Baseline clinical and neuroradiological predictors of outcome in patients with large ischemic core undergoing mechanical thrombectomy: A retrospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Recent randomized trials have shown the benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) also in patients with an established large ischemic core.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to define baseline predictors of clinical outcome in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the anterior circulation and an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS) ⩽ 5, undergoing MT.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The databases of 16 comprehensive stroke centers were retrospectively screened for patients with LVO and ASPECTS ⩽5 that received MT. Baseline clinical and neuroradiological features, including the differential contribution of all ASPECTS regions to the composite score, were collected. Primary clinical outcome measure was a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2. Statistical analysis used a logistic regression model and random forest algorithm.

RESULTS

A total of 408 patients were available for analysis. In multivariate model, among baseline features, lower age (odd ratio (OR) = 0.962, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.943-0.982) and lower National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR = 0.911, 95% CI = 0.862-0.963) were associated with the mRS score 0-2. Involvement of the M2 (OR = 0.398, 95% CI = 0.206-0.770) or M4 (OR = 0.496, 95% CI = 0.260-0.945) ASPECTS regions was associated with an unfavorable outcome. Random forest analysis confirmed that age and baseline NIHSS score are the most important variables influencing clinical outcome, whereas involvement of cortical regions M5, M4, M2, and M1 can have a negative impact.

CONCLUSION

Our retrospective analysis shows that, along with age and baseline clinical impairment, presence of early ischemic changes involving cortical areas has a role in clinical outcome in patients with large ischemic core undergoing MT.

DATA ACCESS STATEMENT

The data that support the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request.

Role of Flex-Dose Delivery Program in Patients Affected by HCC: Advantages in Management of Tare in Our Experience

Background: Introduced in the latest BCLC 2022, endovascular trans-arterial radioembolization (TARE) has an important role in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a "bridge" or "downstaging" of disease. The evolution of TARE technology allows a more flexible and personalized target treatment, based on the anatomy and vascular characteristics of each HCC. The flex-dose delivery program is part of this perspective, which allows us to adjust the dose and its radio-embolizing power in relation to the size and type of cancer and to split the therapeutic dose of Y90 in different injections (split-bolus). Methods: From January 2020 to January 2022, we enrolled 19 patients affected by unresectable HCC and candidates for TARE treatment. Thirteen patients completed the treatment following the flex-dose delivery program. Response to treatment was assessed using the mRECIST criteria with CT performed 6 and 9 months after treatment. Two patients did not complete the radiological follow-up and were not included in this retrospective study. The final cohort of this study counts eleven patients. Results: According to mRECIST criteria, six months of follow-up were reported: five cases of complete response (CR, 45.4% of cases), four cases of partial response (PR, 36.4%), and two cases of progression disease (PD, 18.2%). Nine months follow-up reported five cases of complete response (CR, 45.4%), two cases of partial response (PR, 18.2%), and four cases of progression disease (PD, 36.4%). No intra and post-operative complications were described. The average absorbed doses to the hepatic lesion and to the healthy liver tissue were 319 Gy (range 133-447 Gy) and 9.5 Gy (range 2-19 Gy), respectively. Conclusions: The flex-dose delivery program represents a therapeutic protocol capable of "saving" portions of healthy liver parenchyma by designing a "custom-made" treatment for the patient.

Hemorrhage Volume Drives Early Brain Injury and Outcome in Poor-Grade Aneurysmal SAH

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Early brain injury is a major determinant of clinical outcome in poor-grade (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies [WFNS] IV-V) aneurysmal SAH and is radiologically defined by global cerebral edema. Little is known, though, about the effect of global intracranial hemorrhage volume on early brain injury development and clinical outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from the multicentric prospective Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (POGASH) Registry of consecutive patients with poor-grade aneurysmal SAH admitted from January 1, 2015, to August 31, 2022, was retrospectively evaluated. Poor grade was defined according to the worst-pretreatment WFNS grade. Global intracranial hemorrhage volume as well as the volumes of intracerebral hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, and SAH were calculated by means of analytic software in a semiautomated setting. Outcomes included severe global cerebral edema (defined by Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score grades 3-4), in-hospital mortality (mRS 6), and functional independence (mRS 0-2) at follow-up.

RESULTS

Among 400 patients (median global intracranial hemorrhage volume of 91 mL; interquartile range, 59-128), severe global cerebral edema was detected in 218/400 (54.5%) patients. One hundred twenty-three (30.8%) patients died during the acute phase of hospitalization. One hundred fifty-five (38.8%) patients achieved mRS 0-2 at a median of 13 (interquartile range, 3-26) months of follow-up. Multivariable analyses showed global intracranial hemorrhage volume as independently associated with severe global cerebral edema (adjusted OR, 1.009; 95% CI, 1.004-1.014; P < .001), mortality (adjusted OR, 1.006; 95% CI, 1.001-1.01; P = .018) and worse clinical outcome (adjusted OR, 0.992; 95% CI, 0.98-0.996; P < .010). The effect of global intracranial hemorrhage volume on clinical-radiologic outcomes changed significantly according to different age groups (younger than 50, 50-70, older than 70 year of age). Volumes of intracerebral hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, and SAH affected the 3 predefined outcomes differently. Intracerebral hemorrhage volume independently predicted global cerebral edema and long-term outcome, intraventricular hemorrhage volume predicted mortality and long-term outcome, and SAH volume predicted long-term clinical outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Global intracranial hemorrhage volume plays a pivotal role in global cerebral edema development and emerged as an independent predictor of both mortality and long-term clinical outcome. Aging emerged as a reducing predictor in the relationship between global intracranial hemorrhage volume and global cerebral edema.

