4D-DSA for Assessment of the Angioarchitecture and Grading of Cranial Dural AVF

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Time-resolved 3D rotational angiography (4D-DSA) has been used to demonstrate details of the angioarchitecture of AVM, whereas it has rarely been used to describe features of dural AVF. In this exploratory study, we analyzed dural AVFs with a novel 4D software prototype, developed and provided by Siemens, to determine whether identification of the location of the fistulous point, grading, and treatment planning were feasible.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

4D-DSA volumes were calculated from existing 3D rotational angiography data sets of patients with dural AVFs. The 4D-DSA volumes were displayed in a virtual DSA mode and MPR or MIP in 3 orthogonal planes and compared with 2D-DSA by 2 experienced neuroradiologists. Fusions with unenhanced CT or MR images were used to improve visualization of adjacent anatomic structures.

RESULTS

Comparison with 2D-DSA showed that evaluation of the fistulous point and grading according to the classification of Borden, Cognard, or Barrow was feasible in 26 of 27 cases. In 8 of 27 cases, 4D-DSA was considered advantageous for determining the fistulous point and the course of the draining vein in the dural AVF with cortical venous drainage, especially in the frontoethmoidal and frontoparietal regions. In 6 cases, the display of angioarchitecture was considered inferior to that of 2D-DSA due to motion artifacts, suboptimal selection of the injected vessel, and lack of temporal resolution.

CONCLUSIONS

Detailed analysis of dural AVFs according to the standardized display of 4D-DSA volumes was feasible and helpful in understanding the angioarchitecture in selected cases. Further improvement and validation of the 4D software should solidify the complementary role of 4D-DSA to conventional 2D-DSA series.

4D Flat Panel Conebeam CTA for Analysis of the Angioarchitecture of Cerebral AVMs with a Novel Software Prototype

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Time-resolved 3DRA (4D-DSA) and flat panel conebeam CTA are new methods for visualizing the microangioarchitecture of cerebral AVMs. We applied a 4D software prototype to a series of cases of AVMs to assess the utility of this method in relation to treatment planning.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 33 patients with AVMs, 4D volumes and flat panel conebeam CTA images were recalculated from existing 3D rotational angiography data. The multiplanar reconstructions were used to determine intranidal arteriovenous branching patterns, categorize them according to common classifications of AVM angioarchitecture, and compare the results with those from 2D-DSA.

RESULTS

4D flat panel conebeam CTA showed angioarchitectural features equal to or better than those of 2D-DSA in 30 of 33 cases. In particular, the reconstructions helped in understanding the intranidal microvasculature. Fistulous direct arteriovenous connections with a low degree of arterial branching (n = 22) could be distinguished from plexiform arterial networks before the transition to draining veins (n = 11). We identified AVMs with a single draining vein (n = 20) or multiple draining veins (n = 10). Arteriovenous shunts in the lateral wall of the draining veins (n = 22) could be distinguished from cases with increased venous branching and shunts between corresponding intranidal arteries and veins (n = 11). Limitations were the time-consuming postprocessing and the difficulties in correctly tracing intranidal vessels in larger and complex AVMs.

CONCLUSIONS

4D flat panel conebeam CTA reconstructions allow detailed analysis of the nidal angioarchitecture of AVMs. However, further improvements in temporal resolution and automated reconstruction techniques are needed to use the method generally in clinical practice.

4D Flat Panel Conebeam CTA for In Vivo Imaging of the Microvasculature of the Human Cortex with a Novel Software Prototype

It was the aim of our pilot study to investigate whether time-resolved flat panel conebeam CTA is able to demonstrate small cortical vessels in vivo. In 8 patients with small AVMs, time-resolved coronal MPRs of the vasculature of the frontal cortex were recalculated from 3D rotational angiography datasets with the use of a novel software prototype. 4D flat panel conebeam CTA demonstrated the course of the cortical arteries with small perpendicular side branches to the underlying cortex. Pial arterial and venous networks could also be identified, corresponding to findings in injection specimens. Reasonable image quality was achieved in 6 of 8 cases. In this small study, in vivo display of the cortical microvasculature with 4D flat panel conebeam CTA was feasible and superior to other angiographic imaging modalities.

