Clinical relevance of intracranial hemorrhage after thrombectomy versus medical management for large core infarct: a secondary analysis of the SELECT2 randomized trial

BACKGROUND

The incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and its effect on the outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for patients with large core infarcts have not been well-characterized.

METHODS

SELECT2 trial follow-up imaging was evaluated using the Heidelberg Bleeding Classification (HBC) to define hemorrhage grade. The association of ICH with clinical outcomes and treatment effect was examined.

RESULTS

Of 351 included patients, 194 (55%) and 189 (54%) demonstrated intracranial and intracerebral hemorrhage, respectively, with a higher incidence in EVT (134 (75%) and 130 (73%)) versus medical management (MM) (60 (35%) and 59 (34%), both P<0.001). Hemorrhagic infarction type 1 (HBC=1a) and type 2 (HBC=1b) accounted for 93% of all hemorrhages. Parenchymal hematoma (PH) type 1 (HBC=1c) and type 2 (HBC=2) were observed in 1 (0.6%) EVT-treated and 4 (2.2%) MM patients. Symptomatic ICH (sICH) (SITS-MOST definition) was seen in 0.6% EVT patients and 1.2% MM patients. No trend for ICH with core volumes (P=0.10) or Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) (P=0.74) was observed. Among EVT patients, the presence of any ICH did not worsen clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days: 4 (3-6) vs 4 (3-6); adjusted generalized OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.47, P>0.99) or modify EVT treatment effect (Pinteraction=0.77).

CONCLUSIONS

ICH was present in 75% of the EVT population, but PH or sICH were infrequent. The presence of any ICH did not worsen functional outcomes or modify EVT treatment effect at 90-day follow-up. The high rate of hemorrhages overall still represents an opportunity for adjunctive therapies in EVT patients with a large ischemic core.

Endovascular Thrombectomy for Large Ischemic Stroke Across Ischemic Injury and Penumbra Profiles

Importance

Whether endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) efficacy for patients with acute ischemic stroke and large cores varies depending on the extent of ischemic injury is uncertain.

Objective

To describe the relationship between imaging estimates of irreversibly injured brain (core) and at-risk regions (mismatch) and clinical outcomes and EVT treatment effect.

Design, Setting, and Participants

An exploratory analysis of the SELECT2 trial, which randomized 352 adults (18-85 years) with acute ischemic stroke due to occlusion of the internal carotid or middle cerebral artery (M1 segment) and large ischemic core to EVT vs medical management (MM), across 31 global centers between October 2019 and September 2022.

Intervention

EVT vs MM.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcome was functional outcome-90-day mRS score (0, no symptoms, to 6, death) assessed by adjusted generalized OR (aGenOR; values >1 represent more favorable outcomes). Benefit of EVT vs MM was assessed across levels of ischemic injury defined by noncontrast CT using ASPECTS score and by the volume of brain with severely reduced blood flow on CT perfusion or restricted diffusion on MRI.

Results

Among 352 patients randomized, 336 were analyzed (median age, 67 years; 139 [41.4%] female); of these, 168 (50%) were randomized to EVT, and 2 additional crossover MM patients received EVT. In an ordinal analysis of mRS at 90 days, EVT improved functional outcomes compared with MM within ASPECTS categories of 3 (aGenOR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.04-2.81]), 4 (aGenOR, 2.01 [95% CI, 1.19-3.40]), and 5 (aGenOR, 1.85 [95% CI, 1.22-2.79]). Across strata for CT perfusion/MRI ischemic core volumes, aGenOR for EVT vs MM was 1.63 (95% CI, 1.23-2.16) for volumes ≥70 mL, 1.41 (95% CI, 0.99-2.02) for ≥100 mL, and 1.47 (95% CI, 0.84-2.56) for ≥150 mL. In the EVT group, outcomes worsened as ASPECTS decreased (aGenOR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.82-1.00] per 1-point decrease) and as CT perfusion/MRI ischemic core volume increased (aGenOR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.89-0.95] per 10-mL increase). No heterogeneity of EVT treatment effect was observed with or without mismatch, although few patients without mismatch were enrolled.