Effect of General Anesthesia Versus Conscious Sedation/Local Anesthesia on the Outcome of Patients with Minor Stroke and Isolated M2 Occlusion Undergoing Immediate Thrombectomy: A Retrospective Multicenter Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

This study investigates the impact of general anesthesia (GA) versus conscious sedation/local anesthesia (CS/LA) on the outcome of patients with minor stroke and isolated M2 occlusion undergoing immediate mechanical thrombectomy (iMT).

METHODS

The databases of 16 comprehensive stroke centers were retrospectively screened for consecutive patients with isolated M2 occlusion and a baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤5 who received iMT. Propensity score matching was used to estimate the effect of GA versus CS/LA on clinical outcomes and procedure-related adverse events. The primary outcome measure was a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-1. Secondary outcome measures were a 90-day mRS score of 0-2 and all-cause mortality, successful reperfusion, procedural-related symptomatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraprocedural dissections, and new territory embolism.

RESULTS

Of the 172 patients who were selected, 55 received GA and 117 CS/LA. After propensity score matching, 47 pairs of patients were available for analysis. We found no significant differences in clinical outcome, rates of efficient reperfusion, and procedural-related complications between patients receiving GA or LA/CS (mRS score 0-1, P = 0.815; mRS score 0-2, P = 0.401; all-cause mortality, P = 0.408; modified Treatment in Cerebral Infarction score 2b-3, P = 0.374; symptomatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, P = 0.082; intraprocedural dissection, P = 0.408; new territory embolism, P = 0.462).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with minor stroke and isolated M2 occlusion undergoing iMT, the type of anesthesia does not affect clinical outcome or the rate of procedural-related complications. Our results agree with recent data showing no benefit of one specific anesthesiologic procedure over the other and confirm their generalizability also to patients with minor baseline symptoms.

Predictors of parenchymal hematoma and clinical outcome after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with large ischemic core due to large vessel occlusion: a retrospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The aim of our study was to find predictors of parenchymal hematoma (PH) and clinical outcome after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) and baseline large infarct.

METHODS

The databases of 16 stroke centers were retrospectively screened for patients with anterior circulation LVO and baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) ≤5 that received MT. Procedural parameters, including the number of passes during first and second technique of MT, were recorded. Outcome measures were occurrence of PH type 2 and any type of PH after MT, and the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-3 and 0-2.

RESULTS

In total, 408 patients were available for analysis. A higher number of passes in the second technique was predictive of PH type 2 (odds ratio (OR) - 3.204, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.140 to 9.005), whereas procedure conducted under general anesthesia was associated with lower risk (OR 0.127, 95% CI 0.002 to 0.808). The modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade 2c-3 was associated with the mRS score 0-3 (OR 3.373, 95% CI 1.891 to 6.017), whereas occurrence of PH type 2 was predictive of unfavorable outcome (OR 0.221, 95% CI 0.063 to 0.773). Similar results were found for the mRS score 0-2 outcome measure.

CONCLUSION

In patients with large ischemic core, a higher number of passes during MT and procedure not conducted under general anesthesia are associated with increased rate of PH type 2, that negatively impact the clinical outcome. Our data outline a delicate balance between the need of a complete recanalization and the risk of PH following MT.

Early neurological deterioration in patients with minor stroke due to isolated M2 occlusion undergoing medical management: a retrospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Patients with minor stroke and M2 occlusion undergoing best medical management (BMM) may face early neurological deterioration (END) that can lead to poor long-term outcome. In case of END, rescue mechanical thrombectomy (rMT) seems beneficial. Our study aimed to define factors relevant to clinical outcome in patients undergoing BMM with the possibility of rMT on END, and find predictors of END.

METHODS

Patients with M2 occlusion and a baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score≤5 that received either BMM only or rMT on END after BMM were extracted from the databases of 16 comprehensive stroke centers. Clinical outcome measures were a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-1 or 0-2, and occurrence of END.

RESULTS

Among 10 169 consecutive patients with large vessel occlusion admitted between 2016 and 2021, 208 patients were available for analysis. END was reported in 87 patients that were therefore all subjected to rMT. In a logistic regression model, END (OR 3.386, 95% CI 1.428 to 8.032), baseline NIHSS score (OR 1.362, 95% CI 1.004 to 1.848) and a pre-event mRS score=1 (OR 3.226, 95% CI 1.229 to 8.465) were associated with unfavorable outcome. In patients with END, successful rMT was associated with favorable outcome (OR 4.549, 95% CI 1.098 to 18.851). Among baseline clinical and neuroradiological features, presence of atrial fibrillation was a predictor of END (OR 3.547, 95% CI 1.014 to 12.406).

CONCLUSION

Patients with minor stroke due to M2 occlusion and atrial fibrillation should be closely monitored for possible worsening during BMM and, in this case, promptly considered for rMT.

Woven EndoBridge Device for Unruptured Wide-Neck Bifurcation Aneurysm: A Multicenter 5-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This multicenter study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device for treating unruptured wide-neck intracranial bifurcation aneurysms (WIBAs) with short-, mid-, and long-term follow-ups (FUPs).

METHODS

Consecutive patients with unruptured WIBAs treated with WEB between December 2014 and January 2018 were included. Patient, aneurysm, and device characteristics were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Morbidity and mortality rates were determined by collecting intraprocedural, periprocedural, and delayed complications. Aneurysm occlusion was assessed at 1, 3, and 5 years using a 3-grade scale: complete occlusion, neck remnant, and residual aneurysm. Complete occlusion and neck remnant were considered as adequate occlusion. Patients who received re-treatment were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The study included 104 consecutive patients (55.8% female, mean age 58.6 ± 11.8 years). Aneurysm maximum size, neck, and dome-to-neck mean were, respectively, 6.9 ± 2.1 mm, 4.5 ± 1.2 mm, and 1.4 ± 0.3 mm. One-year FUP was collected for 95 patients, and 3- and 5-year FUPs were collected for 83 patients. Adequate occlusion was observed at 1-year FUP in 90.5% (86/95), 91.6% (76/83) was observed at 3-year FUP, and 92.8% (77/83) at 5-year FUP. None of the aneurysms bled after treatment. During FUP, 6/83 patients (7.2%) were re-treated for residual aneurysm. Morbidity and mortality rates closely related to aneurysm occlusion were 0% (0/104).

