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OBJECTIVE Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are antihypertensive agents with potential vascular protection effects. This study investigated whether CCB usage was associated with a lower incidence of unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) instability (growth and rupture) in patients with hypertension. METHODS UIA patients were included in two prospective, multicenter cohort studies (IARP-CP and 100-Project cohorts). All patients received conservative treatment and were regularly followed up every 6 months by CT angiography for 2 years. Patients taking CCBs at least 5 days per week were considered CCB users; otherwise, they were considered non-CCB users. The primary endpoint was UIA instability (rupture, growth of > 20% and/or 1 mm in any dimension, or appearance of a new dome irregularity on imaging follow-up). RESULTS A total of 392 UIA patients with hypertension (191 male, 201 female; median age 57 years) were included with a mean follow-up duration of 21.7 ± 5.2 months. The primary endpoint was met in 81 patients (20.7%) during follow-up, including 68 patients with aneurysms that grew and 13 with aneurysms that ruptured. CCB users had a lower UIA instability rate than non-CCB users (27/237 [11.4%] vs 54/155 [34.8%], p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox analysis demonstrated that CCB use was associated with a lower risk of UIA instability (HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.22–0.61; p < 0.001). The protective effect of CCB use was consistent in patients taking a single antihypertensive agent (HR 0.22, 95% CI 0.12–0.40; p < 0.001) and patients taking > 1 antihypertensive agent (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.20–0.87; p = 0.021). For patients with controlled hypertension, CCB use was still associated with a lower risk of UIA instability (HR 0.22, 95% CI 0.09–0.52; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In UIA patients with hypertension, CCB use was associated with a lower incidence of aneurysm instability.

OBJECTIVE Flow diverters have revolutionized the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Here, the authors present the first large-scale North American multicenter experience using the Flow Redirection Endoluminal Device (FRED) in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. METHODS Consecutive cerebral aneurysms treated with FRED at 7 North American centers between June 2020 and November 2021 were included. Data collected included patient demographic characteristics, aneurysm characteristics, periprocedural and long-term complications, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, and radiological follow-up. RESULTS In total, 133 aneurysms in 116 patients were treated with 123 FRED deployment procedures and included in this study. One hundred twenty-six aneurysms (94.7%) were unruptured, 117 (88.0%) saccular, and 123 (92.5%) located in anterior circulation. The mean (range) aneurysm maximal width and neck width sizes were 7.2 (1.5–42.5) mm and 4.1 (1.0–15.1) mm, respectively. Successful FRED deployment was achieved in 122 procedures (99.2%). Adjunctive coiling was used in 4 procedures (3.3%). Radiological follow-up was available for 101 aneurysms at a median duration of 7.0 months. At last follow-up, complete occlusion was observed in 55.4% of patients, residual neck in 8.9%, and filling aneurysm in 35.6%; among cases with radiological follow-up duration > 10 months, these values were 21/43 (48.8%), 3/43 (7.0%), and 19/43 (44.2%), respectively. On multivariate regression analysis, age (OR 0.93, p = 0.001) and aneurysm neck size (OR 0.83, p = 0.048) were negatively correlated with odds of complete occlusion at latest follow-up. The retreatment rate was 6/124 (4.8%). The overall complication rate was 31/116 (26.7%). Parent vessel occlusion, covered branch occlusion, and in-stent stenosis were detected in 9/99 (9.1%), 6/63 (9.5%), and 15/99 (15.2%) cases, respectively. The FRED-related, symptomatic, thromboembolic, and hemorrhagic complication rates were 22.4%, 12.9%, 6.9%, and 0.9% respectively. The morbidity rate was 10/116 patients (8.6%). There was 1 death due to massive periprocedural internal carotid artery stroke, and 3.6% of the patients had an mRS score > 2 at the last follow-up (vs 0.9% at baseline). CONCLUSIONS As the first large-scale North American multicenter FRED experience, this study confirmed the ease of successful FRED deployment but suggested lower efficacy and a higher rate of complications than reported by previous European and South American studies on FRED and other flow-diverting devices. The authors recommend judicious use of this device until future studies can better elucidate the long-term outcomes of FRED treatment.

