Emergency admission plasma D-dimer: a novel predictor for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) is a common and severe complication in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) after treatment with thrombectomy.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the ability of admission plasma D-dimer levels to predict sICH after thrombectomy.

METHODS

Between February 2018 and August 2021, consecutive patients with AIS who underwent thrombectomy at our single comprehensive stroke center were retrospectively enrolled. sICH was defined according to the criterion of the Heidelberg Bleeding Classification. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors of sICH. The overall discriminative ability of D-dimer levels in predicting sICH was evaluated by adopting a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

Of the 395 enrolled patients, 48 (12.2%) had sICH. Patients with sICH were older (72.9 vs 69.3 years, P=0.037), more often female (62.5% vs 45.5%, P=0.027), had higher D-dimer levels (2.70 vs 0.74 mg/L, P<0.001), higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (20 vs 15, P<0.001), lower Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (8 vs 9, P<0.001), a higher proportion of internal carotid artery occlusions (56.2% vs 30.3%, P<0.001), and less commonly had large-artery atherosclerosis stroke etiology (12.5% vs 32.3%, P=0.010) than patients without sICH. After adjustment for potential confounders, D-dimer levels (adjusted OR=2.45, 95% CI 1.75 to 3.43, P<0.001) remained significantly associated with sICH. Based on the ROC, the D-dimer as a predictor for predicting sICH, presented with a specificity of 86.2%, a negative predictive value of 94.6%, and an area under the curve of 0.774.

CONCLUSION

Elevated admission D-dimer levels are an independent predictor of sICH in patients with AIS after thrombectomy.

Micro-guidewire electrocoagulation for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms that are inaccessible by microcatheterization: a case series and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

The use of traditional endovascular techniques for aneurysms that are difficult to catheterize is challenging. We present our experience of using micro-guidewire electrocoagulation for the treatment of aneurysms that were inaccessible by a microcatheter.

METHODS

Seven consecutive patients who underwent endovascular electrocoagulation for the treatment of aneurysms between January 2020 and May 2022 were retrospectively included. Patient demographics, treatment procedures, and follow-up outcomes were assessed. A review of the literature was also performed.

RESULTS

All of the seven treated aneurysms were ruptured, and micro-guidewire electrocoagulation was only conducted if the microcatheter could not advance into the aneurysm or parent artery. After electrocoagulation for 1-4 min, all seven aneurysms disappeared on contrast angiography. Parent artery occlusion was observed in six cases, and post-procedure infarctions of the operating region were identified in three patients. The 3-month follow-up modified Rankin Scale score was 0 in all except one patient. Follow-up angiography was available in six patients, and complete obliteration of the aneurysm was observed in all of them. With a mean follow-up time of 13.6 months, there was no rebleeding in any of the cases. To date, there are only eight published cases of aneurysms treated using micro-guidewire electrocoagulation, and seven of them achieved total occlusion of the aneurysm without neurological deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular electrocoagulation is practicable and effective for the treatment of aneurysms that are inaccessible by a microcatheter during short-term observation. Studies on larger populations are needed to further confirm the safety and long-term outcomes for this technique.

ASPECTS-based net water uptake outperforms target mismatch for outcome prediction in patients with acute ischemic stroke and late therapeutic window

OBJECTIVE

To compare the prognostic value of net water uptake (NWU) and target mismatch (TM) on CT perfusion (CTP) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with late time window.

METHODS

One hundred and nine consecutive AIS patients with anterior-circulation large vessel occlusion presenting within 6-24 h from onset/last seen well were enrolled. Automated Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score-based NWU (ASPECTS-NWU) was calculated from admission CT. The correlation between ASPECTS-NWU and CTP parameters was assessed. Predictors for favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2) at 90 days were assessed using logistic regression analysis. The ability of outcome prediction between ASPECTS-NWU and TM (an ischemic core < 70 mL, a mismatch ratio ≥ 1.8, and an absolute difference ≥ 15 mL) was compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

A higher level of ASPECTS-NWU was associated with a larger ischemic core (r = 0.66, p < 0.001) and a larger hypoperfusion volume (r = 0.38, p < 0.001). ASPECTS-NWU performed better than TM for outcome stratification (area under the curve [AUC], 0.738 vs 0.583, p = 0.004) and was the only independent neuroimaging marker associated with favorable outcomes compared with CTP parameters (odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62-0.87, p < 0.001). An outcome prediction model including ASPECTS-NWU and clinical variables (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores and age) yielded an AUC of 0.828 (95% CI 0.744-0.893; sensitivity 65.4%; specificity 87.7%).

CONCLUSION

ASPECTS-NWU performed better than TM for outcome prediction in AIS patients with late time window and might be an alternative imaging biomarker to CTP for patient selection.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Automated Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score-based net water uptake outperforms target mismatch on CT perfusion for the outcome prediction in patients with acute ischemic stroke and can be an alternative imaging biomarker for patient selection in late therapeutic window.

KEY POINTS

• A higher ASPECTS-based net water uptake was associated with larger ischemic cores and hypoperfusion volumes on CT perfusion. • ASPECTS-based net water uptake outperformed target mismatch for outcome prediction in acute ischemic stroke with extended therapeutic window. • ASPECTS-based net water uptake can be an alternative biomarker to target mismatch for selecting acute ischemic stroke patients with late therapeutic window.

Endovascular recanalization for symptomatic chronic internal carotid artery occlusion: proposal of a modified angiographic classification and clinical outcomes

PURPOSE

To stratify angiographic images of chronic internal carotid artery occlusion (CICAO) into a newly modified angiographic classification, and identify suitable candidates for endovascular recanalization.

METHODS

This study included 51 consecutive patients with symptomatic CICAO who underwent endovascular recanalization at our institution. Patients' clinical information, angiographic findings, procedural results, and outcomes were recorded. We attempted to stratify all angiographic images into categories based on morphological occlusive patterns and distal internal carotid artery (ICA) lumen reconstitution on digital subtraction angiography (DSA).

RESULTS

Four types (I-IV) of CICAO were identified based on angiographic characteristics. We defined type I as having a tapered (IA) or blunt stump (IB) and distal ICA lumen reconstitution with collateral filling; type II as having no stump but with distal ICA lumen reconstitution; type III as having a tapered (IIIA) or blunt stump (IIIB) but no distal ICA lumen reconstitution; type IV as having no stump and no distal ICA lumen reconstitution. The rate of successful recanalization was 90.3 % for type I, 60.0 % for type II, 50.0 % for type III, 0 % for type IV, respectively (P = 0.002). The overall intraoperative complication rate was 11.8 %, and none of them led to severe neurological damage or death. The follow-up modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were significantly decreased in successfully revascularized patients, whilst there were no significant changes in the other failed patients.

CONCLUSION

For symptomatic CICAO, our newly modified angiographic classification may be comprehensive and useful in selecting suitable patients for recanalization and grading the difficulty of the procedures.

