Cerebrovascular events and outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: The SVIN COVID-19 Multinational Registry

BACKGROUND

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been associated with a significant risk of thrombotic events in critically ill patients.

AIM

To summarize the findings of a multinational observational cohort of patients with SARS-CoV-2 and cerebrovascular disease.

METHODS

Retrospective observational cohort of consecutive adults evaluated in the emergency department and/or admitted with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) across 31 hospitals in four countries (1 February 2020-16 June 2020). The primary outcome was the incidence rate of cerebrovascular events, inclusive of acute ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhages (ICH), and cortical vein and/or sinus thrombosis (CVST).

RESULTS

Of the 14,483 patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2, 172 were diagnosed with an acute cerebrovascular event (1.13% of cohort; 1130/100,000 patients, 95%CI 970-1320/100,000), 68/171 (40.5%) were female and 96/172 (55.8%) were between the ages 60 and 79 years. Of these, 156 had acute ischemic stroke (1.08%; 1080/100,000 95%CI 920-1260/100,000), 28 ICH (0.19%; 190/100,000 95%CI 130-280/100,000), and 3 with CVST (0.02%; 20/100,000, 95%CI 4-60/100,000). The in-hospital mortality rate for SARS-CoV-2-associated stroke was 38.1% and for ICH 58.3%. After adjusting for clustering by site and age, baseline stroke severity, and all predictors of in-hospital mortality found in univariate regression (p < 0.1: male sex, tobacco use, arrival by emergency medical services, lower platelet and lymphocyte counts, and intracranial occlusion), cryptogenic stroke mechanism (aOR 5.01, 95%CI 1.63-15.44, p < 0.01), older age (aOR 1.78, 95%CI 1.07-2.94, p = 0.03), and lower lymphocyte count on admission (aOR 0.58, 95%CI 0.34-0.98, p = 0.04) were the only independent predictors of mortality among patients with stroke and COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 is associated with a small but significant risk of clinically relevant cerebrovascular events, particularly ischemic stroke. The mortality rate is high for COVID-19-associated cerebrovascular complications; therefore, aggressive monitoring and early intervention should be pursued to mitigate poor outcomes.

Stroke etiologies in patients with COVID-19: the SVIN COVID-19 multinational registry

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with a small but clinically significant risk of stroke, the cause of which is frequently cryptogenic. In a large multinational cohort of consecutive COVID-19 patients with stroke, we evaluated clinical predictors of cryptogenic stroke, short-term functional outcomes and in-hospital mortality among patients according to stroke etiology.

METHODS

We explored clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes of consecutively evaluated patients 18 years of age or older with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from 31 hospitals in 4 countries (3/1/20-6/16/20).

RESULTS

Of the 14.483 laboratory-confirmed patients with COVID-19, 156 (1.1%) were diagnosed with AIS. Sixty-one (39.4%) were female, 84 (67.2%) white, and 88 (61.5%) were between 60 and 79 years of age. The most frequently reported etiology of AIS was cryptogenic (55/129, 42.6%), which was associated with significantly higher white blood cell count, c-reactive protein, and D-dimer levels than non-cryptogenic AIS patients (p

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that cryptogenic stroke among COVID-19 patients carries a significant risk of early mortality.

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Key Words

• COVID-19
• Coronavirus
• Cryptogenic
• Mortality
• Stroke

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MESH Headings

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Brain Ischemia
• COVID-19/blood
• COVID-19/complications
• COVID-19/diagnostic imaging
• COVID-19/mortality
• Cohort Studies
• Computed Tomography Angiography
• Egypt/epidemiology
• Female
• Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products/metabolism
• Hospital Mortality
• Humans
• Ischemic Stroke/blood
• Ischemic Stroke/diagnostic imaging
• Ischemic Stroke/mortality
• Ischemic Stroke/virology
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Registries
• Retrospective Studies
• Risk Factors
• SARS-CoV-2
• Spain/epidemiology
• Stroke
• United States/epidemiology

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Impact of Age and Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score 0 to 5 on Mechanical Thrombectomy Outcomes: Analysis From the STRATIS Registry

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background and Purpose:

This study investigates clinical outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy in adult patients with baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) of 0 to 5.

