Symptomatic Non-stenotic Atherosclerotic Disease in Small Subcortical Infarcts: A North American Pilot Study

Recent small subcortical infarcts (SSI) are a common radiographic predecessor to lacunar stroke. SSI is comprised of several pathophysiologic processes such as branch atherosclerotic disease (BAD) and lipohyalinosis, both of which have differing outcomes and natural history. Presently, there is not a proven method to determine whether a SSI is due to BAD or lipohyalinosis in non-stenotic vessels. However, high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HRVWI) has been reported in East Asian cohorts. We aimed to use HRVWI to identify individuals with BAD-related SSI in a North American cohort. We performed a cross-sectional study from the Rhode Island Hospital. All patients had a SSI as defined by consensus criteria. The presence of vessel wall enhancement of parent vessels were reviewed by two authors. Standard descriptive statistical techniques were used. Of 28 patients who underwent HRVWI, 7 met criteria for SSI. The median age was 68 years and 3 were female. Parent vessel wall enhancement was present in 2 patients. In our North American cohort, HRVWI was able to dichotomize individuals based on parent vessel wall enhancement suggestive of a BAD-related SSI. Further studies are needed to expand our cohort size and confirm our findings.

FLAIR signal intensity ratio predicts small subcortical infarct early neurologic deterioration: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Prior studies have used the fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence signal intensity ratio (FLAIR-SIR) to predict those with an incomplete infarct that may safely receive acute thrombolytics. Clinical early neurologic deterioration (END) of small subcortical infarcts (SSIs) is suspected to occur due to delayed infarct completion. We aimed to understand if a lower FLAIR-SIR, suggestive of an incomplete infarct, would have a higher likelihood of SSI-related END.

METHODS

A cross-sectional retrospective study was performed of those with an acute SSI (anterior or posterior circulation) without significant parent vessel steno-occlusive disease. END was defined as a new or worsened disabling neurologic deficit during the index hospitalization. Standard-of-care brain MRIs were reviewed from the hospitalization, and a FLAIR-SIR cutoff of ≤ 1.15 was used based on prior studies. Adjusted logistic regression models were used for analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 252 patients meeting inclusion criteria: median (IQR) age 68 (12) years, 38.5% (97/252) female, and 11% (28/252) with END. Tobacco use was more common in those without END (32%) compared with END (55%, p = 0.03). In adjusted analyses, a FLAIR-SIR cutoff of ≤ 1.15 yielded an odds ratio of 2.8 (95% CI 1.23-6.13, p = 0.012) of early neurological deterioration.

CONCLUSION

Those with a FLAIR-SIR ≤ 1.15 are nearly threefold more likely to develop SSI-related END.

The impact of pre-stroke aspirin exposure on radiographic appearance and disability outcomes: A post-hoc analysis of the SPS3 trial: Aspirin Use and Small Subcortical Stroke

OBJECTIVES

The effect of pre-stroke use of aspirin on small subcortical infarct dimensions or outcomes is not well described. We aimed to bridge this knowledge gap amongst a well-described and heterogeneous patient population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a post-hoc analysis of the Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Stroke (SPS3) trial. The primary exposure was aspirin use ≤7 days of index stroke. The primary outcomes were infarct dimensions. Functional outcomes by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was a secondary outcome. Age restricted (≥55 years) subgroup analyses were performed as a sensitivity analysis. Descriptive statistical and regression modeling were performed for data analysis.

RESULTS

We included 1423 participants of which 453(31.8 %) used aspirin. Aspirin use was associated with more cardiovascular risk diagnoses. Maximal infarct diameter did not differ with pre-stroke aspirin use (11.3±4.2 mm versus 11.8±4.1 mm, p=0.057) however infarct area was smaller with exposure (126.4±90.0 mm2 versus 137.4±97.0 mm2, p=0.037) regardless of aspirin strength. Participants ≥55 years had smaller infarct diameters (11.1±4.2 mm versus 11.9±4.4 mm, p=0.019) and area (123.4±87.1 mm2 versus 130.6±93.2 mm2, p=0.037) with aspirin use. mRS did not significantly differ in our analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

In this post-hoc analysis of the SPS3 trial, pre-stroke aspirin use was associated with a smaller infarct area regardless of aspirin strength and without impact on functional outcomes. These findings were more pronounced in participants ≥55 years.

REGISTRATION

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00059306?term= %22sps3 %22&rank=1.

Antithrombotic Treatment for Stroke Prevention in Cervical Artery Dissection: The STOP-CAD Study

Background: Small, randomized trials of cervical artery dissection (CAD) patients showed conflicting results regarding optimal stroke prevention strategies. We aimed to compare outcomes in patients with CAD treated with antiplatelets versus anticoagulation. Methods: This is a multi-center observational retrospective international study (16 countries, 63 sites) that included CAD patients without major trauma. The exposure was antithrombotic treatment type (anticoagulation vs. antiplatelets) and outcomes were subsequent ischemic stroke and major hemorrhage (intracranial or extracranial hemorrhage). We used adjusted Cox regression with Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting (IPTW) to determine associations between anticoagulation and study outcomes within 30 and 180 days. The main analysis used an "as treated" cross-over approach and only included outcomes occurring on the above treatments. Results: The study included 3,636 patients [402 (11.1%) received exclusively anticoagulation and 2,453 (67.5%) received exclusively antiplatelets]. By day 180, there were 162 new ischemic strokes (4.4%) and 28 major hemorrhages (0.8%); 87.0% of ischemic strokes occurred by day 30. In adjusted Cox regression with IPTW, compared to antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulation was associated with a non-significantly lower risk of subsequent ischemic stroke by day 30 (adjusted HR 0.71 95% CI 0.45-1.12, p=0.145) and by day 180 (adjusted HR 0.80 95% CI 0.28-2.24, p=0.670). Anticoagulation therapy was not associated with a higher risk of major hemorrhage by day 30 (adjusted HR 1.39 95% CI 0.35-5.45, p=0.637) but was by day 180 (adjusted HR 5.56 95% CI 1.53-20.13, p=0.009). In interaction analyses, patients with occlusive dissection had significantly lower ischemic stroke risk with anticoagulation (adjusted HR 0.40 95% CI 0.18-0.88) (Pinteraction=0.009). Conclusions: Our study does not rule out a benefit of anticoagulation in reducing ischemic stroke risk, particularly in patients with occlusive dissection. If anticoagulation is chosen, it seems reasonable to switch to antiplatelet therapy before 180 days to lower the risk of major bleeding. Large prospective studies are needed to validate our findings.

Transcarotid Arterial Revascularization of Symptomatic Internal Carotid Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Study-Level Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) is an interventional therapy for symptomatic internal carotid artery disease. Currently, the utilization of TCAR is contentious due to limited evidence. In this study, we evaluate the safety and efficacy of TCAR in patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery disease compared with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS).

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted, spanning from January 2000 to February 2023, encompassing studies that used TCAR for the treatment of symptomatic internal carotid artery disease. The primary outcomes included a 30-day stroke or transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, and mortality. Secondary outcomes comprised cranial nerve injury and major bleeding. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) for each outcome were calculated to compare TCAR with CEA and CAS. Furthermore, subgroup analyses were performed based on age and degree of stenosis. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was conducted by excluding the vascular quality initiative registry population.

