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• First pass effect (FPE) is achieved in approximately 1 in 3 patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) undergoing thrombectomy. • FPE is a predictor of good clinical outcome for BAO patients as assessed by mRS 0–2 at 90 days. • Age, posterior circulation ASPECTS and atrial fibrillation were not independently associated with FPE in this cohort. For patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), those who are recanalized with a successful single pass (first pass effect, FPE) have better functional outcomes than those who do not. There is a scarcity of data regarding predictors of FPE in basilar artery occlusion (BAO). We aim to determine what characteristics may predict FPE for posterior circulation thrombectomies in a cohort of patients undergoing EVT for BAO. We reviewed prospectively-collected data for patients presenting to a comprehensive stroke center with BAO between December 2015 and April 2019. Patients were included in this study if they underwent manual aspiration thrombectomy for BAO. Patients were excluded if they had occlusions of the posterior cerebral or vertebral arteries or if they had tandem lesions. Patients were stratified by whether FPE or modified FPE (mFPE) was achieved, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of FPE and the effect of FPE on clinical outcome. 100 patients with BAO underwent thrombectomy. Mean age was 64.7 ± 16.7, 42% were female, and median NIHSS was 20 (IQR 11–27). 33% met criteria for FPE and 60% for mFPE. Univariate analysis identified female gender, lack of IV-tPA use, pcASPECTS, atrial fibrillation, and hyperlipidemia as possible predictors of FPE. On multivariate analysis, age, pcASPECTs, atrial fibrillation, hyperlipidemia and IV-tPA use were not independent predictors of FPE or mFPE. Female gender was an independent predictor of mFPE (p = 0.02), but not FPE (p = 0.18). FPE was a predictor of mRS 0–2 at 90 days (p = 0.04). Predictors of mortality were age (p < 0.01), baseline NIHSS (p < 0.01) and mFPE (p = 0.01). In this cohort analysis of 100 patients with basilar artery occlusion undergoing manual aspiration thrombectomy, female gender was associated with mFPE but not FPE. Previously-reported anterior circulation FPE predictors including age, ASPECTS and atrial fibrillation were not predictors of FPE in this cohort of patients with BAO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the relationship between baseline computed tomography perfusion deficit volumes and functional outcomes in patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) undergoing endovascular therapy. This was a single-center study in which the data of 64 patients with BAO who underwent endovascular therapy were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients underwent multi-model computed tomography on admission. The posterior-circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early Computed Tomography Score was applied to assess the ischemic changes. Perfusion deficit volumes were obtained using Syngo.via software. The primary outcome of the analysis was a good functional outcome (90-day modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 3). Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to explore predictors of functional outcome. A total of 64 patients (median age, 68 years; 72 % male) were recruited, of whom 26 (41 %) patients achieved good functional outcomes, while 38 (59 %) had poor functional outcomes. Tmax > 10 s, Tmax > 6 s, and rCBF < 30 % volume were independent predictors of good functional outcomes (odds ratio range, 1.0–1.2; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.0–1.4]) and performed well in the receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, exhibiting positive prognostic value; the areas under the curve values were 0.85 (95 % CI, 0.75–0.94), 0.81 (95 % CI, 0.70–0.90), and 0.78 (95 % CI, 0.67–0.89). Computed tomography perfusion deficit volume represents a valuable tool in predicting high risk of disability and mortality in patients with BAO after endovascular treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Patients with acute tandem vertebrobasilar artery occlusion are difficult to treat. • Endovascular combined with vertebral artery endarterectomy is a feasible treatment. • Until now, no report about this technology to treat these patients. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment combined with vertebral artery endarterectomy in patients with acute tandem vertebrobasilar artery occlusion. From April 2017 to March 2019, three patients with acute basilar artery occlusion combined with ostial vertebral occlusion in our institution were enrolled in the study. They underwent endovascular treatment combined with vertebral artery endarterectomy. The clinical, technical and functional outcomes of the patients were retrospectively analysed. All three patients in the study underwent complete recanalization. The modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grade was 2b/3 in all patients. