Search

BackgroundPrior studies on rupture risk of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in women undergoing pregnancy and delivery have reported conflicting findings, but also have not accounted for AVM morphology and heterogeneity. Here, we assess the association between pregnancy and the risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in women with AVMs using a cohort-crossover design in which each woman serves as her own control.MethodsWomen who underwent pregnancy and delivery were identified using DRG codes from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases for California (2005–2011), Florida (2005–2014), and New York (2005–2014). The presence of AVM and ICH was determined using ICD 9 codes. Pregnancy was defined as the 40 weeks prior to delivery, and postpartum as 12 weeks after. We defined a non-exposure control period as a 52-week period prior to pregnancy. The relative risks of ICH during pregnancy were compared against the non-exposure period using conditional Poisson regression.ResultsAmong 4 022 811 women identified with an eligible delivery hospitalization (median age, 28 years; 7.3% with gestational diabetes; 4.5% with preeclampsia/eclampsia), 568 (0.014%) had an AVM. The rates of ICH during pregnancy and puerperium were 6355.4 (95% CI 4279.4 to 8431.5) and 14.4 (95% CI 13.3 to 15.6) per 100 000 person-years for women with and without AVM, respectively. In cohort-crossover analysis, in women with AVMs the risk of ICH increased 3.27-fold (RR, 95% CI 1.67 to 6.43) during pregnancy and puerperium compared with a non-pregnant period.ConclusionsAmong women with AVM, pregnancy and puerperium were associated with a greater than 3-fold risk of ICH.

BackgroundThe likelihood of retreatment in patients undergoing procedures for cerebral aneurysms (CAs) has an important role in deciding the optimal treatment type. Existing determinations of retreatment rates, particularly for unruptured CAs, may not represent current clinical practice.ObjectiveTo use population-level data to examine a large cohort of patients with treated CAs over a 10-year period to estimate retreatment rates for both ruptured and unruptured CAs and explore the effect of changing treatment practices.MethodsWe used administrative data from all non-federal hospitalizations in California (2005–2011) and Florida (2005–2014) and identified patients with treated CAs. Surgical clipping (SC) and endovascular treatments (ETs) were defined by corresponding procedure codes and an accompanying code for ruptured or unruptured CA. Retreatment was defined as subsequent SC or ET.ResultsAmong 19 482 patients with treated CAs, ET was performed in 12 007 (62%) patients and SC in 7475 (38%). 9279 (48%) patients underwent treatment for unruptured CAs and 10203 (52%) for ruptured. Retreatment after 90 days occurred in 1624 (8.3%) patients (11.2% vs 3.7%, ET vs SC). Retreatment rates for SC were greater in unruptured than in ruptured aneurysms (4.6% vs 3.1%), but the opposite was true for ET (10.6% vs 11.8%). 85% of retreatments were within 2 years of the index treatment. Retreatment was associated with age (OR=0.99, 95% CI 0.98 to 0.99), female sex (OR=1.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.7), Hispanic versus white race (OR=0.86, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.98), and ET versus SC (OR=3.25, 95% CI 2.85 to 3.71). The adjusted 2-year retreatment rate decreased from 2005 to 2012 for patients with unruptured CAs treated with ET (11% to 8%).ConclusionsRetreatment rates for CAs treated with ET were greater than those for SC. However, for patients with unruptured CAs treated with ET, we identify a continuous decline in retreatment rate over the past decade.

Objective Following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral vasospasm/delayed cerebral ischemia accounts for significant morbidity and mortality. In this paper we provide the first glimpse of actual practice in the management of cerebral vasospasm in the USA. Methods All active members of the Joint American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)/Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Cerebrovascular Section were emailed the survey. The responses were collected anonymously. Results The response rate for this survey was 44% (177 responses/400 total members). Non-responders were characterized by the fact that multiple responders were not obtained from practices that had multiple providers with uniform practice. Both high-volume and low-volume centers were equally represented. Optimizing medical management is first-line treatment in practice. Although there is some variability regarding screening methods, the greatest variability occurs with regard to the choice of intra-arterial treatment drug and dose. There is also considerable variability in the perceived effectiveness of endovascular treatment for vasospasm. Conclusions In this preliminary glimpse of actual cerebral vasospasm management practice in the USA, two salient points emerge: (1) there is considerable variability in intra-arterial therapies for vasospasm; and (2) there are major differences in the perceived effectiveness of these therapies. Standardization of intra-arterial therapies may contribute to improved outcomes. A prospective randomized trial evaluating endovascular treatment for cerebral vasospasm is needed.