RESULTS

A total of 7 studies involving 24 246 patients were analyzed. Within this patient cohort, 4771 individuals underwent TCAR, 12 350 underwent CEA, and 7125 patients underwent CAS. Compared with CAS, TCAR was associated with a similar rate of stroke or transient ischemic attack (OR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.33-1.82]) and myocardial infarction (OR, 1.29 [95% CI, 0.83-2.01]) but lower mortality (OR, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.22-0.81]). Compared with CEA, TCAR was associated with a higher rate of stroke or transient ischemic attack (OR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.03-1.54]) but similar rates of myocardial infarction (OR, 0.9 [95% CI, 0.64-1.38]) and mortality (OR, 1.35 [95% CI, 0.87-2.10]).

CONCLUSIONS

Although CEA has traditionally been considered superior to stenting for symptomatic carotid stenosis, TCAR may have some advantages over CAS. Prospective randomized trials comparing the 3 modalities are needed.

Left atrial strain, embolic stroke of undetermined source, and atrial fibrillation detection

BACKGROUND

Atrial cardiopathy is a proposed mechanism of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Left atrial (LA) strain may identify early atrial cardiopathy prior to structural changes. We aim to study the associations between LA strain, ESUS, and atrial fibrillation (AF) detection in ESUS.

METHODS

The study population included patients with ESUS and noncardioembolic (NCE) stroke presenting to the Rhode Island Hospital Stroke Center between January 2016 and June 2017 who underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) was used to measure the three phases of LA strain (reservoir, conduit, and contractile). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the associations between LA strain and stroke subtype (ESUS vs. NCE) as well as follow-up detection of AF in ESUS patients.

RESULTS

We identified 656 patients, 307 with ESUS and 349 with NCE. In binary logistic regression, the lowest tertiles of LA reservoir (adjusted OR 1.944, 95% CI 1.266-2.986, p = .002), contractile (aOR 1.568, 95% CI 1.035-2.374, p = .034), and conduit strain (aOR 2.288, 95% CI 1.448-3.613, p = .001) were more likely to be significantly associated with ESUS compared to NCE stroke. Among all ESUS patients, the lowest tertiles of LA reservoir strain (OR 2.534, 95% CI 1.029-6.236, p = .043), contractile strain (OR 2.828, 95% CI 1.158-6.903, p = .022), and conduit strain (OR 2.614, 95% CI 1.003-6.815, p = .049) were significantly associated with subsequent detection of AF.

CONCLUSION

Reduced LA strain is associated with ESUS occurrence and AF detection in ESUS patients. Therefore, quantification of LA strain in ESUS patients may improve risk stratification and guide secondary prevention strategies.

Management of Inherited CNS Small Vessel Diseases: The CADASIL Example: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Lacunar infarcts and vascular dementia are important phenotypic characteristics of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy, the most common inherited cerebral small vessel disease. Individuals with the disease show variability in the nature and onset of symptoms and rates of progression, which are only partially explained by differences in pathogenic mutations in the NOTCH3 gene. Recognizing the disease early in its course and securing a molecular diagnosis are important clinical goals, despite the lack of proven disease-modifying treatments. The purposes of this scientific statement are to review the clinical, genetic, and imaging aspects of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy, contrasting it with other inherited small vessel diseases, and to provide key prevention, management, and therapeutic considerations with the intent of reducing practice variability and encouraging production of high-quality evidence to support future treatment recommendations.

CGRP, Migraine, and Brain MRI in CADASIL: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Migraine is associated with neuroimaging differences in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). However, it is unknown if migraine-related disability (MRD) or if calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a vasoactive peptide important in migraine pathology, have radiographic implications. The aims of this study were to identify whether MRD or interictal serum CGRP levels impacted neuroimaging findings for those with CADASIL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis was performed. The primary outcomes were neuroimaging differences associated with MRD among those with migraine or interictal serum CGRP levels of those with and without migraine. MRD was defined by 2 migraine disability scales (Migraine Disability Assessment, Headache Impact Test-6). Retrospective brain magnetic resonance imaging was reviewed (average 1.7 ± 2.0 y before enrollment). Rank-sum and χ 2 tests were used.

RESULTS

Those with migraine (n=25, vs. n=14 without) were younger [median 49 (25 to 82) y vs. 60 (31 to 82) y, P <0.007], had fewer cerebral microbleeds (0 to 31 vs. 0 to 50, P =0.02) and less frequently had anterior temporal lobe T2 hyperintensities [68% (17/25) vs 100% (14/14), P =0.02]. MRD scale outcomes had no significant radiographic associations. Interictal serum CGRP did not differ (migraine: n=18, 27.0±9.6 pg/mL vs. no migraine: n=10, 26.8±15.7 pg/mL, P =0.965).

CONCLUSIONS

Migraine may forestall microangiopathy in CADASIL, though possibly independent of severity as measured by MRD. Interictal serum CGRP did not differ in our cohort suggesting CGRP may not be vital to migraine pathophysiology in CADASIL. Larger studies are needed to account for age differences.

Novel grading system for CADASIL severity: A multicenter cross-sectional study

Background

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an inherited progressive cerebral microangiopathy with considerable phenotypic variability. The purpose of this study was to describe the generalizability of a recently proposed grading system of CADASIL across multiple centers in the United States.

Methods

Electronic medical records (EMR) of an initial neurological assessment of adult patients with confirmed CADASIL were reviewed across 5 tertiary referral medical centers with expertise in CADASIL. Demographic, vascular risk factors, and neuroimaging data were abstracted from EMR. Patients were categorized into groups according to the proposed CADASIL grading system: Grade 0 (asymptomatic), Grade 1 (migraine only), Grade 2 (stroke, TIA, or MCI), Grade 3 (gait assistance or dementia), and Grade 4 (bedbound or end-stage). Inter-rater reliability (IRR) of grading was tested in a subset of cases.

Results

We identified 138 patients with a mean age of 50.9 ± 13.1 years, and 57.2% were female. The IRR was acceptable over 33 cases (κ=0.855, SD 0.078, p<0.001) with 81.8% being concordant. There were 15 patients (10.9%) with Grade 0, 50 (36.2%) with Grade 1, 61 (44.2%) with Grade 2, 12 (8.7%) with Grade 3, and none with Grade 4. Patients with a lower severity grade (grade 0 vs 3) tended to be younger (49.5 vs. 61.9 years) and had a lower prevalence of hypertension (50% vs. 20%, p = 0.027) and diabetes mellitus (0% vs. 25%, p = 0.018). A higher severity grade was associated with an increased number of vascular risk factors (p = 0.02) and independently associated with hypertension and diabetes (p<0.05). Comparing Grade 0 vs. 3, cortical thickness tended to be greater (2.06 vs. 1.87 mm; p = 0.06) and white matter hyperintensity volume tended to be lower (54.7 vs. 72.5 ml; p = 0.73), but the differences did not reach significance.

Conclusion

The CADASIL severity grading system is a pragmatic, reliable system for characterizing CADASIL phenotype that does not require testing beyond that done in standard clinical practice. Higher severity grades tended to have a higher vascular risk factor burden. This system offers a simple method of categorizing CADASIL patients which may help to describe populations in observational and interventional studies.

Perioperative Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

OBJECTIVE

Anticoagulation therapy is commonly interrupted in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) for elective procedures. However, the risk factors of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) during the periprocedural period remain uncertain. We performed a nationwide analysis to evaluate AIS risk factors in patients with AF undergoing elective surgical procedures.

METHODS

Using the Nationwide Readmission Database, we included electively admitted adult patients with AF and procedural Diagnosis-Related Group codes from 2016 to 2019. Diagnoses were identified based on ICD-10 CM codes. We constructed a logistic regression model to identify risk factors and developed a new scoring system incorporating CHA₂ DS₂ VASc to estimate periprocedural AIS risk.