Methods:

We included data from the STRATIS Registry (Systematic Evaluation of Patients Treated With Neurothrombectomy Devices for Acute Ischemic Stroke) from patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy within 8 hours of symptom onset and had available ASPECTS data adjudicated by an independent core laboratory. Angiographic and clinical outcomes were collected, including successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction ≥2b), functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2), 90-day mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage at 24 hours. Outcomes were stratified by ASPECTS scores and age.

Results:

Of the 984 patients enrolled, 763 had available ASPECTS data. Of these patients, 57 had ASPECTS of 0 to 5 with a median age of 63 years (interquartile range, 28–100), whereas 706 patients had ASPECTS of 6 to 10 with a median age of 70 years of age (interquartile range, 19–100). Ten patients had ASPECTS of 0 to 3 and 47 patients had ASPECTS of 4 to 5 at baseline. Successful reperfusion was achieved in 85.5% (47/55) in the ASPECTS of 0 to 5 group. Functional independence was achieved in 28.8% (15/52) in the ASPECTS of 0 to 5 versus 59.7% (388/650) in the 6 to 10 group (P<0.001). Mortality rates were 30.8% (16/52) in the ASPECTS of 0 to 5 and 13.4% (87/650) in the 6 to 10 group (P<0.001). sICH rates were 7.0% (4/57) in the ASPECTS of 0 to 5 and 0.9% (6/682) in the 6 to 10 group (P<0.001). No patients aged >75 years with ASPECTS of 0 to 5 (0/12) achieved functional independence versus 44.8% (13/29) of those age ≤65 (P=0.005).

Conclusions:

Patients <65 years of age with large core infarction (ASPECTS 0–5) have better rates of functional independence and lower rates of mortality compared with patients >75 years of age.

Registration:

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02239640.

Decline in subarachnoid haemorrhage volumes associated with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, decreased volumes of stroke admissions and mechanical thrombectomy were reported. The study’s objective was to examine whether subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) hospitalisations and ruptured aneurysm coiling interventions demonstrated similar declines.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective, observational study across 6 continents, 37 countries and 140 comprehensive stroke centres. Patients with the diagnosis of SAH, aneurysmal SAH, ruptured aneurysm coiling interventions and COVID-19 were identified by prospective aneurysm databases or by International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, codes. The 3-month cumulative volume, monthly volumes for SAH hospitalisations and ruptured aneurysm coiling procedures were compared for the period before (1 year and immediately before) and during the pandemic, defined as 1 March–31 May 2020. The prior 1-year control period (1 March–31 May 2019) was obtained to account for seasonal variation.

Findings

There was a significant decline in SAH hospitalisations, with 2044 admissions in the 3 months immediately before and 1585 admissions during the pandemic, representing a relative decline of 22.5% (95% CI −24.3% to −20.7%, p<0.0001). Embolisation of ruptured aneurysms declined with 1170–1035 procedures, respectively, representing an 11.5% (95%CI −13.5% to −9.8%, p=0.002) relative drop. Subgroup analysis was noted for aneurysmal SAH hospitalisation decline from 834 to 626 hospitalisations, a 24.9% relative decline (95% CI −28.0% to −22.1%, p<0.0001). A relative increase in ruptured aneurysm coiling was noted in low coiling volume hospitals of 41.1% (95% CI 32.3% to 50.6%, p=0.008) despite a decrease in SAH admissions in this tertile.

Interpretation

There was a relative decrease in the volume of SAH hospitalisations, aneurysmal SAH hospitalisations and ruptured aneurysm embolisations during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings in SAH are consistent with a decrease in other emergencies, such as stroke and myocardial infarction.

