Composite arterial and venous collateral score on single-phase CTA predicts 90-day outcomes in anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion stroke.

Background: Collateral circulation influences clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion (LVO). While both arterial and venous collateral assessments on single-phase computed tomography angiography (CTA) have prognostic value, they have traditionally been evaluated independently.

Purpose: We developed the CTA Collateral Impairment Score (CCIS), a composite measure incorporating arterial (Tan) and venous (Cortical Venous Opacification Score (COVES)) scores, and investigated its association with 90-day functional outcomes.

Hospital Implementation of Endovascular Thrombectomy and Health Equity in Acute Stroke Outcomes.

Background: The introduction of novel therapeutics into clinical practice could impact equity in health outcomes.

Methods: This was a retrospective, observational cohort study based on the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke program of the American Heart Association. Two epochs were considered: January 2010 to December 2014 and January 2016 to December 2019.

Interobserver and Intraobserver Variability in the Assessment of Prolonged Venous Transit in Anterior Circulation Large-Vessel Occlusion Ischemic Stroke.

Background And Purpose: Prolonged venous transit (PVT) on time-to-maximum (Tmax) perfusion maps has been associated with worse outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO). The qualitative nature of PVT assessment introduces potential variability, and its reproducibility has not been systematically evaluated.

Materials And Methods: In a retrospective study of patients with confirmed AIS-LVO, 2 board-certified neuroradiologists independently reviewed pretreatment Tmax maps to assess PVT in the posterior superior sagittal sinus and torcula.

Tenecteplase versus alteplase in patients with acute ischemic stroke: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Stroke was the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide in 2019. Alteplase is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of patients with ischemic stroke within 4.5 h.

Colchicine in the secondary prevention of stroke and major cardiovascular events in patients with stroke or at high risk of it: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aim: To assess the efficacy and optimal dose of colchicine in preventing stroke and other major cardiovascular events in patients with stroke or at high risk of stroke. We specified the high-risk group to have thrombosis, cardioembolic due to Atrial fibrillation, and non-cardioembolic stroke, or TIA.

Methods: A meta-analysis following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library.

Association Between Asymptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage and Outcomes After Thrombectomy: A Pooled Analysis of the RESCUE BT and DEVT Trials.

Background And Objectives: Hemorrhagic transformation is a prevalent and serious complication that frequently occurs after endovascular recanalization in acute large vessel occlusion stroke. The impact of asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (aICH) on outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) remains to be elucidated.

Methods: This was a pooled analysis of individual patient data of 2 randomized trials in China, the RESCUE BT trial from October 2018 to October 2021 and the Direct Endovascular Treatment for Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke trial from May 2018 to May 2020.

Integrating perfusion imaging derived venous outflow and tissue-level collateral parameters in a comprehensive clinical model enhances prognostication in large vessel occlusion stroke.

Arterial inflow restoration and collateral status have been significantly correlated with functional outcomes in AIS-LVO patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT). CT perfusion imaging biomarkers, including prolonged venous transit (PVT), cerebral blood volume (CBV) index, and hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR), have emerged as reliable pretreatment adjunct parameters of comprehensive flow assessment. However, their absolute and comparative effectiveness in improving prognostic prediction remains unclear when used in conjunction with clinical and arterial inflow parameters.

Validation of the HERMES-24 Score for Outcome Prediction Post Large Vessel Occlusion Treatment in Later Time Window.

Background And Objectives: The Highly Effective Reperfusion Evaluated in Multiple Endovascular Stroke Trials (HERMES)-24 score is highly predictive of outcomes after anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) treatment, irrespective of intervention in the early time window. Recent evidence has further broadened the eligibility of endovascular therapy (EVT) to patients with late presentation or unwitnessed onset including those with stroke-on-awakening. We aimed to investigate the prediction ability of the HERMES-24 score in patients with anterior circulation LVO and small ischemic core presenting in the late time window from last seen normal.

Recanalization of basilar artery occlusion during inter-hospital transfer for thrombectomy.

Background: Patients with acute ischemic stroke and a large vessel occlusion admitted to non-endovascular capable centers frequently require inter-hospital transfer to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) for thrombectomy. Data regarding arterial recanalization of patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) during transfer are lacking.

Methods: We analyzed prospectively collected data of acute stroke patients with BAO transferred for consideration of thrombectomy to three CSCs (Rothschild Hospital, France; Montpellier Hospital, France; Stanford Hospital, USA) between 2016 and 2024, with arterial imaging at the referring hospital and on CSC arrival.

Hemorrhagic transformation during inter-hospital transfer for thrombectomy: Incidence, associated factors, and relationship with outcome.

Background: Patients with acute ischemic stroke with a large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO) admitted to primary stroke centers (PSC) often require inter-hospital transfer to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) for endovascular therapy (EVT). We aimed to determine the incidence of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) occurring during transfer, the factors associated with HT, and its relationship with 3-month outcome.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from two cohorts of AIS-LVO patients transferred from a PSC to a CSC for consideration of EVT.

The Large Core Paradox.

Recently, 6 randomized controlled trials of endovascular treatment (EVT) versus medical management in anterior circulation large vessel occlusion with large-core documented significant benefit of EVT on functional outcome. Moreover, one trial reported the benefit of EVT in the very large-core category (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, 0-2). These results are considered paradoxical by some as they contradict the prevailing view that the presence of a large core precludes the possibility of good outcomes following reperfusion.

Hypodensity Beyond the Ischemic Core: Penumbral Changes Detected With Relative Noncontrast Computed Tomography.

Background: In acute ischemic stroke, infarcted tissue gradually becomes detectable on noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) as a hypodensity representing vasogenic edema. We studied whether subtle NCCT density changes are also present in penumbral tissue.