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was 0–2 for the three patients at 3 months. Follow-up CT scans revealed no cerebral haemorrhage, and no patients died during follow-up. All patients achieved good clinical outcomes after the combined treatment. Endovascular treatment combined with vertebral artery endarterectomy is a feasible method to treat patients with acute basilar artery occlusion combined with ostial vertebral occlusion, especially when the guidewire cannot pass through the ostium of the dominant vertebral artery occlusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Vertebral artery stump syndrome is one of the atherothrombotic brain infarction. • Vertebral artery stump syndrome is acute tandem vertebrobasilar artery occlusions. • Vertebral artery stump syndrome is associated with poor outcomes. • Vertebral artery origin occlusion limits technical options for endovascular therapy. • Visualized the vertebral artery origin offers a thread of hope for good outcomes. Acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is associated with major morbidities and a high mortality rate. The prevalence of acute BAO is 10.4% among patients treated with thrombectomy for acute large vessel occlusion. Vertebral artery stump syndrome (VASS) reportedly causes ischemic stroke with tandem occlusions as vertebral artery (VA) origin occlusion and BAO. The pathogenesis of ischemic stroke due to VASS can be attributed to thrombi or emboli. Acute embolic BAO due to VASS accounted for 2 of 25 cases (8.0%) of BAO treated using thrombectomy between April 2014 and May 2019 in our registry. VASS must be considered as one cause of BAO. With the initial Magnetic resonance angiography on arrival, it is difficult to distinguish between BAO due to simple cardiogenic embolus and due to embolus caused by VASS rapidly. In patients suffering from acute embolic BAO due to VASS, the presence of VA origin occlusion makes endovascular therapy (EVT) difficult to perform. Here, we report consecutive cases of thrombectomy for acute embolic BAO due to VASS, showing markedly different outcomes. VA origin occlusion severely limits the technical options for EVT. Visualization or conjecture of the origin of both or dominant VAs conceivably offers the possibility of successful EVT and may allow good outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjuvant tirofiban in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion due to large-artery atherosclerotic (LAA) receiving endovascular therapy (EVT). This was a non-randomized, multicenter study using data from the Endovascular Treatment for Acute BASILAR Artery Occlusion (BASILAR) registry. Patients with acute basilar artery occlusion due to LAA within 24h of symptom onset who underwent EVT were included. Patients were divided into tirofiban and non-tirofiban groups according to whether tirofiban was used. The primary outcome was the ordinal modified Rankin scale score at 90 days. Safety outcomes were mortality within 90 days and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) within 48 h. A total of 417 patients were included, of whom 275 patients were in the tirofiban group and 142 patients in the non-tirofiban group. Compared with patients in the non-tirofiban group, patients in the tirofiban group were associated with a favorable shift in functional outcome at 90 days (6[4–6] vs 5 [2–6]; adjusted common OR, 2.51; 95 % CI, 1.64–3.83). The mortality was lower in the tirofiban group than the non-tirofiban group (40.7 % vs 58.5 %; adjusted OR, 0.35; 95 % CI, 0.21–0.56). The rate of sICH was 12.2 % in the non-tirofiban group and 5.2 % in the tirofiban group (adjusted OR, 0.37; 95 % CI, 0.17–0.80; P = 0.012). Tirofiban plus EVT might improve functional outcomes with a good safety for patients with acute basilar artery occlusion due to LAA. The results need to be confirmed in a randomized trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is considered among the most severe medical emergencies, with very high morbidity and mortality. The aims of this study are to present 5 years experience of 12 centers in Lombardy region on BAO endovascular treatment and to evaluate prognostic factors that may improve clinical outcomes and recanalization rates.Materials and Methods: Registro Endovascolare Lombardo Occlusione Basilar Artery (RELOBA) registry is a retrospective multicentric collection of patients with acute BAO who underwent endovascular treatment between 2010 and 2015. A total of 102 patients (mean age 65 years) were included. Clinical, procedural, and neuroradiological data were collected. Angiographic results (Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia scale [TICI] score 2b-3) were assessed by each center's interventional neuroradiologist. Good clinical outcome was considered as a modified Rankin Scale score ranging between 0 and 2 in a 3-month follow-up.Results: Thirty-nine percent of patients showed good clinical outcome at 3 months. Mortality rate was 30%. TICI 2b-3 was achieved in 62% of patients. Univariate analysis showed that age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at onset, time to recanalization, and TICI score were all statistically significant clinical outcome predictors (P < .05). Multivariate logistic regression showed that time to recanalization, age, and NIHSS at onset were significant independent predictors of good outcome.Conclusions: BAO treatment needs more efforts to assure patients better clinical outcomes. Mechanical thrombectomy is feasible and effective in patients with acute BAO. These results must be confirmed by further prospective studies within randomized controlled settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular therapy (EVT) were proven safe and effective for anterior circulation proximal occlusions. However, the most appropriate recanalization strategy in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is still controversial. This study aimed to assess outcomes of patients with BAO at an academic stroke center in Brazil.Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with BAO from a prospective stroke registry at Ribeirão Preto Medical School. Primary outcomes were mortality and favorable outcome (modified Rankin score [mRS] ≤3) at 90 days. After univariate analyses, multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify independent predictors of primary outcomes.Results: Between August 2004 and December 2015, 63 (65% male) patients with BAO and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 31 (interquartile range: 19-36) were identified. Twenty-nine (46%) patients received no acute recanalization therapy, 15 (24%) received IVT, and 19 (30%) received EVT (68% treated with stent retrievers). Twenty-four (83%) patients treated conservatively died, and only 2 (7%) achieved an mRS less than or equal to 3. Among patients treated with acute recanalization therapies, 15 (44%) died, and 9 (26.5%) had a favorable outcome. On multivariate analysis, baseline systolic blood pressure (odds ratio [OR] = .97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: .95-0.99; P = .023), posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (OR = .62; 95% CI: .41-0.94; P = .026), and successful recanalization (OR = .18; 95% CI: .04-0.71; P = .015) were independent predictors of lower mortality. Baseline NIHSS (OR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.08-1.82; P = .012), prior use of statins (OR = .003; 95% CI: .001-0.28; P = .012), and successful recanalization (OR = .05; 95% CI: .001-0.27; P = .009) were independent predictors of favorable outcome. There was no significant difference between the IVT group and the EVT group on primary outcomes.Conclusions: BAO is associated with high morbidity and mortality in Brazil. Access to acute recanalization therapies may decrease mortality in those patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients suffering from acute atherothrombotic occlusion of the proximal vertebral artery (VA) and concomitant basilar artery (BA) occlusion present a grim prognosis. We describe our experience in the endovascular recanalization of tandem vertebrobasilar occlusions using endovascular techniques. The BA was accessed through the normal VA (clean-road) or the occluded, thrombotic VA (dirty-road), and stentriever-based thrombectomy was performed using antegrade or reverse revascularization variants. Seven patients underwent successful stentriever-assisted mechanical thrombectomy of the BA and five sustained concomitant VA revascularization. Stroke onset to endovascular intervention initiation (time-to-treatment) ranged from 4.5–13 hours (mean 8.6). In two of seven patients, the BA occlusion was approached with a ‘clean-road’ approach via the contralateral VA; in five of seven patients, a ‘dirty-road’ approach via the occluded VA was used. Mean time-to-recanalization was 66 minutes (range 55–82). There were no perforations, iatrogenic vessel dissections, or other technical complications. Four patients presented mild-to-moderate disability (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0–3) at 3 months, one remained with moderate-to-severe disability (mRS 4), and two patients died on days 9 and 23 after their strokes. Follow-up ranged from 6–45 months (mean 24 months). In selected patients with acute VA-BA occlusion, stentriever-based thrombectomy performed through either the patent or the occluded VA, may be feasible, effective, and safe. Clinical outcomes in these patients seem to equipoise the neurological outcome of patients with successful revascularization for isolated BA occlusion. This unique pair of occlusions confirms the role of VA ostium stenosis as a cause of vertebrobasilar stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Uncertainty remains on the optimal management of basilar artery occlusion (BAO). Two large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in 2019 and 2021 demonstrated neutral results with respect to the use of endovascular therapy (EVT) for BAO. This study aimed to understand regional variation in physicians' perceptions towards the treatment of BAO as stratified by physician respondents from China versus outside China, prior to the publication of studies demonstrating a benefit of EVT for BAO.Methods: An international online survey was conducted of stroke neurologists and neurointerventionalists from January to March 2022. Survey questions evaluated physician opinions toward the use of EVT in BAO, as well as the clinical and imaging