Measurement of Elevated IL-37 Levels in Acute Ischemic Brain Injury: A Cross-sectional Pilot Study

Interleukin (IL)-37 is a new member of the IL-1 cytokine family with a defined role as a negative feedback inhibitor of proinflammatory responses. IL-37 has yet to be evaluated in non-immune-mediated neurological diseases, such as ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes. This study aimed to measure urine and serum IL-37 levels in patients with ischemic stroke. Twelve patients consented for our study. Two sets of serum and urine samples were obtained and analyzed, one upon admission to the hospital and the second the next morning. The trends in serum levels of IL- 37 in six stroke patients and the trends in the urine levels of eight stroke patients were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our pilot study showed IL-37 levels in urine in stroke patients ranging between 210 and 4,534. Serum IL-37 levels were in the range of 44 - 5,235 in patients with ischemic stroke. Three patients who presented within three hours of stroke onset had IL-37 serum levels of 2,655 pg/ml, 3,517 pg/ml, and 5,235 pg/ml, respectively. In all others, it ranged much less than that, with the trend of delayed presentation giving lower IL-37 levels. The study shows a rather stable early elevation of serum IL-37 levels post-ischemic stroke. IL-37 plays a certain role in mediating post-stroke inflammation with a significant increase in serum levels of this novel cytokine observed in ischemic stroke patients. Further large-scale studies need to be done to establish its definite role. A prospective "CRISP" trial is registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03297827) to determine the role of IL-37 in modulating post-stroke inflammation.

Abstract TP224: Interleukin-37 Level is Elevated in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: Interleukin-37 (IL-37) is a new member of IL-1 cytokine family with a defined role as a negative feedback inhibitor of pro-inflammatory responses. IL-37 has yet to be evaluated in non-immune neurological diseases like ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. This study aimed to measure the urine and serum IL-37 levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Method: Twelve patients consented for the study. Two sets of serum and urine samples were obtained and analyzed; one upon admission to the hospital, and the second the next morning after overnight fasting. The trends in serum level of IL-37 in 5 stroke patients, while trends in urine level of 6 patients were available, measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Prior studies with healthy volunteers as control group have consistently showed IL-37 plasma level around or less than 65 pg/ml with maximum normal levels on ELISA approximated at 130 pg/ml.

Results: IL-37 level in urine in stroke patients ranged from 297 - 4467. IL-37 levels were in the range of 300s to 1000s in patients with ischemic stroke compared with reported healthy controls in literature where the level was always less than 90. Three of these 10 patients presented within 3 hours of stroke onset with IL-37 serum levels being 2655 pg/ml, 3517 pg/ml and 5235 pg/ml. In all others, it ranged much less than that, with the trend of delayed presentation giving less IL-37 levels, both in urine and serum. There were no clear differences found in patients with or without tPA, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and high blood pressure in our small study.

Conclusion: The study shows a rather stable elevation of IL-37 levels post-ischemic stroke, which if compared to available data from other studies, is 3-10 times elevated after acute ischemic stroke with an uptrend in the first few days. IL-37 plays some role in mediating post-stroke inflammation with significant rise in serum and urine IL-37 levels suggesting a key role of this novel cytokine in post-stroke pathology. This is the first ever reported study measuring and trending IL-37 levels in human plasma after an acute ischemic stroke.

Predicting poor response to anti-coagulation therapy in cerebral venous thrombosis using a simple clinical-radiological score

BACKGROUND

Multiple studies have attempted to determine predictors of poor clinical outcomes in cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). Fewer studies target to identify predictors of poor response to anticoagulation therapy in CVT.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the predictors of poor clinical response to therapeutic anticoagulation in patients with acute CVT.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients therapeutically anticoagulated for acute CVT. We defined poor clinical outcomes as death, need for mechanical thrombectomy during the hospitalization, or a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) > 3 at clinical follow-up. Bivariate and multivariate analyses identified factors associated with poor outcomes in anticoagulated patients for acute CVT, and we used the identified factors to create the PRACT-CVT (Poor Response to Anticoagulation Therapy in CVT) score.