To determine the effectiveness of the modified Frailty Index-5 (mFI-5) in predicting postoperative functional outcome after microsurgical resection of ruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs).A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing microsurgical resection of acutely ruptured bAVMs. Demographics, bAVM characteristics, mFI-5, Ruptured Arteriovenous Malformation Grading Scale (RAGS) score, and Spetzler-Martin (S-M) grade were recorded. Predictive ability of mFI-5 for postoperative functional outcome measured by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was assessed with univariate and multivariate logistic and linear regression. RAGS score and S-M grade alone were compared with adding mFI-5 to either RAGS score or S-M grade using area under the curve (AUC) analysis.In total, 109 patients were included. For every 1-point increase in mFI-5, there was a lower likelihood of good functional outcome (mRS score ≤2; odds ratio [OR], 0.33; confidence interval [CI], 0.15-0.60; P = 0.011). Healthy patients (mFI-5 = 0) were more likely to have good postoperative outcomes versus frail patients (mFI-5 ≥1) (OR, 3.32; CI, 1.24-8.97; P = 0.017). In multivariate analysis controlling for RAGS score, for every 1-point mFI-5 increase, there was a decreased likelihood of postoperative good functional outcome (OR, 0.32; CI, 0.14-0.63; P = 0.0026) and mFI-5 did not significantly predict secondary outcomes. S-M grade with mFI-5 showed better discrimination for postoperative good functional outcome (AUC 0.616), compared with S-M grade alone (AUC 0.544). RAGS score with mFI-5 showed the best discrimination for postoperative good functional outcome (AUC 0.798), compared with RAGS score alone (AUC 0.721).Measuring frailty with mFI-5 additive to established bAVM grading systems may improve assessment of individual patient likelihood of postoperative good functional outcome after hemorrhagic bAVM resection.

OBJECTIVE Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) most commonly present with rupture and intraparenchymal hemorrhage. In rare cases, the hemorrhage is large enough to cause clinical herniation or intractable intracranial hypertension. Patients in these cases require emergent surgical decompression as a life-saving measure. The surgeon must decide whether to perform concurrent or delayed resection of the bAVM. Theoretical benefits to concurrent resection include a favorable operative corridor created by the hematoma, avoiding a second surgery, and more rapid recovery and rehabilitation. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical and surgical outcomes of patients who had undergone concurrent emergent decompression and bAVM resection with those of patients who had undergone delayed bAVM resection. METHODS The authors conducted a 15-year retrospective review of consecutive patients who had undergone microsurgical resection of a ruptured bAVM at their institution. Patients presenting in clinical herniation or with intractable intracranial hypertension were included and grouped according to the timing of bAVM resection: concurrent with decompression (hyperacute group) or separate resection surgery after decompression (delayed group). Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Groups were compared in terms of the primary outcomes of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) lengths of stay (LOSs). Secondary outcomes included complete obliteration (CO), Glasgow Coma Scale score, and modified Rankin Scale score at discharge and at the most recent follow-up. RESULTS A total of 35/269 reviewed patients met study inclusion criteria; 18 underwent concurrent decompression and resection (hyperacute group) and 17 patients underwent emergent decompression only with later resection of the bAVM (delayed group). Hyperacute and delayed groups differed only in the proportion that underwent preresection endovascular embolization (16.7% vs 76.5%, respectively; p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the hyperacute and delayed groups in hospital LOS (26.1 vs 33.2 days, respectively; p = 0.93) or ICU LOS (10.6 vs 16.1 days, respectively; p = 0.69). Rates of CO were also comparable (78% vs 88%, respectively; p > 0.99). Medical complications were similar in the two groups (33% hyperacute vs 41% delayed, p > 0.99). Short-term clinical outcomes were better for the delayed group based on mRS score at discharge (4.2 vs 3.2, p < 0.05); however, long-term outcomes were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Ruptured bAVM rarely presents in clinical herniation requiring surgical decompression and hematoma evacuation. Concurrent surgical decompression and resection of a ruptured bAVM can be performed on low-grade lesions without compromising LOS or long-term functional outcome; however, the surgeon may encounter a more challenging surgical environment.