BackgroundTime to reperfusion following endovascular treatment (ET) predicts outcomes after acute ischemic stroke (AIS).ObjectiveTo assess the time–outcome relationship within reperfusion grades in the North American Solitaire Acute Stroke registry.MethodsWe identified patients given ET for anterior circulation ischemic stroke within 8 h from onset and in whom reperfusion was achieved. Together with clinical and outcome data, site-adjudicated modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia (TICI) was recorded. We assessed the impact of time to reperfusion (onset to procedure completion time) on good outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0–2 at 3 months) in patients who achieved TICI 2 or higher reperfusion in multivariable models. We further assessed this relationship within strata of reperfusion grades. A pResultsIndependent predictors of good outcome at 3 months among those achieving TICI ≥2a reperfusion (n=188) were initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (adjusted OR=0.90, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.95), symptomatic hemorrhage (adj. OR=0.16, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.60), TICI grade (TICI 3: adj. OR=11.52, 95% CI 3.34 to 39.77; TICI 2b: adj. OR=5.14, 95% CI 1.61 to 16.39), and time to reperfusion per 30 min interval (adj. OR=0.91, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.99). There was an interaction between final TICI grade and 30 min time to reperfusion intervals (p=0.001) such that the effect of time was strongest in TICI 2a patients.ConclusionsTime to reperfusion was a strong predictor of outcome following ET for AIS. However, the effect varied by TICI grade such that its greatest effect was in those achieving TICI 2a reperfusion.

BackgroundMechanical thrombectomy with stent-retrievers results in higher recanalization rates compared with previous devices. Despite successful recanalization rates (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score ≥2b) of 70–83%, good outcomes by 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤2 are achieved in only 40–55% of patients. We evaluated predictors of poor outcomes (mRS >2) despite successful recanalization (TICI ≥2b) in the North American Solitaire Stent Retriever Acute Stroke (NASA) registry.MethodsLogistic regression was used to evaluate baseline characteristics and recanalization outcomes for association with 90-day mRS score of 0–2 (good outcome) vs 3–6 (poor outcome). Univariate tests were carried out for all factors. A multivariable model was developed based on backwards selection from the factors with at least marginal significance (p≤0.10) on univariate analysis with the retention criterion set at p≤0.05. The model was refit to minimize the number of cases excluded because of missing covariate values; the c-statistic was a measure of predictive power.ResultsOf 354 patients, 256 (72.3%) were recanalized successfully. Based on 234 recanalized patients evaluated for 90-day mRS score, 116 (49.6%) had poor outcomes. Univariate analysis identified an increased risk of poor outcome for age ≥80 years, occlusion site of internal carotid artery (ICA)/basilar artery, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥18, history of diabetes mellitus, TICI 2b, use of rescue therapy, not using a balloon-guided catheter or intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV t-PA), and >30 min to recanalization (p≤0.05). In multivariable analysis, age ≥80 years, occlusion site ICA/basilar, initial NIHSS score ≥18, diabetes, absence of IV t-PA, ≥3 passes, and use of rescue therapy were significant independent predictors of poor 90-day outcome in a model with good predictive power (c-index=0.80).ConclusionsAge, occlusion site, high NIHSS, diabetes, no IV t-PA, ≥3 passes, and use of rescue therapy are associated with poor 90-day outcome despite successful recanalization.

BackgroundLimited post-marketing data exist on the use of the Solitaire FR device in clinical practice. The North American Solitaire Stent Retriever Acute Stroke (NASA) registry aimed to assess the real world performance of the Solitaire FR device in contrast with the results from the SWIFT (Solitaire with the Intention for Thrombectomy) and TREVO 2 (Trevo versus Merci retrievers for thrombectomy revascularization of large vessel occlusions in acute ischemic stroke) trials.MethodsThe investigator initiated NASA registry recruited North American sites to submit retrospective angiographic and clinical outcome data on consecutive acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with the Solitaire FR between March 2012 and February 2013. The primary outcome was a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Ischemia (TIMI) score of ≥2 or a Treatment in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score of ≥2a. Secondary outcomes were 90 day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.Results354 patients underwent treatment for AIS using the Solitaire FR device in 24 centers. Mean time from onset to groin puncture was 363.4±239 min, mean fluoroscopy time was 32.9±25.7 min, and mean procedure time was 100.9±57.8 min. Recanalization outcome: TIMI ≥2 rate of 83.3% (315/354) and TICI ≥2a rate of 87.5% (310/354) compared with the operator reported TIMI ≥2 rate of 83% in SWIFT and TICI ≥2a rate of 85% in TREVO 2. Clinical outcome: 42% (132/315) of NASA patients demonstrated a 90 day mRS ≤2 compared with 37% (SWIFT) and 40% (TREVO 2). 90 day mortality was 30.2% (95/315) versus 17.2% (SWIFT) and 29% (TREVO 2).ConclusionsThe NASA registry demonstrated that the Solitaire FR device performance in clinical practice is comparable with the SWIFT and TREVO 2 trial results.

