In-vitro Wound Healing Assays: A Comprehensive Review

Chronic non-healing wounds offer a tough clinical challenge for plastic and reconstructive surgeons. A systematic comprehension of the underlying mechanism of wound healing is essential for improved patient care. It is also required to know the complex and continuing armamentarium of therapeutic choices for treatment of chronic wounds. Wound assays are excellent way to apprehend the wound healing progression and the efficacy of various products that contribute and promote in wound healing. In the production sequence of wound care products also, human trials are often preceded by more economical in-vitro or preclinical studies. Wound healing assays are to understand the principal molecular mechanisms involved in repair progression and used in the exploration of impending therapeutics and designing treatment protocols intended for better curing. Several prototypes of wound healing have been established and are well-accepted. This review focuses on in vitro assays, as they are pre-requisite preliminary assays that are rapid, economical and ethical substitute to other complex assay models. Literature exploration for data sources were carried out through a meticulous search in indexed literature and various website centered educational research documents. In total 76 studies were earmarked from 286 most relevant scholarly articles. An extensive criterion to describe both in-vitro assays and in-vitro assays in wound healing has been used for probing the comments. Also, personal resources have been used for information gathering. The present manuscript provides a broad overview of various in-vitro assays with descriptive account of injury techniques with assessment of pros and cons of each. It also emphasized on three-dimensional culture assays, which utilizes bioengineered prototypes to exhibit various connections and the mechanisms of diverse sort of cells in the wound healing.

CT Perfusion Does Not Modify the Effect of Reperfusion in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Undergoing Endovascular Treatment in the ESCAPE-NA1 Trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although reperfusion is associated with improved outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular treatment, many patients still do poorly. We investigated whether CTP modifies the effect of near-complete reperfusion on clinical outcomes, ie, whether poor clinical outcomes despite near-complete reperfusion can be partly or fully explained by CTP findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data are from the Safety and Efficacy of Nerinetide in Subjects Undergoing Endovascular Thrombectomy for Stroke (ESCAPE-NA1) trial. Admission CTP was processed using RAPID software, generating relative CBF and CBV volume maps at standard thresholds. CTP lesion volumes were compared in patients with-versus-without near-complete reperfusion. Associations between each CTP metric and clinical outcome (90-day mRS) were tested using multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for baseline imaging and clinical variables. Treatment-effect modification was assessed by introducing CTP lesion volume × reperfusion interaction terms in the models.

RESULTS

CTP lesion volumes and reperfusion status were available in 410/1105 patients. CTP lesion volumes were overall larger in patients without near-complete reperfusion, albeit not always statistically significant. Increased CBF <34%, CBV <34%, CBV <38%, and CBV <42% lesion volumes were associated with worse clinical outcome (ordinal mRS) at 90 days. CTP core lesion volumes did not modify the treatment effect of near-complete recanalization on clinical outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

CTP did not modify the effect of near-complete reperfusion on clinical outcomes. Thus, CTP cannot explain why some patients with near-complete reperfusion have poor clinical outcomes.

Automated Segmentation of Intracranial Thrombus on NCCT and CTA in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Using a Coarse-to-Fine Deep Learning Model

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Identifying the presence and extent of intracranial thrombi is crucial in selecting patients with acute ischemic stroke for treatment. This article aims to develop an automated approach to quantify thrombus on NCCT and CTA in patients with stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 499 patients with large-vessel occlusion from the Safety and Efficacy of Nerinetide in Subjects Undergoing Endovascular Thrombectomy for Stroke (ESCAPE-NA1) trial were included. All patients had thin-section NCCT and CTA images. Thrombi contoured manually were used as reference standard. A deep learning approach was developed to segment thrombi automatically. Of 499 patients, 263 and 66 patients were randomly selected to train and validate the deep learning model, respectively; the remaining 170 patients were independently used for testing. The deep learning model was quantitatively compared with the reference standard using the Dice coefficient and volumetric error. The proposed deep learning model was externally tested on 83 patients with and without large-vessel occlusion from another independent trial.

RESULTS

The developed deep learning approach obtained a Dice coefficient of 70.7% (interquartile range, 58.0%-77.8%) in the internal cohort. The predicted thrombi length and volume were correlated with those of expert-contoured thrombi (r = 0.88 and 0.87, respectively; P < .001). When the derived deep learning model was applied to the external data set, the model obtained similar results in patients with large-vessel occlusion regarding the Dice coefficient (66.8%; interquartile range, 58.5%-74.6%), thrombus length (r = 0.73), and volume (r = 0.80). The model also obtained a sensitivity of 94.12% (32/34) and a specificity of 97.96% (48/49) in classifying large-vessel occlusion versus non-large-vessel occlusion.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed deep learning method can reliably detect and measure thrombi on NCCT and CTA in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Outcomes with Endovascular Treatment of Patients with M2 Segment MCA Occlusion in the Late Time Window

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Randomized trials in the late window have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy in large-vessel occlusions. Patients with M2-segment MCA occlusions were excluded from these trials. We compared outcomes with endovascular thrombectomy in patients with M2-versus-M1 occlusions presenting 6-24 hours after symptom onset.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analyses were on pooled data from studies enrolling patients with stroke treated with endovascular thrombectomy 6-24 hours after symptom onset. We compared 90-day functional independence (mRS ≤ 2), mortality, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and successful reperfusion (expanded TICI = 2b-3) between patients with M2 and M1 occlusions. The benefit of successful reperfusion was then assessed among patients with M2 occlusion.

RESULTS

Of 461 patients, 367 (79.6%) had M1 occlusions and 94 (20.4%) had M2 occlusions. Patients with M2 occlusions were older and had lower median baseline NIHSS scores. Patients with M2 occlusion were more likely to achieve 90-day functional independence than those with M1 occlusion (adjusted OR = 2.13; 95% CI, 1.25-3.65). There were no significant differences in the proportion of successful reperfusion (82.9% versus 81.1%) or mortality (11.2% versus 17.2%). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage risk was lower in patients with M2-versus-M1 occlusions (4.3% versus 12.2%, P = .03). Successful reperfusion was independently associated with functional independence among patients with M2 occlusions (adjusted OR = 2.84; 95% CI, 1.11-7.29).

CONCLUSIONS

In the late time window, patients with M2 occlusions treated with endovascular thrombectomy achieved better clinical outcomes, similar reperfusion, and lower symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates compared with patients with M1 occlusion. These results support the safety and benefit of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with M2 occlusions in the late window.

Intensive Mindfulness Meditation Reduces Frequency and Burden of Migraine: An Unblinded Single-Arm Trial

Objectives

Preventing migraine headaches and improving the quality of life for patients with migraine remains a challenge. We hypothesized intensive meditation training would reduce the disease burden of migraine.

Method

An unblinded trial was analyzed as a single cohort exposed to a silent 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat that included 100 hr of sitting meditation. Participants with chronic or episodic migraine were enrolled and followed for 1 year. The primary outcome was a change in mean monthly migraine days at 12 months from baseline. Secondary outcomes included headache frequency and intensity, acute medication use, work days missed, home meditation, sleep quality, general health, quality of life, migraine impact, positive and negative affect, perceived stress, mindfulness, and pain catastrophizing.

Results

Three hundred people were screened and 58 (19%) agreed to participate and enrolled in the intensive meditation training. Forty-six participants with chronic migraine (≥ 15 headaches/month of which ≥ 8 were migraines) and 12 with episodic migraine (< 15 and ≥ 4 migraines/month) attended and 45 (78%) completed the retreat. At 12 months, the average migraine frequency was reduced by 2.7 days (from 16.6 at baseline) per 28 days (95%CI - 4.3, - 1.3) and headaches by 3.4 (20.1 at baseline) per 28 days (- 4.9, - 1.9). Fifty percent responder rate was 29% for migraine. Acute medication use dropped by an average of 2.2 days (- 3.9, - 0.5) per 28 days, and participants reported 2.3 fewer days (- 4.0, - 0.5) on which they reduced their activity due to migraines. The most striking and promising effects were in several secondary outcomes, including migraine-specific quality of life, pain catastrophizing, and perceived stress. The significant improvements observed immediately following the intervention were sustained at 12 months follow-up.