RESULTS

We included 109 patients anticoagulated with acute CVT. The mean patient age was 37 years old (SD 19); nine patients were > 65 years, ten patients were < 10 years, and 64 (59%) were female. Twenty-one (19%) patients had poor clinical outcomes. Age > 65 or < 10 years (OR: 3.16, 95% CI: 1.06-9.44), a GCS ≤ 12 upon presentation (OR: 19.2, 95% CI: 4.05-91.4), focal motor deficits at admission (OR: 5.03, 95% CI: 1.64-15.44), clinical deterioration following admission (OR: 28.18, CI: 4.81-164.86), seizures following admission (OR: 5.59, 95% CI: 1.27-24.51), evidence of brain bleeding/ischemia on admission (OR: 4.67, 95% CI: 1.42-15.34), involvement of the superior sagittal sinus (OR: 3.88, CI: 1.33-11.32), or involvement of both transverse sinuses (OR: 3.87, 95% CI: 1.01-14.90) predicted poor clinical outcome despite therapeutic anticoagulation. A PRACT-CVT score (0-22 points) of ≥ 7 points provided a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 95% for predicting poor clinical outcomes with anticoagulation alone.

CONCLUSION

Patients with acute CVT aged > 65 or < 10 years old, presenting with a GCS ≤ 12, with focal motor deficits, showing clinical deterioration after admission, having clinical seizures during hospitalization, with brain bleeding/ischemia on initial neuroimaging, involvement of the superior sagittal sinus, or involvement of both transverse sinuses had poor response to anticoagulation. Clinicians may employ the PRACT-CVT score to predict poor response to anticoagulation for acute CVT.

Mid-term safety and efficacy in small intracranial aneurysm coiling: results from TARGET® nano prospective independent core lab adjudicated multicenter registry

Background

The primary objective is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Stryker second generation Target® Nano Coils in the treatment of ruptured and unruptured small (<7 mm) intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

The TARGET Registry is a prospective, two-arm study with independent medical event monitoring and core-lab adjudication. This paper describes the second arm of the TARGET registry. Patients with de novo intracranial aneurysms were embolized with 2nd generation TARGET Nano coils in 12 US centers. The primary efficacy outcome was adequate aneurysm occlusion (RR occlusion grade I-II) on follow-up. Primary safety outcome was treatment-related morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes included aneurysm packing density immediately post-procedure, immediate adequate occlusion, aneurysm re-access rate, retreatment rate and clinical outcomes using modified ranking scale. A secondary analysis investigated the influence of using Nano-predominant coils (≥2/3 of total coil-length) vs. non-Nano-predominant coils (<2/3 of total length).

Results

150 patients with 155 aneurysms met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. (31%) patients with ruptured and (69%) with unruptured aneurysms were treated using TARGET coils. Median age was 58.8 (SD 12.7), 74.7% were females, and 80% were Caucasians. Mean follow-up was 5.23 (SD 2.27) months. Peri-procedural mortality was seen in 2.0% of patients. Good outcome at discharge (mRS 0-2) was seen in 81.3% of the cohort. The median packing density (SD) was 29.4% (14.9). Mid-term complete/near complete occlusion rate was seen in 96% of aneurysms and complete obliteration was seen in 75.2% of aneurysms. Patients treated predominantly with Nano coils had higher PD (32.6% vs. 26.1%, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in clinical and angiographic outcomes. The mid-term mRS0-2 was achieved in 106/109 (97.2%) patients. All-cause mortality was 5/115 (4.3%).

Conclusion

In the multicenter TARGET Registry, 75.8% of aneurysms achieved mid-term complete occlusion, and 96% achieved complete/near complete occlusion with excellent independent functional outcome.

Abstract TP189: Diagnosis and Treatment Trends of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in a Large Observational Cohort

Background: Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT) is an increasingly recognized etiology of a wide array of neurological presentations ranging from headache to coma with limited treatment options. Here, we review population-level trends in the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of CVT.

Methods: Using administrative data on all discharges from hospitals in New York (2005-2014) and Florida (2005-2015), we identified patients with CVT. Patients with trauma and pyogenic CVT were excluded. Primary outcomes included hospital length of stay and discharge disposition. Linear and logistic regressions were adjusted for age, sex, year of treatment, and hypercoagulability. Results are provided as median [IQR], mean ± SD and OR [95% CI].