CONCLUSION

The WEB device was safe and effective for treating unruptured WIBAs, both in short-term and long-term FUPs.

Predictors for hemorrhagic transformation and cerebral edema in stroke patients with first-pass complete recanalization

BACKGROUND

Predictors of radiological complications attributable to reperfusion injury remain unknown when baseline setting is optimal for endovascular treatment and procedural setting is the best in stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO).

AIMS

To identify clinical and radiological/procedural predictors for hemorrhagic transformation (HT) and cerebral edema (CED) at 24 hr in patients obtaining complete recanalization in one pass of thrombectomy for ischemic stroke ⩽ 6 h from symptom onset with intra-cranial anterior circulation LVO and ASPECTS ⩾ 6.

METHODS

We conducted a cohort study on prospectively collected data from 1400 patients enrolled in the Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke.

RESULTS

HT was reported in 248 (18%) patients and early CED was reported in 260 (19.2%) patients. In the logistic regression model including predictors from a first model with clinical variables and from a second model with radiological/procedural variables, diabetes mellitus (odds ratio (OR) = 1.832, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.201-2.795), higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (OR = 1.076, 95% CI = 1.044-1.110), lower Alberta Stroke Program Early CT (ASPECTS) (OR = 0.815, 95% CI = 0.694-0.957), and longer onset-to-groin time (OR = 1.005, 95% CI = 1.002-1.007) were predictors of HT, whereas general anesthesia was inversely associated with HT (OR = 0.540, 95% CI = 0.355-0.820). Higher NIHSS (OR = 1.049, 95% CI = 1.021-1.077), lower ASPECTS (OR = 0.700, 95% CI = 0.613-0.801), intravenous thrombolysis (OR = 1.464, 95% CI = 1.061-2.020), longer onset-to-groin time (OR = 1.002, 95% CI = 1.001-1.005), and longer procedure time (OR = 1.009, 95% CI = 1.004-1.015) were predictors of early CED. After repeating a fourth logistic regression model including also good collaterals, the same variables remained predictors for HT and/or early CED, except diabetes mellitus and thrombolysis, while good collaterals were inversely associated with early CED (OR = 0.385, 95% CI = 0.248-0.599).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher NIHSS, lower ASPECTS, and longer onset-to-groin time were predictors for both HT and early CED. General anesthesia and good collaterals were inversely associated with HT and early CED, respectively. Longer procedure time was predictor of early CED.

Mechanical thrombectomy in minor stroke due to isolated M2 occlusion: a multicenter retrospective matched analysis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with isolated M2 occlusion and minor symptoms and identify possible baseline predictors of clinical outcome.

METHODS

The databases of 16 high-volume stroke centers were retrospectively screened for consecutive patients with isolated M2 occlusion and a baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤5 who received either early MT (eMT) or best medical management (BMM) with the possibility of rescue MT (rMT) on early neurological worsening. Because our patients were not randomized, we used propensity score matching (PSM) to estimate the treatment effect of eMT compared with the BMM/rMT. The primary clinical outcome measure was a 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0-1.

RESULTS

388 patients were initially selected and, after PSM, 100 pairs of patients receiving eMT or BMM/rMT were available for analysis. We found no significant differences in clinical outcome and in safety measures between patients receiving eMT or BMM/rMT. Similar results were also observed after comparison between eMT and rMT. Concerning baseline predicting factors of outcome, the involvement of the M2 inferior branch was associated with a favorable outcome.

CONCLUSION

Our multicenter retrospective analysis has shown no benefit of eMT in minor stroke patients with isolated M2 occlusion over a more conservative therapeutic approach. Although our results must be viewed with caution, in these patients it appears reasonable to consider BMM as the first option and rMT in the presence of early neurological deterioration.

Stroke with large vessel occlusion in the posterior circulation: IV thrombolysis plus thrombectomy versus IV thrombolysis alone

Efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for stroke with posterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) is still under debate. We aimed to compare the outcomes of stroke patients with posterior circulation LVO treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) (< 4.5 h after symptom onset) plus MT < 6 h after symptom onset with those treated with IVT alone (< 4.5 h after symptom onset). Patients enrolled in the Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke (IRETAS) and in the Italian centers included in the SITS-ISTR were analysed. We identified 409 IRETAS patients treated with IVT plus MT and 384 SITS-ISTR patients treated with IVT alone. IVT plus MT was significantly associated with higher rate of sICH (ECASS II) compared with IVT alone (3.1 vs 1.9%; OR 3.984, 95% CI 1.014-15.815), while the two treatments did not differ significantly in 3-month mRS score ≤ 3 (64.3 vs 74.1%; OR 0.829, 95% CI 0.524-1.311). In 389 patients with isolated basilar artery (BA) occlusion, IVT plus MT was significantly associated with higher rate of any ICH compared with IVT alone (9.4 vs 7.4%; OR 4.131, 95% CI 1.215-14.040), while two treatments did not differ significantly in 3-month mRS score ≤ 3 and sICH per ECASS II definition. IVT plus MT was significantly associated with higher rate mRS score ≤ 2 (69.1 vs 52.1%; OR 2.692, 95% CI 1.064-6.811) and lower rate of death (13.8 vs 27.1%; OR 0.299, 95% CI 0.095-0.942) in patients with distal-segment BA occlusion, while two treatments did not differ significantly in 3-month mRS score ≤ 3 and sICH per ECASS II definition. IVT plus MT was significantly associated with lower rate of mRS score ≤ 3 (37.1 vs 53.3%; OR 0.137, 0.009-0.987), mRS score ≤ 1 (22.9 vs 53.3%; OR 0.066, 95% CI 0.006-0.764), mRS score ≤ 2 (34.3 vs 53.3%; OR 0.102, 95% CI 0.011-0.935), and higher rate of death (51.4 vs 40%; OR 16.244, 1.395-89.209) in patients with proximal-segment BA occlusion. Compared with IVT alone, IVT plus MT was significantly associated with higher rate of sICH per ECASS II definition in patients with stroke and posterior circulation LVO, while two treatment groups did not differ significantly in 3-month mRS score ≤ 3. IVT plus MT was associated with lower rate of mRS score ≤ 3 compared with IVT alone in patients with proximal-segment BA occlusion, whereas no significant difference was found between the two treatments in primary endpoints in patients isolated BA occlusion and in the other subgroups based on site occlusion.