Conclusions

Training in Vipassana meditation via a 10-day retreat may reduce the frequency and burden of migraine.

Preregistration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00663585.

Radiologic Evaluation Criteria for Chronic Subdural Hematomas: Recommendations for Clinical Trials

Embolization of the middle meningeal artery has gained substantial interest as a therapy for chronic subdural hematomas. For the results of the currently running chronic subdural hematoma trials to inform clinical practice, sufficient accuracy and matching definitions are necessary. We summarized the current practice in chronic subdural hematoma evaluation and derived suggestions on reporting standards using the {Nested} Knowledge AutoLit living review platform. On the basis of the most commonly reported data elements, we suggested a set of standardized image-based study end points for chronic subdural hematoma evaluation for future trials. The measurement methods and reporting standards as proposed in this article have been derived from published best practices and are endorsed by the European Society of Minimally Invasive Neurological Therapy's research committee. The standardization of radiologic outcome measures and measurement techniques in chronic subdural hematoma embolization trials would increase the impact and implication of each trial as well as facilitate data pooling for increased statistical power and, therefore, translation to clinical practice.

AB0761 Are we treating-to-target in spondyloarthritis (SpA)? A cross sectional analysis from the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) SpA Registry

Background

Data on the extent of treat-to-target (T2T) recommendations application in SpA patients across Asia Pacific region is lacking. APLAR SpA Registry aimed to assess the utility of T2T on long term clinical outcomes, and to improve disease management and inform health care policy.

Objectives

To provide a snapshot of the registry including demographics, disease activity and medication use.

Methods

Patients fulfill the CASPAR 2006 for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and 2009 ASAS criteria for axial spondylitis (AxSpA) were recruited. This cross sectional analysis included the first 188 patients recruited across 7 Asia Pacific regions (Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Thailand, India, Qatar & Pakistan).

Results

83 patients PsA and 115 AxSpA patients were included. They had moderate inflammation (DAPSA: 19.61±14.29, ASDAS: 2.32±1.07). Majority of PsA patients received conventional synthetic disease-modifying drug (csDMARDs, 81%) with relatively low prevalence of biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) (24%). Most AxSpA patients used NSAIDs (79%) while nearly half of them received bDMARDs (49%). Other details listed in Table 1. Prevalence of bDMARDs use in our registry was lower than that from the USA (Corrona PsA Registry, 59%), Turkey & Canada (PsArt-ID, 40%) and the Netherlands AxSpA registry (56%) (1-3). Regarding T2T, 28% and 44% of PsA patient achieved minimal disease activity (MDA) and Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis low disease activity (DAPSA LDA) respectively. The proportion of patients achieving target in other cohorts were 46% for MDA (PsArt-ID) and 46% for DAPSA LDA (Corrona) (1, 2). 37% and 47% of AxSpA patient achieved Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI)<4 and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) LDA. Proportion of patients achieving ASDAS LDA were similar to the Netherlands registry for patients with ASDAS LDA or BASDAI<4 (Figure 1A)(3). Patient on bDMARD were more likely to achieve treatment target (Figure 1B). There were no significant difference between socio-economic status and disease features between bDMARD user and non-user.

Table 1.

Demographics, clinical features and disease activity of patients

PsA (n=83)AxSpA (n=115)Age50.012.836.512.4Male n, %4251%8583%Asian n, %83100%10196%Disease duration, years7.17.35.27.6Any sacroiliitis n, %10299%HLA B27, positive n, %9189%Duration of early morning stiffness, min30392529Tender joint count7901Swollen joint count3400No. of dactylitis digit1100PASI4.05.0SPRACC1201BASDAI2.82.0ESR, mm/h31262016CRP, mg/L10151127HAQ-DI0.610.610.390.51DAPSA19.6114.29ASDAS CRP2.321.07

Data given in mean SD unless stated

. No. of case from Hong Kong 40; Singapore 46; Korea 24; Thailand 20, India 15; Qatar 10; Pakistan 33; HLA - human leucucyte antigen; PASI - psoriasis area and severity index; SPRACC - Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada Enthesitis Index; BASDAI - Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index; ESR - erythrocyte sedimentation rate; CRP - C-reactive protein; HAQ-DI - Health assessment questionnaire disability index; DAPSA - Disease activity in Psoriatic Arthritis; ASDAS - Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score

Figure 1.

(A) Achievement of LDA in APLAR SpA registry and other registry and (B) use of bDMARDs among patients in APLAR SpA registry with or without achieving LDA

Conclusion

Patient using bDMARDs were more likely to achieve treatment target. We expect that when T2T is widely applied, better outcomes will be reported in future.

References

[1]Bakirci, S., et al. (2019). “What are the main barriers to achieve minimal disease activity in psoriatic arthritis in real life?” Clin Exp Rheumatol37(5): 808-812.

[2]Beckers, E., et al. (2021). “Treat-to-target in axial spondyloarthritis: an observational study in daily practice.” Rheumatology (Oxford).

[3]Ogdie, A., et al. (2021). “Effect of Multidomain Disease Presentations on Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis in the Corrona Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondyloarthritis Registry.” J Rheumatol48(5): 698-706.

Disclosure of Interests

Isaac T. Cheng: None declared, Ho SO: None declared, Ying Ying Leung Speakers bureau: received honorarium/ speaker fee from AbbVie, DKSH, Janssen, Novartis and Pfizer., Praveena Chiowchanwisawakit: None declared, Stanley Angkodjojo Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim Singapore in Nov 2021, Consultant of: Abbvie (Singapore), DKSH (Singapore) in 2021, Muhammad Ahmed Saeed: None declared, Kichul Shin: None declared, Mohit Goyal: None declared, Muhammad Haroon: None declared, Mohammed Hammoudeh Speakers bureau: Have you been paid as a speaker for (pharmaceutical) companies, Grant/research support from: participated in drug companies sponsored trials, Nallasivan Subramanian: None declared, Ho Yin Chung: None declared, James Cheng-Chung Wei: None declared, Mitsumasa Kishimoto Consultant of: MK received consulting fees and/or speaker fees from AbbVie, Amgen, Asahi-Kasei Pharma, Astellas, Ayumi Pharma, BMS, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Kyowa Kirin, Novartis, Ono Pharma, Pfizer, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, and UCB Pharma., Lai-Shan Tam Consultant of: has acted as a consultant for Janssen, Pfizer, Sanofi, AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Lilly, Grant/research support from: has received grant/research support from Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, GSK, Novartis, and Pfizer

Enhanced mindfulness-based stress reduction in episodic migraine-effects on sleep quality, anxiety, stress, and depression: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT

Patients with migraine suffer from high morbidity related to the repeated headache attacks, characteristic of the disorder, poor sleep, and a high prevalence of comorbid psychosocial disorders. Current pharmacological therapies do not address these aspects of migraine, but nonpharmacological treatments such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) have been shown to improve both pain and psychological well-being. In this secondary analysis, we examined the change over time in sleep quality and psychosocial outcomes from the magnetic resonance imaging outcomes for mindfulness meditation clinical trial and assessed how these mediated treatment response (50% reduction in headache frequency postintervention). We also examined the relationship between baseline values and treatment response. The trial (primary outcomes previously reported) included 98 patients with episodic migraine randomized to either enhanced MBSR (MBSR+) or stress management for headache. They completed psychosocial questionnaires and headache diaries at baseline (preintervention), midintervention (10 weeks after baseline), and postintervention (20 weeks after baseline). There was a significant improvement in sleep quality from baseline to postintervention (P = 0.0025) in both groups. There were no significant changes from baseline or between groups in anxiety, depression, and stress. There was also no significant association between baseline scores and treatment response. Mediation analysis showed a significant indirect effect of 6% for sleep: In other words, small improvements in sleep may have contributed to the efficacy of MBSR+.Trial registration: NCT02133209.