Subcortical infarcts on admission CTP predict poor outcome despite excellent reperfusion in delayed time windows

PURPOSE

The effect of pretreatment infarct location on clinical outcome after successful mechanical thrombectomy is not understood. Our aim was to evaluate the association between computed tomography perfusion (CTP)-based ischemic core location and clinical outcome following excellent reperfusion in late time windows.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent thrombectomy for acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion in late time windows from October 2019 to June 2021 and enrolled 65 patients with visible ischemic core on admission CTP who had received excellent reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade 2c/3). Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale score of 3-6 at 90 days. The ischemic core infarct territories were classified into the cortical and subcortical areas. Multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used in this study.

RESULTS

Of the 65 patients analyzed, 38 (58.5%) had a poor outcome. Multivariable logistic analysis showed that the subcortical infarcts (OR 11.75; 95% CI 1.79-77.32; P = 0.010) and their volume (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.04-1.32; P = 0.011) were independently associated with poor outcome. The ROC curve indicated the capacity of the subcortical infarct involvement (areas under the curve (AUC) = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.53-0.77, P < 0.001) and subcortical infarct volume (AUC = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.60-0.83, P < 0.001) in predicting poor outcome accurately.

CONCLUSION

Subcortical infarcts and their volume on admission CTP are associated with poor outcome after excellent reperfusion in late time windows, rather than cortical infarcts.

Effect of Truncal-Type Occlusion Based on Multiphase or Single-Phase Computed Tomographic Angiography in Predicting Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis-Related Acute Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether truncal-type occlusion based on multiphase computed tomographic angiography (mpCTA) was more effective for predicting intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis-related occlusion (ICAS-O) than occlusion type based on single-phase computed tomographic angiography (spCTA) in patients with acute ischemic stroke with large-vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA).

METHODS

Data were retrospectively collected from 72 patients with AIS-LVO in the MCA between January 2018 and December 2019. The occlusion types included truncal-type and branching-site occlusions. The association between ICAS-O and occlusion type based on the 2 computed tomographic angiography patterns was analyzed, and receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted for assessment. The areas under the curve were compared to determine the difference between the predictive powers of truncal-type occlusion based on mpCTA and spCTA.

RESULTS

Among the 72 patients, 16 were classified as having ICAS-O and 56 as having embolisms. In univariate analysis, truncal-type occlusion was significantly associated with ICAS-O (P < 0.001 for mpCTA and P = 0.001 for spCTA). After multivariable analysis, truncal-type occlusion based on both mpCTA and spCTA remained independently associated with ICAS-O (P = 0.002 for mpCTA and P = 0.029 for spCTA). The areas under the curve were 0.821 for mpCTA and 0.683 for spCTA; this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with AIS-LVO in the MCA, truncal-type occlusion based on mpCTA enables more accurate detection of ICAS-O than that based on spCTA.

[Related factors of negative conversion time of nucleic acid in children with COVID-19]

Objective: To explore the related factors of negative conversion time (NCT) of nucleic acid in children with COVID-19. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 225 children who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted to Changxing Branch of Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from April 3^rd to May 31^st 2022 were enrolled in the study. The infection age, gender, viral load, basic disease, clinical symptoms and information of accompanying caregivers were retrospectively analyzed. According to age, the children were divided into<3 years of age group and 3-<18 years of age group. According to the viral nucleic acid test results, the children were divided into positive accompanying caregiver group and negative accompanying caregiver group. Comparisons between groups were performed using Mann-Whitney U test or Chi-square test. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the related factors of NCT of nucleic acid in children with COVID-19. Results: Among the 225 patients (120 boys and 105 girls) of age 2.8 (1.3, 6.2) years, 119 children <3 years and 106 children 3-<18 years of age, 19 cases were diagnosed with moderate COVID-19, and the other 206 cases were diagnosed with mild COVID-19. There were 141 patients in the positive accompanying caregiver group and 84 patients in the negative accompanying caregiver group.Patients 3-<18 years of age had a shorter NCT (5 (3, 7) vs.7 (4, 9) d, Z=-4.17, P<0.001) compared with patients <3 years of age. Patients in the negative accompanying caregiver group had a shorter NCT (5 (3, 7) vs.6 (4, 9) d,Z=-2.89,P=0.004) compared with patients in the positive accompanying caregiver group. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that anorexia was associated with NCT of nucleic acid (OR=3.74,95%CI 1.69-8.31, P=0.001). Conclusion: Accompanying caregiver with positive nucleic acid test may prolong NCT of nucleic acid, and decreased appetite may be associated with prolonged NCT of nucleic acid in children with COVID-19.

Early plasma D-dimer as a predictor of acute intracranial atherosclerosis-related large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Intracranial atherosclerosis-related large vessel occlusion (ICAS+LVO) poses an important technical challenge for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT).

PURPOSE

To evaluate the value of D-dimer in predicting ICAS+LVO alone and in combination with other clinical and imaging predictors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent EVT at our center between January 2018 and June 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified to the ICAS+LVO or ICAS-LVO group according to angiographic findings. Collateral gradings were evaluated based on computed tomography angiography and categorized as follows: score 0-1 unfavorable collaterals and score 2-3 favorable collaterals. Receiver operating characteristic curve was analyzed to evaluate the predictive value of D-dimer and the combination of other predictors for ICAS+LVO.

RESULTS

A total of 374 patients were enrolled, among them, 107 (28.6%) had an ICAS+LVO, while ICAS-LVO was determined in 267 (71.4%) patients. Median D-dimer levels were lower (0.36 vs. 1.18 mg/L; P < 0.001) while the proportion of favorable collaterals was higher (85.0% vs. 22.5%; P < 0.001) in the ICAS+LVO group than the ICAS-LVO group. After multivariable analysis, D-dimer (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.21-0.50; P < 0.001) and collaterals (adjusted OR=16.25, 95% CI=7.58-34.84; P < 0.001) remained independent predictors of ICAS+LVO. The area under the curve of D-dimer, collaterals, and combination for identification of ICAS+LVO was 0.82, 0.85, and 0.92, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Low early plasma D-dimer levels are a significant and independent predictor of ICAS+LVO, and predictive value strengthens when in a combined model using D-dimer and collateral grading.

Predictors of Futile Recanalization in Patients with Intracranial Atherosclerosis-Related Stroke Undergoing Endovascular Treatment

OBJECTIVE

The predictors of futile recanalization in patients with intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS)-related stroke are not understood. This study aimed to identify the predictors of futile recanalization after endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients who experience an acute stroke caused by ICAS-related occlusion.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with ICAS-related stroke who underwent EVT from January 2018 to July 2021. Futile recanalization was defined as functional dependence (modified Rankin scale 3-6) despite successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2 b/3). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors associated with futile recanalization. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to examine the predictive value of the risk prediction model for futile recanalization.

RESULTS

Of the 87 patients enrolled, futile recanalization was observed in 32 (36.8%). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that older age (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.10; P = 0.026), a higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.08-1.45; P = 0.003), and poor collaterals (OR, 5.49; 95% CI, 1.70-17.79; P = 0.004) were independently associated with futile recanalization after EVT in patients with ICAS-related stroke. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the model in combination with age, admission NIHSS score, and collateral status could accurately predict futile recanalization in these patients (areas under the curve, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.76-0.92; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Older age, higher NIHSS score on admission, and poor collaterals are predictors of futile recanalization in patients with ICAS-related stroke.