Clinical Impact and Predictors of Aneurysmal Rebleeding in Poor-Grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Results From the National POGASH Registry

BACKGROUND

Scarce data are available regarding rebleeding predictors in poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

OBJECTIVES

To investigate predictors and clinical impact of rebleeding in a national multicentric poor-grade aSAH.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the multicentric Poor Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Study Group (POGASH) registry of consecutive patients treated from January 1, 2015, to June 30th, 2021. Grading was defined as pretreatment World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grading scale IV-V. Ultra-early vasospasm (UEV) was defined as luminal narrowing of intracranial arteries not due to intrinsic disease. Rebleeding was defined as clinical deterioration with evidence of increased hemorrhage on subsequent computed tomography scans, fresh blood from the external ventricular drain, or deterioration before neuroradiological evaluation. Outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale.

RESULTS

Among 443 consecutive World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grades IV-V patients with aSAH treated within a median of 5 (IQR 4-9) hours since onset, rebleeding occurred in 78 (17.6%). UEV (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 6.8, 95% CI 3.2-14.4; P < .001) and presence of dissecting aneurysm (adjusted OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.3-9.3; P = .011) independently predicted rebleeding while history of hypertension (adjusted OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.8; P = .011) independently reduced its chances. 143 (32.3) patients died during hospitalization. Rebleeding emerged, among others, as an independent predictor of intrahospital mortality (adjusted OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-4.1; P = .009).

CONCLUSION

UEV and presence of dissecting aneurysms are the strongest predictors of aneurysmal rebleeding. Their presence should be carefully evaluated in the acute management of poor-grade aSAH.

Effectiveness and Safety of Different Vascular Closure Devices: Multicentre Prospective Observational study

AIM

The aim of this prospective, multicentre, observational study was to compare the efficacy and safety of balloon-based and non-balloon-based vascular closure devices (VCDs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From March 2021 to May 2022, 2373 participants from 10 different centres were enrolled. Among them, 1672 patients with 5-7 Fr accesses were selected. Successful haemostasis, failure and safety were evaluated. Successful haemostasis was defined as the possibility to obtain complete haemostasis with the use of VCDs, without any complication. Failure management was defined as the need of manual compression. Safety was defined as the rate of complications. Cases of haematomas/pseudoaneurysms (PSA) and artero-venous fistula (AVF) were collected.

RESULTS

VCDs mechanism of action is statistically significant associated with the outcome. Non-balloon-based VCDs demonstrated a statistically significant better outcome: successful haemostasis was obtained in 96.5% vs. 85.9%, of cases when compared to balloon occluders (p < 0.001). The incidence of AVF was statistically more frequent using non-balloon occluders devices (1.57% vs 0%, p: 0.007). No significant statistical difference was found in comparing haematoma and PSA occurrence. Thrombocytopenia, coagulation deficit, BMI, diabetes mellitus and anti-coagulation were demonstrated to be independent predictors of failure management.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests a better outcome with the same complication rate, except that for AVF incidence for non-balloon collagen plug device if compared to balloon occluders vascular closure devices.

Foot Dorsal and Plantar Flexion to Enhance Crossing of Tortuous Highly-Calcific Ankle Vessels During Lower Limb Revascularization Procedures: A Technical Note

PURPOSE

To describe a crossing technique of stenotic/occluded and tortuous highly calcific ankle vessels during complex percutaneous limb salvage intervention in diabetic patients with ischaemic foot ulcers (Rutherford 5 and 6).

TECHNIQUE

We propose a simple technique to achieve "straightening" of the tortuous vessel and allow safe devices passage into the foot arteries, Patients were asked to hold their foot in plantar or dorsal flexion, accordingly to the treated artery. If unable to do so, an equipe member executed the manoeuvre on their behalf.

RESULTS

The technique was applied in 148 cases, with a success rate of 81% (120/148). No complications related to the manoeuvre were observed.

CONCLUSION

Crossing of tortuous distal crural vessels can be challenging in diabetic patients; in our experience, this technique can be a useful tool to obtain a successful recanalization in complex procedures with high risk of failure.

Flow-diverter treatment for renal artery aneurysms: One-year follow-up of a multicentric preliminary experience

PURPOSE Renal artery aneurysms (RAAs) are rare in the general population, although the true incidence and natural history remain elusive. Conventional endovascular therapies such as coil embolization or covered stent graft may cause sidebranches occlusion, leading to organ infarction. Flow-diverters (FD) have been firstly designed to treat cerebrovascular aneurysms, but their use may be useful to treat complex RAAs presenting sidebraches arising from aneurysmal sac. To evaluate mid-term follow-up (FUP) safety and efficacy of FD during treatment of complex RAAs. METHODS Between November 2019 and April 2020, 7 RAAs were identified in 7 patients (4 men, 3 women; age range 55-82 years; median 67 years) and treated by FD. Procedural details, complications, morbidity and mortality, aneurysm occlusion and segmental artery patency were retrospectively reviewed. Twelve months computed tomography angiography (CTA) FUP was evaluated for all cases. RESULT Deployment of FD was successful in all cases. One intraprocedural technical complication was encountered with one FD felt down into aneurism sac which requiring additional telescopic stenting. One case at 3 months CTA FUP presented same complication, requiring same rescue technique. At 12 months CTA FUP 5 cases of size shrinkage and 2 cases of stable size were documented. No rescue surgery or major intraprocedural or mid-term FUP complication was seen. CONCLUSION Complex RAAs with two or more sidebranches can be safely treated by FD. FD efficacy for RAA needs a further validation at long term FUP by additional large prospective studies.