Results: Among 1876 patients diagnosed with CVT, median age was 59 [42 - 73] and 60% were female. 61% of the cohort was white, 17% African American and 13% Hispanic. Hypertension was present in 53%, diabetes in 21%, 18% smoked and 4% were diagnosed with a hypercoagulable disorder. 230 (12%) of patients presented with intracerebral hemorrhage. Over the 10-year span of the study, the number of patients diagnosed with CVT annually increased (136 vs. 227, 2005 vs. 2014). 81 (4.3%) of patient were treated with endovascular thrombectomy and/or thrombolysis. This proportion increased significantly over the course of the study (1% vs. 5%, 2005 vs. 2014, p<0.05). In adjusted logistic regression, the likelihood of discharge home versus in-hospital mortality/SNF did not change over the course of the study period (p=0.8). In the subset of patients presenting with intracranial hemorrhage, thrombectomy was associated with increased length of stay (eta 2 0.02, p<0.05, adjusted linear regression), but there was no effect on likelihood of discharge home (p=0.5) or in-hospital mortality/discharge to SNF (p=0.4).

Conclusions: In this large observational cohort study over 10-years, we identify an increasing frequency of diagnosis of CVT, without notable changes in discharge outcomes. These findings support the need for further targeted therapies for patients with CVT.

Abstract P75: Cerebrovascular Events and Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients With Covid-19: The Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology Multinational Registry

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been associated with a significant risk of thrombotic events in critically ill patients.

Aims: To summarize the findings of a multinational observational cohort of patients with SARS-CoV-2 and cerebrovascular disease.

Methods: Retrospective observational cohort of consecutive adults evaluated in the emergency department and/or admitted with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) across 31 hospitals in 4 countries (2/1/2020 - 06/16/2020). The primary outcome was the incidence rate of cerebrovascular events, inclusive of acute ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhages (ICH), and cortical vein and/or sinus thrombosis (CVST).

Results: Of the 14,483 patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2, 172 were diagnosed with an acute cerebrovascular event (1.13% of cohort; 1130/100,000 patients, 95%CI 970-1320/100,000), 68/171 (40.5%) of whom were female and 96/172 (55.8%) were between the ages 60-79 years. Of these, 156 had acute ischemic stroke (1.08%; 1080/100,000 95%CI 920-1260/100,000), 28 ICH (0.19%; 190/100,000 95%CI 130 - 280/100,000) and 3 with CVST (0.02%; 20/100,000, 95%CI 4-60/100,000). The in-hospital mortality rate for SARS-CoV-2-associated stroke was 38.1% and for ICH 58.3%. After adjusting for clustering by site and age, baseline stroke severity, and all predictors of in-hospital mortality found in univariate regression (p<0.1: male sex, tobacco use, arrival by emergency medical services, lower platelet and lymphocyte counts, and intracranial occlusion), cryptogenic stroke mechanism (aOR 5.01, 95%CI 1.63-15.44, p<0.01), older age (aOR 1.78, 95%CI 1.07-2.94, p=0.03), and lower lymphocyte count on admission (aOR 0.58, 95%CI 0.34-0.98 p=0.04) were the only independent predictors of mortality among patients with stroke and COVID-19.

Conclusions: COVID-19 is associated with a small but significant risk of clinically relevant cerebrovascular events, particularly ischemic stroke. The mortality rate is high for COVID-19 associated cerebrovascular complications, therefore aggressive monitoring and early intervention should be pursued to mitigate poor outcomes.

Anatomical and geometric considerations for transradial versus transfemoral approach to extracranial carotid artery stenting