Higher Levels of Admission N-Terminal Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide are Associated with Delayed Cerebral Ischemia Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) greatly influences the prognosis of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We aimed to determine whether higher levels of admission N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) were related to neurogenic cardiac injury and predicted DCI occurrence in patients with aSAH.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with aSAH between January 2018 and April 2021 in our department. Patients with admission NT-pro BNP were included for analysis. The associations between admission NT-pro BNP levels and admission cardiac troponin T levels and electrocardiogram characteristics, as well as the incidence of DCI, were investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 415 patients with aSAH were included, among whom DCI occurred in 53 (12.8%). The admission NT-pro BNP levels were positively correlated with the cardiac troponin T levels and were significantly higher in patients with abnormal electrocardiogram characteristics. The admission log NT-pro BNP levels were higher in patients with DCI than in those without DCI. Multivariable analysis revealed that admission log NT-pro BNP levels and modified Fisher scale were independent predictors of the incidence of DCI. Compared with the modified Fisher scale alone (area under the curve = 0.739), combining the modified Fisher scale with admission NT-pro BNP (area under the curve = 0.794) significantly improved the prediction accuracy for DCI (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher admission levels of NT-pro BNP correlated with neurogenic cardiac injury and predicted the occurrence of DCI in patients with aSAH. A combination of the modified Fisher scale and admission NT-pro BNP significantly improved the prediction accuracy for DCI.

The J-shape Association between Total Bilirubin and Stroke in Older Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVES

To explore the relationship between total bilirubin (TBil) and stroke risk in older patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

METHODS

A total of 1,007 patients with OSAS without stroke history aged ≥ 60 years and with complete serum TBil records were enrolled in this study. The median follow-up was 42 months. Participants were divided into four groups based on the quartile of the baseline serum TBil concentration. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were used to investigate the association of TBil with the incidence of new-onset stroke.

RESULTS

The PRIMARY part: the third quantile TBil level group had the lowest prevalence of stroke among the four groups. The RCS functions depicted a J-type curve relationship between TBil (3.3-33.3 µmol/L) and stroke (nonlinear P < 0.05). When the TBil level was in the range of 3.3 to 11.5 µmol/L, the possible protective influence of bilirubin against stroke in patients with OSAS enhanced with an increasing TBil level. However, when the TBil level exceeded 11.5 µmol/L and gradually increased, the effect of TBil on stroke risk became more and more pronounced. The SECONDARY part: for every 1 µmol/L increase in TBil levels in the range of 11.5 to 33.3 µmol/L, the risk of stroke in patients with OSAS increased by 16.2% (P < 0.001). In addition, there was a higher risk in women with OSAS (hazard ratio (HR)=1.292, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.093-1.528; P = 0.003). Moreover, an increased TBil level alone was significantly associated with stroke in subjects aged < 75 years (HR: 1.190, 95%CI: 1.069-1.324), patients with mild-to-moderate OSAS (HR: 1.215, 95%CI: 1.083-1.364), and individuals without atrial fibrillation (AF) (HR: 1.179, 95%CI: 1.083-1.285) within a TBil level in the range of 11.5 to 33.3 µmol/L.

CONCLUSIONS

Both lower and higher bilirubin levels may increase the risk of stroke in older persons with OSAS, and there was a J-type dose-response relationship. The risk of stroke was lowest when the TBil level was approximately 11.5 µmol/L.

Effects of endovascular treatment and prognostic factors for recovery of oculomotor nerve palsy caused by posterior communicating artery aneurysms: a multi-center retrospective analysis

Background

Oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) may result from posterior communicating artery (PcomA) aneurysms. We aimed to evaluate the resolution of ONP after endovascular treatment with the intention of clarifying predictors of nerve recovery in a relatively large series.

Methods

A total of 211 patients with ONP caused by PcomA aneurysms underwent endovascular coiling between May 2010 and December 2020 in four tertiary hospitals. We evaluated the demographics, clinical characteristics, aneurysm morphology parameters and ONP resolution to analyze the predictors of ONP recovery using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

At the last available clinical follow-up, ONP resolution was complete in 126 (59.7%) patients, partial in 73 (34.6%) patients, and no recovery in 12 (5.7%) patients. The median resolution time after endovascular treatment was 55 days (interquartile range: 40–90 days). In multivariate analysis, degree of ONP (incomplete palsy) on admission (OR 5.396; 95% CI 2.836–10.266; P < 0.001), duration of ONP (≤ 14 days) before treatment (OR 5.940; 95% CI 2.724–12.954; P < 0.001) were statistically significant predictors of complete recovery of ONP. In the subgroup analysis of patients with unruptured aneurysms, aspirin showed a higher complete recovery rate in univariate analysis (OR 2.652; 95% CI 1.057–6.656; P = 0.038).

Conclusion

Initial incomplete ONP and early management might predict better recovery of ONP after endovascular treatment.

Balloon Angioplasty Combined with Tirofiban as a First-Line Rescue Treatment After Failed Mechanical Thrombectomy for Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion with Underlying Atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVE

The standard rescue modality for patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis after failed mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is not well established. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of balloon dilation in combination with tirofiban as the first-line salvage therapy when MT failed in these patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the records of 47 patients admitted between January 2018 and June 2021, with middle cerebral artery atherosclerotic occlusion, who underwent balloon angioplasty in combination with tirofiban as the first-line salvage therapy after the failure of MT. The recanalization outcome, procedure-related complications, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and functional outcome at 90 days were reviewed.

RESULTS

Recanalization with a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade of 2b-3 was achieved in 41 (87.2%) of the 47 patients. Acute stents were deployed in another 6 patients who did not achieve successful re-perfusion after balloon angioplasty. Successful recanalization was achieved in 3 of them. One patient (2.1%, 1/47) experienced re-occlusion several days later due to the withdrawal of antiplatelet therapy for parenchymal hematoma. Seven patients (14.9%, 7/47) underwent stent angioplasty in the stable stage (range: 1-2 months) because severe residual stenosis was detected on follow-up imaging. There was only one event of periprocedural complication, namely ectopic migration of emboli. The good functional outcome rate was 55.3% (26/47), without the events of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Balloon angioplasty in combination with tirofiban is safe and effective for middle cerebral artery atherosclerotic occlusion after the failure of MT.

Stent-assisted coiling of unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms with wide neck or unfavorable dome-to-neck ratio: Results of ventral wall vs dorsal wall with propensity score matching analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of stent-assisted coil embolization of unruptured wide-necked paraclinoid aneurysms based on the projection distribution.