Background and purpose Previous studies suggest that mechanisms and outcomes in patients with COVID-19-associated stroke differ from those in patients with non-COVID-19-associated strokes, but there is limited comparative evidence focusing on these populations. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine if a significant association exists between COVID-19 status with revascularization and functional outcomes following thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion (LVO), after adjustment for potential confounding factors. Methods A cross-sectional, international multicenter retrospective study was conducted in consecutively admitted COVID-19 patients with concomitant acute LVO, compared to a control group without COVID-19. Data collected included age, gender, comorbidities, clinical characteristics, details of the involved vessels, procedural technique, and various outcomes. A multivariable-adjusted analysis was conducted. Results In this cohort of 697 patients with acute LVO, 302 had COVID-19 while 395 patients did not. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the mean age (in years) and gender of patients, with younger patients and more males in the COVID-19 group. In terms of favorable revascularization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [mTICI] grade 3), COVID-19 was associated with lower odds of complete revascularization (odds ratio 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-0.48; p < 0.001), which persisted on multivariable modeling with adjustment for other predictors (adjusted odds ratio 0.30, 95% CI 0.12-0.77; p = 0.012). Moreover, endovascular complications, in-hospital mortality, and length of hospital stay were significantly higher among COVID-19 patients (p < 0.001). Conclusion COVID-19 was an independent predictor of incomplete revascularization and poor functional outcome in patients with stroke due to LVO. Furthermore, COVID-19 patients with LVO were more often younger and had higher morbidity/mortality rates.

Cerebral aneurysms are a serious clinical challenge, with ∼half resulting in death or disability. Treatment via endovascular coiling significantly reduces the chances of rupture, but the technique has failure rates between 25-40%. This presents a pressing need to develop a method for determining optimal coil deployment strategies. Quantification of aneurysm hemodynamics through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has the potential to significantly improve the understanding of the mechanics of aneurysm coiling and improve treatment outcomes, but accurately representing the coil mass in CFD simulations remains a challenge. We have used the Finite Element Method (FEM) for simulating patient-specific coil deployment based on mechanical properties and coil geometries provided by the device manufacturer for n=4 ICA aneurysms for which 3D printedin vitromodels were also generated, coiled, and scanned using ultra-high resolution synchrotron micro-CT. The physical and virtual coil geometries were voxelized onto a binary structured grid and porosity maps were generated for geometric comparison. The average binary accuracy score is 0.836 and the average error in porosity map is 6.3%. We then conduct patient-specific CFD simulations of the aneurysm hemodynamics using virtual coils geometries, micro-CT generated oil geometries, and using the porous medium method to represent the coil mass. Hemodynamic parameters of interest including were calculated for each of the CFD simulations. The average error across hemodynamic parameters of interest is ∼19%, a 58% reduction from the average error of the porous media simulations, demonstrating a marked improvement in the accuracy of CFD simulations using FEM generated coil geometries.