Background and purposeThe transradial (TR) approach is an alternative to the traditional transfemoral (TF) approach for extracranial carotid artery stenting (eCAS). A successful eCAS may be contingent on the geometry of the great vessels. We aimed to analyze the vessel geometry to identify predictors for successful stent placement, enabling tailored approaches.Materials and methodsMulticenter retrospective data was collected from the electronic health record of patients who underwent eCAS from January 2018 to December 2022. Geometric parameters for great vessels were measured using computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). A successful approach was defined as completing eCAS without conversion. We performed a geometric analysis of features correlated with complications and successful completion of eCAS.Results1346 patients underwent TF (1081) and TR (265) eCAS. Conversion from TR to TF occurred in 44 cases (17%). Three TF cases required conversion. Complication rates did not differ between approaches (P = .773), but converting to TF had significantly higher Category 1 complications (P < .001). A smaller angle of origin of the left common carotid artery (A3) correlated with increased complications (P = .039), particularly with angles <90°, peaking at 50°. No other geometric features predicted the success.ConclusionBoth TR and TF stenting can be safely performed for carotid disease, but the angle of the left carotid artery origin predicted an increased risk of complications. No other aortic arch types or great vessel geometry predicted complications. Conversion from TR to TF predicted increased stroke, ICH, and MI.

A Comparison of CT Perfusion Output of RapidAI and Viz.ai Software in the Evaluation of Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Automated CTP postprocessing packages have been developed for managing acute ischemic stroke. These packages use image processing techniques to identify the ischemic core and penumbra. This study aimed to investigate the agreement of decision-making rules and output derived from RapidAI and Viz.ai software packages in early and late time windows and to identify predictors of inadequate quality CTP studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred twenty-nine patients with acute ischemic stroke who had CTP performed on presentation were analyzed by RapidAI and Viz.ai. Volumetric outputs were compared between packages by performing Spearman rank-order correlation and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with subanalysis performed at early (<6 hours) and extended (>6 hours) time windows. The concordance of selecting patients on the basis of DAWN and DEFUSE 3 eligibility criteria was assessed using the McNemar test.

RESULTS

One hundred eight of 129 patients were found to have adequate-quality studies. Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients were calculated on time-to-maximum >6-second volume, time-to-maximum >10-second volume, CBF <30% volume, mismatch volume, and mismatch ratio between both software packages with correlation coefficients of 0.82, 0.65, 0.77, 0.78, 0.59, respectively. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was also performed on time-to-maximum >6-second volume, time-to-maximum >10-second volume, CBF <30% volume, mismatch volume, and mismatch ratio with P values of .30, .016, <.001, .03, <.001, respectively. In a 1-sided test, CBF <30% was greater in Viz.ai (P < .001). Although this finding resulted in statistically significant differences, it did not cause clinically significant differences when applied to the DAWN and DEFUSE 3 criteria. A lower ejection fraction predicted an inadequate study in both software packages (P = .018; 95% CI, 0.01-0.113) and (P = .024; 95% CI, 0.008-0.109) for RapidAI and Viz.ai, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Penumbra and infarct core predictions between Rapid and Viz.ai correlated but were statistically different and resulted in equivalent triage using DAWN and DEFUSE3 criteria. Viz.ai predicted higher ischemic core volumes than RapidAI. Viz.ai predicted lower combined core and penumbra values than RapidAI at lower volumes and higher estimates than RapidAI at higher volumes. Clinicians should be cautious when using different software packages for clinical decision-making.

Clinical Outcomes and Complications of Carotid Artery Stenting With or Without Pre-Stent and Post-Stent Balloon Angioplasty

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Carotid artery stenting is a well-established method for treating carotid artery stenosis; however, there are conflicting data on prestenting versus post-stenting balloon angioplasty. Our study aims to understand the risk and safety of pre-stent balloon angioplasty (Pre-SB) and post-stent balloon angioplasty (Post-SB), or both techniques.

METHODS

Multicenter retrospective data on angioplasty balloons, stents, complications, and modified Rankin score (mRS) before and after the procedure were collected. Statistical analysis was performed to correlate with complication risks and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

1,355 patients were enrolled. Post-SB predicted fewer complications (p = 0.035) than Pre-SB or combined Pre-SB and Post-SB. Female sex was a predictor of complications (p = 0.041), while utilization of an embolic protection device predicted fewer complications (p < 0.001). Increasing age (p < 0.001) and smoking (p = 0.027) predicted increased length of stay. Using open-cell stents versus closed-cell stents did not predict follow-up modified rankin score (mRS) or complications, but using open-cell stents did predict a shorter length of stay. Conversely, open-cell stents were more likely to undergo Post-SB (p < 0.001), while closed-cell stents were more likely to undergo Pre-SB (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Unlike previous literature, our results showed that Post-SB alone was associated with fewer complications compared to either Pre-SB alone or the combination of Pre-SB and Post-SB. Open-cell stents required a higher rate of Post-SB.