METHODS

Between November 2015 and September 2020, 267 unruptured paraclinod aneurysms in 236 patients were identified with a wide neck or unfavorable dome-to-neck ratio and treated with stent-assisted coiling technique. The classification of this segment aneurysms was simplified to the dorsal group (located on the anterior wall) and ventral group (Non-dorsal). Following propensity score matching analysis, the clinical and radiographic data were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Among 267 aneurysms, 186 were located on the ventral wall and 81 were on the dorsal wall. Dorsal wall aneurysms had a larger size (p < .001), wider neck (p = .001), and higher dome-to-neck ratio (p = .023) compared with ventral wall aneurysms. Propensity score-matched analysis found that dorsal group had a significantly higher likelihood of unfavorable results in immediate (residual sac, 39.4% vs. 18.2%, p = .007) and follow-up angiography (residual sac, 14.8% vs. 1.9%, p = .037) compared with ventral group, with significant difference in recurrence rates (9.3% vs. 0%, p = .028). The rates of procedure-related complications were not significantly different, but one thromboembolic event occurred in the dorsal group with clinical deterioration.

CONCLUSIONS

Traditional stent-assisted coiling can be given preference in paraclinoid aneurysms located on the ventral wall. The relatively high rate of recurrence in dorsal wall aneurysms with stent assistance may require other treatment options.

Overlapping stents-assisted coiling for vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm: LVIS stent within Neuroform EZ stent

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Cerebral blood volume Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score predicts intracranial hemorrhage after thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke in an extended time window

BACKGROUND

Higher baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) was associated with a lower probability of hemorrhagic transformation in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

PURPOSE

To investigate the predictive value of cerebral blood volume (CBV)-ASPECTS of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in AIS treated with thrombectomy selected by computed tomographic perfusion (CTP) in an extended time window.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 91 consecutive patients with AIS with large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation after thrombectomy in an extended time window were enrolled between January 2018 and September 2019. ICH was diagnosed according to Heidelberg Bleeding Classification. CBV-ASPECTS was assessed by evaluating each ASPECTS region for relatively low CBV value compared with the mirror region in the contralateral hemisphere. Demographic characteristics, clinical data, CBV-ASPECTS, and procedure process and results were compared between patients with ICH and those without.

RESULTS

ICH occurred in 31/91 (34.1%) patients with AIS. Symptomatic ICH (sICH) was observed in 4 (4.4%) patients, while asymptomatic ICH (aICH) was seen in 27 (29.7%). In univariate analysis, both ICH and aICH were associated with high admission NIHSS score (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively), more passes of retriever (P = 0.007 and P = 0.019, respectively), low NCCT-ASPECTS (P = 0.013 and P = 0.034, respectively), and low CBV-ASPECTS (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). After multivariable analysis, low CBV-ASPECTS remained an independent predictor of ICH (odds ratio [OR] 0.521, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.371-0.732, P < 0.001) and aICH (OR 0.532, 95% CI 0.376-0.752, P < 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Low CBV-ASPECTS independently predicts ICH in patients with AIS treated with thrombectomy selected by CTP in an extended time window.

[Proteinuria associated with hookworm infection: a case report]

As a common soil-borne nematode, hookworm is mainly parasitized in the intestine, and the clinical manifestations of hookworm infections mainly include gastrointestinal symptoms and iron-deficiency anemia. In addition, hookworm may be also parasitized in other organs in addition to gastrointestinal system, resulting in development of disorders in other systems. Proteinuria caused by hookworm infections is rare and easy to be misdiagnosed in clinical practices. Hereby, the diagnosis and treatment of a case of proteinuria associated with hookworm infections was reported, in order to increase the understanding of hookworm infection-associated proteinuria among clinicians.

Prognostic value of elevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T in acute ischemic stroke patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy in late time windows

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prognostic significance of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) elevation in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the anterior circulation treated with endovascular thrombectomy (ET) in late time windows and identify the factors associated with hs-cTnT elevation.

METHODS

A total of 152 AIS patients treated with ET in late time windows between January 2018 and August 2020 were included in this study. Patients were stratified into either normal or elevated hs-cTnT groups according to a cutoff value of 14 ng/L on admission. Baseline demographic features, comorbidities, and imaging data were compared between the elevated hs-cTnT group (＞14 ng/L) and the normal hs-cTnT group (≤14 ng/L). After accounting for these clinical characteristics, the association between hs-cTnT elevation and clinical outcomes was evaluated.

RESULTS

69(45.4%) patients had elevated hs-cTnT levels (>14 ng/L) on admission. The multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that hs-cTnT elevation was independently associated with 3-month all-cause mortality (P = 0.014, OR 3.907, 95% CI 1.313-11.625) and 3-month composite unfavorable outcome (mRS 3-6) (P = 0.001, OR 5.099, 95% CI 1.873-13.888). Old age (P = 0.002, OR 1.053, 95% CI 1.020-1.088), admission NIHSS score (P = 0.015, OR 1.057, 95% CI 1.011-1.106), congestive heart failure (P = 0.016, OR 4.341, 95% CI 1.322-14.257) and coronary artery disease (P = 0.020, OR 2.914, 95% CI 1.183-7.180) were independently associated with hs-cTnT elevation.

CONCLUSION

In AIS patients treated with ET in late time windows, elevated hs-cTnT is independently associated with an increased risk of 3-month poor outcomes. Old age, high admission NIHSS score, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure are independent predictors of hs-cTnT elevation.

Outcomes between in-hospital stroke and community-onset stroke after thrombectomy: Propensity-score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

The benefit of endovascular thrombectomy for patients with in-hospital stroke remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the endovascular thrombectomy outcomes between in-hospital stroke and community-onset stroke among patients with acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

From January 2015 to July 2019, 362 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation received endovascular thrombectomy in our centre. After propensity score matching with a ratio of 1:2 (in-hospital stroke:community-onset stroke), clinical characteristics and functional outcomes were compared between in-hospital stroke and community-onset stroke groups.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients with in-hospital stroke and 72 patients with community-onset stroke were enrolled. The number of patients with New York Heart Association classification III/IV (41.7% vs. 6.9%, p < 0.001) and with underlying cancer (25.0% vs. 2.8%, p < 0.001) was higher in the in-hospital stroke than in the community-onset stroke group. The intravenous thrombolysis rate was lower in the in-hospital stroke group (13.9% vs. 43.1%, p = 0.002). No significant difference in symptom onset to puncture (p = 0.618), symptom onset to recanalisation (p = 0.618) or good reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction ≥2b) rates (p = 0.852) was found between the groups. The favourable clinical outcome trend (modified Rankin scale ≤2 at 90 days) was inferior, but acceptable, in the in-hospital stroke, group compared to the community-onset stroke group (30.6% vs. 41.7%, p = 0.262).

CONCLUSION

Patients with in-hospital stroke had more disadvantageous comorbidities than those with community-onset stroke. Cardiac dysfunction seems to be associated with poor outcomes after thrombectomy. Nevertheless, endovascular thrombectomy still appears to be safe and effective for patients with in-hospital stroke.

Intracranial hematoma following ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms: risk factors, outcome, and prognostic factors after management of coiling first

BACKGROUND

To determine the risk factors for intracranial hematoma (ICH) development following ruptured anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysms and to determine prognostic factors associated with unfavorable outcomes after coiling first.

METHODS

From March 2014 to February 2020, 235 patients with ruptured AcomA aneurysms underwent endovascular treatment in our department. The clinical and radiographic conditions were collected retrospectively. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores of ≤ 2 were accepted as favorable outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify significant factors contributing to the incidence of ICHs and to unfavorable outcomes.