RESULTS

Of the 1,045,293 patients with AF admitted for an elective procedure, the mean age was 71.5 years, 39.2% were female, and 0.70% had a perioperative AIS during the index admission or within 30 days of discharge. Active cancer (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.58, 95% CI 1.42-1.76), renal failure (aOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04-1.24), neurological surgery (aOR 4.51, 95% CI 3.84-5.30), cardiovascular surgery (aOR 2.74, 95% CI 2.52-2.97), and higher CHA₂ DS₂ VASc scores (aOR 1.25 per point, 95% CI 1.22-1.29) were significant risk factors for periprocedural AIS. The new scoring system (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.68; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.79) incorporating surgical type and cancer outperformed CHA₂ DS₂ VASc (AUC 0.60; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.61).

INTERPRETATION

In AF patients, periprocedural AIS risk increases with the CHA₂ DS₂ VASc score, active cancer, and cardiovascular or neurological surgeries. Studies are needed to devise better strategies to mitigate perioperative AIS risk in these patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Timing and Predictors of Recanalization After Anticoagulation in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Vessel recanalization after cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is associated with favorable outcomes and lower mortality. Several studies examined the timing and predictors of recanalization after CVT with mixed results. We aimed to investigate predictors and timing of recanalization after CVT.

METHODS

We used data from the multicenter, international AntiCoagulaTION in the Treatment of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (ACTION-CVT) study of consecutive patients with CVT from January 2015 to December 2020. Our analysis included patients that had undergone repeat venous neuroimaging more than 30 days after initiation of anticoagulation treatment. Prespecified variables were included in univariate and multivariable analyses to identify independent predictors of failure to recanalize.

RESULTS

Among the 551 patients (mean age, 44.4±16.2 years, 66.2% women) that met inclusion criteria, 486 (88.2%) had complete or partial, and 65 (11.8%) had no recanalization. The median time to first follow-up imaging study was 110 days (interquartile range, 60-187). In multivariable analysis, older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.07), male sex (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.24-0.80), and lack of parenchymal changes on baseline imaging (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.29-0.96) were associated with no recanalization. The majority of improvement in recanalization (71.1%) occurred before 3 months from initial diagnosis. A high percentage of complete recanalization (59.0%) took place within the first 3 months after CVT diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Older age, male sex, and lack of parenchymal changes were associated with no recanalization after CVT. The majority recanalization occurred early in the disease course suggesting limited further recanalization with anticoagulation beyond 3 months. Large prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Borderzone Infarcts and Recurrent Cerebrovascular Events in Symptomatic Intracranial Arterial Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS)-related stroke occurs due to three primary mechanisms with distinct infarct patterns: (1) borderzone infarcts (BZI) due to impaired distal perfusion, (2) territorial infarcts due to distal plaque/thrombus embolization, and (3) plaque progression occluding perforators. The objective of the systematic review is to determine whether BZI secondary to ICAS is associated with a higher risk of recurrent stroke or neurological deterioration.

METHODS

As part of this registered systematic review (CRD42021265230), a comprehensive search was performed to identify relevant papers and conference abstracts (with ≥20 patients) reporting initial infarct patterns and recurrence rates in patients with symptomatic ICAS. Subgroup analyses were performed for studies including any BZI versus isolated BZI and those excluding posterior circulation stroke. The study outcome included neurological deterioration or recurrent stroke during follow-up. For all outcome events, corresponding risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

A literature search yielded 4,478 records with 32 selected during the title/abstract triage for full text; 11 met inclusion criteria and 8 studies were included in the analysis (n=1,219 patients; 341 with BZI). The meta-analysis demonstrated that the RR of outcome in the BZI group compared to the no BZI group was 2.10 (95% CI 1.52-2.90). Limiting the analysis to studies including any BZI, the RR was 2.10 (95% CI 1.38-3.18). For isolated BZI, RR was 2.59 (95% CI 1.24-5.41). RR was 2.96 (95% CI 1.71-5.12) for studies only including anterior circulation stroke patients.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that the presence of BZI secondary to ICAS may be an imaging biomarker that predicts neurological deterioration and/or stroke recurrence.

Recurrence risk in symptomatic intracranial stenosis treated medically in the real world

BACKGROUND

The risk of early recurrence in medically treated patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) may differ in clinical trials versus real-world settings. Delayed enrollment may contribute to lower event rates in ICAS trials. We aim to determine the 30-day recurrence risk in a real-world setting of symptomatic ICAS.

METHODS

We used a comprehensive stroke center stroke registry to identify hospitalized patients with acute ischemic stroke or TIA due to symptomatic 50-99% ICAS. The outcome was recurrent stroke within 30 days. We used adjusted Cox regression models to identify factors associated with increased recurrence risk. We also performed a comparison of 30-day recurrent stroke rates in real world cohorts and clinical trials.

RESULTS

Among 131 hospitalizations with symptomatic 50-99% ICAS over 3 years, 80 hospitalizations of 74 patients (mean age 71.6 years, 55.41% men) met the inclusion criteria. Over 30 days, 20.6 % had recurrent stroke; 61.5% (8/13) occurred within first 7 days. The risk was higher in patients not receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (HR 3.92 95% CI 1.30-11.84, p = 0.015) and hypoperfusion mismatch volume >3.5 mL at a T max>6 s threshold (HR 6.55 95% CI 1.60-26.88, p < 0.001). The recurrence risk was similar to another real world ICAD cohort (20.2%), and higher than that seen in clinical trials (2.2%-5.7%), even in those treated with maximal medical treatment or meeting inclusion criteria for trials.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with symptomatic ICAS, the real-world recurrence of ischemic events is higher than that seen in clinical trials, even in subgroups receiving the same pharmacological treatment strategies.

Antiplatelet use and CADASIL: a retrospective observational analysis

OBJECTIVES

Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is hallmarked by age-dependent accumulation of microangiopathy with antiplatelet medications commonly used for stroke prevention though without known therapeutic benefit. Our objective was to identify whether antiplatelet therapy impacted the incidence of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in those with reported CADASIL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Owing to the rarity of the disease, we performed a retrospective study of anonymized data from the international TriNetX Research Network (Oct 2015 through January 2021). Individuals had an ICD-10 code (I67.850) for CADASIL. The primary outcome was incidence of validated ICD-10 codes for AIS (I63) and ICH (I61) linked with unique hospital admission encounters. The primary exposure was use of an antiplatelet medication for at least 1 month prior to the primary outcome. Age-adjusted logistic regression was used for likelihood ratios.

RESULTS

We identified 455 individuals: 36% female, 40 (8.8%) antiplatelet exposed. Those with antiplatelet use were older (antiplatelet: 61±12 years vs. unexposed: 57±14 years, p = 0.034) with similar rates of AIS [antiplatelet: 23%(9/40) vs. unexposed: 14%(60/415); p=0.18] and ICH [antiplatelet: 3%(1/40) vs. unexposed: 5%(19/415); p = 0.54) and without significant impact on age-adjusted AIS likelihood (OR 1.62, 95%CI 0.73-3.60, p=0.23). Sample size precluded ICH regression analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggests that antiplatelet use did not significantly impact incidence of AIS or ICH within a group of individuals with suspected CADASIL This study highlights the need for further understanding of the pathophysiology of CADASIL to lead to disease modifying treatments.

Statin Usage Increases White Matter Hyperintensities: A Post Hoc Analysis of SPRINT-MIND

BACKGROUND

Progression of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), a radiographic marker of cerebral small vessel disease, occurs with uncontrolled conventional cerebrovascular risk factors. Less certain, however, is the influence of dyslipidemia and the impact of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme-A reductase inhibitors (statins) on WMH progression. The goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of statins on the progression of WMH over a 4-year interval.