Use of angled-tip aspiration catheters is associated with a lower cost of thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to large and medium vessel occlusions

BACKGROUND

Recently, the angled-tip Zoom™ aspiration catheters were introduced. The tip is designed to improve suction force for clot retrieval. We evaluated the possibility of reducing procedure costs when using angled-tip catheters and compared the safety and angiographic effectiveness of angled-tip versus straight-tip catheters.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective single-center cohort study involving patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large and medium vessel occlusions. The patients were divided into two groups: the post-Zoom group, in which angled-tip aspiration catheters were used and the pre-Zoom group, in which traditional straight-tip catheters were employed.

RESULTS

A total of 163 patients were included; 95 (58.3%) in the pre-Zoom group and 68 (41.7%) in the post-Zoom group. The groups were well-matched at entry. The post-Zoom group demonstrated a significant decrease in mean procedure cost ($9728 vs. $12,127; p = 0.002), shorter time to achieve modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction ≥2b reperfusion (38.30 min vs. 53.26 min; p = 0.018), and shorter puncture to procedure completion time (46.42 min vs. 62.38 min; p = 0.022). Additionally, the mean procedural cost when using the ADAPT technique supported by the Zoom catheters was significantly lower than the Solumbra technique ($5754 ± $2806 vs. $13,498 ± $3244, p < 0.001). There were no differences in the rate of hemorrhage between the pre-Zoom group (17.9%) and the post-Zoom group (20.6%), p = 0.690.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated significant benefits, including cost reduction and shorter time to achieve reperfusion in patients treated with Zoom aspiration catheters. These findings support the use of angled-tip catheters in acute ischemic stroke management.

Mechanical Venous Thrombectomy Using Indigo Aspiration System: A Case Report

We present a case of successful endovascular thrombectomy of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis utilizing Penumbra's Indigo Aspiration System (Penumbra Inc., Place Alameda, CA), a minimally invasive system with a large-lumen (Indigo System CAT7, 7F) catheter predominantly used for the removal of thromboembolism involving the peripheral arterial and venous systems. A 30-year-old female presented with a seizure and focal neurological deficits and was found to have a left posterior temporal lobe hemorrhagic infarct secondary to an extensive cerebral venous sinus thrombosis extending from the left transverse sinus to the ipsilateral internal jugular bulb. We considered the combination of seizure, motor deficit, and hemorrhagic infarct high-risk features for poor response to standard medical therapy with therapeutic anticoagulation. Therefore, we performed a mechanical venous thrombectomy with the above device in addition to anticoagulation treatment with heparin infusion. This combination therapy resulted in a technically successful radiographic recanalization of the involved sinuses and an excellent functional outcome at follow-up. This case demonstrates that this trackable, atraumatic, large-bore system was safe and efficacious in the cerebral venous system, permitting near-complete thrombus removal.

First off Label Endovascular Clinical Experience to Treat Diffuse Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Using the INARI FlowTriever System: Case Report

Anticoagulation with heparin is the current mainstay treatment for Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST). Endovascular treatment is increasingly being used to treat patients with CVST who are non-responsive to anticoagulation. These more aggressive interventions include catheter-based local chemical thrombolysis, balloon angioplasty and mechanical thrombectomy with uncertain safety and efficacy. Here we describe the first reported clinical experience using the INARI FlowTriever system to treat a patient presented with focal weakness and found to have diffuse CVST.

Abstract TP172: Predicting Poor Response To Anti-coagulation Therapy In Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Using A Simple Clinical-radiological Score

Few studies target to identify predictors of poor response to anticoagulation therapy in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT). We aimed to determine the predictors of poor clinical response to therapeutic anticoagulation in acute CVT.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients therapeutically anticoagulated for acute CVT. We defined poor clinical outcomes as death, need for mechanical thrombectomy during the hospitalization, or a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) >3 at clinical follow-up. Multivariate analyses identified factors associated with poor outcomes in anticoagulated patients for acute CVT, and we used the identified factors to create the PRACT-CVT (Poor Response to Anticoagulation Therapy in CVT) score.