RESULTS

Of these 235 patients, 68 had additional ICHs. A posterior orientation of ruptured AcomA aneurysms was the independent variable associated with the incidence of ICHs (OR 3.675; p<0.001). Furthermore, having preoperative Hunt-Hess grades Ⅳ-Ⅴ was an independent variable associated with unfavorable outcomes for ICH patients (OR 80.000; p<0.001). Among the 68 patients with ICHs, 40% (27/68) had Hunt-Hess grades IV-V. Four percent of patients (3/68) underwent surgical hematoma evacuation after the coiling procedure and 15% of the patients (10/68) underwent external ventricular drainage. A favorable outcome was achieved in 72% (49/68) of patients with ruptured AcomA aneurysms. The mortality rate was 21% (14/68) at 6 months.

CONCLUSION

A posterior orientation of ruptured AcomA aneurysms was associated with the incidence of ICHs. Coiling first with surgical management if necessary seems to be an acceptable treatment for ruptured AcomA aneurysms with ICHs. The clinical outcome was associated with the clinical neurological status on admission.

Open-cell stent-assisted coiling for the treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms: traditional endovascular treatment is still not out of date

PURPOSE

Before we enter the era of flow diverter stents (FDS), the standard stent-assisted coiling technique is a well-established treatment option for routine paraclinoid aneurysms. We assess the clinical safety and efficacy of stent-assisted coiling with open-cell stent in the treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms and evaluate the association between clinical factors and follow-up aneurysm occlusion.

METHODS

The clinical and radiographic data of 110 consecutive patients with 122 paraclinoid aneurysms treated with open-cell stent between April 2015 and April 2019 were analyzed retrospectively at our center. We assessed the immediate and progressive occlusion rates, complications, and clinical outcome. Multivariate analysis was performed to investigate the risk factors of angiographic incomplete occlusion.

RESULTS

Among 110 patients, stent-assisted coiling was successfully performed in all cases. Four (3.6%) thromboembolic events were reported during the procedure, which resulted in transient morbidity. Immediate angiography demonstrated complete occlusion in 64 (52.5%) aneurysms and no occlusion of ophthalmic artery. Angiographic follow-up at 6 months demonstrated an increase in the complete occlusion rate to 92.9%. No delayed in-stent stenosis was observed, and three aneurysms recurred. Clinical follow-up was completed in 102 patients (92.7%), and favorable outcomes were achieved in 101 (99%) patients at 6 months. Multivariate analysis showed that aneurysm size (p < 0.001) was associated with incomplete aneurysm occlusion at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Stent-assisted coil embolization with open-cell stents is safe and effective for the treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms and provides progressive occlusion without significant in-stent stenosis events.

Efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for post-stroke depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with post-stroke depression (PSD). Six relevant electronic databases (PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared rTMS with control condition for PSD were included. The mean change in depression symptom scores was defined as the primary efficacy outcome. Secondary outcomes included the remission rate of depression, stroke recovery, and cognitive function recovery. In total, 7 RCTs with 351 participants were included. At post-treatment, rTMS was significantly more effective than the control condition, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -1.15 (95%CI: -1.62 to -0.69; P<0.001, I2=71%) and remission with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.46 (95%CI: 1.68 to 7.12; P<0.001; I2=11%). As for stroke recovery, rTMS was also better than the control condition (SMD=-0.67, 95%CI: -1.02 to -0.32; P<0.001). However, no significant difference was found for cognitive function recovery between the two groups (SMD=4.07, 95%CI: -1.41 to 9.55; P=0.15). To explore the potential moderators for the primary outcome, a series of subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. The results implied that rTMS may be more effective in Asian samples than in North American samples (P=0.03). In conclusion, from the current evidence in this study, rTMS could be an effective treatment for patients with PSD. Further clinical studies with larger sample sizes and clearer subgroup definitions are needed to confirm these outcomes.

Hyperperfusion on Arterial Spin Labeling MRI Predicts the 90-Day Functional Outcome After Mechanical Thrombectomy in Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND

The prognostic significance of hyperperfusion after reperfusion therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains controversial.

PURPOSE

To investigate the clinical factors associated with hyperperfusion, and the 90-day prognostic value of hyperperfusion after mechanical thrombectomy in AIS patients.

STUDY TYPE

Retrospective.

POPULATION/SUBJECTS

Fifty-four AIS patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

Time-of-flight MR angiography, pulsed arterial spin labeling (ASL), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and susceptibility-weighted imaging were performed at 3.0T within 1 week after thrombectomy.

ASSESSMENT

Clinical factors including demographics, risk factors, stroke and treatment characteristics were collected and assessed. Hyperperfusion on ASL was defined as a focal increased cerebral blood flow on the affected side ≥130% of its mirror counterpart. Good clinical outcome at 90 days was defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2.

STATISTICAL TESTS

The interrater agreement was assessed using Cohen's kappa or the intraclass correlation coefficient. The relationship between hyperperfusion and clinical factors were analyzed by appropriate univariate statistics. Predictors of 90-day functional outcome were assessed by univariate analyses followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver-operating-characteristic curves.

RESULTS

Thirty-six (66.7%) patients developed hyperperfusion on ASL after thrombectomy. Hyperperfusion was significantly correlated with successful recanalization (P < 0.05) and improvement of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores at 24 hours (NIHSS_24h ) (P < 0.05). A higher incidence of hemorrhage transformation was observed in patients with hyperperfusion than those without (63.9% vs. 50.0%), but no significant difference was found (P = 0.327). NIHSS_24h (odds ratio [OR], 0.75, [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62-0.91], P < 0.05), lesion volume on diffusion-weighted imaging (OR, 0.97, [95% CI 0.95-1.00], P < 0.05), and hyperperfusion on ASL (OR, 9.8, [95% CI 1.7-55.3], P < 0.05) were independent variables for predicting good functional outcomes.

DATA CONCLUSION

Hyperperfusion on ASL correlated with successful recanalization and may be an independent prognostic marker for good neurological outcomes at 90 days in AIS patients after mechanical thrombectomy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2.

Voxel-wise meta-analysis of structural changes in gray matter of Parkinson's disease patients with mild cognitive impairment

Evidence from previous voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies indicates that widespread brain regions are involved in Parkinson’s disease with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI). However, the spatial localization reported for gray matter (GM) abnormalities is heterogeneous. The aim of the present study was to quantitatively integrate studies on GM abnormalities observed in PD-MCI in order to determine whether a pattern exists. Eligible whole-brain VBM studies were identified by a systematic search of articles in PubMed and EMBASE databases spanning from 1995 to January 1, 2019. A meta-analysis was performed to investigate regional GM abnormalities in PD-MCI. The anisotropic effect size version of seed-based d mapping (AES-SDM) meta-analysis was conducted to explore the GMV differences of PD-MCI compared with PD patients with normal cognitive function (PD-NC). A total of 12 studies comprising 243 PD-MCI patients and 326 PD-NC were included in the meta-analysis. PD-MCI patients showed a robust GM decrease in the left insula and left superior temporal gyrus. Moreover, meta-regression analysis demonstrated that age, PD duration and stage, and Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale III and Mini-Mental State Examination scores might be partly correlated with the GM abnormalities observed in PD-MCI patients. The convergent findings of this quantitative meta-analysis revealed a characteristic neuroanatomical pattern in PD-MCI. The findings provide some evidence that MCI in PD may result in the breakdown of the insula and temporal gyrus, which may serve as specific regions of interest for further investigations.