Comparison of carotid and basilar bifurcation aneurysms versus non-T-angled bifurcations: the geometry is associated with the outcome

Patients with ruptured aneurysms of carotid bifurcation artery seem to suffer less often from cerebral vasospasm and early brain injury and have a better clinical outcome. Aim of our study was to identify differences in clinical course and outcome in aneurysms of terminus segments (carotid bifurcation artery and basilar tip) compared to aneurysms of other aneurysm locations except carotid bifurcation artery and basilar tip. Patients with SAH were entered into a prospectively collected database (1999 to June 2014). A total of 471 patients ('T-shaped' aneurysms n = 63, 'non-T-shaped' aneurysms n = 408) were selected. Outcome was assessed by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 6 months after SAH. Mean age was 53.75 years. Statistically, analysis showed a significant better outcome in 'T-shaped' aneurysms (p = 0.0001) and a significant lower mortality rate (p = 0.02) despite higher rates of Fisher 3 bleeding pattern and CVS. In 'T-shaped' aneurysms, no prognostic factors for outcome could be detected. In 'non-T-shaped' aneurysms admission status (p < 0.0001), early hydrocephalus (p < 0.0001), shunt-dependence (p = 0.001), and the occurrence of severe CVS (p = 0.01) statistically were factors influencing patients' outcome. Multivariate analysis showed 'non-T-shaped' aneurysms itself as independent prognostic factor for patients' outcome. Despite same rate of poor admission status, early hydrocephalus and shunt dependence 'T-shaped' aneurysms have a highly significantly better. Pathophysiological mechanism actually is not understood. Further studies are necessary to identify, which factors lead to the decreased outcome in "non-T-shaped"- aneurysms.

Safety and Efficacy of Aneurysm Treatment with the WEB: Results of the WEBCAST 2 Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Flow disruption with the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is an innovative technique for the endovascular treatment of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms. The initial version of the device (WEB Double-Layer) was evaluated in the WEB Clinical Assessment of IntraSaccular Aneurysm Therapy (WEBCAST) study, whereas the French Observatory study evaluated both WEB Double-Layer and Single-Layer versions of the device. WEBCAST 2 was designed to evaluate the WEB Single-Layer with Enhanced Visualization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms for which WEB treatment was possible were included. Clinical data including adverse events and clinical status at 1 month and 1 year were collected and analyzed. A core laboratory evaluated anatomic results at 1 year following the procedure.

RESULTS

Ten European neurointerventional centers included 55 patients (38 women; 27-77 years of age; mean, 54.4 ± 10.0 years) with 55 aneurysms. Aneurysm locations were the middle cerebral artery in 25 aneurysms (45.5%), the anterior communicating artery in 16 (29.1%), the basilar artery in 9 (16.4%), and the internal carotid artery terminus in 5 (9.1%). Procedural morbidity and mortality at 1 month were, respectively, 1.8% (1/55 patients) and 0.0% (0/55 patients). Morbidity and mortality at 1 year were, respectively, 3.9% (2/51 patients) and 2.0% (1/51 patients). At 1 year, complete occlusion was observed in 27/50 aneurysms (54.0%); neck remnant, in 13/50 (26.0%); and aneurysm remnant, in 10/50 (20.0%) (adequate occlusion in 40/50, 80.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

WEBCAST 2 confirms the high safety and efficacy of WEB aneurysm treatment demonstrated in the WEBCAST and French Observatory studies.

Time-resolved 3D Rotational Angiography (4D DSA) of the Lenticulostriate Arteries: Display of Normal Anatomic Variants and Collaterals in Cases with Chronic Obstruction of the MCA

PURPOSE

The lenticulostriate arteries (LSA) and other perforators may play a role for collateral supply in cases with ischemia due to stenosis or occlusions of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Purpose of this case series was to evaluate the potential of time-resolved 3D rotational angiography data sets (4D DSA) for detailed visualization of anatomic variants of LSA feeders and for display of local collaterals involving the LSA in cases with chronic MCA obstruction.

METHODS

Multiplanar and volume rendering reconstructions of 4D DSA data were computed in addition to standard postprocessing in 24 patients who had indications for 3D rotational angiography (3DRA) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) without pathologies of the ICA, middle cerebral artery (MCA) and anterior cerebral artery (ACA) main stems (n = 18) or with stenosis or chronic occlusion of the MCA (n = 6). For acquisition of 3DRA, we used a modified digital subtraction angiography (DSA) image acquisition protocol with an extended rotation angle of 260° and a prolonged scan time of 12 s on a Siemens Axiom Artis Zee biplane neuroangiography equipment. The 4D reconstructions of existing 3DRA data were computed on a dedicated workstation. Origin and course of LSA and other perforators were analyzed according to coronal multiplanar reconstructions (MPRs) with slice thicknesses between 6 and 28 mm.