OBJECTIVE There is a reported elevated risk of cerebral aneurysms in patients with intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs). However, the natural history, rate of spontaneous regression, and ideal treatment regimen are not well characterized. In this study, the authors aimed to describe the characteristics of patients with dAVFs and intracranial aneurysms and propose a classification system. METHODS The Consortium for Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Outcomes Research (CONDOR) database from 12 centers was retrospectively reviewed. Analysis was performed to compare dAVF patients with (dAVF+ cohort) and without (dAVF-only cohort) concomitant aneurysm. Aneurysms were categorized based on location as a dAVF flow-related aneurysm (FRA) or a dAVF non–flow-related aneurysm (NFRA), with further classification as extra- or intradural. Patients with traumatic pseudoaneurysms or aneurysms with associated arteriovenous malformations were excluded from the analysis. Patient demographics, dAVF anatomical information, aneurysm information, and follow-up data were collected. RESULTS Of the 1077 patients, 1043 were eligible for inclusion, comprising 978 (93.8%) and 65 (6.2%) in the dAVF-only and dAVF+ cohorts, respectively. There were 96 aneurysms in the dAVF+ cohort; 10 patients (1%) harbored 12 FRAs, and 55 patients (5.3%) harbored 84 NFRAs. Dural AVF+ patients had higher rates of smoking (59.3% vs 35.2%, p < 0.001) and illicit drug use (5.8% vs 1.5%, p = 0.02). Sixteen dAVF+ patients (24.6%) presented with aneurysm rupture, which represented 16.7% of the total aneurysms. One patient (1.5%) had aneurysm rupture during follow-up. Patients with dAVF+ were more likely to have a dAVF located in nonconventional locations, less likely to have arterial supply to the dAVF from external carotid artery branches, and more likely to have supply from pial branches. Rates of cortical venous drainage and Borden type distributions were comparable between cohorts. A minority (12.5%) of aneurysms were FRAs. The majority of the aneurysms underwent treatment via either endovascular (36.5%) or microsurgical (15.6%) technique. A small proportion of aneurysms managed conservatively either with or without dAVF treatment spontaneously regressed (6.2%). CONCLUSIONS Patients with dAVF have a similar risk of harboring a concomitant intracranial aneurysm unrelated to the dAVF (5.3%) compared with the general population (approximately 2%–5%) and a rare risk (0.9%) of harboring an FRA. Only 50% of FRAs are intradural. Dural AVF+ patients have differences in dAVF angioarchitecture. A subset of dAVF+ patients harbor FRAs that may regress after dAVF treatment.

Introduction: The pupillary light reflex (PLR) is a well-validated biomarker for neurologic monitoring and a decision-making tool for traumatic brain injury patients. We studied a machine learning-based mobile pupillometry platform in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with a large-vessel occlusion (LVO) prior to thrombectomy, compared to healthy volunteers. Methods: Pupillometry measurements were conducted with a mobile pupillometry platform (PupilScreen) and a digital infrared pupillometer (NeurOptics) for both pre-thrombectomy AIS subjects and healthy volunteers at an academic medical center. To correct for subject age differences, comparisons used the absolute inter-eye difference in each parameter for each subject by measuring the right:left (R:L) eye ratio absolute distance away from 1. Inter-eye difference means across subjects between AIS and healthy cohorts were analyzed for PLR changes in the presence of acute LVO using a t-test for independent means. Results: Seven AIS patients (4 female, 3 male; 1 Hispanic, 6 Caucasian; mean age 60.9 years) and 32 healthy patients (19 female, 13 male; 1 Hispanic, 2 African American, 3 Native American, 5 Asian, 21 Caucasian; mean age 34.4) were enrolled. All LVOs were of the middle cerebral artery, with 3 on the left and 4 on the right. NPi value was above 3 (briskly reactive) for all subjects. However, the smartphone pupillometer demonstrated a statistically significant (p Conclusions: Patients with AIS from LVO demonstrate inter-eye differences in PLR parameters, and mobile pupillometry could be used as a pre-intervention biomarker of AIS in future study. Further investigation in a larger cohort is necessary.