METHODS

We performed a post hoc analysis of the SPRINT-MIND database on those with serial volumetric WMH data. WMH progression was calculated as the difference in WMH volume between the 2 scans and then segmented into tertiles due to rightward skew. We defined statin usage as no therapy (0% of visits), partial therapy (1% to 99% of visits) or full therapy (100% of visits) as logged during study visits. Analysis of variance and χ 2 tests were used for continuous and categorical variables with adjustments made for variables known to influence WMH development.

RESULTS

A total of 425 individuals were included in this study: 53% without statins use, 27% partial use, and 20% full use. Demographic characteristics and baseline WMH volumes were similar among the cohort. Those with full statin use were significantly more likely to be in the top tertile of WMH progression (adjusted odds ratio: 2.30, 95% confidence interval: 1.11-4.77, P =0.025), despite improvement in dyslipidemia.

CONCLUSIONS

SPRINT-MIND participants prescribed a statin were nearly 2.5 times more likely to be within the top tertile of WMH progression over 4 years, despite adjustment for synergistic risk factors and improvement in low-density lipoprotein.

Abstract TP194: The FLAIR Signal Intensity Ratio Predicts Early Neurologic Deterioration For Small Subcortical Infarcts

Introduction: Early neurologic deterioration (END) occurs in nearly 40% of small subcortical infarct (SSI), with the majority occurring as a byproduct of completion of the initial infarct leading to significant morbidity. Presently there is not a robust predictive radiographic biomarker for END from SSI. The fluid-attenuated inversion recovery signal intensity ratio (FLAIR-SIR) ≥ 1.15 was shown to aid in differentiation of completed infarcts from those with penumbra allowing in identifying those that may benefit from alteplase. We aimed to use the FLAIR-SIR as a biomarker for predicting END from SSI. We hypothesized that those with a higher FLAIR-SIR had less risk of developing END due to completion of infarct.

Methods: We retrospectively enrolled individuals who were seen at the Rhode Island Hospital between 2019 and 2022. Those included had a radiographic diagnosis of a SSI per STRIVE criteria. The primary outcome was END diagnosed as ≥ 2-point increase in NIH Stroke Scale score within 24 hours of admission. The primary exposure was FLAIR-SIR, defined as the ratio of ipsilateral FLAIR intensity within the region of infarct divided by the FLAIR of the contralateral identical anatomical location. Standard descriptive and unadjusted regression analyses were used.

Results: A total of 195 individuals were included with a mean age 68 (± 13) years, and 59.5% (116/195) being male. END was identified in 3.6% (7/195). The mean overall FLAIR-SIR was 1.26 (± 0.30) with a mean of 1.26 (± 0.34) for those without END and 1.07 (± 0.25) for those with END ( p = 0.66). Using Youden’s J index for FLAIR-SIR, the optimal cutoff was determined to be ≤ 1.15. For a FLAIR-SIR ≤ 1.15, unadjusted Cox regression finds a hazard ratio of 4.1 (95%CI 0.79 - 21.1, p = 0.092) for END within 24 hours.

Conclusions: FLAIR-SIR measurement above 1.15 may serve as a radiographic predictor of less risk of END amongst SSI. Our findings corroborate prior studies identifying 1.15 as a threshold for at-risk and completed SSI and should receive thrombolytics to minimize risk of END. Future studies are needed to increase power and confirm our findings.

Abstract TP75: Waking Up To A New Wake-Up Stroke Protocol Is Feasible And Safe

Introduction: Up to 25% of strokes are recognized upon awakening. Recent studies have demonstrated that a “tissue clock” rather than a time clock can be used to identify patients who may benefit from intravenous thrombolytics (IVT) beyond 4.5 hours from last known well (LKW). Consistent access to hyperacute MRI limits many centers from treating wake-up stroke patients. We created a formal protocol of clinical and imaging criteria to standardize evaluation and management of wake-up strokes.

Methods: This retrospective, observational study reviewed consecutive patients admitted to our Comprehensive Stroke Center who qualified for the wake-up protocol between February 2022 and June 2022. The implemented protocol, based on clinical trials’ inclusion criteria, is comprised of the following: 1) arrival within 12 hours from LKW and within 4.5 hours from symptom discovery; 2) high suspicion for acute ischemic stroke; 3) no contraindication to MRI; 4) NIHSS of at least 4; 5) baseline mRS 0-3; 6) no absolute contraindications to IVT. For patients meeting above inclusion criteria, emergent MRI with perfusion was performed. Diffusion-FLAIR mismatch (signal intensity ratio) and diffusion-perfusion mismatch were reviewed to determine thrombolysis eligibility by a trained neuroradiologist or vascular neurologist.

Results: Ten patients qualified for the wake-up protocol in the first five months of protocol implementation. Median NIHSS was 7, median LKW to arrival time was 8 hours, and median door to MRI time was 72.5 minutes. A final diagnosis of ischemic stroke was made in 80% of these cases. Overall, 50% were eligible for IVT based on our criteria, and 30% received thrombolysis. Median door to needle time was 92 minutes (range 75-117). There were no symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages. All patients treated with IVT were discharged home with no to minimal residual deficits with mRS 0-1 and median NIHSS at discharge of 2 (range 0-4).

Conclusion: A formal protocol for wake-up stroke management allowed a streamlined approach to expand the number of IVT-eligible cases. Continued efforts are needed to improve door to needle times in such cases and to follow clinical courses of treated patients.

Abstract TP74: Reducing Complications From Gastrostomy Tube Insertion In Stroke Patients - Quality Improvement Project At An Academic Tertiary Hospital

Introduction: Percutaneous gastrostomy tubes are frequently required for patients with strokes due to dysphagia, malnutrition, and intestinal dysmotility. Though generally well tolerated, delayed detection of complications following percutaneous gastrostomy tube insertion (including dislodgement, infection and bleeding) can lead to increased morbidity and mortality.

Methods: At a single academic tertiary hospital, a standardized protocol was instituted (September 2021) to enhance early detection and prevention of feeding tube complications on the neurology service, consisting predominantly of stroke patients. The protocol comprised of: 1) consistent documentation of feeding tube insertion by proceduralists, 2) universal abdominal binder application, 3) nursing driven delirium screening, 4) post procedural nursing assessment for high-risk feeding tube site changes, and 5) an escalation algorithm to address early complications. We compared rates of complications pre- (July 2020 - August 2021, 13 months) and post- (September 2021 - June 2022, 10 months) protocol implementation.

Results: A total of 103 gastrostomy tube insertions were reviewed (64 pre and 39 post protocol implementation). Overall complication rates decreased from 12.5% (N = 8 of 64; 3 dislodgements, 3 infections, 2 insertion site bleeding) to 2.5% (N = 1 of 39; 1 dislodgment) following the intervention. Mortality from complications decreased from 1.6% to 0%.

Conclusion: Complication rates of percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement may be reduced through implementation of standardized protocols on inpatient stroke patients. Further studies are warranted to assess its long-term effects and viability in other specialty services.