Prevalence of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease in Patients with Low-Risk Transient or Persistent Neurologic Events

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There are limited data on the prevalence and outcome of intracranial atherosclerotic disease in patients with low-risk transient or persistent minor neurologic events. We sought to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with intracranial atherosclerotic disease in patients with low-risk transient or persistent neurologic events.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants with available intracranial vascular imaging from the Diagnosis of Uncertain-Origin Benign Transient Neurologic Symptoms (DOUBT) study, a large prospective multicenter cohort study, were included in this post hoc analysis. The prevalence of intracranial atherosclerotic disease of ≥50% was determined, and the association with baseline characteristics and DWI lesions was evaluated using logistic regression.

RESULTS

We included 661 patients with a median age of 62 years (interquartile range, 53-70 years), of whom 53% were women. Intracranial atherosclerotic disease was found in 81 (12.3%) patients; asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease alone, in 65 (9.8%); and symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease, in 16 (2.4%). The most frequent location was in the posterior cerebral artery (29%). Age was the only factor associated with any intracranial atherosclerotic disease (adjusted OR, 1.9 for 10 years increase; 95% CI, 1.6-2.5). Multivariable logistic regression showed a strong association between intracranial atherosclerotic disease and the presence of acute infarct on MR imaging (adjusted OR, 3.47; 95% CI, 1.91-6.25).

CONCLUSIONS

Intracranial atherosclerotic disease is not rare in patients with transient or persistent minor neurologic events and is independently associated with the presence of MR imaging-proved ischemia in this context. Evaluation of the intracranial arteries could be valuable in establishing the etiology of such low-risk events.

ANTI-THYROID ANTIBODIES AND THE GONADOTROPHINS PROFILE (LH/FSH) IN EUTHYROID POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME WOMEN

CONTEXT

The current study aimed to determine association of anti-TPO with LH/FSH in PCOS women.

DESIGN

Current case control study included 33 diagnosed PCOS women and 32 age matched healthy women and were analysed for body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR), fasting blood glucose (FBG), free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4), Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), dehydroepiandrostenedione (DHEA-S), total testosterone, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and anti thyroperoxidase antibodies (anti-TPO). Data was statistically analysed by Student's t - test and Pearson's correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Of the total PCOS women, 45% were obese and 34.37% had raised anti-TPO. The biochemical profile of obese PCOS women showed significantly raised FBG (p<0.0001), LH (p<0.0001), Testosterone (p<0.0001) and DHEA-S (p=0.0021) as compared to non-obese PCOS women. The LH/FSH ratio was significantly raised in PCOS women as compared to control (p<0.0001). Pearson's correlation analysis showed a significant association of anti-TPO with FBS, testosterone, LH and LH/FSH in obese PCOS and with Testosterone and LH in non-obese PCOS women using SPSS 21.

CONCLUSION

The current study shows a high prevalence of AITD in euthyroid PCOS women and suggests a strong link of euthyroid obese PCOS women to autoimmunity due to the hyper-anderogenism and a higher LH/FSH ratio.

Interrater Agreement and Detection Accuracy for Medium-Vessel Occlusions Using Single-Phase and Multiphase CT Angiography

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Accurate and reliable detection of medium-vessel occlusions is important to establish the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke and initiate appropriate treatment with intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular thrombectomy. However, medium-vessel occlusions are often challenging to detect, especially for unexperienced readers. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy and interrater agreement of the detection of medium-vessel occlusions using single-phase and multiphase CTA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single-phase and multiphase CTA of 120 patients with acute ischemic stroke (20 with no occlusion, 44 with large-vessel occlusion, and 56 with medium-vessel occlusion in the anterior and posterior circulation) were assessed by 3 readers with varying levels of experience (session 1: single-phase CTA; session 2: multiphase CTA). Interrater agreement for occlusion type (large-vessel occlusion versus medium-vessel occlusion versus no occlusion) and for detailed occlusion sites was calculated using the Fleiss κ with 95% confidence intervals. Accuracy for the detection of medium-vessel occlusions was calculated for each reader using classification tables.

RESULTS

Interrater agreement for occlusion type was moderate for single-phase CTA (κ  = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.56-0.62) and almost perfect for multiphase CTA (κ = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.78-0.83). Interrater agreement for detailed occlusion sites was moderate for single-phase CTA (κ = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.53-0.56) and substantial for multiphase CTA (κ = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.67-0.74). On single-phase CTA, readers 1, 2, and 3 classified 33/56 (59%), 34/56 (61%), and 32/56 (57%) correctly as medium-vessel occlusions. On multiphase CTA, 48/56 (86%), 50/56 (89%), and 50/56 (89%) medium-vessel occlusions were classified correctly.

CONCLUSIONS

Interrater agreement for medium-vessel occlusions is moderate when using single-phase CTA and almost perfect with multiphase CTA. Detection accuracy is substantially higher with multiphase CTA compared with single-phase CTA, suggesting that multiphase CTA might be a valuable tool for assessment of medium-vessel occlusion stroke.

Perceived Limits of Endovascular Treatment for Secondary Medium-Vessel-Occlusion Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Thrombus embolization during mechanical thrombectomy occurs in up to 9% of cases, making secondary medium vessel occlusions of particular interest to neurointerventionalists. We sought to gain insight into the current endovascular treatment approaches for secondary medium vessel occlusion stroke in an international case-based survey because there are currently no clear recommendations for endovascular treatment in these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Survey participants were presented with 3 cases involving secondary medium vessel occlusions, each consisting of 3 case vignettes with changes in the patient's neurologic status (improvement, no change, unable to assess). Multivariable logistic regression analyses clustered by the respondent's identity were used to assess factors influencing the decision to treat.

RESULTS

In total, 366 physicians (56 women, 308 men, 2 undisclosed) from 44 countries provided 3294 responses to 9 scenarios. Most (54.1%, 1782/3294) were in favor of endovascular treatment. Participants were more likely to treat occlusions in the anterior M2/3 (74.3%; risk ratio = 2.62; 95% CI, 2.27-3.03) or A3 (59.7%; risk ratio = 2.11; 95% CI, 1.83-2.42) segment compared with the M3/4 segment (28.3%; reference). Physicians were less likely to pursue endovascular treatment in patients who showed neurologic improvement than in patients with an unchanged neurologic deficit (49.9% versus 57.0% responses in favor of endovascular treatment, respectively; risk ratio = 0.88, 95% CI, 0.83-0.92). Interventionalists and more experienced physicians were more likely to treat secondary medium vessel occlusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians' willingness to treat secondary medium vessel occlusions endovascularly is limited and varies per occlusion location and change in neurologic status. More evidence on the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment for secondary medium vessel occlusion stroke is needed.

Patient-Relevant Deficits Dictate Endovascular Thrombectomy Decision-Making in Patients with Low NIHSS Scores with Medium-Vessel Occlusion Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is a paucity of evidence regarding the safety of endovascular treatment for patients with acute ischemic stroke due to primary medium-vessel occlusion. The aim of this study was to examine the willingness among stroke physicians to perform endovascular treatment in patients with mild-yet-disabling deficits due to medium-vessel occlusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In an international cross-sectional survey consisting of 7 primary medium-vessel occlusion case scenarios, participants were asked whether the presence of personally disabling deficits would influence their decision-making for endovascular treatment despite the patients having low NIHSS scores (<6). Decision rates were calculated on the basis of physician characteristics. Univariable logistic regression clustered by respondent and scenario identity was performed.

RESULTS

Three hundred sixty-six participants from 44 countries provided 2562 answers to the 7 medium-vessel occlusion scenarios included in this study. In scenarios in which the deficit was relevant to the patient's profession, 56.9% of respondents opted to perform immediate endovascular treatment compared with 41.0% when no information regarding the patient's profession was provided (risk ratio = 1.39, P < .001). The largest effect sizes were seen for female participants (risk ratio = 1.68; 95% CI, 1.35-2.09), participants older than 60 years of age (risk ratio = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.23-2.10), those with more experience in neurointervention (risk ratio = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.24-2.06), and those who personally performed >100 endovascular treatments per year (risk ratio = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.22-2.17).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a patient-relevant deficit in low-NIHSS acute ischemic stroke due to medium-vessel occlusion is an important factor for endovascular treatment decision-making. This may have relevance for the conduct and interpretation of low-NIHSS endovascular treatment in randomized trials.