Conclusion and Relevance

In this exploratory analysis of a randomized clinical trial of patients with extensive ischemic stroke, EVT improved clinical outcomes across a wide spectrum of infarct volumes, although enrollment of patients with minimal penumbra volume was low. In EVT-treated patients, clinical outcomes worsened as presenting ischemic injury estimates increased.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03876457.

Endovascular thrombectomy plus medical care versus medical care alone for large ischaemic stroke: 1-year outcomes of the SELECT2 trial

BACKGROUND

Multiple randomised trials have shown efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with large ischaemic stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term (ie, at 1 year) evidence of benefit of thrombectomy for these patients.

METHODS

SELECT2 was a phase 3, open-label, international, randomised controlled trial with blinded endpoint assessment, conducted at 31 hospitals in the USA, Canada, Spain, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand. Patients aged 18-85 years with ischaemic stroke due to proximal occlusion of the internal carotid artery or of the first segment of the middle cerebral artery, showing large ischaemic core on non-contrast CT (Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomographic Score of 3-5 [range 0-10, with lower values indicating larger infarctions]) or measuring 50 mL or more on CT perfusion and MRI, were randomly assigned, within 24 h of ischaemic stroke onset, to thrombectomy plus medical care or to medical care alone. The primary outcome for this analysis was the ordinal modified Rankin Scale (range 0-6, with higher scores indicating greater disability) at 1-year follow-up in an intention-to-treat population. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03876457) and is completed.

FINDINGS

The trial was terminated early for efficacy at the 90-day follow-up after 352 patients had been randomly assigned (178 to thrombectomy and 174 to medical care only) between Oct 11, 2019, and Sept 9, 2022. Thrombectomy significantly improved the 1-year modified Rankin Scale score distribution versus medical care alone (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney probability of superiority 0·59 [95% CI 0·53-0·64]; p=0·0019; generalised odds ratio 1·43 [95% CI 1·14-1·78]). At the 1-year follow-up, 77 (45%) of 170 patients receiving thrombectomy had died, compared with 83 (52%) of 159 patients receiving medical care only (1-year mortality relative risk 0·89 [95% CI 0·71-1·11]).

INTERPRETATION

In patients with ischaemic stroke due to a proximal occlusion and large core, thrombectomy plus medical care provided a significant functional outcome benefit compared with medical care alone at 1-year follow-up.

FUNDING

Stryker Neurovascular.

Flow diversion for the treatment of intracranial bifurcation aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Flow diversion (FD: flow diversion, flow diverter) is an endovascular treatment for many intracranial aneurysm types; however, limited reports have explored the use of FDs in bifurcation aneurysm management. We analyzed the safety and efficacy of FD for the management of intracranial bifurcation aneurysms.

METHODS

A systematic review identified original research articles that used FD for treating intracranial bifurcation aneurysms. Articles with >4 patients that reported outcomes on the use of FDs for the management of bifurcation aneurysms along the anterior communicating artery (AComA), internal carotid artery terminus (ICAt), basilar apex (BA), or middle cerebral artery bifurcation (MCAb) were included. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model.

RESULTS

19 studies were included with 522 patients harboring 534 bifurcation aneurysms (mean size 9 mm, 78% unruptured). Complete aneurysmal occlusion rate was 68% (95% CI 58.7% to 76.1%, I2=67%) at mean angiographic follow-up of 16 months. Subgroup analysis of FD as a standalone treatment estimated a complete occlusion rate of 69% (95% CI 50% to 83%, I2=38%). The total complication rate was 22% (95% CI 16.7% to 28.6%, I2=51%), largely due to an ischemic complication rate of 16% (95% CI 10.8% to 21.9%, I2=55%). The etiologies of ischemic complications were largely due to jailed artery hypoperfusion (47%) and in-stent thrombosis (38%). 7% of patients suffered permanent symptomatic complications (95% CI 4.5% to 9.8%, I2=6%).