Abstract TP101: Reduced Left Atrial Strain In Embolic Stroke Of Undetermined Source Is Associated With Atrial Fibrillation Detected On Mobile Cardiac Monitoring

Recent studies have failed to reveal benefit of anticoagulation over antiplatelet therapy in the prevention of recurrent stroke in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS) patients. This is attributed to significant heterogeneity in underlying mechanisms of ESUS. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a potential cause of ESUS, and evaluating left atrial (LA) function by measuring LA strain by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is an emerging technique to assess LA biomechanics. Our study investigates the relationship between LA strain and AF detection in ESUS patients. We included hospitalized patients with ESUS subtype who underwent STE. LA function by assessing three phases of LA strain (reservoir, conduit and contractile) were retrospectively quantified and evaluated. Several patients were discharged with mobile cardiac telemetry that was retrospectively reviewed for AF detection. Descriptive statistical methods and both unadjusted and adjusted regression models were used. Among 325 ESUS patients, mean age was 66.5±15.0, 49% were male, 49% had outpatient cardiac monitoring, and 25% had AF detected. LA reservoir (25.17±13.4 vs 32.43±18.13), LA contractile (11.95±9.66 vs 16.67±10.94) and LA conduit (13.08±6.47 vs 17.20±12.21) strains were significantly lower in patients with AF detected compared to patients without AF detected. In the unadjusted binary logistic regression analysis, patients with AF detected had significantly lower LA reservoir (OR 0.967, 95% CI 0.941-0.994), LA contractile (OR 0.957, 95% CI 0.918-0.997) and LA conduit (OR 0.961, 95% CI 0.925-0.998) strains. This significance was lost after adjusting for age. Our study demonstrates that reduced LA strain is associated with subsequent detection of AF in ESUS patients. We believe that routine LA strain measurement can aid clinicians in identifying ESUS patients with high AF prevalence and thereby appropriately target patients for anticoagulation therapy to prevent subsequent strokes.

Abstract WMP99: Effect Of Intensive Glycemic Control And Microvascular Complications On White Matter Hyperintensity Progression

Background: Individuals with diabetes mellitus are prone to neurologic complications from prolonged hyperglycemia. While the effects of hyperglycemia are well documented, aggressive correction of systemic glucose levels may have deleterious effects. We aimed to identify whether diabetic treatment goals influenced the progression of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) burden in a meaningful way in a cohort of known diabetics. We hypothesized that more aggressive treatment would yield less WMH progression.

Methods: We included individuals enrolled in the ACCORD-MIND trial who had a baseline and 40-month follow-up MRI with volumetric quantification of WMH in mL. The primary outcome was WMH progression, defined as the baseline adjusted difference in WMH between the two scans. The exposure was the interaction between a microvascular outcome (ACCORD composite of photocoagulation or vitrectomy for retinopathy, acute renal failure, ESRD/dialysis, or serum creatinine ≥3.3 mg/dL) and glucose treatment arm (standard therapy with target A1c 7-7.9 or intensive therapy with target A1c 6-6.9). We fit a linear regression model adjusted for baseline age, sex, race/ethnicity, history of cardiovascular disease including stroke, Hgb A1c, and mean systolic blood pressure between the MRIs.

Results: We included 502 individuals (mean age 62.7±5.7 years, 46.2% female, 67.9% White), of which 29 had a microvascular outcome and 229 were randomized to the intensive glucose arm. The interaction between microvascular outcome*glucose arm was highly significant (p=0.009). In individuals without a microvascular outcome, WMH progression was not significantly different in the intensive vs. standard glucose arm (difference of 0.3 mL, 95% CI -0.2, 0.7; p=0.299), but in those with a microvascular outcome there was 2.6 mL more WMH progression in the intensive than standard glucose arm (95% CI 0.9-4.4; p=0.003).

Conclusion: Although hypothesis-generating, these results suggest that in diabetic individuals with microvascular disease, intensive glucose lowering may have a harmful effect on WMH progression. Our data is similar to other findings amongst the ACCORD trial suggesting intensive glucose control may not be benign in all diabetics.

Abstract WP182: Diastolic Dysfunction With Elevated Left Ventricular Filling Pressures Is Associated With Embolic Stroke Of Undetermined Source And Atrial Fibrillation Detection After Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Diastolic dysfunction, particularly with elevated left ventricle filling pressure (LVFP) is known to be a strong independent predictor of all-cause mortality and major cardiac events. There is limited data on the role of diastolic function in ischemic stroke. We hypothesize that diastolic dysfunction with elevated LVFP is more likely to be present in patients with Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) compared to non-cardioembolic stroke and is associated with AF on cardiac monitoring in the ESUS group.

Methods: This is a single center retrospective study that included adult patients with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke from 2014 to 2016. We excluded patients with confirmed cardioembolic stroke and those with indeterminate diastolic function. ESUS was defined as no ipsilateral stenoses ≥ 50%, cardiac telemetry for at least two weeks without evidence of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, and a LVEF ≥ 30%. A transthoracic echocardiogram was performed and interpreted by cardiologists. Baseline patient characteristics and clinical variables were compared among patients with and without diastolic dysfunction. Potential associations between diastolic dysfunction, ESUS and AF detection in ESUS patients were assessed using logistic regression.

Results: There were 509 patients, the mean age was 64.19, 54.81% were male, and 146 had LVFP data. Diastolic dysfunction overall was not associated with ESUS (adjusted OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.91-2.28, p = 0.125) or AF detection on cardiac monitoring (adjusted OR 1.87, 95% CI 0.75-4.70, p = 0.183). However, diastolic dysfunction and elevated LVFP was associated with ESUS subtype (adjusted OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.03-4.93, p = 0.041) and AF detection on cardiac monitoring (adjusted OR 3.58, 95% CI 1.07-12.01, p = 0.039).

Conclusion: Our study suggests that diastolic dysfunction with elevated LVFP is associated with ESUS stroke subtype and AF detection on cardiac monitoring. Therefore, the presence of diastolic dysfunction with elevated LVFP may identify a population of stroke patients more likely to have ESUS, particularly in the setting of occult AF. Studies are needed to confirm our findings and test the safety and efficacy of anticoagulation in patients with ESUS and diastolic dysfunction with elevated LVFP.

Abstract WP91: Pre-stroke Sulfonylurea Exposure Leads To Worse Outcomes

Introduction: Sulfonylurea medications may reduce cerebral edema following ischemic stroke. Prior retrospective studies evaluated the impact of pre-stroke sulfonylurea exposure on outcome metrics yielding inconclusive results and have not provided results based on stroke subtype. We hypothesize that exposure to pre-stroke sulfonylureas would have a better outcome than unexposed regardless of stroke etiology.

Methods: We performed a post-hoc analysis of the Stroke Hyperglycemia Insulin Network Effort (SHINE) dataset. Only those with pre-enrollment diabetes mellitus were included. The primary exposure was pre-stroke sulfonylurea usage. The primary outcome was 90-day functional outcome by mRS 0 - 2 (good) versus 3 - 6 (poor). Ischemic stroke was categorized as lacunar or non-lacunar. Standard descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used for data interpretation.

Results: A total of 919 individuals met inclusion criteria: mean age 65 years, 58% male, 256 (28%) being sulfonylurea exposed. Lacunar stroke was diagnosed in 220 (24%) of the cohort. Pre-stroke sulfonylurea exposure was reported in 256 participants (lacunar: 59 vs. non-lacunar: 197, p = 0.69). Amongst the whole cohort, exposed individuals were more likely to have a poor outcome (OR 1.7, 95%CI 1.25 - 2.32, p = <0.001). The association between sulfonylurea exposure and poor outcome remains in those with non-lacunar stroke (OR 1.67, 95%CI 1.19 - 2.32, p = 0.003) as opposed to lacunar stroke (OR 0.60, 95%CI 0.43 - 0.84, p = 0.003) (pinteraction 0.1).

Conclusion: Patients with pre-stroke sulfonylurea exposure were more likely to have a poor outcome at 90 days. Current trials investigating sulfonylurea infusion for cerebral edema, though these data suggest chronic oral administration may mitigate this response. Limitations exist including potential unaccounted differences amongst the cohort. This is a hypothesis generating study with future studies needed expand and corroborate our findings.