Infarct Growth despite Successful Endovascular Reperfusion in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Infarct volume inversely correlates with good recovery in stroke. The magnitude and predictors of infarct growth despite successful reperfusion via endovascular treatment are not known.

PURPOSE

We aimed to summarize the extent of infarct growth in patients with acute stroke who achieved successful reperfusion (TICI 2b-3) after endovascular treatment.

DATA SOURCES

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching MEDLINE and Google Scholar for articles published up to October 31, 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies of >10 patients reporting baseline and post-endovascular treatment infarct volumes on MR imaging were included. Only patients with TICI 2b-3 were included. We calculated infarct growth at a study level as the difference between baseline and follow-up MR imaging infarct volumes.

DATA ANALYSIS

Our search yielded 345 studies, and we included 10 studies reporting on 973 patients having undergone endovascular treatment who achieved successful reperfusion.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The mean baseline infarct volume was 19.5 mL, while the mean final infarct volume was 37.5 mL. A TICI 2b reperfusion grade was achieved in 24% of patients, and TICI 2c or 3 in 76%. The pooled mean infarct growth was 14.8 mL (95% CI, 7.9-21.7 mL). Meta-regression showed higher infarct growth in studies that reported higher baseline infarct volumes, higher rates of incomplete reperfusion (modified TICI 2b), and longer onset-to-reperfusion times.

LIMITATIONS

Significant heterogeneity among studies was noted and might be driven by the difference in infarct growth between early- and late-treatment studies.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest considerable infarct growth despite successful endovascular treatment reperfusion and call for a faster workflow and the need for specific therapies to limit infarct growth.

Use of office based transnasal oesophagoscopy in management of Head & Neck conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan, United Kingdom

OBJECTIVES

To assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of transnasal oesophagoscopy (TNO) in cases of suspected upper aerodigestive tract malignancy and define its role as a safe alternative to panendoscopy. We have also analysed if the implementation of TNO during the COVID-19 pandemic was beneficial in order to provide uninterrupted care to the patients with the limited resources available in these challenging times.

METHODS

All patients who underwent TNO guided biopsies or dilatation attempted over a 7 month period during COVID- 19 pandemic were included by searching the hospital and department database at The Royal Albert Edward Infirmary. A comparative group of patients who underwent panendoscopy over 9 months were included for comparison. Demographic data, histological diagnosis, second procedure and cost involved were recorded.

RESULTS

During this period, 20 TNO procedures (16 biopsies and 4 dilatations) were attempted which were compared with 20 panendoscopy procedures. The diagnostic accuracy of TNO biopsy for identifying benign and malignant pathology was 81.1%. The sensitivity and specificity for identifying malignancy was 76.9% and 100% respectively. The most common lesion location was laryngeal (43.8%) followed by oropharyngeal (37.5%), more specifically located at the tongue base. The median waiting period between the procedure being listed and TNO being performed was 5.5 days compared to 12 days for panendoscopy. There were 12/16 patients who did not require further interventions for histological diagnosis of the tumor. The TNO procedure was well tolerated with no complications and all were done under local anaesthesia as outpatient procedure without need for admission. TNO resulted in cost saving of £356 per case on a standard NHS tariff.

CONCLUSION

TNO is a valuable diagnostic tool for patients with suspected UADT malignancy and dysphagia and has proven to be an asset during the COVID-19 pandemic when we have to make the best use of the limited theatre time and resources. Also, the cost analysis showed that outpatient based TNO can provide significant cost savings for the current standard of care. Furthermore, it has shown better patient tolerability, lesser complications and shortened the time for diagnosis and hence starting timely treatment for these patients.

Clinical and Procedural Outcomes with or without Balloon Guide Catheters during Endovascular Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis with First-line Technique Subgroup Analysis

BACKGROUND

Balloon guide catheters are increasingly used to improve clot retrieval by temporarily stopping proximal blood flow during endovascular thrombectomy.

PURPOSE

Our aim was to provide a summary of the literature comparing the procedural and clinical outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy with or without balloon guide catheters, depending on the first-line technique used.

DATA SOURCES

We used PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

STUDY SELECTION

We chose studies that compared using balloon guide catheters with not using them.

DATA ANALYSIS

Random effects meta-analysis was performed to compare the procedural outcomes measured as the first-pass effect, successful reperfusion, number of passes, procedural duration, arterial puncture to reperfusion time, distal emboli, and clinical outcomes.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Overall, a meta-analysis of 16 studies (5507 patients, 50.8% treated with balloon guide catheters and 49.2% without them) shows that the use of balloon guide catheters increases the odds of achieving a first-pass effect (OR = 1.92; 95% CI, 1.34-2.76; P < .001), successful reperfusion (OR = 1.85; 95% CI, 1.42-2.40; P < .001), and good functional outcome (OR =1.48; 95% CI, 1.27-1.73; P < .001). Balloon guide catheters reduce the number of passes (mean difference = -0.35; 95% CI, -0.65 to -0.04; P = .02), procedural time (mean difference = -19.73; 95% CI, -34.63 to -4.83; P = .009), incidence of distal or new territory emboli (OR = 0.5; 95% CI, 0.26-0.98; P = .04), and mortality (OR = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.62-0.85; P < .001). Similar benefits of balloon guide catheters are observed when the first-line technique was a stent retriever or contact aspiration, but not for a combined approach.

LIMITATIONS

The analysis was based on nonrandomized trials with a moderate risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Current literature suggests improved clinical and procedural outcomes associated with the use of balloon guide catheters during endovascular thrombectomy, especially when using the first-line stent retriever.

Nonstenotic Carotid Plaques in Ischemic Stroke: Analysis of the STRATIS Registry

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Few studies assess nonstenotic carotid plaques on CTA, and the causative role of these plaques in stroke is not entirely clear. We used CTA to determine the prevalence of nonstenotic carotid plaques (<50%), plaque features, and their association with ipsilateral strokes in patients with cardioembolic and cryptogenic strokes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were from the Systematic Evaluation of Patients Treated With Neurothrombectomy Devices for Acute Ischemic Stroke (STRATIS) registry, a prospective, nonrandomized registry of patients undergoing thrombectomy with the Solitaire device. The prevalence of nonstenotic carotid plaques ipsilateral and contralateral to the stroke was compared in patients with cryptogenic and cardioembolic strokes. Plaque features were further compared within both subgroups between patients with and without ipsilateral stroke. Adjusted associations among nonstenotic carotid plaque, plaque characteristics, and ipsilateral stroke in both subgroups were determined with logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the 946 patients in the data base, 226 patients with cardioembolic stroke (median age, 72 years) and 141 patients with cryptogenic stroke (median age, 69 years) were included in the analysis. The prevalence of nonstenotic carotid plaque in the cardioembolic and cryptogenic subgroups was 33/226 (14.6%) and 32/141 (22.7%), respectively. Bilateral nonstenotic carotid plaques were seen in 10/226 (4.4%) patients with cardioembolic and 13/141 (9.2%) with cryptogenic strokes. Nonstenotic carotid plaques were significantly associated with ipsilateral strokes in the cardioembolic stroke (adjusted OR = 1.91; 95% CI, 1.15-3.18) and the cryptogenic stroke (adjusted OR = 1.69; 95% CI, 1.05-2.73) groups. Plaque irregularity, hypodensity, and per-millimeter increase in plaque thickness were significantly associated with ipsilateral stroke in the cryptogenic subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonstenotic carotid plaques were significantly associated with ipsilateral stroke in cardioembolic and cryptogenic stroke groups, and there was an association of plaque irregularity and hypodense plaque with ipsilateral stroke in the cryptogenic group, suggesting these plaques could be a potential cause of stroke in these patient subgroups.