Results: We included 109 patients anticoagulated with acute CVT. Twenty-one (19%) patients had poor clinical outcomes. Age >65 or <10 years (OR: 3.16, 95% CI: 1.06-9.44), a GCS ≤12 upon presentation (OR: 19.2, 95% CI: 4.05-91.4), focal motor deficits at admission (OR: 5.03, 95% CI: 1.64-15.44), clinical deterioration following admission (OR: 28.18, CI: 4.81-164.86), seizures following admission (OR: 5.59, 95% CI: 1.27-24.51), evidence of brain bleeding/ischemia on admission (OR: 4.67, 95% CI: 1.42-15.34), involvement of the superior sagittal sinus (OR: 3.88, CI: 1.33-11.32), or involvement of both transverse sinuses (OR: 3.87, 95% CI: 1.01-14.90) predicted poor clinical outcome despite therapeutic anticoagulation. A PRACT-CVT score (0-22 points) of ≥7 points provided a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 95% for predicting poor clinical outcomes with anticoagulation alone.

Conclusion: Patients with acute CVT, presenting with a GCS ≤12, with focal motor deficits, showing clinical deterioration after admission, having seizures during hospitalization, with brain bleeding/ischemia on initial imaging, involvement of the superior sagital sinus, or involvement of both transverse sinuses had poor response to anticoagulation.

Effects of Social Determinants of Health on Acute Stroke Care Among Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are important contributors to poor stroke-related outcomes. While some have suggested that this association is driven by the increased incidence of stroke observed with poor SDOH, others have raised concerns regarding disparities in acute stroke care. This study aimed to determine the association between SDOH and the administration of thrombolytic therapy and mechanical thrombectomy among patients with acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using Texas Emergency Department Public Use Data (2016-2019), including adult patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. The risk ratios (RRs) of administering thrombolysis and thrombectomy based on variables representing SDOH and a collective measure (Social Vulnerability Index [SVI]) were computed using mixed-effects Poisson regression models accounting for the nested nature of patients in hospitals and neighborhoods. The Charlson comorbidity score was considered as a covariate.

RESULTS

Of the 139,852 patients with ischemic stroke (female, 51.7%; White, 67.2%; Black, 16.6%; Hispanic, 25.1%), 16,831 (12.3%) received thrombolytic therapy and 5,951 (4.3%) received mechanical thrombectomy. Age older than 65 years (RR 0.578 [0.537-0.621]) vs 18-45 years, Black (RR 0.801 [0.761-0.844]) vs White, Hispanic (RR 0.936 [0.895-0.98]) vs non-Hispanic, Medicare/Medicaid/Veterans Affairs (VA) (RR 0.917 [0.882-0.954]) or uninsured (RR 0.883 [0.833-0.935]) vs private insurance, and rural (RR 0.782 [0.723-0.845]) vs urban dwelling were less likely to be associated with thrombolysis. Patients in the highest quintile based on the SVI were less likely to receive thrombolysis than those in the lowest quintile (RR 0.926 [0.867-0.989]). Patients were less likely to receive thrombectomy if they were 65 years and older (RR 0.787 [0.691-0.895]), belonged to the Black race (RR 0.745 [0.679-0.818]) or Hispanic ethnicity (RR 0.919 [0.851-0.992]), had Medicare/Medicaid/VA insurance (RR 0.909 [0.851-0.971]), or were from a rural area (RR 0.909 [0.851-0.971]). Similarly, SVI decreased the likelihood of undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (RR 0.842 [0.747-0.95]).

DISCUSSION

Despite many improvements in stroke management, SDOH continue to be a significant driver of treatment access for acute ischemic stroke. While our findings are limited to Texas, our results should raise awareness and promote more studies regarding the effects of these SDOH at the national and international levels.