Abstract 138: Hypoperfusion Delay Volume Predicts Early Stroke Recurrence Risk In Symptomatic Anterior Circulation Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease

Introduction: Data on predictors of early stroke recurrence in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease (sICAD) is limited. We hypothesized that hypoperfusion delay predicts stroke recurrence within 90-days.

Methods: We retrospectively collected all patients hospitalized with anterior circulation sICAD over 3 years (April 2019-April 2022) at a comprehensive stroke center. We collected demographics, clinical risk factors, radiological variables, and treatment strategies. Patients with an indication for anticoagulation such as atrial fibrillation and those with intracranial stenting or angioplasty were excluded. The outcome (verified by two independent reviewers) was recurrent stroke within 90 days in the affected artery. We assessed factors associated with stroke recurrence. We measured the effect of hypoperfusion delay volume on stroke recurrence using Cox-regression models.

Results: Out of 131 sICAD hospitalizations during the study period, 66 involved the middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1 segment or intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) and 44 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 71 years and 41% were women; 75% were treated with best medical management (dual antiplatelet therapy/high intensity statin therapy); and 75% had baseline perfusion imaging performed. Over 90 days, 11/44 (25%) patients had recurrent stroke. Factors associated with recurrence stroke were no best medical management (15.2% vs. 54.5%, p = 0.02), hypoperfusion Tmax>4 sec mismatch volume (p = 0.003), and hypoperfusion delay Tmax>6 sec mismatch volume (p=0.01). Using Youden’s cutoff for Tmax>4 sec mismatch (13 mL) and for Tmax>6 sec mismatch (5 mL), the risk of recurrent stroke at 90 days in separate models was higher in patients with Tmax>4 sec delay mismatch volume > 13 mL (HR 11.98 95% CI 1.48-96.96 p=0.02) and Tmax>6 sec mismatch volume > 5 mL (HR 4.37 95% CI 1.02-18.82, p=0.048). Effect size of the associations did not meaningfully change after adjusting for best medical management.

Conclusion: Hypoperfusion delay is associated with an increased recurrent stroke risk within 90 days in patients with sICAD, despite best medical management. Validation by large prospective studies is warranted.

Abstract WP2: Benefit Of Alteplase And Lacunar Stroke: A Post-hoc Analysis Of The Shine Trial

Introduction: Small subcortical infarcts, synonymous in the literature with lacunar or small vessel disease infarcts, occur in roughly a quarter of all ischemic stroke. While the use of alteplase and other thrombolytics is well known to improve outcomes for acute ischemic stroke, the role of thrombolytics in the acute management of this infarct subtype is not entirely proven. We hypothesized that the use of alteplase in the hyperacute management of small vessel infarcts improved long-term outcomes.

Methods: We performed a post-hoc analysis of the Stroke Hyperglycemia Insulin Network Effort (SHINE) dataset. We included only those with an etiologic diagnosis of lacunar stroke. The primary exposure was guideline-based administration of alteplase. The primary outcome was 90-day functional outcome by mRS 0 - 2 (good) versus 3 - 6 (poor). Insulin treatment arms were combined as no differential treatment effect was demonstrated in the original SHINE publication. Standard descriptive and logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, arrival blood glucose, and NIH Stroke Scale, were used for data interpretation.

Results: We included 258 SHINE participants who were diagnosed with a lacunar infarct: mean age 65 ± 13 years, 53% (138/258) were men, and 57.7% (150/258) received alteplase. Demographic data including age, sex, and presenting variables including NIH Stroke Scale score, systolic blood pressure, and blood glucose levels did not differ between those who received alteplase and those who did not. Those who received alteplase were more likely to be within the good outcome group (OR 1.89, 95%CI 1.03 - 3.47, p = 0.039).

Conclusion: The administration of intravenous alteplase for reported lacunar stroke increased the likelihood of a good outcome by nearly 2-fold. Lacunar infarcts, a radiographic outcome of small subcortical infarcts, are unique in pathogenesis compared to cardioembolic and large-artery atheromatous disease. Despite these differences, our findings support the use of acute thrombolytic therapy within this patient population. Future studies are needed to assess the response between small subcortical infarcts subtypes (e.g. branch atheromatous disease, subcortical microembolism, lipohyalinosis) and acute reperfusion therapy.

Composition, Treatment, and Outcomes by Radiologically Defined Thrombus Characteristics in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Occlusive and nonocclusive cervicocephalic thrombi can be encountered during neurovascular imaging in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Radiographic and morphological characteristics on basic and advanced imaging modalities can be important clues towards determination of pathomechanism and the choice of acute and subacute treatment modalities. The aim of this review article is to evaluate the epidemiology, radiographic properties, histologic clot composition of cervicocephalic arterial thrombi, and its response to various medical and endovascular therapy modalities. Future studies are needed to derive and validate a classification system for extracranial and intracranial partially occlusive thrombi to enable further testing of various stroke treatment and prevention strategies in these patients.

Mutation of breast cancer susceptibility genes increases cerebral microbleeds: A pilot study

OBJECTIVES

Growing evidence suggests breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA) mutations may augment cerebrovascular risk factors. With this influence in mind, we aimed to identify if BRCA mutations increased the prevalence of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of adults undergoing malignancy evaluation with confirmed BRCA mutations compared to BRCA wildtype individuals. A standard-of-care brain MRI was reviewed. Chi-squared or Fisher's, Wilcoxon rank-sum and the Student's t-test analyses were used when appropriate. Adjusted logistic regression models were fit to calculate odds ratio. Multicollinearity was tested by variance inflation factor calculation and for goodness-of-fit via the Hosmer-Lemeshow test.

RESULTS

Of 116 individuals, 44.8% (52/116) carried a BRCA mutation. Demographic and cerebrovascular risk factors did not differ. Cerebral microbleeds were more common in those with BRCA mutation: [32.7% (17/52) vs. 17.2% (11/64), p = 0.05] with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.8 (95%CI 1.08-6.89, p = 0.03). Other markers of CSVD were similar amongst the cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a nearly 3-fold increase in identified cerebral microbleed in those with BRCA mutations compared with BRCA wildtype individuals suggestive of an interaction between the BRCA gene and cerebral microbleed formation. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and to understand clinical implications.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Vitamin K Antagonists in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

High level evidence for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis is lacking. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of DOACs versus vitamin K antagonists in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis.

METHODS

This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021228800). We searched MEDLINE (via Ovid), EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Web of Science Core Collection between January 1, 2007 and Feb 22, 2022. Search terms included a combination of keywords and controlled vocabulary terms for cerebral venous thrombosis, vitamin K antagonists/warfarin, and DOACs. We included both randomized and nonrandomized studies that compared vitamin K antagonists and DOACs in 5 or more patients with cerebral venous thrombosis. Where studies were sufficiently similar, we performed meta-analyses for efficacy (recurrent venous thromboembolism and complete recanalization) and safety (major hemorrhage) outcomes, using relative risks (RRs).

RESULTS

Out of 10 665 records identified, we screened 254 as potentially eligible. Nineteen studies (16 observational studies [n=1735] and 3 randomized controlled trials [n=215]) met the inclusion criteria. All 3 randomized controlled trials had some concerns, and all 16 observational studies had at least moderate risk of bias. When compared with vitamin K antagonist treatment, DOAC had comparable risks of recurrent venous thromboembolism (relative risk [RR], 0.85 [95% CI, 0.52-1.37], I²=0%), major hemorrhage (RR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.40-1.21], I²=0%), intracranial hemorrhage (RR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.30-1.12]; I²=0%), death (RR, 1.14 [95% CI, 0.54-2.43], I²=1%), and complete venous recanalization (RR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.87-1.11]; I²=0%).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis, DOACs, and warfarin may have comparable efficacy and safety. Given the limitations of the studies included (low number of randomized controlled trials, modest total sample size, rare outcome events), our findings should be interpreted with caution pending confirmation by ongoing randomized controlled trials and large, prospective, observational studies.