Strength of Association between Infarct Volume and Clinical Outcome Depends on the Magnitude of Infarct Size: Results from the ESCAPE-NA1 Trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Infarct volume is an important predictor of clinical outcome in acute stroke. We hypothesized that the association of infarct volume and clinical outcome changes with the magnitude of infarct size.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were derived from the Safety and Efficacy of Nerinetide in Subjects Undergoing Endovascular Thrombectomy for Stroke (ESCAPE-NA1) trial, in which patients with acute stroke with large-vessel occlusion were randomized to endovascular treatment plus either nerinetide or a placebo. Infarct volume was manually segmented on 24-hour noncontrast CT or DWI. The relationship between infarct volume and good outcome, defined as mRS 0-2 at 90 days, was plotted. Patients were categorized on the basis of visual grouping at the curve shoulders of the infarct volume/outcome plot. The relationship between infarct volume and adjusted probability of good outcome was fitted with linear or polynomial functions as appropriate in each group.

RESULTS

We included 1099 individuals in the study. Median infarct volume at 24 hours was 24.9 mL (interquartile range [IQR] = 6.6-92.2 mL). On the basis of the infarct volume/outcome plot, 4 infarct volume groups were defined (IQR = 0-15 mL, 15.1-70 mL, 70.1-200 mL, >200 mL). Proportions of good outcome in the 4 groups were 359/431 (83.3%), 219/337 (65.0%), 71/201 (35.3%), and 16/130 (12.3%), respectively. In small infarcts (IQR = 0-15 mL), no relationship with outcome was appreciated. In patients with intermediate infarct volume (IQR = 15-200 mL), there was progressive importance of volume as an outcome predictor. In infarcts of > 200 mL, outcomes were overall poor.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between infarct volume and clinical outcome varies nonlinearly with the magnitude of infarct size. Infarct volume was linearly associated with decreased chances of achieving good outcome in patients with moderate-to-large infarcts, but not in those with small infarcts. In very large infarcts, a near-deterministic association with poor outcome was seen.

Enhancing Education to Avoid Complications in Endovascular Treatment of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: A Neurointerventionalist's Perspective

It is of utmost importance to avoid errors and subsequent complications when performing neurointerventional procedures, particularly when treating low-risk conditions such as unruptured intracranial aneurysms. We used endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms as an example and took a survey-based approach in which we reached out to 233 neurointerventionalists. They were asked what they think are the most important points staff should teach their trainees to avoid errors and subsequent complications in endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. One hundred twenty-one respondents (51.9%) provided answers in the form of free text responses, which were thematically clustered in an affinity diagram and summarized in this Practice Perspectives. The article is primarily intended for neurointerventional radiology fellows and junior staff and will hopefully provide them the opportunity to learn from the mistakes of their more experienced colleagues.

Considerations for Antiplatelet Management of Carotid Stenting in the Setting of Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Delphi Consensus Statement

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There are only few data and lack of consensus regarding antiplatelet management for carotid stent placement in the setting of endovascular stroke treatment. We aimed to develop a consensus-based algorithm for antiplatelet management in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment and simultaneous emergent carotid stent placement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a literature search and a modified Delphi approach used Web-based questionnaires that were sent in several iterations to an international multidisciplinary panel of 19 neurointerventionalists from 7 countries. The first round included open-ended questions and formed the basis for subsequent rounds, in which closed-ended questions were used. Participants continuously received feedback on the results from previous rounds. Consensus was defined as agreement of ≥70% for binary questions and agreement of ≥50% for questions with >2 answer options. The results of the Delphi process were then summarized in a draft manuscript that was circulated among the panel members for feedback.

RESULTS

A total of 5 Delphi rounds were performed. Panel members preferred a single intravenous aspirin bolus or, in jurisdictions in which intravenous aspirin is not available, a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor as intraprocedural antiplatelet regimen and a combination therapy of oral aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor in the postprocedural period. There was no consensus on the role of platelet function testing in the postprocedural period.

CONCLUSIONS

More and better data on antiplatelet management for carotid stent placement in the setting of endovascular treatment are urgently needed. Panel members preferred intravenous aspirin or, alternatively, a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor as an intraprocedural antiplatelet agent, followed by a dual oral regimen of aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor in the postprocedural period.

Integrating New Staff into Endovascular Stroke-Treatment Workflows in the COVID-19 Pandemic

A health care crisis such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic requires allocation of hospital staff and resources on short notice. Thus, new and sometimes less experienced team members might join the team to fill in the gaps. This scenario can be particularly challenging in endovascular stroke treatment, which is a highly specialized task that requires seamless cooperation of numerous health care workers across various specialties and professions. This document is intended for stroke teams who face the challenge of integrating new team members into endovascular stroke-treatment workflows during the COVID-19 pandemic or any other global health care emergency. It discusses the key strategies for smooth integration of new stroke-team members in a crisis situation: 1) transfer of key knowledge (simple take-home messages), 2) open communication and a nonjudgmental atmosphere, 3) strategic task assignment, and 4) graded learning and responsibility. While these 4 key principles should generally be followed in endovascular stroke treatment, they become even more important during health care emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when health care professionals have to take on new and additional roles and responsibilities in challenging working environments for which they were not specifically trained.

Antiplatelet Management for Stent-Assisted Coiling and Flow Diversion of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: A DELPHI Consensus Statement

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is a paucity of data regarding antiplatelet management strategies in the setting of stent-assisted coiling/flow diversion for ruptured intracranial aneurysms. This study aimed to identify current challenges in antiplatelet management during stent-assisted coiling/flow diversion for ruptured intracranial aneurysms and to outline possible antiplatelet management strategies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The modified DELPHI approach with an on-line questionnaire was sent in several iterations to an international, multidisciplinary panel of 15 neurointerventionalists. The first round consisted of open-ended questions, followed by closed-ended questions in the subsequent rounds. Responses were analyzed in an anonymous fashion and summarized in the final manuscript draft. The statement received endorsement from the World Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology, the Japanese Society for Neuroendovascular Therapy, and the Chinese Neurosurgical Society.

RESULTS

Data were collected from December 9, 2019, to March 13, 2020. Panel members achieved consensus that platelet function testing may not be necessary and that antiplatelet management for stent-assisted coiling and flow diversion of ruptured intracranial aneurysms can follow the same principles. Preprocedural placement of a ventricular drain was thought to be beneficial in cases with a high risk of hydrocephalus. A periprocedural dual, intravenous, antiplatelet regimen with aspirin and a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor was preferred as a standard approach. The panel agreed that intravenous medication can be converted to oral aspirin and an oral P2Y12 inhibitor within 24 hours after the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

More and better data on antiplatelet management of patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms undergoing stent-assisted coiling or flow diversion are urgently needed. Panel members in this DELPHI consensus study preferred a periprocedural dual-antiplatelet regimen with aspirin and a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor.

Enhanced mindfulness-based stress reduction in episodic migraine: a randomized clinical trial with magnetic resonance imaging outcomes

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an enhanced mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR+) vs stress management for headache (SMH). We performed a randomized, assessor-blind, clinical trial of 98 adults with episodic migraine recruited at a single academic center comparing MBSR+ (n = 50) with SMH (n = 48). MBSR+ and SMH were delivered weekly by group for 8 weeks, then biweekly for another 8 weeks. The primary clinical outcome was reduction in headache days from baseline to 20 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes included activity of left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and cognitive task network during cognitive challenge, resting state connectivity of right dorsal anterior insula to DLPFC and cognitive task network, and gray matter volume of DLPFC, dorsal anterior insula, and anterior midcingulate. Secondary outcomes were headache-related disability, pain severity, response to treatment, migraine days, and MRI whole-brain analyses. Reduction in headache days from baseline to 20 weeks was greater for MBSR+ (7.8 [95% CI, 6.9-8.8] to 4.6 [95% CI, 3.7-5.6]) than for SMH (7.7 [95% CI 6.7-8.7] to 6.0 [95% CI, 4.9-7.0]) (P = 0.04). Fifty-two percent of the MBSR+ group showed a response to treatment (50% reduction in headache days) compared with 23% in the SMH group (P = 0.004). Reduction in headache-related disability was greater for MBSR+ (59.6 [95% CI, 57.9-61.3] to 54.6 [95% CI, 52.9-56.4]) than SMH (59.6 [95% CI, 57.7-61.5] to 57.5 [95% CI, 55.5-59.4]) (P = 0.02). There were no differences in clinical outcomes at 52 weeks or MRI outcomes at 20 weeks, although changes related to cognitive networks with MBSR+ were observed. Enhanced mindfulness-based stress reduction is an effective treatment option for episodic migraine.