features underlying treatment decisions. Respondents were dichotomized as either from China or from other countries and differences between groups were analyzed.Results: There were 1245 physician respondents across 73 countries of which 295 (23.7%) were from China. Compared to respondents from the rest of the world, respondents from China were more likely to be interventionalists (71.5% vs 35.0%; p < 0.0001). Overall, more than 95% of respondents believed that EVT was superior to medical therapy under certain circumstances. Chinese respondents were more likely to believe that further RCTs were necessary than respondents from other countries (93.6% vs 76.2%; p < 0.0001). Chinese respondents were more likely to use advanced imaging in later time windows and use a premorbid mRS threshold of ≤2 for BAO selection to EVT.Conclusion: Most stroke physicians believe EVT is beneficial in selected patients with BAO. Clinical and imaging modality differences were observed in the selection criteria used for EVT. There was greater inclination to enroll all trial eligible patients in a BAO RCT by respondents from China as compared to other parts of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute basilar artery occlusion (ABAO) is an infrequent but potentially fatal complication that can cause strokes in both adults and children. Traumatic vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is one of the most common causes of ABAO in young patients. We present a case of an 11-year-old boy with VAD complicated by basilar artery occlusion 2 days after a fight with classmates that caused severe neurological deficits. He did not have any direct head trauma or concomitant risk factors. Clinical symptoms included nausea, vomiting, and rapid alteration of consciousness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed total occlusion of the basilar artery, and angiography confirmed VAD from the third to the fourth segments. A history of such subtle precipitating events should be noted when diagnosing young patients with brainstem strokes. A delay in the diagnosis of ABAO is frequently due to misleading symptoms and signs and the lack of awareness of this rare condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The therapeutic efficacy of low-dose intravenous alteplase (0.6 mg/kg) for basilar artery occlusion (BAO) remains unknown. Methods: BAO patients enrolled from the Japanese multicenter registry involving 600 stroke patients treated with the low-dose intravenous alteplase were studied. Results: Twenty-five patients had BAO (8 women ranging from 32-92 years of age; mean baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score 16). The stroke subtype was cardioembolic in 15 patients and atherothrombotic in 4 patients. BAO was recanalized during hospitalization in 18 (78%) of 23 patients undergoing follow-up angiography. Within the initial 24 hours, 14 patients (56%) had a ≥8-point decrease in the NIHSS score, being more common than 267 patients with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCO) from the same registry (odds ratio [OR] 2.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-5.97) after adjustment by sex, age, and baseline NIHSS score. In addition, 4 patients (16%) had a ≥4-point increase in the score, being marginally more common than MCO patients (OR 3.13; 95% CI 0.81-10.25). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within the initial 36 hours (8% v 5%), independence at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2, 48% v 52%), and mortality at 3 months (4% v 6%) were similar when comparing BAO and MCO patients. When compared with previous studies of BAO, vital and functional outcomes at 3 months were relatively better in our study. Conclusions: The use of low-dose alteplase resulted in similar outcomes when comparing acute BAO and MCO patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: We retrospectively analyzed factors related to the outcomes of patients with basilar artery occlusion. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with basilar artery occlusion admitted to our hospital within 24 hours after onset between April 2007 and December 2010 were included. We investigated parameters related to outcome, such as coexisting disease, clinical type, clinical severity at admission, the site of occlusion and the infarction lesion, the collateral flow from posterior communicating artery, therapy, and time to therapy after onset. Results: Of 28 patients with basilar artery occlusion, good outcomes occurred in 6 patients (21%) and poor outcomes occurred in 22 patients (79%). Clinical severity on admission was significantly different between the 2 groups. Three of 5 patients with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty achieved recanalization. Two of 3 cases with recanalization resulted in poor outcomes. Conclusions: Clinical severity on admission was the determinant factor of functional prognosis in patients with basilar artery occlusion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recanalization of acute atherothrombotic vertebrobasilar occlusions is a challenging neuroendovascular procedure. A long angiographic occlusion frequently