Methods: This observational cohort study included patients with stroke with anterior circulation occlusions from the CRISP2 study (CT Perfusion to Predict Response to Recanalization in Ischemic Stroke Project 2) who were transferred from a primary to a comprehensive stroke center for consideration of endovascular thrombectomy.

Intravenous Thrombolysis Use before Inter-Facility Transfer for Thrombectomy: Association with Efficacy and Safety Outcomes.

Objective: Patients with acute ischemic stroke and large vessel occlusion (LVO) often require transfer from primary stroke centers (PSCs) to thrombectomy-capable centers. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) initiated before inter-hospital transfer.

Methods: Data from 2 prospective cohorts of patients with anterior circulation LVO transferred for thrombectomy from a PSC, regardless of whether thrombectomy was eventually attempted at the endovascular-capable center, were analyzed.

Perfusion imaging parameters predict long-term clinical outcome in isolated posterior cerebral artery occlusion stroke patients.

BackgroundIsolated posterior cerebral artery (PCA) occlusions, which account for 5% of ischemic strokes, significantly impact patient quality of life due to effects on the thalamus and visual cortex. Current guidelines for acute treatment and the prognostic utility of perfusion imaging in PCA strokes remain limited and underexplored.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 21 patients with isolated PCA occlusions from January 2017 to March 2023 at two comprehensive medical institutions.

Intravenous Glyburide in Medical and Endovascular-Treated Large-Core Stroke: A Subgroup Analysis of the CHARM Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: The Glibenclamide for Large Hemispheric Infarction Analyzing mRS and Mortality (CHARM) trial enrolled participants with large hemispheric infarction, randomized to a placebo or intravenous glyburide. Our objective in this post-hoc study was to evaluate the relationship between baseline stroke volume and the potential efficacy of i.v.

Intravenous Tenecteplase before Thrombectomy in Stroke.

Background: The safety and efficacy of treatment with intravenous tenecteplase before endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion remain uncertain.

Methods: In this open-label trial conducted in China, we randomly assigned patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion who had presented within 4.5 hours after onset and were eligible for thrombolysis to receive either intravenous tenecteplase followed by endovascular thrombectomy or endovascular thrombectomy alone.

Impact of Helicopter Transfer on Recanalization and Outcomes in Anterior Large Vessel Occlusion Strokes.

Background: For patients with acute ischemic stroke due to a large vessel occlusion admitted in primary stroke centers, helicopter transfer to comprehensive stroke centers is often used to expedite access to mechanical thrombectomy. Some studies have suggested that vibrations generated during helicopter transport might enhance intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) efficacy. We aimed to evaluate the impact of helicopter transfer, compared with ground transportation, on interhospital recanalization and functional outcomes.

The Cortical Vein Opacification Score Is Independently Associated with Good and Excellent Functional Outcomes at 90 Days in Patients with Minor Stroke with Anterior Circulation Large-Vessel Occlusion: A Multicenter Study.

Background And Purpose: There is currently no consensus on the most appropriate emergent treatment for patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to large-vessel occlusion and minor stroke. These patients were excluded from prior randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy in large-vessel occlusion, making it challenging to determine the best treatment approach. Therefore, identifying markers that can predict functional outcomes would be invaluable for triaging these patients for mechanical thrombectomy.

Single- and Multiphase CT Angiography Is Associated With Digital Subtraction Angiography Collateral Score ≥3.

Background And Purpose: Collateral status is an important predictor of reperfusion and mortality in patients with large vessel anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We assess the utility of multiphase computed tomography angiography (CTA) derived from CT perfusion (CTP) source imaging (dCTA) in determining collateral status compared to the reference standard American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology/Society of Interventional Radiology (ASITN/SIR) collateral score on digital subtraction angiography (DSA).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed AIS patients treated at our institution from January 9, 2017, to January 10, 2023.

Addressing Heterogeneity in the Large-Core Trials: A Case for Standardized Imaging Analysis.

Infarct detection is critically dependent on the imaging modality that is used and the criteria for defining tissue infarction. The recent trials of large-core thrombectomy used heterogeneous imaging methods to identify patients with large ischemic cores. Moreover, the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score methodology was not harmonized between the trials.

Acute ischemic stroke patient factors associated with poor outcomes in patients with favorable collaterals and successful thrombectomy.

Objectives: Favorable arterial collaterals are correlated to favorable outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), but many patients still have unfavorable outcomes despite favorable collaterals and successful reperfusion. We determined factors associated with favorable outcome in patients with good collaterals who had successful EVT.

Materials And Methods: In a post hoc analysis of the prospective CRISP 2 study, we identified patients with good collaterals (Tan≥2) and successful reperfusion (TICI 2b-3).

Prolonged Venous Transit as a Superior Predictor of Functional Outcomes in Successfully Reperfused Large Vessel Occlusions: Comparative Analysis With Cerebral Blood Volume Index and Hypoperfusion Intensity Ratio.

Background: Collateral status plays a crucial role in outcomes after acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. Tissue-level collaterals and venous outflow are key components following mechanical thrombectomy. This study evaluates the predictive performance of prolonged venous transit (PVT), cerebral blood volume index, and hypoperfusion intensity ratio in determining 90-day functional outcomes.

Prolonged Venous Transit Independently Predicts Worse Functional Outcomes at Discharge in Successfully Reperfused Patients with Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke.

Background And Purpose: Venous outflow (VO) impairment predicts unfavorable outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO). Prolonged venous transit (PVT), a visual qualitative VO marker on CT perfusion (CTP) time to maximum (Tmax) maps, has been associated with 90-day mortality despite successful reperfusion. This study investigates the association between PVT and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge among AIS-LVO patients who have undergone successful reperfusion.