RESULTS

In all cases 4D reconstructions of the LSA were technically feasible and evaluable. As expected, origin and course of LSA showed a wide range of variations: The most common pattern was a common trunk dividing into multiple ascending branches originating from the proximal M1 (n = 5) or the proximal A1 segment (n = 4). Alternatively, 8 patients showed several individual branches that directly originated from the proximal M1 segment of the MCA and occasionally from the A1 segment of the ACA. In patients with M1 stenosis or occlusion, 4 out of 6 cases had local collaterals with involvement of proximal LSA trunks and a network parallel to the obstructed vessel segment. The 4D reconstructions were found to be equivalent (n = 16) or superior to 3D reconstructions (n = 8).

CONCLUSION

The 4D DSA reconstructions provide a reliable display of normal LSA variants and connections to local collateral networks in cases with chronic MCA obstruction. The possibility to select a correct angiographic phase is advantageous compared to 3D DSA.

Optimization of the Surgical Approach in AVMs Using MRI and 4D DSA Fusion Technique : A technical note

PURPOSE

Previously published data demonstrated the possibility of displaying the angioarchitecture of intracranial vascular malformations using time-resolved 3D imaging (4D digital subtraction angiography [DSA]). The purpose of our study was to prove the technical feasibility of creating fused images of time-resolved 3D reconstructions and MPRAGE MRI data sets and to check the reliability of the correct anatomical display of the angioma nidus and the venous drainage in the fused images of patients with intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study 20 patients with intracranial AVM underwent pretherapeutic DSA and time-resolved 3D DSA in addition to MRI including MPRAGE sequences. The images were post-processed with the fusion software tool on a dedicated research workstation. The fusion of both imaging modalities was done semi-automatically with automatic co-registration software followed by a manual co-registration.

RESULTS

Co-registered DSA/MRI data sets of 20 untreated AVMs were evaluated independently by two reviewers. Image fusion was successful in all 20 cases with an acceptable additional set-up time. The fused images were highly scored by the two raters in respect to their congruency of the dedicated regions. Precise anatomical localization of the nidus, the feeding arteries and the draining veins were possible with the merged images.

CONCLUSION

Creating fused images of time-resolved 3D DSA and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MPRAGE MR images might be beneficial for the preoperative and intrasurgical workflow in patients with AVMs. This new software tool fulfils the required quality and accuracy of the merged images. The clinical validation has to be proven in further studies.

Decision-making in a patient with cardiac arrest due to venous thromboembolism within 24 h after glioblastoma resection

In the fulminant VTE form with cardiac arrest, systemic thrombolysis remains the most effective therapy. However, several contraindications restrict the use such as intracranial neoplasm or a recent history of intracranial surgery. Here, we report the case of a 59-year-old man who underwent glioblastoma resection and suffered from a fulminant pulmonary embolism with cardiac arrest. After CPR, continuous tPA infusion via an endovascularly placed pulmonary catheter was maintained over a period of 8 h. In this case, we report on our decision-making process and the use of local thrombolysis as a successful therapy in a patient with multiple contraindications.

Evaluation of the pontine perforators of the basilar artery using digital subtraction angiography in high resolution and 3D rotation technique

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Compromise of perforating branches of the basilar artery resulting in brain stem infarctions has been described as a major complication of intracranial stent placement for basilar artery stenosis or after implantation of endovascular flow diverters. Descriptions of pontine arteries are mainly based on examinations of injection specimens; however, there is a lack of consistent presentation of the small branches of the basilar artery in the imaging literature. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed DSA images and 3D rotational angiography with a review of literature for an imaging definition of microvascular anatomy of the brain stem.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 2k DSA images (detector format 32 × 32 cm; image matrix 2480 × 1920 pixels) and 3D rotational angiography reconstructions (5 second DSA, subtraction technique) obtained on Axiom Artis zee biplane neuroradiologic angiography equipment using standard protocol.

RESULTS

On 2D and 3D DSA images, small arterial side branches of the basilar artery can be demonstrated in each of the cases but with a wide variation in the visibility of these vessels. Compared with 2D DSA images, 3D DSA reconstructions allow superior visualization of the small branches of the basilar artery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that 2D DSA and 3D-rotation techniques are able to reliably visualize the penetrating branches of the brain stem in vivo. No zone of basilar artery is free from important side branches. Collateral pathways between circumferential and perforating arteries are occasionally detectable. In the future, further refinement of imaging techniques is necessary to increase the reliability of small vessel angiography to use this data for risk assessment before stent placement and aneurysm treatment.