Carotid artery stenting during endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke with tandem occlusion: the Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke

PURPOSE

The management of tandem extracranial internal carotid artery and intracranial large vessel occlusion during endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has been under-investigated. We sought to investigate outcomes of AIS patients with tandem occlusion (TO) treated with carotid artery stenting (CAS) compared to those not treated with CAS (no-CAS) during EVT.

METHODS

We performed a cohort study using data from AIS patients enrolled in the Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke. Outcomes were 3 months' mortality, functional outcome, complete and successful recanalization, any intracranial hemorrhage, parenchymal hematoma and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage.

RESULTS

Among 466 AIS patients with TO, CAS patients were 122 and no-CAS patients were 226 (118 excluded). After adjustment for unbalanced variables, CAS was associated with a lower rate of 3 months' mortality (OR 0.407, 95% CI 0.171-0.969, p = 0.042). After adjustment for pre-defined variables, CAS was associated with a lower rate of 3 months' mortality (aOR 0.430, 95% CI 0.187-0.989, p = 0.047) and a higher rate of complete recanalization (aOR 1.986, 95% CI 1.121-3.518, p = 0.019), successful recanalization (aOR 2.433, 95% CI 1.263-4.686, p = 0.008) and parenchymal hematoma (aOR 2.876, 95% CI 1.173-7.050, p = 0.021). CAS was associated with lower 3 months mortality (OR 0.373, 95% CI 0.141-0.982, p = 0.046) and higher rates of successful recanalization (OR 2.082, 95% CI 1.099-3.942, p = 0.024) after adjustment for variables associated with 3 months' mortality and successful recanalization, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Among AIS patients with TO, CAS during EVT was associated with a higher rate of successful reperfusion and a lower rate of 3 months' mortality.

Glue Embolization in the Management of Rectus Sheath Hematomas

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to describe the results achieved in the management of rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) using glue embolization.

METHOD

Data about all consecutive patients presenting with RSH, between January 2005 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. RSHs were classified according to the Berna CT scan Classification. Clinical and technical outcomes were evaluated during in-hospital period and 1-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Among 74 patients presenting with RSH, CTA revealed an active bleeding in 61 (n = 42, 69% women; median age = 68.8 y range: 47-91). 19 cases of type 1 RSH (25.7%), under anticoagulation therapy and hemodynamically stable, were successfully managed conservatively. Conversely, endovascular embolization with cyanoacrylate glue diluted with ethiodized oil (Lipiodol Ultrafluid, Guerbet, France) was needed in n = 42 (56.8%) patients, in 16 cases after failure of conservative management; a single session of percutaneous glue embolization was adequate to achieve technical and clinical success in all patients with stabilization or progressive improvement of hemoglobin values after procedure (7.1 + 1.8 g/dL pre-procedure vs 11.1 + 1.6 g/dL post-procedure). No major complications occurred. Two minor complications were reported: 1 case (2.4%) of puncture site-related complication (local self-limiting hematoma) and 1 case (2.4%) of post-embolization syndrome (abdominal pain) spontaneously regressive. The median hospital stay was 7 d. At 30-day follow-up, 2 patients (2.7%) died of multiorgan failure.

CONCLUSIONS

In the management of RSH, glue embolization was shown to be safe and efficacious. Glue allowed the immediate occlusion of both the "front and back doors" of bleeding without the need to reach the bleeding point, preventing potentially life-threatening recurrence.

Comparison of aspiration versus combined technique as first-line approach in terminal internal carotid artery occlusion: a multicenter experience

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus on the most effective endovascular technique to use in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to terminal internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. The aim of this study was to compare safety and efficacy of the aspiration technique (AT) and combined technique (CT) as first-line approach in terminal ICA occlusions.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected databases from seven Italian stroke centers. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to the first-line approach: AT group or CT group. We followed the STROBE guidelines for cohort studies. We used Chi-square test, one-way and multivariate ANOVA analysis, together with contrast analysis and post hoc tests, logistic regression and Pearson's bivariate correlation for the statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Between January 2018 and August 2020, 353 patients were treated for a terminal ICA occlusion, with either AT or CT. CT was associated with a higher Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2B-3 after the first pass (51.0% vs 26.9%) and at the end of the procedure (84% vs 73.3%) and with an improved clinical outcome at discharge (modified Rankin Scale (mRs) 0-2 of 47.8% vs 34.0%) and at 3 months' follow-up (mRs 0-2 of 56.5% vs 38.9%) compared with AT.

CONCLUSION

Thrombectomy of terminal ICA occlusions obtained using CT as first-line approach demonstrated better technical and functional outcomes in comparison with AT.

The Minimally Invasive Treatment of Visceral Artery Pseudoaneurysms: A Retrospective Observational Single Centre Cohort Study on Glue Embolization

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to report a single centre experience in the embolization of visceral artery pseudoaneurysms with N-butyl-cyanoacrylate-methacryloxy sulfolane (NBCA-MS).

METHODS

A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted on data about all consecutive patients treated for visceral artery pseudoaneurysms in the Interventional Radiology Unit of SS Annunziata Hospital, in Taranto (Italy) between January 2016 and July 2020. Only patients treated with NBCA-MS embolization were included. Clinical and technical outcomes were evaluated during in-hospital stay and at 3-month follow-up by computed angiotomography (CTA).