Risk of Acute Kidney Injury with Consecutive, Multidose Use of Iodinated Contrast in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Currently, CTA is the imaging technique most frequently used to evaluate acute ischemic stroke, and patients with intracranial large-vessel occlusion usually undergo endovascular treatment. This single-center, prospective, cohort study showed that consecutive, multidose use of contrast during CTA and DSA does not increase the incidence of acute kidney injury in patients with acute ischemic stroke, though acute kidney injury tended to have a higher incidence in the contrast multiexposure group (P = .172).

[The treatment of nose-eye correlated diseases with external nasal incision combined with nasal cavity approach surgery through endoscope]

Objective:To explore the indications and characteristics for the treatment of nose-eye correlated diseases with endoscopic surgery through external nasal incision combined with nasal cavity approach.Method:The clinical data of 13 patients whom hospitalized in our department and treated by endoscopic surgery through external nasal incision combined with nasal cavity approach since October 2011, were retrospectively analyzed and the characteristics of different pathological changes, clinical manifestations, surgical approach and follow-up results were summarized.Four cases of patients underwent endoscopic surgery through nasal cavity and lacrimal caruncle conjunctival incision, 4 cases received bone fracture reduction and DCR with endoscope through double path of nasal cavity and the original trauma wound, 2 cases with endoscopic bone tumor resection through nasal cavity and external nasal incision, the rest of the 3 cases with endonasal endoscopic and peri-orbit incision surgery.Result:Two cases of tumor patients showed no recurrence followed up for 1.5 to 2 years; the diplopia disappeared in 2 cases of orbital medial wall fracture; surgeries of 4 cases of orbital wall fracture with lacrimal duct obstruction patients, 3 cases succeeded, 1 case failed and change into dacryocystorhinotomy with external nasal incision, and epiphora of all patients vanished; all of the patients of sinus osteoma, foreign bodies and abscess were cured and symptoms disappeared; the symptoms of ectopic meningioma patient gradually died down with eyebrow scars left.Conclusion:The surgery with external nasal incision combined with nasal cavity approach through endoscope to treat noseeye correlated diseases can effectively deal with relevant pathological changes, with the advantages of clear operation field and less damage, but its exact indications and surgical methods still need to be further explored.

Hypoxic conditioned medium derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells protects against ischemic stroke in rats

In recent years, studies have shown that the secretome of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) contains many growth factors, cytokines, and antioxidants, which may provide novel approaches to treat ischemic diseases. Furthermore, the secretome may be modulated by hypoxic preconditioning. We hypothesized that conditioned medium (CM) derived from BMSCs plays a crucial role in reducing tissue damage and improving neurological recovery after ischemic stroke and that hypoxic preconditioning of BMSCs robustly improves these activities. Rats were subjected to ischemic stroke by middle cerebral artery occlusion and then intravenously administered hypoxic CM, normoxic CM, or Dulbecco modified Eagle medium (DMEM, control). Cytokine antibody arrays and label-free quantitative proteomics analysis were used to compare the differences between hypoxic CM and normoxic CM. Injection of normoxic CM significantly reduced the infarct area and improved neurological recovery after stroke compared with administering DMEM. These outcomes may be associated with the attenuation of apoptosis and promotion of angiogenesis. Hypoxic preconditioning significantly enhanced these therapeutic effects. Fourteen proteins were significantly increased in hypoxic CM compared with normoxic CM as measured by cytokine arrays. The label-free quantitative proteomics analysis revealed 163 proteins that were differentially expressed between the two groups, including 107 upregulated proteins and 56 downregulated proteins. Collectively, our results demonstrate that hypoxic CM protected brain tissue from ischemic injury and promoted functional recovery after stroke in rats and that hypoxic CM may be the basis of a potential therapy for stroke patients.

Efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of antidepressant treatments for patients with post-stroke depression: a network meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of antidepressants in treating post-stroke depression (PSD) by performing a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the current literature. Eligible studies were retrieved from online databases, and relevant data were extracted. The primary outcome was efficacy as measured by the mean change in overall depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes included discontinued treatment for any reason and specifically due to adverse events. Fourteen trials were eligible, which included 949 participants and 9 antidepressant treatments. Few significant differences were found for all outcomes. For the primary outcome, doxepin, paroxetine, and nortriptyline were significantly more effective than a placebo [standardized mean differences: −1.93 (95%CI=−3.56 to −0.29), −1.39 (95%CI=−2.59 to −0.21), and −1.25 (95%CI=−2.46 to −0.04), respectively]. Insufficient evidence exists to select a preferred antidepressant for treating patients with post-stroke depression, and our study provides little evidence that paroxetine may be the potential choice when starting treatment for PSD. Future studies with paroxetine and larger sample sizes, multiple medical centers, and sufficient intervention durations is needed for improving the current evidence.

Localized Marked Elongation of the Distal Internal Carotid Artery with or without PHACE Syndrome: Segmental Dolichoectasia of the Distal Internal Carotid Artery

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Segmental intracranial dolichoectasia of the distal ICA is a feature of PHACE syndrome or a sporadic phenomenon. We evaluated the relationship between intracranial dolichoectasia of the distal ICA and PHACE syndrome and illustrated the characteristic radiologic findings of the lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Intracranial dolichoectasia of the distal ICA was identified in 20 patients at our institution from 2005 to 2016 through a review of diagnostic cerebral angiography results. All radiologic images were reviewed to determine the vascular morphologic dispositions around the distal ICA, including dysplasia, mural calcification, vessel wall enhancement, lumen narrowing, and aneurysm formation. Medical records were reviewed to determine the symptoms of PHACE syndrome. Subsequently, the correlation between radiologic findings and PHACE syndrome was assessed.

RESULTS

In this cohort, which had a strong female predominance (male/female ratio= 2:18), intracranial dolichoectasia had a more ipsilateral vascular morphologic disposition. Mural calcification was detected more frequently in elderly patients, whereas vessel wall enhancement was detected more frequently in younger patients. Follow-up images showed a slow progression of the lesions. However, no significant differences in the vascular morphologic disposition and brain structural changes were observed between patients with (n = 11) and without (n = 9) PHACE syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

The striking elongation and tortuosity of the distal ICA generally appeared to be a type of congenital lesion occurring early in embryogenesis as either a sporadic phenomenon or an arterial change associated with PHACE syndrome. Imaging findings revealed various mural abnormalities with a benign clinical course.

Endovascular Treatment of 12 Cases of Renal Arteriovenous Malformations: The Experience of 1 Center and an Overview of the Literature

Objectives:

Congenital renal arteriovenous malformations (rAVMs) represent rare vascular diseases. The heterogeneous vascular architecture of each rAVM determines the endovascular treatment techniques employed. We reported our experience with the endovascular treatment of a series of rAVMs.