Flat panel detector computed tomography for the interaction between contrast-enhanced thrombi and stent retrievers in stroke therapy: a pilot study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to create virtual 3D views of the interaction between contrast-enhanced thrombi and three different types of stent retrievers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Artificial thrombi with and without contrast agent were created and introduced into a silicone tube with saline solution. The stent retrievers (Aperio (A), Solitaire FR (B), Revive (C)) were released around the thrombi. For each retriever, two sets (0 min, 5 min) of flat panel computed tomography (CT) data were acquired on a Siemens Axiom Artis Zee biplane angiography system and reconstructed using syngo InSpace 3D software.

RESULTS

The filaments of all three stent retrievers were displaced by the thrombus immediately after deployment. Another study series after 5 min showed further expansion of the stents into the thrombus. A tends to appose best around obstacles. A and B allow cushion-like bulging of clot material into the stent lumen. C showed only moderate curvilinear bulging and a minor degree of interaction in between stent filaments and thrombus.

CONCLUSIONS

Flexible design allows better apposition of the device to the surface of the thrombus. A relatively strong longitudinal structure combined with large gaps in between the stent filaments seems to favor migration into the clot. The main capture mechanism seems to be engagement of the clot between the crossings of stent struts.

Metabolic changes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage apart from perfusion deficits: neuronal mitochondrial injury?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Neuronal damage in aSAH apart from perfusion deficits has been widely discussed. We aimed to test if cerebral injury occurs in aSAH independently from visible perfusion deficit by measuring cerebral metabolites in patients with aSAH without infarction or impaired perfusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed 3T MR imaging including (1)H-MR spectroscopy, DWI, and MR perfusion in 58 patients with aSAH and 11 age-matched and sex-matched control patients with incidental aneurysm. We compared changes of NAA, Cho, Glx, Lac, and Cr between all patients with aSAH and controls, between patients with and without visible perfusion deficit or infarction and controls, and between patients with and without visible perfusion deficit or infarction by using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS

We found that NAA significantly (P < .005) decreased in all patients with aSAH. Cho was significantly increased in all patients compared with controls (P < .05). In patients without impaired perfusion or infarction, Glx was significantly decreased compared with both controls (P = .005) and patients with impaired perfusion or infarction (P = .006).

CONCLUSIONS

The significant decrease of NAA and Glx in patients with aSAH but without impaired perfusion or infarction strongly suggests global metabolic changes independent from visible perfusion deficits that might reflect neuronal mitochondrial injury. Further, impaired perfusion in aSAH seems to induce additional metabolic changes from increasing neuronal stress that might, to some extent, mask the global metabolic changes.

Long-term outcome after coil embolization of cavernous sinus arteriovenous fistulas

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cranial nerve palsies are regularly observed in patients with arteriovenous fistulas of the cavernous sinus. The purpose of our study was to determine the long-term clinical outcome-with a special focus on extra-ocular muscular dysfunctions-in patients who had undergone endovascular treatment of a cavernous sinus fistula with detachable coils.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen patients were recalled for an ophthalmoneurologic control examination (mean interval of 4.4 years). The mRS and the EQ-5D questionnaire were used for the description of general outcome. Age, duration of symptoms, character of the fistula (direct, dural), and coil volume were tested to assess their relevance for persistent symptoms.

RESULTS

All patients displayed complete regression of chemosis, exophthalmus, and pulsating tinnitus with no evidence of recurrences. Oculomotor disturbances persisted in 9 of 13 patients and caused permanent diplopia in 7 patients. In 15 patients a mRS score of 1 or 2 was achieved; however, 7 patients reported some limitations in life quality (EQ-5D). A significant correlation was found between coil volume and persistent diplopia (P = .032) and persistent cranial nerve VI paresis (P = .037).

CONCLUSIONS

Coil embolization of the cavernous sinus led to durable closure of AVF and reliable regression of acute symptoms. However, long-term follow-up showed a 44% rate of persistent cranial nerve deficits with disturbances of oculomotor and visual functions. This may be explained by the underlying fistula size itself and/or the space-occupying effect of the coils. As neuro-ophthalmologic outcome is crucial for control of therapeutic success, patients should be routinely examined by ophthalmologists.

[Diagnosis of cerebral ischemia: when CT and when MRI?]

Rapid and effective diagnostic imaging is important for decision-making concerning thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Apart from excluding intracranial hemorrhage, CT and MRI provide multiple methodological options to define the extent of ischemic brain damage and the underlying vascular pathology. The aim of this article is to discuss the value of CT and MRI from a neurologicalneuroradiological point of view and to discuss which of the available imaging tools are really relevant for clinical decision making.

Risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage in patients treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis

BACKGROUND

In intra-arterial (IA) thrombolysis trials, higher rates of symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH) were found than in trials with intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA); this observation could have been due to the inclusion of more severely affected patients in IA thrombolysis trials. In the present study, we investigated the rate of sICH in IA and combined IV + IA thrombolysis versus IV thrombolysis after adjusting for differences in clinical and MRI parameters.

METHODS

In this multicenter study, we systematically analyzed data from 645 patients with anterior-circulation strokes treated with either IV or IA thrombolysis within 6 h following symptom onset. Thrombolytic regimens included (1) IV tPA treatment (n = 536) and (2) IA treatment with either tPA or urokinase (n = 74) or (3) combined IV + IA treatment with either tPA or urokinase (n = 35).

RESULTS

44 (6.8%) patients developed sICH. sICH patients had significantly higher scores on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission and pretreatment DWI lesions. The sICH risk was 5.2% (n = 28) in IV thrombolysis, which is significantly lower than in IA (12.5%, n = 9) or IV + IA thrombolysis (20%, n = 7). In a binary logistic regression analysis including age, NIHSS score, time to thrombolysis, initial diffusion weighted imaging lesion size, mode of thrombolytic treatment and thrombolytic agent, the mode of thrombolytic treatment remained an independent predictor for sICH. The odds ratio for IA or IV + IA versus IV treatment was 3.466 (1.19-10.01, 95% CI, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In this series, IA and IV + IA thrombolysis is associated with an increased sICH risk as compared to IV thrombolysis, and this risk is independent of differences in baseline parameters such as age, initial NIHSS score or pretreatment lesion size.

[Presaccal stenosis as a cause of epiphora]

BACKGROUND

Dacryocystographic evaluation of the location of stenoses of the lacrimal pathways was carried out in patients with epiphora to define the frequency and morphology of canalicular stenosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) dacryocystograms of 55 consecutive patients with severe epiphora and stenoses of the lacrimal draining system were reviewed in a consensus between three evaluators to determine radiomorphologic criteria for the diagnosis of canalicular stenosis. In 9 cases 3D rotational dacryocystography was additionally used.

RESULTS

A total of 80 stenotic lesions were detected including 19 (24%) canalicular, 26 (32%) saccal and 35 (44%) ductal stenoses. In 9 of the patients 3D rotational dacryocystography was used to differentiate between canalicular (n=4) and saccal (n=5) stenosis. Increased resistance during continuous injection of contrast material and lack of distension of the distal ductal system were the main criteria for diagnosis of canalicular stenosis.

CONCLUSION

Presaccal stenoses accounted for nearly 25% of the stenoses found in this study. This type of stenosis occurs frequently and should not be overlooked on dacryocystography. 3D rotational dacryocystography may be helpful in unclear cases.

Endovaskuläre Behandlung intrakranieller Stenosen

Intracranial stenoses cause 5-10% of all strokes and are increasingly detected by means of modern imaging methods. The stroke danger of high-grade symptomatic stenoses is relatively high, with an annual risk of approximately 10% under medical treatment. Coumadin increases the risk of hemorrhage, and after risk/benefit considerations, antiplatelets should be preferred for antithrombotic therapy. Despite optimized medical treatment, a small group of patients with recurrent symptoms or symptomatic stenoses without adequate collateral supply probably carry higher spontaneous stroke risk and may be considered for intracranial stenting, which itself is associated with procedural risks of up to 10%. Currently published case series show relatively high complication rates as a major drawback of endovascular treatment, mainly strokes after occlusion of perforating branches extending from the stenotic vessel segment or hemorrhagic complications. According to data from smaller feasibility studies, stroke rates in follow-up after successful stenting seem to be low. The average rate of high-grade restenosis with possible indication for reintervention is 10%. Improvements in endovascular treatment aim at reducing vessel wall trauma during balloon angioplasty by underdilatation or the use of self-expanding stents. Until complication rates are dependably reduced to values of 5-6%, indication for endovascular treatment should be restricted to patients without therapeutic alternatives. According to limited data with large variation between different studies, a prospective multicentric registry is proposed for systematic evaluation and further development of the method.