Our Experience with Intraoral Submandibular Gland Excision

The aim of this paper is to present our experience with intraoral approach for submandibular gland excision in terms of effectiveness and safety in patients with chronic sialadenitis. This is a prospective study carried out from November, 2016 to April, 2018 analyzing 13 patients of chronic sialadenitis. The indication of intraoral approach was either failed attempt to remove the stone endoscopically, chronic sialadenitis or benign tumor. The surgical triangle was used as the landmark for hilar area and gland was dissected close to the capsule and removed via intraoral incision and preserving the sublingual gland. We were successfully able to remove the submandibular gland via intraoral approach in 10 cases. Two patients had to undergo transcervical gland excision and one patient refused for transcervical approach. Intraoral excision of submandibular gland is a safe and viable approach to be utilized in carefully selected patients. The major advantages being avoidance of transcervical scar and of injury to marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve.

The Risk of Stroke and TIA in Nonstenotic Carotid Plaques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Severe carotid stenosis carries a high risk of stroke. However, the risk of stroke with nonstenotic carotid plaques (<50%) is increasingly recognized.

PURPOSE

We aimed to summarize the risk of TIA or stroke in patients with nonstenotic carotid plaques.

DATA SOURCES

We performed a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke in whom carotid imaging was performed using MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database, including studies published up to December 2019.

STUDY SELECTION

Included studies had >10 patients with <50% carotid plaques on any imaging technique and reported the incidence or recurrence of ischemic stroke/TIA. High-risk plaque features and the risk of progression to stenosis >50% were extracted if reported.

DATA SYNTHESIS

We identified 31 studies reporting on the risk of ipsilateral stroke/TIA in patients with nonstenotic carotid plaques. Twenty-five studies (n = 13,428 participants) reported on first-ever stroke/TIA and 6 studies (n = 122 participants) reported on the recurrence of stroke/TIA.

DATA ANALYSIS

The incidence of first-ever ipsilateral stroke/TIA was 0.5/100 person-years. The risk of recurrent stroke/TIA was 2.6/100 person-years and increased to 4.9/100 person-years if intraplaque hemorrhage was present. The risk of progression to severe stenosis (>50%) was 2.9/100 person-years (8 studies, n = 448 participants).

LIMITATIONS

Included studies showed heterogeneity in reporting stroke etiology, the extent of stroke work-up, imaging modalities, and classification systems used for characterizing carotid stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of recurrent stroke/TIA in nonstenotic carotid plaques is not negligible, especially in the presence of high-risk plaque features. Further research is needed to better define the significance of nonstenotic carotid plaques for stroke etiology.

0802 To Examine the Effect of Gabapentin Enacarbil in Primary Restless Legs Syndrome Patients Who are on Dopaminergic Agents and Exhibiting Augmentation

Introduction

Augmentation is defined as worsening of the symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome after a brief period of initial improvement with dopaminergic agents resulting in either an earlier onset, increase in severity, quicker onset, spread to other body parts. The exact prevalence of this phenomenon is not known and in patients experiencing augmentation, it can pose a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the clinician. In our study, we found extended-release gabapentin to be an effective intervention in patients experiencing dopaminergic augmentation

Methods

This is an open-label single-arm study done in patients exhibiting augmentation while on dopaminergic agents. Patients who were enrolled in the study were initiated on oral extended-release gabapentin(Horizont) 600 mg at 5 pm at the beginning of the study. At day 90, attempts were made to reduce or discontinue dopaminergic agents. International Restless Legs Syndrome-Rating Scale (IRLS) and Augmentation Severity Rating Scale(ASRS) were recorded at each visit.

Results

A total of 10 patients were enrolled in the study while only 8 patients completed it. Compared to the baseline (visit 2), there is a significant improvement in both the augmentation severity(p= 0.0131) and the IRLS (p=0.0497). Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test was used for statistical analysis.

Conclusion

Extended-release Gabapentin is an effective treatment option in primary RLS patients experiencing augmentation secondary to dopaminergic medication usage.

Support

The study is funded and medication is provided by Arbor Pharmaceuticals.

0619 To Rely or No to Rely: Understanding the Demographics and Polysomnographic Features of False Negative Home Sleep Apnea Testing

Introduction

The current gold standard for a definitive diagnosis of OSA is an in-center Polysomnography (PSG). Home Sleep Apnea Testing(HSAT) has become an important tool in identifying high-risk populations. One of the limitations of the study is the lack of Electroencephalographic (EEG) data. This prevents the inclusion of Respiratory Effort Related Arousals (RERAs). We attempted to identify the patients whose HSAT showed an REI of less than 5 but are at risk for having sleep apnea based on the presence of airflow and thoraco-abdominal fluctuations.

Methods

Patients in this study were those that underwent HSAT from September 2016 till June of 2019. The studies reviewed and interpreted by board certified Sleep Specialists. Studies were done using nox-T3 sleep monitor and Nomad portable Home Sleep Testing type III devices-Both are type 3 Portable Monitors. Only those patients whose REI in their HSAT less than 5 were included in this study. All these patients had multiple airflow fluctuations in their HSAT that raised the suspicion for the presence of RERAs. None of these patients had significant hypoxemia in the HSAT.Airflow fluctuations were defined by the presence of fluctuations in the signal in the airflow channel along with increasing thoracoabdominal channels. Those patients with REI of less than 5 and without airflow fluctuations were excluded from the study.

Results

A total of 178 patients were recommended to undergo an in-center polysomnogram. Of those, 92 patients completed their polysomnogram with 59 patients ending up with a diagnosis of sleep apnea while 33 did not suggesting a false negative rate of 64.13%. Of those who were positive, 39 were females while 20 were males. Both groups did not differ significantly. Females had a median BMI of 32.9(28.19 for males), a median ESS of 11(8 in males) and a median RDI of 14.8(13.25).

Conclusion

Our study shows that both Home Sleep apnea testing can have a high proportion of false-negative results in patients exhibiting thoraco-abdominal and airflow fluctuations. The interpreting physicians should understand the limitations of the HSAT and should have a low threshold to recommend an in-center polysomnogram.

Support

None.

Effect of atrial fibrillation on endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke. A meta-analysis of individual patient data from six randomised trials: Results from the HERMES collaboration

Background

Atrial fibrillation is an important risk factor for ischemic stroke, and is associated with an increased risk of poor outcome after ischemic stroke. Endovascular thrombectomy is safe and effective in acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation. This meta-analysis aims to investigate whether there is an interaction between atrial fibrillation and treatment effect of endovascular thrombectomy, and secondarily whether atrial fibrillation is associated with worse outcome in patients with ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion.

Methods

Individual patient data were from six of the recent randomised clinical trials (MR CLEAN, EXTEND-IA, REVASCAT, SWIFT PRIME, ESCAPE, PISTE) in which endovascular thrombectomy plus standard care was compared to standard care alone. Primary outcome measure was the shift on the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 90 days. Secondary outcomes were functional independence (mRS 0–2) at 90 days, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at 24 h, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality at 90 days. The primary effect parameter was the adjusted common odds ratio, estimated with ordinal logistic regression (shift analysis); treatment effect modification of atrial fibrillation was assessed with a multiplicative interaction term.

Results

Among 1351 patients, 447 patients had atrial fibrillation, 224 of whom were treated with endovascular thrombectomy. We found no interaction of atrial fibrillation with treatment effect of endovascular thrombectomy for both primary (p-value for interaction: 0.58) and secondary outcomes. Regardless of treatment allocation, we found no difference in primary outcome (mRS at 90 days: aOR 1.11 (95% CI 0.89–1.38) and secondary outcomes between patients with and without atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion

We found no interaction of atrial fibrillation on treatment effect of endovascular thrombectomy, and no difference in outcome between large vessel occlusion stroke patients with and without atrial fibrillation.