Materials:

This retrospective study consisted of 12 patients with 12 rAVMs who underwent renal arterial embolization (RAE) in our hospital. Embolic materials, including particles, liquid embolic agents (n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate, Onyx, and ethanol), and coils, were selectively used based on the decisions of interventional radiologists. Technical success was defined as the complete occlusion of the feeding arteries and nidus on postprocedure renal arteriography. Clinical success was defined as the resolution of hematuria or the disappearance of rAVM-relevant symptoms.

Results:

The median follow-up period was 13.5 months (range: 4-72). The technical success based on 12 procedures in 12 patients was 83.3% (10 of 12). In the 2 procedures that technically failed, the existence of multiple fine feeding arteries arising from the proximal portion of different segmental renal arteries explains the incomplete embolization. One of the 2 patients achieved clinical success without additional RAE. The other patient had recurrent hematuria 25 months after initial treatment, which was successfully managed conservatively with hemostatic agents. Thus, the clinical success was 91.7% (11 of 12).

Conclusions:

Renal artery embolization with the selective use of various embolic materials is an effective treatment for patients with rAVMs. The existence of multiple fine feeding vessels arising from the proximal portion of different segmental renal arteries is likely to affect the technical success of treatment.

[Endonasal endoscopic surgery in treatment of medial recus muscle entrapment: the management and effectiveness]

Objective:To explore the indications , surgery method and effect for the treatment of medial rectus muscle entrapment with endoscopic surgery.Method: Eight medial rectus muscle entrapment patients were enrolled in this study,3 cases underwent obital medial wall fracture reposition and medial rectus muscle adhesion decomposition surgery through endonasal endoscope,and 5 cases received obital medial wall fracture reposition surgery with endoscope through nasal cavity and lacrimal caruncle conjunctival incision. Result:The diplopia disappeared and eyeball abduction function recovered in 6 cases of medial rectus muscle entrapment patients within 2 months,and 1 case with each surgery had mild diplopia and eyeball incomplete abduction left.Conclusion:Adopting endonasal endoscopic surgery or dual approaches surgery with endonasal endoscopic and transcaruncular surgery were ideal methods for medial rectus muscle entrapment diseases.Surgery with endoscope has the characteristics of clear field and less damage.The surgery should be performed whithin 3 weeks, and the entrapment of medial rectus muscle can be resoved effectively.

Transarterial embolization in the management of intractable epistaxis: the angiographic findings and results based on etiologies

CONCLUSIONS

Transarterial embolization (TAE) appears to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with intractable epistaxis, despite different etiologies or angiography findings. Idiopathic epistaxis is prone to present with negative angiographic findings.

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively evaluate the safety and effectiveness of TAE for intractable epistaxis, and focus on the factors of etiology and angiographic findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From March 2008 to December 2014, the data of 43 patients with intractable bleeding undergoing TAE were reviewed. The outcomes of interventional therapy were assessed according to different etiology (malignant or benign disease) and angiographic finding (positive or negative angiogram).

RESULTS

Positive angiographic findings were found in 11 of 12 cases with malignant diseases and 22 of 31 cases with benign diseases, respectively (p = 0.237). Among the 10 cases with negative angiographic findings, the negative angiography rate of idiopathic epistaxis was higher than that of epistaxis with definite etiology (p = 0.003). Bleeding was controlled successfully in all of the 43 patients after embolization. During the mean follow-up period of 24.0 ± 16.7 months, five patients relapsed. No significant difference was found in recurrence rates between malignant and benign diseases or between positive and negative angiography (p = 0.241, p = 0.704, respectively).

Minimally invasive salvage therapy for transplanted renal allografts

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of interventional therapy for complications of transplanted renal allografts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2009 and March 2014, 14 patients underwent interventional therapy for complications of renal allografts. Complications included transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS), TRAS combined with pseudoaneurysms, transplant renal venous kinking and ureteral obstruction (UO). Serum creatinine (S.Cr) levels were evaluated before and after procedure. The characteristics and procedure outcomes of these patients with vascular and nonvascular complications were also analyzed.

RESULTS

All primary procedures were successfully performed, which included percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for TRAS (n = 4), stenting and coil embolization for TRAS combined with pseudoaneurysms (n = 1), stenting for renal vein kinking (n = 2), and percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) for UO (n = 7) and secondary antegrade stent placement in six UO patients after 1 week of PCN. No major procedure related complications occurred. S.Cr level subsequently improved from 6.0 ± 3.6 to 2.6 ± 2.1 mg/dL (p < 0.001), as well as patients' clinical features within 1 week after procedure. In our study, the onset time of vascular complications was earlier (<6 months) than nonvascular complications with significant difference (p < 0.001). During follow-up, the patient with TRAS and pseudoaneurysms suffered acute rejection 1 month after treatment and received transplant renal artery embolization. One patient with TRAS showed restenosis 4 months after procedure, and was retreated successfully with stenting. Thirteen cases reserved their transplanted renal allografts.

CONCLUSION

Interventional therapy could be prior considered for transplanted renal allograft complications as its effectiveness and minimal invasiveness in saving the transplanted renal grafts.

Associations of depression with impaired glucose regulation, newly diagnosed diabetes and previously diagnosed diabetes in Chinese adults

AIM

To examine the association between depression and impaired glucose regulation, newly diagnosed diabetes and previously diagnosed diabetes in middle-aged and elderly Chinese people, and whether depression was associated with different treatment regimens or durations of diabetes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed among 229,047 adults living in the community aged ≥ 40 years from 25 centres in China. The self-reported depression rating scale Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used to diagnose probable and sub-threshold depression. Glucose metabolism status was determined according to World Health Organization 1999 diagnostic criteria.

RESULTS

The numbers of participants with normal glucose regulation, impaired glucose regulation, newly diagnosed diabetes and previously diagnosed diabetes were 120,458, 59,512, 24,826 and 24,251, respectively. The prevalence of sub-threshold depression in the total sample of participants was 4.8% (4.8%, 4.8%, 4.4% and 5.6% from normal glucose regulation to previously diagnosed diabetes, respectively), and the prevalence of probable depression was 1.1% (1.1%, 1.0%, 0.9% and 1.8% from normal glucose regulation to previously diagnosed diabetes, respectively). Compared with participants with normal glucose regulation, those with previously diagnosed diabetes had increased odds of probable depression [odds ratio (OR) = 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39-1.87] and sub-threshold depression (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.06-1.24), after adjustment for multiple confounding factors. Newly diagnosed diabetes or impaired glucose regulation was not associated with depression. Among those with previously diagnosed diabetes, insulin treatment was associated with greater odds of depression compared with no treatment or oral anti-diabetic medicine.

CONCLUSION

Previously diagnosed diabetes, but not newly diagnosed diabetes or impaired glucose regulation, was associated with a higher prevalence of depression. Patients receiving insulin were more likely to have depression than those not receiving treatment or being treated with oral anti-diabetic medicine.