[Clinical and histopathological results after local chemoembolization of oral and oropharyngeal carcinoma--comparison with intraarterial chemoperfusion]

PURPOSE

Retrospective analysis of clinical and histopathological results after neoadjuvant intraarterial chemoembolization (iaCE) as compared to intraarterial chemoperfusion (iaCP) in patients with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (SCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

289 patients (mean age 60 years, 68 % male) with SCC of the oral cavity or the oropharynx (WHO stage I-IV) received (1) neoadjuvant iaCE (n = 103) with a crystalline suspension of cisplatin (150 mg/m(2), solution ratio 5 mg cisplatin ad 1 ml NaCl 0.9 %, total volume 40 - 60 ml) or (2) iaCP (n = 186) using high-dose cisplatin infusions (150 mg/m(2), 1 mg cisplatin ad 1 ml NaCl 0.9 %, 400 - 500 ml). The decision for iaCE or iaCP was made individually for each patient based on tumor localization and expected vascular supply. Four weeks after local chemotherapy, the treatment response was evaluated according (1) to WHO criteria and (2) to histopathological TNM-grading after tumor resection.

RESULTS

The overall treatment response was 72.5 % after iaCE and 47 % after iaCP (p < 0.001). A stable disease was found in 24 % and 48 %, respectively, and tumor progression was found in 3 % for both modalities. Histopathological examination of resected tumors revealed complete remission in 20 % after iaCE and 13 % after iaCP. The percentage of complete remissions was highest in local T1 and T2 tumors after iaCE (42.9 versus 22.4 % after iaCP, p = 0.031). Local side effects were significantly more frequent after iaCE than after iaCP (p < 0.001), especially in obese patients with extended carcinoma of the oral floor or the tongue base.

CONCLUSION

Compared to iaCP, clinical and histopathological remission rates are significantly higher after iaCE, especially in early stages of local tumor growth. However, in view of the higher risk of regional complications, indication for iaCE should be considered cautiously and its application should be limited to small tumors of the oral floor and the oral tongue.

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging lesions after filter-protected stenting of high-grade symptomatic carotid artery stenoses

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The clinical efficacy of filter devices in internal carotid artery (ICA) stent placement has been a matter of controversy. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the number and extent of cerebral emboli, as represented by new lesions on diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI), in patients treated with filter-protected carotid stent placement.

METHODS

Standard DWI (B0 = 1000) was performed within 48 hours before and 48 hours after filter-protected carotid stent placement in 50 patients with symptomatic, high grade (>70%), atherosclerotic ICA stenosis. Number, extent, and vascular territory of new DWI lesions after stent placement were assessed by consensus of 2 experienced neuroradiologists. Multifactorial statistical analysis was performed to determine risk factors associated with DWI lesions.

RESULTS

New punctate DWI lesions with a median diameter of 2 mm were detected in 14 of 50 cases in the territory of the stented ICA and in 7 of 50 cases in other vascular territories. Median lesion load was 1 lesion (range, 1-15) per positive case in the stented ICA and 1 lesion (range, 1-7) in other vascular territories. All DWI lesions were clinically asymptomatic. Because of 1 hyperperfusion syndrome with temporary brain swelling, the 30-day stroke and death rate was 2%. Age >or =70 years was the only significant predictor for new DWI lesions, whereas sex, degree and site of stenosis, vascular risk factors, and stent and filter type showed no significant correlation.

CONCLUSIONS

New DWI lesions after filter-protected carotid stent placement are substantially more frequent in the ipsilateral ICA territory compared with other vascular territories. Therefore, intraluminal filters cannot completely protect the brain from procedure-related embolization. However, individual lesion load and the risk of clinically relevant ischemia is low.

[Local chemotherapy for squamous cell cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx]

BACKGROUND

Modern treatment concepts for patients suffering from oral and oropharyngeal cancer include more and more adjuvant therapeutic options. Local chemotherapy offers the possibility to apply an extremely high drug concentration at the tumor site while minimizing possible side effects by systemic neutralization at the same time.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 289 patients with histologically proven carcinoma of the oral cavity and the oropharynx underwent neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy with high-dosage cisplatin within a multimodal therapeutic setting. Concerning the TNM classification, more than 70% of the patients were classified as stages III and IV. The mean age at the time of intervention was 60 years, and 71% of the patients were male.

RESULTS

After the first cycle 19.3% of the patients presented with complete remission (grade I); 35.4% and 41.5% showed partial remissions (grade II) or stable disease (grade III), respectively. The mean observation time after treatment was 28 months (median: 24.2 months). Of the 137 patients who completed the full multimodal therapeutic scheme, 11% developed local recurrence, and 12.4% developed lymph node or distant metastasis. At the time of evaluation, 72.5% of these patients were still alive.