RESULTS

Among 89 patients undergoing treatment for visceral artery pseudoaneurysm, a total of 58 (65.2%) patients (n = 32, 55.2% men; median age 45.8 years, range: 35-81) treated with NBCA-MS only were enrolled. Pseudoaneurysms were located in the renal artery (n = 18 cases, 31%), in the splenic artery (n = 27, 46.6%), in the intra-parenchymal hepatic artery (n = 3, 5.2%), in the common hepatic artery (n = 4, 6.9%) or in the pancreatic artery (n = 6, 10.3%). N-butyl-cyanoacrylate was diluted 1:1 with Lipiodol ultra-fluid, and mean volume injected was 0.6 ± 0.3 mL (range: 0.2-2.8 mL). Embolization was technically and clinically successful in all patients (n = 58, 100%) with an immediate total thrombosis of the pseudoaneurysm at the completion angiography. No systemic complications were noted in all cases. Five cases (8.6%) of non-target vessel embolization occurred without any clinical complication. No pseudoaneurysm recurrence was detected at the CTA control 1 day postoperatively. In one case (1.7%), a recurrence was detected 4 days after the initial treatment and successfully managed by a repeated NBCA-MS embolization. During the hospital stay, 56 patients recovered well but 2 (3.4%) died from multi-organ failure not related to the embolization. No recurrences were detected at the 3-month postoperative CTA in the remaining patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In properly selected patients affected with visceral artery pseudoaneurysms, NBCA-MS represents a definitive and safe embolization agent.

Direct ultrasound-guided puncture of vertebral artery V2 segment during mechanical thrombectomy

An 83-year-old man experienced left upper limb uncontrolled movements preceded by intense gasping during night rest, which progressed to unconsciousness and respiratory arrest requiring intubation. He was diagnosed with acute stroke due to distal occlusion of the basilar artery and received indication for endovascular thrombectomy. Standard endovascular approach includes percutaneous puncture of the femoral or radial arteries; however, the presence of unfavourable vascular anatomies (stenotic origin and tortuosity) did not allow catheterisation of the intracranial vessels through conventional access, and based on the consistent time lapse from onset of symptoms and deterioration of the clinical condition, a direct right vertebral artery ultrasound-guided puncture was performed. After one attempt of a triaxial technique, a complete recanalisation of the basilar artery and of its distal branches was achieved. Direct percutaneous puncture of the vertebral artery represents a rescue access strategy for treatment of posterior circulation stroke when other routes are not feasible.

Comparison Between Three Commonly Used Large-Bore Aspiration Catheters in Terms of Successful Recanalization and First-Passage Effect

OBJECTIVES

To compare three commonly used large-bore aspiration catheters in terms of final successful recanalization rate and first-passage successful and complete recanalization rates (the so called "first-passage effect").

MATERIALS AND METHODS

it is an observational retrospective multicenter study conducted in three Italian high-volume tertiary stroke centers between January 2017 and May 2019. The study population included all consecutive patients with an ischemic stroke due to middle cerebral artery occlusion (M1 segment only) that underwent intra-arterial mechanical thrombectomy with contact aspiration as first-line strategy within 24 hours from symptoms onset.

RESULTS

Three hundred twenty-one patients were included in the study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis comparing the three catheters revealed no differences in terms of successful recanalization. Sofia 6 Plus catheter was associated with better first-passage successful recanalization [OR, 9.09; 95% CI, 2.66-31.03] (p<0.001) and first-passage complete recanalization [OR: 3.73; 95% CI: 1.43-9.72] (p=0.007) whereas rt-PA was associated with worse first-passage recanalization [OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29-0.93] (p=0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

No differences between the three catheters were reported in terms of successful recanalization. Sofia 6 Plus has proven to be superior in achieving both successful and complete first-passage recanalization. Conversely, rt-PA was found to be a negative predicting factor of first-passage effect.

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Intracranial Carotid Occlusion with Patent Intracranial Arteries : The Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke

PURPOSE

Intracranial carotid artery occlusion represents an underinvestigated cause of acute ischemic stroke as well as an indication for mechanical thrombectomy. We investigated baseline and procedural characteristics, outcomes and predictors of outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to intracranial carotid artery occlusion.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke was performed. Patients with intracranial carotid artery occlusion (infraclinoid and supraclinoid) with or without cervical artery occlusion but with patent intracranial arteries were included. The 3‑month functional independence, mortality, successful reperfusion and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were evaluated.

RESULTS

Intracranial carotid artery occlusion with patent intracranial arteries was diagnosed in 387 out of 4940 (7.8%) patients. The median age was 74 years and median baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 18. Functional independence was achieved in 130 (34%) patients, successful reperfusion in 289 (75%) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in 33 (9%), whereas mortality occurred in 111 (29%) patients. In univariate analysis functional independence was associated with lower age, lower NIHSS at presentation, higher rate of successful reperfusion and lower rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Multivariable regression analysis found age (odds ratio, OR:1.03; P = 0.006), NIHSS at presentation (OR: 1.07; P < 0.001), diabetes (OR: 2.60; P = 0.002), successful reperfusion (OR:0.20; P < 0.001) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR: 4.17; P < 0.001) as the best independent predictors of outcome.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed a not negligible rate of intracranial carotid artery occlusion with patent intracranial arteries, presenting mostly as severe stroke, with an acceptable rate of 3‑month functional independence. Age, NIHSS at presentation and successful reperfusion were the best independent predictors of outcome.

Endovascular treatment of cerebral dural arteriovenous fistulas with SQUID 12

BACKGROUND

Endovascular therapy with liquid embolic agents (LEAs) is the gold standard for the treatment of cerebral dural arteriovenous fistulas (cDAVFs). The aim of the study is to retrospectively evaluate effectiveness, safety, and midterm follow-up results of endovascular treatment of cDAVFs using SQUID 12.