CONCLUSION

FD treatment of bifurcation aneurysms has a modest efficacy and relatively unfavorable safety profile. Proceduralists may consider reserving FD as a treatment option if no other surgical or endovascular therapy is deemed feasible.

Mechanical thrombectomy for acute large vessel occlusion stroke beyond 24 h

BACKGROUND

Multiple trials have shown that mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is superior to medical therapy. However, no robust evidence is available regarding MT beyond 24 h. In this study, we aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of endovascular stroke therapy in this late window.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of prospectively collected data of patients who met extended window trial criteria, but underwent MT beyond 24 h. Safety and efficacy outcomes included symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), procedural complications, number of passes, successful recanalization (mTICI 2b - 3), delta (Δ) NIHSS (baseline-discharge), and favorable outcomes (mRS 0-2 at 90 days).

RESULTS

A total of 39 patients were included with a median age of 69 years (IQR 61.5, 73.5); 54% were females. Hypertension was present in 76% of patients; 23% were smokers. Half of the patients had M1 occlusion (48.7%). Median preprocedural NIHSS was 11 (IQR 7.0, 19.5). Successful revascularization was achieved in 87%; median number of passes was 2 (IQR 1.0, 3.0). Median ΔNIHSS was 3.0 (IQR -1.5, 8.0). Favorable outcome was achieved in 49% (95% CI: 34%-64%), and 95% were free of complications. A total of 3 patients (7.7%) had sICH. In an exploratory analysis, posterior circulation occlusion was associated with higher mRS at 90 days (OR: 14.7, p = 0.016). Favorable discharge facility was associated with lower mRS at 90 days (OR: 0.11, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed comparable clinical outcomes of MT beyond 24 h compared to MT trials within 24 h in patients with favorable imaging profile, especially in anterior circulation occlusions.

Association of Endovascular Thrombectomy vs Medical Management With Functional and Safety Outcomes in Patients Treated Beyond 24 Hours of Last Known Well: The SELECT Late Study

Importance

The role of endovascular thrombectomy is uncertain for patients presenting beyond 24 hours of the time they were last known well.

Objective

To evaluate functional and safety outcomes for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) vs medical management in patients with large-vessel occlusion beyond 24 hours of last known well.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective observational cohort study enrolled patients between July 2012 and December 2021 at 17 centers across the United States, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand. Eligible patients had occlusions in the internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery (M1 or M2 segment) and were treated with EVT or medical management beyond 24 hours of last known well.

Interventions

Endovascular thrombectomy or medical management (control).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcome was functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2). Mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) were safety outcomes. Propensity score (PS)-weighted multivariable logistic regression analyses were adjusted for prespecified clinical characteristics, perfusion parameters, and/or Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) and were repeated in subsequent 1:1 PS-matched cohorts.

Results

Of 301 patients (median [IQR] age, 69 years [59-81]; 149 female), 185 patients (61%) received EVT and 116 (39%) received medical management. In adjusted analyses, EVT was associated with better functional independence (38% vs control, 10%; inverse probability treatment weighting adjusted odds ratio [IPTW aOR], 4.56; 95% CI, 2.28-9.09; P < .001) despite increased odds of sICH (10.1% for EVT vs 1.7% for control; IPTW aOR, 10.65; 95% CI, 2.19-51.69; P = .003). This association persisted after PS-based matching on (1) clinical characteristics and ASPECTS (EVT, 35%, vs control, 19%; aOR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.02-9.72; P = .047); (2) clinical characteristics and perfusion parameters (EVT, 35%, vs control, 17%; aOR, 4.17; 95% CI, 1.15-15.17; P = .03); and (3) clinical characteristics, ASPECTS, and perfusion parameters (EVT, 45%, vs control, 21%; aOR, 4.39; 95% CI, 1.04-18.53; P = .04). Patients receiving EVT had lower odds of mortality (26%) compared with those in the control group (41%; IPTW aOR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.27-0.89; P = .02).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study of treatment beyond 24 hours of last known well, EVT was associated with higher odds of functional independence compared with medical management, with consistent results obtained in PS-matched subpopulations and patients with presence of mismatch, despite increased odds of sICH. Our findings support EVT feasibility in selected patients beyond 24 hours. Prospective studies are warranted for confirmation.