CONCLUSION

Intra-arterial chemotherapy is a safe and highly effective procedure that should be considered as an important option in multimodal therapeutic concepts for oral and oropharyngeal cancer.

Conformability of balloon-expandable stents to the carotid siphon: an in vitro study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Endovascular placement of coronary balloon-expandable stents in patients with recurrent cerebral ischemia has emerged as a treatment option for intracranial arterial occlusive disease. We have developed an in vitro model matching the tortuous curve of the carotid siphon that allows the assessment of apposition of stents to a curved vessel wall.

METHODS

Six types of balloon-expandable coronary stents were implanted in a silicone model of the carotid siphon. Digital radiographs and 3D rotational angiograms were obtained. Stent morphology was evaluated and the degree of apposition between stent and wall of the model was measured on a digital workstation.

RESULTS

All 6 stents showed lack of apposition between stent and the wall at the convexity of the anterior segment of the carotid siphon and the wall at the concavity at both extremities of the stent. In and around the curve, the modules of the stents did not expand completely to their nominal diameter and were distorted to an oval shape.

CONCLUSION

The tested coronary balloon-expandable stents did not completely conform to the vessel wall of the model of the carotid siphon and further development is needed to approach the goal of an "ideal intracranial stent."

Serum glial fibrillary acidic protein as a biomarker for intracerebral haemorrhage in patients with acute stroke

BACKGROUND

Biomarkers of stroke are an evolving field of clinical research. A serum marker which can differentiate between haemorrhagic and ischaemic stroke in the very early phase would help to optimise acute stroke management.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) identifies intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) in acute stroke patients.

METHODS

A pilot study assessing 135 stroke patients admitted within six hours after symptom onset. Diagnosis of ICH (n = 42) or ischaemic stroke (n = 93) was based on brain imaging. GFAP was determined from venous blood samples obtained immediately after admission, using a research immunoassay.

RESULTS

GFAP was detectable in the serum of 39 patients (34 of 42 (81%) with ICH, and five of 93 (5%) with ischaemic stroke). Serum GFAP was substantially raised in patients with ICH (median 11 ng/l, range 0 to 3096 ng/l) compared with patients with ischaemic stroke (median 0 ng/l, range 0 to 14 ng/l, p<0.001). Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a cut off point of 2.9 ng/l provided a sensitivity of 0.79 and a specificity of 0.98 for the identification of ICH in acute stroke (positive predictive value 0.94, negative predictive value 0.91; p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum GFAP can reliably detect ICH in the acute phase of stroke. Further evaluation of the usefulness of GFAP as an early diagnostic marker of ICH is now required, with the aim of optimising cause specific emergency management.

Langzeitergebnisse nach Behandlung intrakranieller vertebrobasilärer Stenosen mit Stents

PURPOSE

Recurrent ischemic symptoms attributable to intracranial high-grade vertebrobasilar artery stenoses are associated with a high risk of ischemic stroke, particularly if these occur in spite of aggressive medical treatment. Long term efficacy data for endovascular stent angioplasty of symptomatic intracranial stenoses are lacking. The purpose of this prospective study is to determine the rates of deaths, of ischemic events and of restenosis during long-term follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between June 2001 and February 2004 twelve patients (11 male, 1 female; median 63 yrs; range, 46 - 75 yrs) with recurrent ischemic symptoms attributed to > or = 70 % intracranial vertebro-basilar artery stenoses, who had failed aggressive medical treatment, were included. Median follow-up was 24 months (range: 6 to 36 months). Intracranial stenoses were measured using 3D rotation angiography data sets and treated with balloon expandable stents. All patients were scheduled for follow-up including clinical (Barthel Index) and transcranial Doppler examinations and intraarterial angiography at 6 months after intervention. Clinical outcome was defined as the rate of stroke in any vascular territory or death during follow-up. Vascular outcome was determined by the rate of in-stent restenosis 50 % on follow-up as examined by intraarterial angiography at 6 months or by transcranial color-coded duplex sonography.

RESULTS

Stent placement was technically successful in all patients. No patient had further cerebral ischemic symptoms; two patients died (1 myocardial infarct, 1 sudden death) during follow-up of median 24 months. The degree of stenoses was reduced from median 81 % (range 69 - 94 %) to 19 % (range 10 - 36 %) immediately after stent placement and to 32 % (range 22 - 48 %) after 6 months. No restenosis > or = 50 % occurred during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Based on this limited series, we believe that in patients, with recurrent symptoms despite aggressive medical treatment, endovascular stent placement in intracranial high-grade vertebrobasilar artery stenoses can be an effective and safe treatment option.