Background Advances in acute ischemic stroke mechanical thrombectomy devices have led to increased expectations of their safety and efficacy results. Objective To describe a new measure for the newer generation stroke thrombectomy devices, the First Pass Effect (FPE), defined as achieving thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia (TICI) score of 3 from the first pass, without the use of rescue therapy. In addition, a second objective was to assess if achieving TICI2b only with FP (FPE-TICI2b only) yielded similar results as FPE-TICI3 or non-FPE-TICI3 or non-FPE-TICI2b. The influence of FPE on clinical outcome, and its frequency and predictors was evaluated in the North American Solitaire Acute stroke (NASA) registry. Methods The FPE group was identified from the NASA multicenter registry database. Baseline features and clinical outcomeswere compared between the FPE group and the rest of the cohort. Subsequently, two multivariate analyzes were performed to identify if FPE is an independent predictor of clinical outcome and to identify the predictors of FPE. Furthermore, we assessed the difference between FPE and achieving other revascularization grades such as non-FPE-TICI3, FPE-TICI2b, and non-FPE-TICI2b scores. Clinical outcomes were mRS0–2 at 90 days, NIH stroke severity scale, mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Results A total of 354 patients from 24 US centers were included in the NASA registry. The FPE was achieved in 89/354 (25.1%). Baseline demographics were comparable between FPE and the rest of the cohort, except that the FPE population had less octogenarians (34.6% vs. 65.4%), more woman (60.7% vs. 47.2%), and more Caucasians (83% vs. 71.2%). Baseline NIHSS and time from onset to groin puncture did not differ among the two groups. Angiographic features demonstrated more MCA occlusion (64% vs. 52.7%) and less ICA occlusion (10.1% vs. 27.7%) in the FPE group. Technical factors associated with FPE were limited to BGC use (64.8% vs. 36.8%), with no difference with use of IV-tPA, IA-tPA, or General Anesthesia. Multivariate analysis demonstrated use of BGC, no ICA occlusion, MCA occlusion, female gender, and white race as independent predictors of FPE. Clinical outcome measured with mRS 0–2 at 90 days was seen in 61.3%, 52.4%, 44.7%, and 39.1% with FPE-TICI3, FPE-TICI 2b, non-FPE-TICI3, and non-FPE-TICI2b, respectively. sICH was seen less frequently in FPE (5.6%,11.6%, 9.6%, and 12.9% in FPE-TICI3, FPE-TICI2b, non-FPE-TICI3,and non-FPE-TICI2b, respectively). Ninety days mortality was 16.3%, 31.0%, 27.7%, and 29.7% with FPE-TICI3, FPE-TICI2b, non-FPE-TICI3, and non-FPE-TICI2b, respectively. Conclusions The First Pass Effect was seen in 25.1% of NASA post-marketing registry patients and is the most powerful predictor of clinical outcome with best safety results. FPE is more commonly seen in white patients, MCA occlusion, and balloon guide catheter use; however, ICA terminus occlusion seems to be resistant to FPE. The FPE may also be related to gender, race, and age. Further research is needed to better understand the FPE and to guide future technical advances. Disclosures O. Zaidat: 1; C; Covidien, Stryker. 2; C; Covidien, Stryker. A. Castonguay: None. R. Gupta: None. C. Sun: None. C. Martin: None. W. Holloway: None. N. Mueller-Kronast: None. J. English: None. I. Linfante: None. G. Dabus: None. T. Malisch: None. F. Marden: None. H. Bozorgchami: None. A. Xavier: None. A. Rai: None. M. Froehler: None. A. Badruddin: None. T. Nguyen: None. M. Taqi: None. M. Abraham: None. V. Janardhan: None. H. Shaltoni: None. R. Novakovic: None. A. Yoo: None. A. Abou-Chebl: None. P. Chen: None. G. Britz: None. R. Kaushal: None. A. Nanda: None. R. Nogueira: None.