METHODS

Between June 2017 and January 2020 the authors retrospectively reviewed clinical, demographic and embolization data of 19 consecutive patients with cDAVF who underwent embolization using SQUID 12. The number of arteries catheterized for each procedure, the total amount of embolic agent, the occlusion rate, the injection time, any technical and/or clinical complications were recorded. Mid-term follow-up with DSA was reviewed.

RESULTS

20 procedures were performed in 19 patients. A transarterial approach was accomplished in 19 procedure; a combined transvenous-transarterial approach was realized in 1 treatment. The average time of injection was 33 minutes (2-82 minutes), and the average amount of SQUID 12 was 2.8 mL (0.5-6 mL). Complete angiographic cure at the end of the procedure was achieved in 17 patients. No major periprocedural adverse events were recorded. Mid-term follow-up was achieved in 15 out of 19 patients and confirmed complete occlusion of the cDAVFs in 13/15 patients (87%); in 2 of the initially cured patients a small relapse was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of the cDAVFs using SQUID 12 was effective and safe. The lower viscosity seems to allow an easier penetration of the agent with a high rate of complete occlusion of the cDAVFs.

D-dimer as an indicator of prognosis in SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) stimulates pro-thrombotic changes. This, combined with its tropism for endothelium and lung structures, may explain its association with thrombotic events, reduction of pulmonary gas exchange, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and a composite end-point (intensive care unit, invasive ventilation, death). This study aims to highlight the correlation between elevated D-dimer (an indirect thrombosis marker) and the increased rate of poor prognosis-associated conditions, and to introduce D-dimer-labelled anticoagulant administration as a potentially useful tool to prevent complications and positively influence coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) course.

Methods

An online database search (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane) was performed between 13 March and 10 April 2020. The most relevant keywords were "D-dimer", "SARS-CoV-2", "COVID-19", "thrombosis" and "ARDS". Selection was independently conducted by three reviewers. References and previews of accepted articles were evaluated. Data inclusion/extraction inaccuracy was limited by the work of three reviewers. Selection bias reduction was addressed by thoughtfully designing the search protocol. Quality assessment was performed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The systematic review protocol was not registered because we anticipated the very limited available evidence on the topic and due to the urgency of the study.

Results

16 studies were evaluated. Good-quality criteria were reached in 13 out of 16 studies. D-dimer was increased and significantly higher in COVID-19 patients compared with healthy controls, in COVID-19 patients with severe disease or a composite end-point compared with non-severe disease, in ARDS compared with non-ARDS patients and in deceased ARDS patients compared with ARDS patients who survived (all p<0.001). COVID-19 patients treated with anticoagulants demonstrated lower mortality compared with those not treated (p=0.017).

Conclusions

Correlations exist between COVID-19 infection, severe elevation of D-dimer levels, and increase in the rate of complications and composite end-point. The appropriateness of early and continuous D-dimer monitoring and labelled anticoagulation as management tools for COVID-19 disease deserves accurate investigation, to prevent complications and reduce interventions.

IER-SICH Nomogram to Predict Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage After Thrombectomy for Stroke

Background and Purpose—

As a reliable scoring system to detect the risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage after thrombectomy for ischemic stroke is not yet available, we developed a nomogram for predicting symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage in patients with large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation who received bridging of thrombectomy with intravenous thrombolysis (training set), and to validate the model by using a cohort of patients treated with direct thrombectomy (test set).

Methods—

We conducted a cohort study on prospectively collected data from 3714 patients enrolled in the IER (Italian Registry of Endovascular Stroke Treatment in Acute Stroke). Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage was defined as any type of intracerebral hemorrhage with increase of ≥4 National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score points from baseline ≤24 hours or death. Based on multivariate logistic models, the nomogram was generated. We assessed the discriminative performance by using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results—

National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, onset-to-end procedure time, age, unsuccessful recanalization, and Careggi collateral score composed the IER-SICH nomogram. After removing Careggi collateral score from the first model, a second model including Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score was developed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the IER-SICH nomogram was 0.778 in the training set (n=492) and 0.709 in the test set (n=399). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the second model was 0.733 in the training set (n=988) and 0.685 in the test set (n=779).

Conclusions—

The IER-SICH nomogram is the first model developed and validated for predicting symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage after thrombectomy. It may provide indications on early identification of patients for more or less postprocedural intensive management.

Percutaneous Computed Tomography-Guided Lung Biopsies using a Virtual Navigation Guidance: Our Experience

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual CT-guided navigation system (Sirio-MASMEC Biomed) in performing lung biopsies, with greater attention to lesions smaller than 1 cm, compared to the traditional procedure.

METHODS

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of our Institute. Two hundred patients were prospectively selected. Of these, 100 were subjected to percutaneous procedure with the use of Sirio and 100 to traditional CT-guided percutaneous procedure. The two methods were compared in terms of absorbed dose, procedure time, complications, and number of non-diagnostic specimens (diagnostic success).

RESULTS

Sirio has shown a significant reduction in the absorbed dose and procedure times (p < 0.05), with a lower incidence of complications compared to the traditional procedure. Sirio has also allowed to carry out biopsies of lesions' diameter ≤10 mm, obtaining fewer non diagnostic specimens thus resulting more effective in terms of diagnostic success.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of Sirio in sampling biopsy showed a statistically significant reduction in terms of performed scans and procedural time with lower incidence of post-procedural complications compared to the traditional percutaneous procedure, especially for lesions ≤10 mm. The best diagnostic result, the reduction of the dose absorbed and procedural complications makes the procedures more reliable, safety and less invasive. In addition, the reduction of execution time will increase the number of daily interventional procedures improving clinical management.

Comparison of CT and MR angiography in evaluation of peripheral arterial disease before endovascular intervention

BACKGROUND

Multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) are accurate techniques for selecting patients with peripheral arterial disease for surgical and endovascular treatment. No studies in the literature have directly compared MDCTA and MRA to establish which one should be employed, in patients suitable for both techniques, before endovascular treatment.