How Do Physicians Approach Intravenous Alteplase Treatment in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Who Are Eligible for Intravenous Alteplase and Endovascular Therapy? Insights from UNMASK-EVT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

With increasing use of endovascular therapy, physicians' attitudes toward intravenous alteplase in endovascular therapy-eligible patients may be changing. We explored current intravenous alteplase treatment practices of physicians in endovascular therapy- and alteplase-eligible patients with acute stroke using prespecified case scenarios and compared how their current local treatment practices differ compared with an assumed ideal environment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In an international multidisciplinary survey, 607 physicians involved in acute stroke care were randomly assigned 10 of 22 case scenarios, among them 14 with guideline-based alteplase recommendations (9 with level 1A and 5 with level 2B recommendation) and were asked how they would treat the patient: A) under their current local resources, and B) under assumed ideal conditions. Answer options were the following: 1) anticoagulation/antiplatelet therapy, 2) endovascular therapy, 3) endovascular therapy plus intravenous alteplase, and 4) intravenous alteplase. Decision rates were calculated, and multivariable regression analysis was performed to determine variables associated with the decision to abandon intravenous alteplase.

RESULTS

In cases with guideline recommendations for alteplase, physicians favored alteplase in 82.0% under current local resources and in 79.3% under assumed ideal conditions (P < .001). Under assumed ideal conditions, interventional neuroradiologists would refrain from intravenous alteplase most often (6.28%, OR = 2.40; 95% CI, 1.01-5.71). When physicians' current and ideal decisions differed, most would like to add endovascular therapy to intravenous alteplase in an ideal setting (196/3861 responses, 5.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients eligible for endovascular therapy and intravenous alteplase, we observed a slightly lower decision rate in favor of intravenous alteplase under assumed ideal conditions compared with the decision rate under current local resources.

Endovascular Treatment Decisions in Patients with M2 Segment MCA Occlusions

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Endovascular therapy in acute ischemic stroke is rapidly evolving. We explored physicians' treatment attitudes and practice in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to M2 occlusion, given the absence of Level-1 guidelines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted an international multidisciplinary survey among physicians involved in acute stroke care. Respondents were presented with 10 of 22 case scenarios (4 with proximal M2 occlusions and 1 with a small-branch M2 occlusion) and asked about their treatment approach under A) current local resources, and B) assumed ideal conditions (no monetary or infrastructural restraints). Overall treatment decisions were evaluated; subgroup analyses by physician and patient baseline characteristics were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 607 physicians participated. Most of the respondents decided in favor of endovascular therapy in M2 occlusions, both under current local resources and assumed ideal conditions (65.4% versus 69.6%; P = .017). Under current local resources, older patient age (P < .001), longer time since symptom onset (P < .001), high center endovascular therapy volume (P < .001), high personal endovascular therapy volume (P = .005), and neurosurgeons (P < .001) were more likely to favor endovascular therapy. European respondents were less likely to favor endovascular therapy (P = .001). Under assumed ideal conditions, older patient age (P < .001), longer time since symptom onset (P < .001), high center endovascular therapy volume (P = .041), high personal endovascular therapy volume (P = .002), and Asian respondents were more likely to favor endovascular therapy (P = .037). Respondents with more experience (P = .048) and high annual stroke thrombolysis treatment volume (P = .001) were less likely to favor endovascular therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with M2 occlusions are considered appropriate candidates for endovascular therapy by most respondents in this survey, especially by those performing endovascular therapy more often and those practicing in high-volume centers.

Displaying Multiphase CT Angiography Using a Time-Variant Color Map: Practical Considerations and Potential Applications in Patients with Acute Stroke

Various imaging protocols exist for the identification of vessel occlusion and assessment of collateral flow in acute stroke. CT perfusion is particularly popular because the color maps are a striking visual indicator of pathology. Multiphase CTA has similar diagnostic and prognostic ability but requires more expertise to interpret. This article presents a new multiphase CTA display format that incorporates vascular information from all phases of the multiphase CTA series in a single time-variant color map, thereby facilitating multiphase CTA interpretation, particularly for less experienced readers. Exemplary cases of multiphase CTA from this new display format are compared with conventional multiphase CTA, CT perfusion, and follow-up imaging to demonstrate how time-variant multiphase CTA color maps facilitate assessment of collateral flow, detection of distal and multiple intracranial occlusions, differentiation of pseudo-occlusion from real occlusion, and assessment of flow relevance of stenoses, ante- and retrograde flow patterns, and clot permeability.

Imaging Triage of Patients with Late-Window (6-24 Hours) Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Comparative Study Using Multiphase CT Angiography versus CT Perfusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The role of collateral imaging in selecting patients for endovascular thrombectomy beyond 6 hours from onset has not been established. To assess the comparative utility of collateral imaging using multiphase CTA in selecting late window patients for EVT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used data from a prospective multicenter observational study in which all patients underwent imaging with multiphase CT angiography as well as CTP. Two blinded reviewers evaluated patients' eligibility for endovascular thrombectomy using published collateral imaging (multiphase CTA) criteria compared with CTP using the selection criteria of the Clinical Mismatch in the Triage of Wake Up and Late Presenting Strokes Undergoing Neurointervention with Trevo (DAWN) and Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for Ischemic Stroke 3 (DEFUSE-3) trials. CTP images were processed using automated commercial software. The outcomes of patients eligible for endovascular thrombectomy according to multiphase CTA, DAWN, or DEFUSE-3 criteria were compared using multivariable logistic regression modeling. Model characteristics were compared using the C-statistic for the receiver operating characteristic curve, the Akaike information criterion, and the Bayesian information criterion.

RESULTS

Eighty-six patients presented beyond 6 hours from onset/last known well (median, 9.6 hours; interquartile range, 4.1 hours). Thirty-five patients (40.7%) received endovascular thrombectomy, of whom good functional outcome (90-day mRS, 0-2) was achieved in 16/35 (47%). Collateral-based imaging paradigms significantly modified the treatment effect of endovascular thrombectomy on 90-day mRS 0-2 (P _interaction = .007). The multiphase CTA-based regression model best fit the data for the 90-day outcome (C-statistic, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77-0.94) and was associated with the least information loss (Akaike information criterion, 95.7; Bayesian information criterion, 114.9) compared with CTP-based models.

CONCLUSIONS

The collateral-based imaging paradigm using multiphase CTA compares well with CTP in selecting patients for endovascular thrombectomy in the late time window.

Erythrophagocytosis by blasts in a case of de novo acute monoblastic leukemia with rare but characteristic t(8;16)

Erythrophagocytosis by leukemic blasts is a rare phenomenon. We report a case of a female diagnosed with acute monoblastic leukemia with leukemic blasts that were CD34 and CD117 negative, showing erythrophagocytosis, vacoulations, and a rare t(8;16) on bone marrow karyotype which is associated with a poor prognosis despite intensive chemotherapy. Meticulous bone marrow examination in such a scenario may point towards the presence of t(8;16) and help clinicians take a well-informed clinical decision.

Synthesis and functional properties of gelatin/CA-starch composite film: excellent food packaging material

In this work, citric acid (CA) modified starch/gelatin composite films were prepared by mixing modified starch and gelatin in different proportions (1:0, 1:1, 1:4, 4:1 and 0:1). Blending of chemically modified starch with food grade CA and gelatin as second polymers were studied as a new and novel approach for fabrication of eco-friendly composite films with excellent packaging properties. Taking considerations of improvement in functional properties of the films, a series of starch films were derived using CA-starch and gelatin using solution casting approach. Influence of CA (0.5%, 1%, 3%, 5% and 7% w/w of total starch) on functional properties (moisture content, solubility, swelling index, moisture migration rate, moisture absorption, opacity and mechanical properties) were studied. FTIR and SEM analysis were utilized to characterize the interaction between the starch chains and surface morphology of films. Findings revealed that functional properties (aqueous solubility, swelling index, and moisture barrier properties) significantly (p < 0.05) improved as CA content increased. Composite films with CA-starch/gelatin of the ratio (4:1) revealed excellent functional properties. FTIR spectra illustrated strong interaction between the starch chains in the starch films. SEM analysis showed that gelatin exhibited good compatibility in the composite films. Therefore obtained composite films possessed a homogenious, dense and compact networks. In conclusion, CA and gelatin made better starch film properties and broadened the potential applications in the food packaging.