overestimates the true extent of occlusive plaque. We propose the novel use of the Solitaire stent (ev3 Endovascular, Plymouth, MN, USA) as an adjuvant device in the endovascular management of acute atherothrombotic vertebrobasilar occlusions and present our experience. A self-expanding Solitaire stent is fully deployed, but not detached, along the entire occluded segment, from normal-to-normal arterial segment, to obtain a transient endovascular bypass effect and to obtain clear depiction of the true extent and characteristics of the complicated plaque. The Solitaire stent is then retrieved and a stent with greater radial force and lower porosity is deployed across the occlusion to achieve full revascularization of the vertebral and basilar arteries and branches. This technique allows early revascularization (transient endovascular bypass) and permits a clear definition of the underlying plaque, a crucial step for a safe angioplasty. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Stroke caused by acute occlusion of basilar artery (AOBA) produces high risk of death. In eligible patients, thrombolysis significantly reduces mortality and disability rate. In most hospitals, thrombolysis is limited to intravenous (IV) route of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, without any therapeutic alternative in cases of treatment failure. We report a case of cardioembolic AOBA, not responsive to a conventional regimen of IV recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. A sequential combination of IV tenecteplase (0.4 mg/kg) led to a complete recanalization of basilar artery, with a very good clinical outcome. The potential for a combination of two successive IV regimens should be evaluated in AOBA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: Optimal blood pressure (BP) management in vertebrobasilar circulation stroke patients undergoing thrombectomy remains undetermined. We aimed to evaluate the impact of perioperative BP on clinical outcome after MT in acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) patients.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive patients hospitalized with acute basilar artery occlusion administered endovascular treatment within 24 h from January 2012 to July 2018 in Beijing Tiantan Hospital. BP was measured at regular intervals during the first 24 h after stroke onset, during and after thrombectomy. The clinical outcomes assessed at 3-month follow up were functional independence (mRS score of 0-2) and mortality (mRS score of 6).Results: Of the 187 treated patients, 157 were male; patient ages were 60±10 years. The median NIHSS on admission was 22. Totally in 179 patients had complete BP level assessment. In these individuals, univariate analysis revealed significant associations of postoperative Max SBP and Max MAP with mortality (all P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis also demonstrated that postoperative Max SBP (OR=0.964, 95% CI 0.941 to 0.987, P < 0.003) and Max MAP (OR=0.942, 95% CI 0.907 to 0.979, P < 0.002) were independent predictors of mortality.Conclusions: In acute BAO patients administered thrombectomy, Max SBP between 120 and 160 mmHg may be associated with better outcome, with a trend of reduced risk of mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a condition producing high rates of morbidity and mortality. Intravenous thrombolysis or intra-arterial thrombolysis are therapeutic options; however, the clinical outcomes remain poor. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate feasibility, safety, and efficacy of emergency stent placement following intra-arterial thrombolysis for patients with acute BAO. Thirty-six consecutive patients were treated for acute BAO using intra-arterial therapy from September 2004 to October 2009. Nine patients, with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score ranging from 8 to 12, underwent emergency stent placement following inadequate revascularization after thrombolysis. Neurological status prior to treatment was evaluated using the GCS score. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 90days post-treatment were used to assess functional outcome and we reviewed clinical records for frequency of procedure-related complications. Stents were deployed at the target lesion in all patients. Successful revascularization was achieved in eight of nine (88.9%) patients (residual stenosis <50%). The median GCS score prior to thrombolysis was 9 (range: 6–12) and prior to stent placement was 10 (range: 8–12). Four patients (44.4%) achieved good outcomes as determined by the mRS scale (0–2 at 90days). Mortality was 33.3% in all procedures with one patient (11.1%) experiencing acute intrastent thrombus formation. No patient developed symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Data from our small case series demonstrates that emergency stent placement following intra-arterial thrombolysis is a feasible treatment for patients with acute BAO and may reduce mortality and prevent re-occlusion of the basilar artery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Purpose: We hypothesized that the relationships between treatments and outcomes in acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) are different, depending on the severity of initial neurological deficits.Methods: Of 2420 ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion in a prospective, multicenter registry in Japan, patients with acute BAO were enrolled. Subjects were divided into two severity groups according to the baseline NIH Stroke Scale score: severe (≥10) and mild (<10) groups. The primary effectiveness outcome was favorable outcome, defined as modified Rankin Scale score 0-3 at 3 months. Safety outcomes included any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) within 72 h. Outcomes in each group were compared between patients who received endovascular therapy (EVT) and those with standard medical treatment (SMT).Results: In this study, 167 patients (52 female; median age 75 years) were analyzed. The favorable outcome was seen in 93 patients (56%) overall. In the severe group (n = 128), the proportion of favorable outcome was higher in patients who received EVT (60/111, 54%) than those with SMT (2/17, 12%, P < 0.01). In the mild group (n = 39), the rates of favorable outcome were comparable between the EVT (13/18, 72%) and SMT patients (18/21, 86%, P = 0.43). No significant differences in the rates of any ICH were seen among any groups.Conclusions: In acute BAO stroke with severe neurological deficit, independent ambulation was more frequently seen in patients who received EVT than those with SMT. Patients with mild neurological deficits showed similar rates of independent ambulation between the two treatment selections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A 77-year-old female suddenly became comatose. Examination at the emergency room revealed stable vital signs and bilateral positive plantar reflexes but absent brainstem reflexes. Basilar artery occlusion was initially diagnosed and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator was administered. However, her blood pressure dropped after thrombolysis. A chest CT scan showed aortic dissection extending to the bilateral common carotid arteries. Her follow-up brain CT scan disclosed infarctions over bilateral carotid territories without brainstem involvement. Aortic dissection should be listed as a possible diagnosis in a patient who presents with a sudden coma mimicking basilar artery occlusion. Detailed clinical examination and discussion might lead to the correct diagnosis and avoid inadvertent thrombolysis in the emergency room. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Acute basilar artery occlusion is associated with poor outcome. In a few cases, occlusion occurs over a period allowing adequate collateral circulation to the posterior fossa. We describe a rare presentation with transient loss of consciousness (LOC) in a patient with extensive occlusion of the posterior circulation. Methods Case report. Results We describe a 70-year-old right-handed man with a history significant for atrial fibrillation and dolichoectasia of the basilar artery. Fourteen years ago, he had a small infarction in the pons resulting in right hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance angiogram at that time showed mild intracranial atherosclerosis. He was treated with warfarin for secondary stroke prevention. He presented to our emergency department after a witnessed spell of LOC after a large meal. On regaining consciousness, he had 2 episodes of emesis. Examination revealed only a spastic right hemiparesis from the old stroke in the pons. Cerebral angiogram showed absent flow in the mid and distal basilar arteries, both posterior cerebral arteries, and both posterior communicating arteries with bilateral stenoses of internal carotid arteries. His international normalized ratio in the emergency department was 1.1. He was treated with intravenous heparin and did well. Three months later, he underwent stent treatment of the worsening stenosis (90%) of the right internal carotid artery. Conclusions Occasionally, collateral circulation has the potential to maintain adequate perfusion to the posterior fossa in severe cases of posterior circulation occlusion and diffuse intracranial atherosclerotic disease. Careful patient selection is essential before planning any endovascular intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe a case of recanalization of a basilar artery occlusion with intravenous (IV) tenecteplase. Case: A 74-year-old man with a history of cardiomyopathy presented to an outside hospital with acute vertigo, dysarthria, gaze deviation, and ataxia. Computerized tomography arteriography demonstrated occlusion of the proximal basilar artery. IV tissue plasminogen activator was ordered; however, the patient received a cardiac dose of IV tenecteplase. The patient was transferred to our facility, whereby symptoms resolved, and repeat computerized tomography arteriography displayed recanalization of the basilar artery. Conclusions: Tenecteplase has enhanced biochemical and pharmacokinetic properties that may be ideal for treatment of basilar artery occlusion and should be further investigated in a randomized clinical trial. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]