Introduction Efficient and timely recanalisation is an important goal in acute stroke endovascular therapy. Several studies have shown improved recanalisation and clinical outcomes with the Stentriever devices compared to the MERCI device. The goal of this study was to evaluate the role of the balloon guide catheter and recanalisation success in a sub-study of the North American Solitaire Stent-Retriever Acute Stroke Registry (NASA). Methods The investigator-initiated NASA Registry recruited 24 clinical sites in North America to submit demographic, clinical, site-adjudicated angiographic and clinical outcome data on consecutive patients treated with the Solitaire FR device (Covidien). Balloon guide catheter was used at the discretion of the treating physicians. Results There were 354 patients included in this study. Data of BGC use was not reported in 16 patients, leaving 338 patients in this sub-analysis, of which 149 (44%) had placement of the BGC. Mean age was 67.3+15.2 years and median NIHSS was 18. Patients with BGC had more hypertension (82% vs 73%; p=0.05), atrial fibrillation (51% vs 33%; p=0.001) and were more commonly administered tPA (51% vs 39%; p=0.02) compared to patients without BGC. Time from symptom onset to groin puncture and number of passes were similar between the two groups. Procedure time was shorter in patients with BGC (120 vs 161 minutes, p=0.02) and less rescue therapy was used in patients with BGC (20% vs 28.6%, p=0.05). TICI 2b/3, TICI 3 recanalisation was higher in patients with BGC compared to patients without (TICI 2b/3: 75% vs 70%; TICI 3 53% vs 32.5% p>0.001). Distal emboli and emboli in new territory were similar between the two groups. Discharge NIHSS (mean 12 vs 17.5; p=0.002) and good clinical outcome at 3 months were superior in patients with BGC compared to patients without (51.6% vs 35.8%; p=0.02). In multivariate analysis, initial NIHSS, use of general anaesthesia and BGC were independent predictors of good clinical outcome. Conclusion Use of a balloon guide catheter with the Solitaire Stent retriever in acute ischaemic stroke results in superior recanalisation results, faster procedure time, decreased need for rescue therapy, and improved clinical outcome. Disclosures T. Nguyen: 2; C; Penumbra, THERAPY Trial DSMB/ CEC. T. Malisch: None. A. Castonguay: None. R. Gupta: None. C. Sun: None. C. Martin: None. W. Holloway: None. N. Mueller-Kronast: None. I. Linfante: None. G. Dabus: None. F. Marden: None. H. Bozorgchami: None. A. Xavier: None. A. Rai: None. A. Badruddin: None. M. Taqi: None. M. Abraham: None. H. Shaltoni: None. V. Janardhan: None. A. Abou Chebl: None. P. Chen: None. A. Yoo: None. R. Nogueira: None. A. Norbash: None. O. Zaidat: None.

Introduction/Purpose The recent results of the SWIFT and TREVO-2 trials demonstrated better recanalisation and efficacy rates with mechanical thrombectomy; however, its efficacy in the elderly population is poorly understood. Here, we report the effect of age on clinical and angiographic outcome within the North American SOLITAIRE-FR Stent-Retriever Acute Stroke (NASA) Registry. Methods The investigator-initiated NASA Registry recruited sites within North America to submit data on consecutive patients treated with Solitaire-FR. Good clinical outcome was defined as a 90-day mRS ≤2. Successful recanalisation was defined as TIMI ≥2. SICH was defined as any parenchymal haematoma, SAH, or IVH associated with a worsening of the NIHSS score by 4 or more within 24 hours. Age influence on outcomes was assessed by comparing the means between outcomes and dichotomising the age into ≤80 or ≥80 years of age. A standard medical care cohort was not available for comparison in this study. Results 343 patients underwent treatment using the SOLITAIRE-FR device in 24 centres. The mean age for those with good clinical outcome at 90 days was 64.9 ± 15 versus 69.2 ± 14.4 years (P=0.02). Only 26.6% (17/64) of patients >80 years of age had a 90-day mRS ≤ 2 versus 45.3% (111/245) of those ≤80 years of age (p=0.007, OR 1.34, 95%CI 1.2-1.6). Mortality was 42.2% (27/64) and 27.4% (67/245) in the >80 and ≤80 age groups, respectively. No difference in good outcome or mortality between female and males was observed in this population (90-day mRS≤ 2 was 41.3% (62/150) with mortality of 28% (42/150) versus 42.1% (69/164) with mortality of 32.3% (53/164) in females and males, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis (adjusting for age, sex, race, baseline-NIHSS, occlusion site, initial BP, time from symptoms onset to groin puncture, and revascularisation), showed age, baseline-NIHSS, initial systolic blood pressure and revascularisation status as an independent predictors of both good outcome and mortality. Conclusions In the NASA registry, patients >80 years of age who were treated with the Solitaire-FR device demonstrated a significantly lower rate of good clinical outcome and increased mortality at 90-days, compared to the those in the ≤ 80 years of age group. Disclosures A. Castonguay: None. R. Gupta: None. R. Nogueira: None. C. Martin: None. W. Holloway: None. N. Mueller-Kronast: None. T. Malisch: None. F. Marden: None. H. Bozorgchami: None. A. Xavier: None. A. Rai: None. A. Badruddin: None. M. Taqi: None. I. Linfante: None. G. Dabus: None. M. Abraham: None. H. Shaltoni: None. V. Janardhan: None. T. Nguyen: None. A. Abou-Chebl: None. P. Chen: None. A. Yoo: None. G. Britz: None. A. Nanda: None. O. Zaidat: None.