Abstract 36: Endovascular Thrombectomy Beyond 24 Hours From Last Known Well: A Pooled Multicenter International Cohort

Background: Limited data are available on endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) efficacy and safety in large vessel occlusion (LVO) patients presenting >24hr from last known well (LKW). We compared outcomes between patients receiving EVT and best medical management (MM) in a multicenter international cohort.

Methods: Consecutive patients with anterior circulation LVO presenting >24h after LKW from 13 centers from 7/2012-4/2021 were analyzed. Multivariable models for 90d mRS distribution and symptomatic ICH were adjusted for age, NIHSS, glucose, IV tPA, transfer status, clot location, time from LKW, CT ASPECTS and ischemic core (rCBF<30%) and Tmax >6s volumes.

Results: Of 240 patients with a median (IQR) LKW to presentation 28.3h (24.9-38.2), 153 (64%) received EVT. Baseline characteristics were similar except for NIHSS (EVT: 13 (8-20) vs MM: 17 (10-22), p=0.005), CT ASPECTS (EVT: 8(6-9) vs MM: 4(3-6), p<0.001) and ischemic core 2.5(0-13) vs 15(0-71) mL, p<0.001. EVT was associated with a better shift in 90d mRS (acOR: 2.45, 95% CI=1.42-4.22, p=0.001), higher functional independence (42% vs 10%, aOR: 4.84, 95% CI=2.02-11.64, p<0.001) and numerically lower mortality (22% vs 42%, aOR: 0.50, 95% CI=0.23-1.06, p=0.071), Fig 1A. However, EVT was associated with numerically higher sICH (5.5% vs 0%, p=0.10). Following EVT, 82% achieved successful reperfusion (mTICI 2b-3), which was associated with better shift in 90d mRS (acOR: 5.82, 95% CI: 1.77-19.10, p=0.004), higher functional independence (44% vs 22%, aOR: 5.03, 95% CI: 0.87-29.12, p=0.07) and lower mortality (20% vs 52%, aOR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01-0.57, p=0.01), Fig 1B.

Conclusions: EVT may be associated with better functional outcomes, despite numerically increased risk of sICH in patients presenting with anterior circulation LVO beyond 24 hours. Further prospective studies are warranted.

Abstract TP88: Advance Care Planning In Stroke Survivors: A Survey Of Patient Goals And Preferences

Introduction: The AHA 2014 statement on palliative and end-of-life (EOL) care in stroke recommended patient- and family-centered care and goals of care discussions. Despite a recurrent stroke risk of up to 39% at 10 years, stroke survivors have low advance directive completion rates. We conducted a survey characterizing the advance care planning (ACP) attitudes in our population of stroke clinic patients.

Methods: We developed a survey based on validated surveys assessing ACP behaviors and engagement. The survey was provided to all TIA, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients in our clinic between February and August 2021. Non-English-speaking patients and those unable to express preferences were excluded.

Results: Surveys were provided to 88 stroke survivors with a 68.2% response rate (N=60). Patient characteristics reported in Table 1. Patients were racially and ethnically diverse and 54.2% had greater than high school education. Patients were also fairly independent, most living at home (96.7%) and ambulatory (63.3%). Most patients completed the survey a median of 43 days after their first stroke (63.3%). Less than half (48.3%) of patients had designated a medical decision maker but many (63.3%) had had conversations with family/decision makers about preferences for future medical care if they were to become very sick or near the EOL. However, only 46.7% felt ready to talk with a doctor about these preferences. More than half (53.3%) of patients indicated that they would like their stroke doctor’s participation if/when they were to have such a conversation.

Conclusions: In our study group of diverse, younger and more independent stroke survivors, we found that many had had ACP conversations with surrogate decision makers and more than half wanted their stroke doctor to participate in future discussions. More work is needed to assess the generalizability of our findings and how ACP can be improved for stroke survivors who are at high risk for recurrent events.