Placement of 125I seed strands and stents for a type IV Klatskin tumor

Herein, we report a new technique that consists of placing two ¹²⁵I seed strands and two stents in the right and left intrahepatic bile ducts for the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. A 75-year-old man presented with jaundice and was diagnosed with Bismuth type IV Klatskin tumor. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct dilatation and a soft tissue mass in the hepatic hilum. Because curative surgical resection was not possible, we placed ¹²⁵I seed strands and stents in the right and left intrahepatic bile ducts. Three months later, abdominal CT showed less intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct dilatation than before the procedure. This technique was feasible and could be considered for the treatment of patients with Bismuth type IV tumors.

A newly designed stent for management of malignant distal duodenal stenosis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a newly designed stent for the treatment of malignant distal duodenal stenosis.

METHODS

From March 2011 to May 2013, six patients with malignant duodenal stenosis underwent fluoroscopically guided placement of the new duodenal stent consisting of braided, nested stent wires, and a delivery system with a metallic mesh inner layer. Primary diseases were pancreatic cancer in three patients, gastric cancer in two patients, and endometrial stromal sarcoma in one patient. Duodenal obstructions were located in the horizontal part in two patients, the ascending part in two patients, and the duodenojejunal flexure in two patients. Technical success, defined as the successful stent deployment, clinical symptoms before and after the procedure, and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in all patients. No major complications were observed. Before treatment, two patients could not take any food and the gastric outlet obstruction scoring system (GOOSS) score was 0; the other four patients could take only liquids orally (GOOSS score = 1). After treatment, five patients could take soft food (GOOSS score = 2) and one patient could take a full diet (GOOSS score = 3). The mean duration of primary stent patency was 115.7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The newly designed stent is associated with a high degree of technical success and good clinical outcome and may be clinically effective in the management of malignant distal duodenal obstruction.

Two microcatheter technique for embolization of arteriovenous fistula with liquid embolic agent

Problem with embolization of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) with liquid embolic agent is its over-penetration into the veins or regurgitation to the proximal feeder without reaching the shunt point. We present a technique that controls the flow of AVF during embolization. Two microcatheter technique consists of positioning one microcatheter close to the AVF for embolization, and with another microcatheter at the proximal feeding artery to control the AVF flow by coiling. Selective angiograms obtained using a distally positioned microcatheter before and after coiling, were compared how much stagnant effect was achieved. Using two microcatheter technique, AVF occlusion was achieved with good penetration of glue to the venous side of the AVF. Its advantage is the ability to push glue into the shunt without causing over-penetration of glue or its reflux along the feeder. Two microcatheter technique was safe and effective in glue embolization of AVF and also expected to be applied with other liquid embolic agent like Onyx.

Transarterial embolization for massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage following abdominal surgery

AIM: To evaluate the clinical results of angiography and embolization for massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage after abdominal surgery.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 26 patients with postoperative hemorrhage after abdominal surgery. All patients underwent emergency transarterial angiography, and 21 patients underwent emergency embolization. We retrospectively analyzed the angiographic features and the clinical outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization.

RESULTS: Angiography showed that a discrete bleeding focus was detected in 21 (81%) of 26 patients. Positive angiographic findings included extravasations of contrast medium (n = 9), pseudoaneurysms (n = 9), and fusiform aneurysms (n = 3). Transarterial embolization was technically successful in 21 (95%) of 22 patients. Clinical success was achieved in 18 (82%) of 22 patients. No postembolization complications were observed. Three patients died of rebleeding.

CONCLUSION: The positive rate of angiographic findings in 26 patients with postoperative gastrointestinal hemorrhage was 81%. Transcatheter arterial embolization seems to be an effective and safe method in the management of postoperative gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Follow-up of 58 traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas after endovascular detachable-balloon embolization at a single center

Background and Purpose

This study evaluated the clinical value of detachable-balloon embolization for traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula (TCCF), focusing on the frequency, risk factors, and retreatment of recurrence.

Methods

Fifty-eight patients with TCCF underwent transarterial detachable-balloon embolization between October 2004 and March 2011. The clinical follow-up was performed every 3 months until up to 3 years postprocedure. Each patient was placed in either the recurrence group or the nonrecurrence group according to whether a recurrence developed after the first procedure. The relevant factors including gender, fistula location, interval between trauma and the interventional procedure, blood flow in the carotid-cavernous fistula, number of balloons, and whether the internal carotid artery (ICA) was sacrificed were evaluated.

Results

All 58 TCCFs were successfully treated with transarterial balloon embolization, including 7 patients with ICA sacrifice. Recurrent fistulas occurred in seven patients during the follow-up period. Univariate analysis indicated that the interval between trauma and the interventional procedure (p=0.006) might be the main factor related to the recurrence of TCCF. The second treatments involved ICA sacrifice in two patients, fistula embolization with balloons in four patients, and placement of a covered stent in one patient.

Conclusions

Detachable balloons can still serve as the first-line treatment for TCCFs and recurrent TCCFs despite having a nonnegligible recurrence rate. Shortening the interval between trauma and the interventional procedure may reduce the risk of recurrence.

Mechanism of procedural failure related to wingspan

PURPOSE

Wingspan is the only FDA approved self-expanding stent for intracranial artery and known to have better delivery compared to balloon expandable stent. However, some delivery failure has been reported but incidence and mechanism of the failure have not been completely elucidated. We present the cause and mechanism of Wingspan deployment failure experienced in our Institute.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We experienced deployment failure in seven patients (8.8%) out of 80 patients who underwent Wingspan stenting since 2007. Mean age of the patients was 62 (range 47~78) and male to female ratio was 6:1. We evaluated the cause and mechanism why the deployment was not successful and how we could manage it subsequently.

RESULTS

WE CATEGORIZED FAILURES OCCURRED IN SEVEN PATIENTS INTO THREE CATEGORIES: delivery failure (n = 3), deployment failure of stent (n = 3), retrieval failure of dual tapered (olive) tip of the inner body through the deployed the stent (n = 1). The technical failure in using Wingspan stent (delivery, deployment and retrieval failures) are related to tortuousness of the proximal (n =4) as well as distal (n =1) cerebral vessels to the stenotic lesion and bulky profile of the olive tip (n =2).

CONCLUSION

The technical failure in using Wingspan stent (delivery, deployment and retrieval failures) are related to tortuousness of the proximal as well as distal cerebral vessels to the stenotic lesion and bulky profile of the olive tip. To avoid device-related complication, complete understanding of the stent design is mandatory before using the stent.

Generation of Janus alginate hydrogel particles with magnetic anisotropy for cell encapsulation

A microfluidic approach for fabrication of Janus hydrogel particles with magnetic anisotropy is demonstrated. Using this technique, cells and magnetic beads (MBs) can be separately embedded in one hydrogel particle to maintain optical performance, and reduce the contact between cells and magnetic beads (nano- or submicron-particles). Alginate cell capsules prepared by this method can be easily controlled and manipulated by external magnetic fields and require no specific surface modification. Bio-degradability and super-paramagnetic properties of these hydrogel particles were also demonstrated experimentally.