful reperfusion after endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute anterior circulation stroke. In addition, our study suggested a novel finding that isolated BG infarction was more frequently associated with underlying severe ICAS than non-isolated BG infarction.

Surgical Treatment of Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: Aneurysm Location and Size Ratio as Risk Factors for Neurologic Worsening and Ischemic Complications

BACKGROUND

Regardless of acceptable surgical results of middle cerebral artery aneurysms (MCAs), MCA territory infarction (MCATI) remains a major obstacle to achieving a good outcome. We investigated the MCATI in patients with surgically treated MCA aneurysms.

METHODS

The data of 286 consecutive patients with 322 MCA aneurysms were evaluated retrospectively. The aneurysm location was classified as early frontal cortical branch (EFCB), early temporal cortical branch (ETCB), bifurcation or trifurcation (M1-2), and distal aneurysms on the insular, opercular, or cortical segments of the MCA (distal MCA). Neurologic worsening was defined as an increase in 1 or more modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis identified EFCB location as the sole risk factor for MCATI (odds ratio [OR], 3.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-12; P = 0.021) and MCATI (OR, 18; 95% CI, 2.8-117; P = 0.002) and a larger size ratio (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8; P = 0.019) were related to 12-month neurologic worsening (n = 6; 1.9%). During follow-up (median, 885 days; interquartile range, 485-1229 days), posttreatment rupture and aneurysm recurrence were not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, compared with M1-2 aneurysms, MCATIs were observed more frequently in EFCB aneurysms, and the presence of MCATI and a larger size ratio were related to 12-month neurologic worsening in patients with surgically treated MCA aneurysms.