While the rupture rate of cerebral aneurysms is only 1% per year, ruptured aneurysms are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, while aneurysm treatments have their own associated risk of morbidity and mortality. Conventional markers for aneurysm rupture include patient-specific and aneurysm-specific characteristics, with the development of scoring systems to better assess rupture risk. These scores, however, rely heavily on aneurysm size, and their accuracy in assessing risk in smaller aneurysms is limited. While the individual risk of rupture of small aneurysms is low, due to their sheer number, the largest proportion of ruptured aneurysms are small aneurysms. Conventional imaging techniques are valuable in characterizing aneurysm morphology; however, advanced imaging techniques assessing the presence of inflammatory changes within the aneurysm wall, hemodynamic characteristics of blood flow within aneurysm sacs, and imaging visualization of irregular aneurysm wall motion have been used to further determine aneurysm instability that otherwise cannot be characterized by conventional imaging techniques. The current manuscript reviews conventional imaging techniques and their value and limitations in cerebral aneurysm characterization, and evaluates the applications, value and limitations of advanced aneurysm imaging and post-processing techniques including intracranial vessel wall MRA, 4D-flow, 4D-CTA, and computational fluid dynamic simulations.

Objective Clopidogrel is a commonly used antiplatelet agent for the prevention of thromboembolic complications following neuroendovascular procedures, but anecdotal data have raised concern for the possibility that clopidogrel may induce severe, intolerable fatigue. The purpose of this study is to systematically investigate this phenomenon. Methods We performed a dual-institution, 9-year, retrospective study of patients undergoing clopidogrel therapy for neuroendovascular procedures. Patients were included only if their response to clopidogrel was assessed by platelet function testing using the VerifyNow P2Y12 (VNP) assay. Hyperresponse to clopidogrel was defined as P2Y12 reaction units ≤60. Patients were considered to have had clopidogrel-induced severe fatigue if the onset of symptoms followed the initiation of clopidogrel therapy; symptoms improved following a reduction in the dose of clopidogrel; and symptoms could not be attributed to any other medical explanation. Results Data were collected on 349 patients. Five patients (1.4%) met criteria for clopidogrel-induced severe fatigue. All 5 patients were female, ages 39–68. VNP assessments obtained while patients were symptomatic revealed hyperresponse to clopidogrel (0–22 P2Y12 reaction units). Symptoms improved in all 5 patients when the dose of clopidogrel was reduced by half. Notably, 30% of patients (n = 103) demonstrated a hyperresponse to clopidogrel on at least 1 VNP assessment, but 98 of these patients did not suffer from severe fatigue. Conclusions A syndrome of severe fatigue and other constitutional symptoms is a rare but clinically significant side effect of hyperresponse to clopidogrel in patients undergoing neuroendovasular intervention.

Cardiac lymphoma is a rare neoplasm involving heart, pericardium or both, usually seen in immunocompromised patients. We report a 61-year-old male presenting with worsening shortness of breath and 20-pound weight loss. Investigations showed right-sided tumor with interatrial septal wall perforation and left atrial expansion. The diagnosis was confirmed with mediastinal mass biopsy. After receiving the appropriate treatment, there was a steady improvement clinically and on the transesophageal echocardiography.

Introduction Distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms (DACAA) are a rare and difficult entity to manage. Endovascular treatment has evolved for safe and durable treatment of these lesions. The objective of this study is to report the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of endovascular treatment of DACAA. Methods A retrospective review of DACAA endovascularly treated at 5 different institutions was performed. Data included demographics, rupture status, radiographic features, endovascular technique, complication rates, and long-term angiographic and clinical outcomes. A primary endpoint was a good clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale 0–2). Secondary endpoints included complications and radiographic occlusion at follow-up. Results A total of 84 patients were reviewed. The mean age was 56, and 64 (71.4%) were female. Fifty-two (61.9%) aneurysms were ruptured. A good functional outcome was achieved in 59 patients (85.5%). Sixty (71.4%) aneurysms were treated with primary coiling, and the remaining 24 were treated with flow diversion. Adequate occlusion was achieved in 41 (95.3%) aneurysms treated with coiling, and 17 (89.5%) with flow diversion. There were total 11 (13%) complications. In the flow diversion category, there were 2, both related to femoral access. In the coiling category, there were 9: 5 thromboembolic, 3 ruptures, and 1 related to femoral access. Conclusion Endovascular treatment, and in particular, flow diversion for DACAA, is safe, feasible, and associated with good long-term angiographic and clinical outcomes.