[Interventional endovascular therapy (stenting) for residual stenosis after lysis of the basilar artery]

Despite the introduction of local thrombolytic therapy, there is still a very high mortality rate in basilar thrombosis. We report three cases of successful intra-arterial thrombolysis of acute basilar artery occlusion and consecutive interventional endovascular therapy. In all cases, the acute thrombosis of the basilar artery probably developed from preexisting atherosclerotic stenoses. The clinical outcomes were excellent. We discuss early consecutive stenting as a possible therapeutic option in cases of residual stenosis after successful intra-arterial lysis of basilar artery occlusion.

[Stenting in acute stroke]

Hemodynamic impairment caused by pseudo-occlusion or occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is a rare etiology of stroke. Acute revascularization of the vessel can restore the flow to the brain. This retrospective study shows that ICA stenting with proximal and distal protection devices in patients with acute stroke and pseudo-occlusion or occlusion of the ICA is technically feasible and can prevent further hemodynamic strokes. In contrast, selected patients have a high risk of reperfusion syndrome with intracranial hemorrhage and peri-interventional monitoring of blood pressure in an ICU is recommended.

Intra-arterial high-dose chemotherapy with cisplatin as part of a palliative treatment concept in oral cancer

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patients with cancer of the oral cavity often present with advanced tumor stages, distant metastasis, or severe comorbidities, which render radical surgery unfeasible. The purpose of this study was to investigate the response rate, technical feasibility, and safety of intra-arterial (IA) chemotherapy as palliative treatment in this situation.

METHODS

From November 1997 to December 2003, 64 patients with histologically proven oral squamous cell carcinoma, classified as inoperable, received IA high-dose chemotherapy with cisplatin as a palliative treatment at our institution. To minimize toxic side effects, sodium thiosulfate was given intravenously. Twenty-eight percent of the patients were female; average age was 61.5 years. Clinical staging of primary tumors was TNM (tumor, nodules, metastases) stage IV in 89%, stage III in 6.3% and stage II in 4.7%. After local chemotherapy, additional radiation of the tumor area or radiochemotherapy was performed in 33 patients.

RESULTS

There were no major catheter-related complications or severe side effects of IA chemotherapy. After the first cycle, 10% percent of the patients had complete remission (CR), 35% had partial response (PR), and 43.3% presented with stable disease. Mean follow-up interval was 11 +/- 12.9 months. Forty-five patients died after a mean period of 7.6 +/- 7.0 months (median, 5.1 months). The overall 1- and 2-year survival rates were 29.5% and 18%, respectively. There was a trend toward longer survival in patients who received subsequent radiation or radiochemotherapy after IA chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

IA chemotherapy in patients with inoperable carcinoma of the oral cavity as palliative treatment was technically feasible and safe. The overall response rate after IA chemotherapy was 45% (CR 10%; PR 35%). Side effects could be minimized by neutralizing the cytotoxic agent by sodium thiosulfate.

[Recommendations for the management of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage]

After SAH, primary and secondary complications are frequent and often require neurosurgical interventions to avoid secondary brain damage. The authors of the present paper have summarized the available data about the treatment modalities often used for patients with SAH. The present recommendations have been developed as a neurosurgical and neuroanestesiological consensus. Evidence from prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled studies support grade A recommendations (standard) for the prophylaxis and treatment of cerebral vasospasm with oral Nimodipine in good grade patients. For intravenous Nimodipine or for oral nimodipine treatment in poor grade patients, available data only support grade C recommendations (options). Despite the lack of data supporting standards (grade A) or guidelines (grade B), avoidance and rigorous treatment of hypotension and hypovolemia remains the mainstay in the prophylaxis and treatment of a delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND). Prophylactic hypervolemia or prophylactic hypertension and hypervolemia was shown to be ineffective in reducing symptomatic vasospasm and improving outcome (grade B). Therapeutic hypertensive hypervolemic hemodilution is recommended as a treatment of symptomatic vasospasm but no prospective studies are available (grade C recommendation). Suggested target values for moderate triple-H-therapy are CPP 80- 120 mmHg (MAP 90-130), CVP > 7 mmHg and Hk 0.25-0.40. Balloon angioplasty should be considered for treatment of DIND cause by focal, proximal cerebral vasospasm. There is no evidence supporting the routine use of antifibrinolyticals, steroids or anticonvulsive prophylaxis. Clinical data indicate that current prophylaxis and treatment of cerebral vasospasm is still insufficient and aggressive triple-H-therapy is associated with an increased incidence of complications.