Effect of Antihypertensives by Class on Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: A Post Hoc Analysis of SPRINT-MIND

BACKGROUND

Treatment of uncontrolled arterial hypertension reduces the risk of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) progression, although it is unclear whether this reduction occurs due to blood pressure control or class-specific pleiotropic effects, such as improved beat-to-beat arterial pressure variability with calcium channel blockers. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of antihypertensive medication class, particularly with calcium channel blocker, on accumulation of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), a radiographic marker of CSVD, within a cohort with well-controlled hypertension.

METHODS

We completed an observational cohort analysis of the SPRINT-MIND trial (Systolic Blood Pressure Trial Memory and Cognition in Decreased Hypertension), a large randomized controlled trial of participants who completed a baseline and 4-year follow-up brain magnetic resonance image with volumetric WMH data. Antihypertensive medication data were recorded at follow-up visits between the magnetic resonance images. A percentage of follow-up time participants were prescribed each of the 11 classes of antihypertensive was then derived. Progression of CSVD was calculated as the difference in WMH volume between 2 scans and, to address skew, dichotomized into a top tertile of the distribution compared with the remaining.

RESULTS

Among 448 individuals, vascular risk profiles were similar across WMH progression subgroups except age (70.1±7.9 versus 65.7±7.3 years; P<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (128.3±11.0 versus 126.2±9.4 mm Hg; P=0.039). Seventy-two (48.3%) of the top tertile cohort and 177 (59.2%) of the remaining cohort were in the intensive blood pressure arm. Those within the top tertile of progression had a mean WMH progression of 4.7±4.3 mL compared with 0.13±1.0 mL (P<0.001). Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (odds ratio, 0.36 [95% CI, 0.16-0.79]; P=0.011) and dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (odds ratio, 0.39 [95% CI, 0.19-0.80]; P=0.011) was associated with less WMH progression, although dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers lost significance when WMH was treated as a continuous variable.

CONCLUSIONS

Among participants of SPRINT-MIND trial, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor was most consistently associated with less WMH progression independent of blood pressure control and age.

COVID-19-Associated Myelitis Involving the Dorsal and Lateral White Matter Tracts: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) myelitis is a rare condition, most commonly presenting with nonenhancing central expansile cord T2 signal changes. A single case report has also described longitudinal involvement of the dorsal columns. We present 5 cases of COVID-19-associated myelitis with tract-specific involvement of the dorsal and lateral columns and discuss potential pathophysiologic pathways for this unique pattern.

The association between transthoracic echocardiogram parameters and white matter hyperintensities

OBJECTIVE

Identify abnormal cardiac chamber size and hemodynamic parameters on transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) as predictors of advancing cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review of adults with a brain MRI and a 2-dimensional TTE was performed. WMH measured by the Fazekas score served as the primary outcome. We fit multivariate ordinal logistic regression models to the Fazekas score with the individual predictors of the TTE measurements and adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS

132 individuals were included. Cardiac functional markers were not significant, including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (p = 0.818), right ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.818) and left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.673). Cardiac structural markers included right atrial area (p = 0.247), right ventricular internal diameter (RVID, p = 0.020) and left atrial area (LAA, p = 0.041). RVID and LAA were identified as being predictors, although the direction of the association suggested that normal values resulted in more WMH. Analysis of isolated DWM or PVWM Fazekas scores were not associated with cardiac structure or function.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, we found that normal LAA and RVID values were associated with an increased degree of WMH on MRI. This finding may represent earlier identification of WMH prior to TTE cardiac changes. Future studies are needed for more robust quantitative comparison as well as evaluation prospectively of the association between cardiac chamber sizes and development of WMH.

Abstract TP124: 90-Day Disability Outcomes and Stroke Etiology: An ALIAS 2 Secondary Analysis

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treatment remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality despite advancements in therapeutic options. Cardioembolic AIS had previously been associated with the greatest long-term disability and mortality. Our aim is to provide an updated perspective of 90-day disability outcomes with regard to stroke etiology.

Methods: This is a secondary analysis of the ALIAS 2 trial. The primary outcome was the 90-day mRS. Stroke etiology was defined based on TOAST criteria. Spearman’s Rho is used to determine correlation between etiology and mRS. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models are fit to a binary stratification of our outcome (mRS 0-1 vs 2-6).

Results: A total of 776 patients were enrolled between 2009 and 2012 with a mean (SD) age of 64.7 (12.7) years. The median (IQR) NIHSS was 11 (8, 17) with 55.3% being male, 76.7% white, and 89.7% having received IV TPA. Large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) (201/776, 25.9%), cardioembolism (271/776, 34.9%) and cryptogenic (196/776, 25.3%) were the most common AIS etiologies. The 90-day mRS had significant differences by TOAST category (rho = 0.013, p<0.001). Individuals with LAA had the highest mean 90-day mRS (Figure 1). LAA was associated with lower odds of good outcome in both univariate analysis (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48-0.96) and in a multivariate model (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.45-0.97) adjusted for age, NIHSS, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, sex, white race and administration of IV TPA.

Conclusion: Our secondary analysis revealed that AIS with a NIHSS greater than 8 of LAA origin purported a worse 90-day disability outcome. This data may serve to remind clinicians that AIS from LAA may yield comparable or greater disability than cardioembolic AIS.

Figure 1: Mean 90-day disability outcome based on TOAST classification. LAA purported worse mean disability outcomes compared to other grouped etiologies.

Treatment of migraine in patients with CADASIL: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Migraine is a common and often refractory feature for individuals with cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) without consensus guidelines for treatment. Migraine treatment poses a theoretical risk within this unique population with precarious cerebrovascular autoregulation, given the vasomodulatory influence of many antimigraine medications. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluate the frequency and efficacy of treatments for migraine in individuals with CADASIL.

Methods

A search protocol was designed to include all available publications reporting antimigraine therapies for CADASIL. Individual responses to medications were categorized as unfavorable, neutral, or favorable. Responses across medication classes were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

Thirteen studies were included, yielding a cohort of 123 individuals with a median age of 53 years (range: 23-83 years), with 61% (75/123) being women. No controlled trials were identified. Simple analgesics (35.8%, 44/123) and beta-blockers (22.0%, 27/123) were the most common abortive and prophylactic strategies, respectively. Over half (54.4%) of all patients had used more than 1 medication sequentially or concomitantly. Beta-blockers were significantly associated with a neutral or unfavorable response (13.5%, 22/163, p = 0.004). We found no significant associations among other medication categories.

Conclusions

Migraine in CADASIL remains a formidable therapeutic challenge, with patients often tried on several medications. Antimigraine prophylaxis with beta-blockers may be contraindicated relative to other common therapies in CADASIL. Controlled studies are needed to rigorously evaluate the safety and efficacy of antimigraine therapies in this population.

Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Burden and All-Cause Mortality: Mayo Clinic Florida Familial Cerebrovascular Diseases Registry

GOAL

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) leads to cognitive decline, gait disturbances, mood changes, and an increased risk of stroke. The goal of this study is to describe the relationship between a composite radiographic CSVD score and all-cause mortality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected from a prospective registry of patients with and without cerebrovascular disease from November 2010 through April 2018. The radiographic Total CSVD Score (tSVD) ranges from 0 (minimal disease) to 4 (severe disease), based on detection of lacunar infarcts, cerebral microbleeds, perivascular spaces, and subcortical or periventricular white matter hyperintensities. All-cause mortality served as the primary endpoint. The independent relationship between CSVD burden and all-cause mortality was assessed using Cox regression models with significance being P < .05.

FINDINGS

Four hundred and forty-nine patients were included (mean age, 63 years; 50.1% [225 of 449] women). The hazard ratio for mortality significantly increased with advancing score (1.92, P = .014 score 1; 2.92, P < .001 score 2; 4.23, P < .001 combined scores 3 and 4). Significance remained despite adjustment for coexistent cerebrovascular risk factors aside from age.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinically practical tSVD score may serve as a predictor for all-cause mortality in populations with high disease prevalence. Continued investigations are needed to better understand the effects of risk factor modification on mortality and pathogenesis with the goal of developing disease modifying therapies.

Racial disparities in patient selection for liver transplantation: An ongoing challenge

Ample evidence suggests continued racial disparities once listed for liver transplantation, though few studies examine disparities in the selection process for listing. The objective of this study, via retrospective chart review, was to determine whether listing for liver transplantation was influenced by socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity. We identified 1968 patients with end-stage liver disease who underwent evaluation at a large, Midwestern center from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2012 (72.9% white, 19.6% black, and 7.5% other). Over half (54.6%) of evaluated patients were listed; the three most common reasons for not listing were medical contraindications (11.9%), patient expired during evaluation (7.0%), and psychosocial contraindications (5.9%). In multivariable logistic regressions (listed vs not listed), across the three racial categories, the odds of being listed were lower for alcohol-induced hepatitis (±hepatitis C), unmarried, more than one insurance, inadequate insurance, and lower annual household income quartile. Similar factors predicted time to transplant listing, including being identified as black race. Black race, even when adjusting for the above mentioned medical and socioeconomic factors, was associated with 26% lower odds of being listed and a longer time to listing decision compared to all other patients.

Misdiagnosis: Hypoglossal palsy mimicking bulbar onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Bulbar onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (bALS) is a currently incurable neurodegenerative condition characterized by insidious progression of bulbar muscle paresis; namely dyspnea, dysarthria, and dysphagia. The diagnosis of bALS requires exclusion of mimicking pathologies as the diagnosis of bALS may have significant implications on patients' quality of life, future planning, and familial/social dynamics. Herein we present two cases which were misdiagnosed as bALS when in fact a structural lesion of the hypoglossal nerve was causative. This article may serve as a reminder to entertain alternative diagnoses prior to arriving at a diagnosis of bALS.

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Bulbar onset ALS may mimic a variety of potentially treatable conditions.

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Tongue fasciculations may occur at any level from the hypoglossal nucleus or axon, or the lingual muscles themselves.

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Accompanying neurological signs should aid in guiding diagnosis.

Nonaneurysmal "Pseudo-Subarachnoid Hemorrhage" Computed Tomography Patterns: Challenges in an Acute Decision-Making Heuristics

BACKGROUND

Acute aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a medical and neurosurgical emergency from ruptured brain aneurysm. Aneurysmal SAH is identified on brain computed tomography (CT) as increased density of basal cisterns and subarachnoid spaces from acute blood products. Aneurysmal SAH-like pattern on CT appears as an optical illusion effect of hypodense brain parenchyma and/or hyperdense surrounding cerebral cisterns and blood vessels termed as "pseudo-subarachnoid hemorrhage" (pseudo-SAH).

METHODS

We reviewed clinical, laboratory, and radiographic data of all SAH diagnoses between January 2013 and January 2018, and found subsets of nonaneurysmal SAH, originally suspected to be aneurysmal in origin. We performed a National Library of Medicine search methodology using terms "subarachnoid hemorrhage," "pseudo," and "non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage" singly and in combination to understand the sensitivity, specificity, and precision of pseudo-SAH.

RESULTS

Over 5 years, 230 SAH cases were referred to our tertiary academic center and only 7 (3%) met the definition of pseudo-SAH. Searching the National Library of Medicine using subarachnoid hemorrhage yielded 27,402 results. When subarachnoid hemorrhage and pseudo were combined, this yielded 70 results and sensitivity was 50% (n = 35). Similarly, search precision was relatively low (26%) as only 18 results fit the clinical description similar to the 7 cases discussed in our series.

CONCLUSIONS

Aneurysmal SAH pattern on CT is distinct from nonaneurysmal and pseudo-SAH patterns. The origin of pseudo-SAH terminology appears mostly tied to comatose cardiac arrest patients with diffuse dark brain Hounsfield units and cerebral edema, and is a potential imaging pitfall in acute medical decision-making.

Reducing Door-to-Reperfusion Time for Mechanical Thrombectomy With a Multitiered Notification System for Acute Ischemic Stroke

OBJECTIVE

To reduce door-to-angiographic reperfusion (DTR) time to 120 minutes for patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke attributed to anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion amenable to endovascular mechanical thrombectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy before (April 10, 2015, through April 11, 2016) and after (April 12, 2016, through May 10, 2017) implementation of a multitiered notification system were studied. Lean process mapping was used to assess inefficiencies with multidisciplinary triage. A 3-tiered paging platform, which rapidly alerts essential personnel of the acute ischemic stroke team at advancing decision points, was introduced.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients were analyzed before and after implementation (34 vs 28, respectively). Following intervention, DTR time was reduced by 43 minutes (mean DTR, 170 minutes vs 127 minutes; P=.02). At 90-day follow up, 5 of the 28 patients in the postintervention cohort (19%) had excellent neurologic outcomes, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0, compared to 0 of 34 (0%) in the preintervention cohort (P=.89). Reductions were also seen in the length of stay on the neurocritical care service (mean, 6 vs 3 days; P=.006), and total hospital charges for combined groups (mean, $100,083 vs $161,458; P<.001).

CONCLUSION

The multitiered notification system was a feasible solution for improving DTR within our institution, resulting in reductions of overall DTR time, neurocritical care service length of stay, and total hospital charges.

Brachiocephalic Arterial Occlusive Disease Presenting as Limb-Shaking Transient Ischemic Attacks

Limb-shaking transient ischemic attacks (LSTIAs) are a phenomenon that occurs due to transient hypoperfusion to a cerebral motor territory with a chronically outstripped autoregulatory vascular reserve. First described in 1962 by Miller Fisher, the pathogenesis and the global understanding of this presentation have undergone a significant advancement throughout the years. Typically, patients will present with this syndrome of transient hypoperfusion in the context of extracranial carotid intrinsic vessel stenosis or by intracranial vascular stenosis to select motor pathways. We present within this case report a novel mechanism by which LSTIAs may emerge. Through this knowledge, clinicians may need to consider expansion of their diagnostic breadth to include proximal vasculature luminal integrity.

Undiagnosed Partial Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency Presenting Postoperatively as Agitated Delirium

Partial ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (pOTCD), an enzymatic defect within the urea cycle, is an increasingly recognized etiology for hyperammonemia of unclear source following a stressor within female adults. Here we present a case of newly diagnosed pOTCD following a systemic stressor and prolonged hospitalization course. From a neurological perspective, prompt recognition provided the patient with a swift and near complete recovery. We briefly review the pertinent literature pertaining to this genetically based condition including historical context and current therapeutic approaches. Given the potential morbidity of prolonged hyperammonemia, neurohospitalists need to be aware of partial ornithine transcarbamylase as an entity.