The objective is to examine the relationship between transcranial Doppler cerebral vasospasm (TCD-vasospasm), and clinical outcomes in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).In a retrospective cohort study, using univariate and multivariate analysis, we examined the association between TCD-vasospasm (defined as Lindegaard ratio3) and patient's ability to ambulate without assistance, the need for tracheostomy and gastrostomy tube placement, and the likelihood of being discharged home from the hospital.We studied 346 patients with aSAH; median age 55 years (Interquartile range IQR 46,64), median Hunt and Hess 3 [IQR 1-5]. Overall, 68.6% (n=238) had TCD-vasospasm, and 28% (n=97) had delayed cerebral ischemia. At hospital discharge, 54.3% (n=188) were able to walk without assistance, 5.8% (n=20) had received a tracheostomy, and 12% (n=42) had received a gastrostomy tube. Fifty-three percent (n=183) were discharged directly from the hospital to their home. TCD-vasospasm was not associated with ambulation without assistance at discharge (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 0.54, 95% 0.19,1.45), tracheostomy placement (aOR 2.04, 95% 0.23,18.43), gastrostomy tube placement (aOR 0.95, 95% CI 0.28,3.26), discharge to home (aOR 0.36, 95% CI 0.11,1.23).This single-center retrospective study finds that TCD-vasospasm is not associated with clinical outcomes such as ambulation without assistance, discharge to home from the hospital, tracheostomy, and gastrostomy feeding tube placement. Routine screening for cerebral vasospasm and its impact on vasospasm diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and their associations with improved clinical outcomes warrant an evaluation in large, prospective, case-controlled, multi-center studies.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify a signature lipid profile from cerebral thrombi in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients at the time of ictus. METHODS: We performed untargeted lipidomics analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry on cerebral thrombi taken from a nonprobability, convenience sampling of adult subjects (≥18 years old, n = 5) who underwent thrombectomy for acute cerebrovascular occlusion. The data were classified using random forest, a machine learning algorithm. RESULTS: The top 10 metabolites identified from the random forest analysis were of the glycerophospholipid species and fatty acids. CONCLUSION: Preliminary analysis demonstrates feasibility of identification of lipid metabolomic profiling in cerebral thrombi retrieved from AIS patients. Recent advances in omic methodologies enable lipidomic profiling, which may provide insight into the cellular metabolic pathophysiology caused by AIS. Understanding of lipidomic changes in AIS may illuminate specific metabolite and lipid pathways involved and further the potential to develop personalized preventive strategies.

BackgroundEndovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has become the mainstay treatment for large vessel occlusion, with favorable safety and efficacy profile. However, the safety and efficacy of EVT in concurrent multi-territory occlusions (MTVOs) remains unclear.ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence, clinical and technical outcomes of concurrent EVT for MTVOs.MethodsData were included from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) with 32 stroke centers for EVT performed to treat bilateral anterior or concurrent anterior and posterior circulation occlusions between 2017 and 2021. Patients with MTVO were identified, and propensity score matching was used to compare this group with patients with occlusion in a single arterial territory.ResultsOf a total of 7723 patients who underwent EVT for acute ischemic stroke, 54 (0.7%) underwent EVT for MTVOs (mean age 69±12.5; female 50%). 28% had bilateral and 72% had anterior and posterior circulations occlusions. The rate of successful recanalization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b/3), complications, modified Rankin score at 90 days, and mortality was not significantly different between the matched cohorts. Multivariate analysis confirmed that MTVOs were not associated with poor functional outcome, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, or longer procedure time.ConclusionCompared with EVT for single vessel occlusions, EVT in appropriately selected patients with MTVOs has a similar efficacy and safety profile.