Introduction/Purpose IMS3 demonstrated no significant difference between treatment with IV-rtPA alone or IV-rtPA plus IA therapy. However, the trial included only earlier generations of thrombectomy devices and did not evaluate the efficacy of newer devices. Here, we present data on an “IMS-III-Like group” from The North American SOLITAIRE Acute Stroke (NASA) Registry, a repository database of the newer generation Solitaire Stent-retriever. An exploratory analysis was performed to compare these results to the IMS3 IV and IV/IA groups. Materials and Methods The investigator-initiated NASA Registry recruited sites to submit data on consecutive patients treated with Solitaire-FR. A cohort similar to the IMS-III IV-rtPA+Solitaire-FR population (NASA-IMS3 Matched Group (NIMG)) was identified and compared to the recently published results of the IMS3 IV and IV/IA groups. Good clinical outcome was defined as a 90-day mRS ≤2. Successful recanalisation was defined as TIMI ≥2. SICH was defined as any parenchymal haematoma, SAH, or IVH associated with a worsening of the NIHSS score by 4 or more within 24 hours. Results 354 acute ischaemic stroke patients were enrolled in the NASA Registry from 24 centres. The cohorts were comprised of: 156 NIMG versus 434 and 222 in the IMS3 IV/IA and IV only groups, respectively. Baseline demographics were similar between cohorts: Median age 70 (NIMG); 69 (IMS3 IV/IA); 70 (IMS3 IV). Initial median NIHSS was higher in NIMG (19) compared to the IMS3 IV/IA (17) and IMS3 IV groups (18). mTICI > 2b rate was 69.9% in NIMG versus 39.6% in the IMS III IV/IA. Interestingly, mTICI 3 rate was 41% in NIMG vs 2.2% in the IMS III IV/IA group. The 90-day mRS outcome was available in 88.5% (138/156) of NIMG patients. A good outcome of mRS?2 was demonstrated in 51.5% (71/138), compared to 40.8% (169/415) in IMS3 IV/IA and 38.7% (83/215) in IM3 IV alone groups. 90-day mortality was 24.6% in NIMG versus 19.1% and 21.6% in IMS3 IV/IA and IV alone groups, respectively. Conclusion In the NASA registry, the NASA-IMS3 Matched Group (NIMG) demonstrated a higher rate of good clinical outcome (51.5%) compared to the IMS3 IV/IA (40.8%) and IV alone (34.6%) groups. Disclosures R. Nogueira: None. A. Castonguay: None. R. Gupta: None. C. Sun: None. C. Martin: None. W. Holloway: None. N. Mueller-Kronast: None. J. English: None. I. Linfante: None. G. Dabus: None. T. Malisch: None. H. Bozorgchami: None. A. Xavier: None. A. Rai: None. M. Froehler: None. A. Badruddin: None. T. Nguyen: None. M. Taqi: None. M. Abraham: None. V. Janardhan: None. H. Shaltoni: None. A. Yoo: None. A. Abou-Chebl: None. P. Chen: None. O. Zaidat: None.