PURPOSE

To compare diagnostic performance of MDCTA vs MRA before endovascular intervention.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We prospectively compared MDCTA (64 slices scanner) and MRA (1.5 T scanner; 3D gadolinium-enhanced bolus-chase acquisition plus time resolved acquisition on calves) to stratify 35 patients according to the TASC II score and a runoff severity score. We also evaluated the accuracy of both techniques in each arterial segment. Selective angiography performed during the treatment was the standard of reference.

RESULTS

MDCTA and MRA accurately classify disease in the aorto-iliac (accuracy 0.92 for MDCTA and MRA) and femoro-popliteal (MDCTA 0.94, MRA 0.90) segments. MDCTA was more accurate in stratifying disease in the infrapopliteal segments (0.96 vs. 0.9) and in assessing the impairment of runoff arteries (0.92 vs. 0.85) at per-segment analysis. MDCTA showed a higher confidence and a shorter examination time.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that MDCTA can be considered as a first-line investigation in patients being candidates for endovascular procedures when clinical history or duplex sonographic evaluation are indicative of severe impairment of the infrapopliteal segment.

Molecular diagnostics of pulmonary metastasis from cervical cancer

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) are largely implicated in the carcinogenesis of cervical carcinomas. Their role in lung carcinomas, however, is still unclear. We describe the case of 44-year-old female chain-smoker with previous HPV-related cervical cancer and a new distant tumour in the lung after many years. The histologic distinction between metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix and another primary squamous cell tumour of the lung can be difficult and has important clinical implications. The aim of our study was to investigate whether HPV was present in both the patient's cervical cancer and her subsequent primary lung cancer in order to appropriately plan therapy. We tested both the paraffin-embedded tissue of the cervical cancer and the lung cancer for HPV DNA using the Qiagen HPV Sign Genotyping Test, which detected HPV16-DNA in both tumours. The Qiagen HPV Sign Genotyping Test is a reliable method to detect HPV-DNA in tissue and cytological materials, thus making it possible to distinguish metastatic cervical carcinoma from a new primary tumour in different sites.

[Prioritizing prescriptions in a ambulatory care setting: a tool to achieve appropriateness of care in public health management]

Waiting lists are one of the main Public Health issues within developed countries. To promote appropriateness about General Practitioners' (GPs) prescriptions, during 2009 the project "Priority setting in outpatient prescriptions" in Latium Region has been approved. Regional referees, Latium Public Health Agency managers and advisors, managers and advisors of three Local Public Health Units (LPHUs) within the Latium region and some voluntarily recruited General Practitioners (each one with more than 800 patients enrolled) were included in a team work with the duty to develop the project. During two selected months of 2010, 46 GPs have forwarded overall 2.229 medical prescriptions. The six most numerous prescriptions were picked out and analyzed by the team work. 42% of these prescriptions were identified as belonging to category D of the priority level--"standard", while 42% and 41% of prescriptions bore the expressions of "control" and "diagnostic purpose" respectively. Among these ones, 75% were represented by bilateral mammography, prescribed to women aged between 50 and 69 years: but for those people bilateral mammography is already provided free of charge within the regional program of breast cancer screening, making the routine prescription by their physician a useless duplication, unacceptable in a healthcare system of good quality. Therefore at the conclusion of the project, the team work suggests proper standards be applied by healthcare professionals and GPs to achieve a significant objective: mammography appropriateness prescriptions.

Healthcare students and their knowledge of healthcare-associated infections

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of medical (MS) and nursing (NS) students about prevention of the HCAIs and to detect differences between these two groups. It was the pilot study of a national investigation and was performed administering a questionnaire including 6 multiple choice questions concerning 3 areas: standard precautions (SP), hand hygiene (HH) and nosocomial infections (NI). One hundred and seventeen students, 89 MS and 28 NS, were included in the study. Mean overall score (+/- SD) was 17.63 (+/- 3.8), on an overall perfect score achievable of 25. Mean score obtained by NS (18.5 +/- 3.3) was better than the one achieved by MS (17.4 +/- 3.9), even if the difference wasn't statistically significant. Stratifying the score in the three specific areas, healthcare students obtained weighed scores (+/- SD) of 6.74 (+/- 1.61) for SP, 4.7 (+/- 1.5) for HH and 4.51 (+/- 1.71) for NI. Knowledge level concerning HH area was different between medical students and nursing students (p = 0.013), in favour of the latter. According to correct answers rate, healthcare students properly know how and what kind of personal medical devices are to be used, while they show a lack of knowledge about hand hygiene. This pilot-study underlines the importance of the assessment of teaching effectiveness, and it stresses the need to critically review some specific contents of healthcare university courses.

[Microbiological pollution of operating rooms: critical analysis of two decades of surveillance]

The objective of this study was to analyze the results of microbiological air sampling of operating rooms (OR) over the last two decades at the Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, in order to describe the time trends of contamination levels and to assess any significant changes. Microbiological air sampling carried out in 14 surgical units between 1992 and 2010 were examined. The sampling results have been aggregated into four time periods (prior to 1996, 1996-2000, 2001-2005, 2006-2010) and the time trend of sampling results was analyzed in comparison with the standard reported by ISPESL for OR at-rest (< or = 35 CFU/mc). The same analysis was repeated after stratification by risk level of the OR (high risk (AR) and low risk (BR)). To verify the significance level of the temporal variations in the distribution of results x2 test for trend was performed. There was a significant downward trend in the number of OR with contamination levels higher of the standard (x2 for trend = 8.94, P < 0.025). This reduction mainly regards AR-OR (x2 for trend = 7.33, P < 0.05). The results suggest that the preventive measures performed in AR-OR have been effective. More attention must be given to BR-OR.