Background Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care for the treatment of proximal anterior circulation large vessel occlusions. However, little is known about its efficacy and safety in the treatment of distal intracranial occlusions. Methods This is a multicenter retrospective study of patients treated with MT at 15 comprehensive centers between January 2015 and December 2018. The study cohort was divided into 2 groups based on the location of occlusion (proximal vs. distal). Distal occlusion was defined as occlusion of M3 segment of the middle cerebral artery, any segment of the anterior cerebral artery, or any segment of the posterior cerebral artery. Only isolated distal occlusion was included. Good outcome was defined as 90-day modified Rankin scale score 0–2. Results A total of 4710 patients were included in this study, of whom 189 (4%) had MT for distal occlusions. Compared with the proximal occlusion group, distal occlusion group had a higher rate of good outcome (45% vs. 36%; P = 0.03) and a lower rate of successful reperfusion (78% vs. 84%; P = 0.04). However, the differences did not retain significance in adjusted models. Otherwise there was no difference in the rate of hemorrhagic complications, mortality, or procedure-related complications between the 2 groups. Successful reperfusion, age, and admission stroke severity emerged as predictors of good functional outcome in the distal occlusion group. Conclusions Thrombectomies of distal vessels achieve high rate of successful reperfusion with similar safety profile to those in more proximal locations.

Telemedicine has received increased attention in recent years as a potential solution to expand clinical capability and patient access to care in many fields, including neurosurgery. Although patient and physician attitudes are rapidly shifting toward greater telemedicine use in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains uncertainty about telemedicine's regulatory future. Despite growing evidence of telemedicine's utility, there remain a number of significant medicolegal barriers to its mass adoption and wider implementation. Herein, we examine recent progress in state and federal regulations in the United States governing telemedicine's implementation in quality of care, finance and billing, privacy and confidentiality, risk and liability, and geography and interstate licensure, with special attention to how these concern teleneurosurgical practice. We also review contemporary topics germane to the future of teleneurosurgery, including the continued expansion of reciprocity in interstate licensure, expanded coverage for homecare services for chronic conditions, expansion of Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services reimbursements, and protections of store-and-forward technologies. Additionally, we discuss recent successes in teleneurosurgery, stroke care, and rehabilitation as models for teleneurosurgical best practices. As telemedicine technology continues to mature and its expanse grows, neurosurgeons’ familiarity with its benefits, limitations, and controversies will best allow for its successful adoption in our field to maximize patient care and outcomes.

Hemodynamic factors have long been associated with clinical outcomes in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Computational studies of cerebral aneurysm hemodynamics have provided valuable estimates of the mechanical environment experienced by the endothelium in both the parent vessel and aneurysmal dome walls and have correlated them with disease state. These computational-clinical studies have recently been correlated with the response of endothelial cells (EC) using either idealized or patient-specific models. Here, we present a robust workflow for generating anatomic-scale aneurysm models, establishing luminal cultures of ECs at physiological relevant flow profiles, and comparing EC responses to curvature mediated flow. We show that flow patterns induced by parent vessel curvature produce changes in wall shear stress (WSS) and wall shear stress gradients (WSSG) that are correlated with differences in cell morphology and cellular protein localization. Cells in higher WSS regions align better with the flow and display strong Notch1-extracellular domain (ECD) polarization, while, under low WSS, differences in WSSG due to curvature change were associated with less alignment and attenuation of Notch1-ECD polarization in ECs of the corresponding regions. These proof-of-concept results highlight the use of engineered cellularized aneurysm models for connecting computational fluid dynamics to the underlying endothelial biology that mediates disease.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) represents a clinical disease entity without a clear etiology, that if left untreated, can result in severe outcomes, including permanent vision loss. For this reason, early diagnosis and treatment is necessary. Historically, the role of cross-sectional imaging has been to rule out secondary or emergent causes of increased intracranial pressure, including tumor, infection, hydrocephalus, or venous thrombosis. MRI and MRV, however, can serve as valuable imaging tools to not only rule out causes for secondary intracranial hypertension but can also detect indirect signs of IIH resultant from increased intracranial pressure, and demonstrate potentially treatable sinus venous stenosis. Digital subtraction venographic imaging also plays a central role in both diagnosis and treatment, providing enhanced anatomic delineation and temporal flow evaluation, quantitative assessment of the pressure gradient across a venous stenosis, treatment guidance, and immediate opportunity for endovascular therapy. In this review, we discuss the multiple modalities for imaging IIH, their limitations, and their contributions to the management of IIH.