Dismantling the ability of CT and MRI to identify the target mismatch profile in patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion beyond six hours from symptom onset

PURPOSE

Patients with large vessel occlusion and target mismatch on imaging may be thrombectomy candidates in the extended time window. However, the ability of imaging modalities including non-contrast CT Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomographic Scoring (CT ASPECTS), CT angiography collateral score (CTA-CS), diffusion-weighted MRI ASPECTS (DWI ASPECTS), DWI lesion volume, and DWI volume with clinical deficit (DWI + NIHSS), to identify mismatch is unknown.

METHODS

We defined target mismatch as core infarct (DWI volume) of < 70 mL, mismatch volume (tissue with TMax > 6 s) of ≥ 15 mL, and mismatch ratio of ≥ 1.8. Using experimental dismantling design, ability to identify this profile was determined for each imaging modality independently (phase 1) and then with knowledge from preceding modalities (phase 2). We used a generalized mixed model assuming binary distribution with PROC GLIMMIX/SAS for analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 32 patients with anterior circulation occlusions, presenting > 6 h from symptom onset, with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale of ≥ 6, who had CT and MR before thrombectomy. Sensitivities for identifying target mismatch increased modestly from 88% for NCCT to 91% with the addition of CTA-CS, and up to 100% for all MR-based modalities. Significant gains in specificity were observed from successive tests (29, 19, and 16% increase for DWI ASPECTS, DWI volume, and DWI + NIHSS, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of NCCT ASPECTS and CTA-CS has high sensitivity for identifying the target mismatch in the extended time window. However, there are gains in specificity with MRI-based imaging, potentially identifying treatment candidates who may have been excluded based on CT imaging alone.

Imaging of Patients with Suspected Large-Vessel Occlusion at Primary Stroke Centers: Available Modalities and a Suggested Approach

The overwhelming benefit of endovascular therapy in patients with large-vessel occlusions suggests that more patients will be screened than treated. Some of those patients will be evaluated first at primary stroke centers; this type of evaluation calls for standardizing the imaging approach to minimize delays in assessing, transferring, and treating these patients. Here, we propose that CT angiography (performed at the same time as head CT) should be the minimum imaging approach for all patients with stroke with suspected large-vessel occlusion presenting to primary stroke centers. We discuss some of the implications of this approach and how to facilitate them.

Automated ASPECTS on Noncontrast CT Scans in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Using Machine Learning

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) was devised as a systematic method to assess the extent of early ischemic change on noncontrast CT (NCCT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Our aim was to automate ASPECTS to objectively score NCCT of AIS patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We collected NCCT images with a 5-mm thickness of 257 patients with acute ischemic stroke (<8 hours from onset to scans) followed by a diffusion-weighted imaging acquisition within 1 hour. Expert ASPECTS readings on DWI were used as ground truth. Texture features were extracted from each ASPECTS region of the 157 training patient images to train a random forest classifier. The unseen 100 testing patient images were used to evaluate the performance of the trained classifier. Statistical analyses on the total ASPECTS and region-level ASPECTS were conducted.

RESULTS

For the total ASPECTS of the unseen 100 patients, the intraclass correlation coefficient between the automated ASPECTS method and DWI ASPECTS scores of expert readings was 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.67-0.83) and the mean ASPECTS difference in the Bland-Altman plot was 0.3 (limits of agreement, -3.3, 2.6). Individual ASPECTS region-level analysis showed that our method yielded κ = 0.60, sensitivity of 66.2%, specificity of 91.8%, and area under curve of 0.79 for 100 × 10 ASPECTS regions. Additionally, when ASPECTS was dichotomized (>4 and ≤4), κ = 0.78, sensitivity of 97.8%, specificity of 80%, and area under the curve of 0.89 were generated between the proposed method and expert readings on DWI.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed automated ASPECTS scoring approach shows reasonable ability to determine ASPECTS on NCCT images in patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke.

Radiomics-Based Intracranial Thrombus Features on CT and CTA Predict Recanalization with Intravenous Alteplase in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Thrombus characteristics identified on non-contrast CT (NCCT) are potentially associated with recanalization with intravenous (IV) alteplase in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Our aim was to determine the best radiomics-based features of thrombus on NCCT and CT angiography associated with recanalization with IV alteplase in AIS patients and proximal intracranial thrombi.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

With a nested case-control design, 67 patients with ICA/M1 MCA segment thrombus treated with IV alteplase were included in this analysis. Three hundred twenty-six radiomics features were extracted from each thrombus on both NCCT and CTA images. Linear discriminative analysis was applied to select features most strongly associated with early recanalization with IV alteplase. These features were then used to train a linear support vector machine classifier. Ten times 5-fold cross-validation was used to evaluate the accuracy of the trained classifier and the stability of the selected features.

RESULTS

Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that thrombus radiomics features are predictive of early recanalization with IV alteplase. The combination of radiomics features from NCCT, CTA, and radiomics changes is best associated with early recanalization with IV alteplase (area under the curve = 0.85) and was significantly better than any single feature such as thrombus length (P < .001), volume (P < .001), and permeability as measured by mean attenuation increase (P < .001), maximum attenuation in CTA (P < .001), maximum attenuation increase (P < .001), and assessment of residual flow grade (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Thrombus radiomics features derived from NCCT and CTA are more predictive of recanalization with IV alteplase in patients with acute ischemic stroke with proximal occlusion than previously known thrombus imaging features such as length, volume, and permeability.

Maternal and neonatal complications during pregnancy in women with epilepsy

Epilepsy is the commonest serious neurological problem faced by obstetricians and gynaecologists. Epidemiological studies estimate epilepsy to complicate 0.3–0.7% of all pregnancies.1 2 The importance of epilepsy in pregnancy lies in the fact that many women with epilepsy (WWE) have to go through their pregnancy while taking antiepileptic (AED) drugs. Both the seizures and AEDs can have harmful effects on the mother as well the foetus. Thus, during pregnancy, the clinician faces dual challenge of controlling seizures as well as preventing teratogenicity of AEDs.1 In this review we discuss the possible impact of seizures as well as AEDs on mother as well as the child. We try to answer some of the commonest questions which are relevant to successful management of pregnancy and ensuring birth of a healthy baby.

Neuropsychiatric manifestations are not uncommon in Indian lupus patients and negatively affect quality of life

Objectives The objectives of this paper are to look at the prevalence of neuropsychiatric manifestations and assess their impact on quality of life in North Indian lupus patients. Methods The study included consecutive patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who were older than 18 years and met the SLICC 2012 criteria. A diagnosis of a neuropsychiatric syndrome was made as per ACR 1999 definitions. Manifestations occurring at any point in time after the diagnosis of SLE were considered if a reliable history and medical records were available. Quality of life was assessed by EuroQol-5D questionnaire. Means were compared by student t test for normally distributed data. Comparison of quality of life between groups was performed by the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results This study included 101 patients of SLE with mean (±SD) age of 32.3 ± 10.0 years and a majority ( n = 92) were females. Mean (±SD) age of diagnosis of SLE was 27.8 ± 9.2 years and disease duration (after diagnosis) was 4.6 ± 4.5 years. Thirty-three patients had neuropsychiatric manifestations with a total of 42 events. The most common manifestation was headache (10%) followed by anxiety disorder (5%) and peripheral neuropathy (9%). Other NPSLE syndromes observed in the study are seizure (4%), cognitive dysfunction (4%), depression (4%), acute confusional state (2%), autonomic neuropathy (2%), movement disorder (1%), and mononeuritis multiplex (1%). On comparing the groups of NPSLE, nephritis, and neither, there was a significant difference in mobility, self-care, pain, and worry. On post hoc test, there was a significant difference between the NPSLE and neither group. Conclusion Neuropsychiatric manifestations significantly affect quality of life in North Indian SLE patients.