Observational studies have shown endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke to be effective in the elderly, despite resulting in poorer outcomes and higher rates of mortality compared with younger patients. Randomized data on the effect of advanced age on outcomes following EVT are, however, lacking. Our aim was to assess the EVT effect for ischemic stroke in patients aged ≥85 years and the influence of age on outcome in a large, randomized trial dataset.Data were from the HERMES (Highly Effective Reperfusion Evaluated in Multiple Endovascular Stroke Trials) collaboration, a meta-analysis of 7 randomized trials published between January 1, 2010, and May 31, 2017, that tested the efficacy of EVT. A possible multiplicative interaction effect of age on the relationship between treatment and outcome was investigated. Ordinal logistic regression tested the association between EVT and 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale, primary outcome) in patients ≥85 years. Multivariable binary logistic regression was performed to compare primary and secondary outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2/5-6) of patients ≥85 years versus those85 years.We included 1764 patients in the analysis, of whom 77 (4.4%) were ≥85 years old. A significant interaction of age and treatment on poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 5-6,Patients ≥85 years old with independent premorbid function more often achieve good functional outcomes and have lower rates of mortality when treated with EVT compared with conservative management, with an observed treatment effect modification of age on outcome. EVT should therefore not be withheld in this subgroup.

OBJECTIVE Although younger adults have been shown to have better functional outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), the significance of this relationship in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population is not well defined given its undefined rarity. Correspondingly, the goal of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of age in this specific demographic following MT for large-vessel occlusions. METHODS A prospectively maintained international multi-institutional database, STAR (Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry), was reviewed for all patients aged 12–18 (adolescent) and 19–25 (young adult) years. Parameters were compared using chi-square and t-test analyses, and associations were interrogated using regression analyses. RESULTS Of 7192 patients in the registry, 41 (0.6%) satisfied all criteria, with a mean age of 19.7 ± 3.3 years. The majority were male (59%) and young adults (61%) versus adolescents (39%). The median prestroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was 0 (range 0–2). Strokes were most common in the anterior circulation (88%), with the middle cerebral artery being the most common vessel (59%). The mean onset-to–groin puncture and groin puncture–to-reperfusion times were 327 ± 229 and 52 ± 42 minutes, respectively. The mean number of passes was 2.2 ± 1.2, with 61% of the cohort achieving successful reperfusion. There were only 3 (7%) cases of reocclusion. The median mRS score at 90 days was 2 (range 0–6). Between the adolescent and young adult subgroups, the median mRS score at last follow-up was statistically lower in the adolescent subgroup (1 vs 2, p = 0.03), and older age was significantly associated with a higher mRS at 90 days (coefficient 0.33, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Although rare, MT for AIS in the AYA demographic is both safe and effective. Even within this relatively young demographic, age remains significantly associated with improved functional outcomes. The implication of age-dependent stroke outcomes after MT within the AYA demographic needs greater validation to develop effective age-specific protocols for long-term care across both pediatric and adult centers.

BackgroundThe mechanisms and outcomes in coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-associated stroke are unique from those of non-COVID-19 stroke.ObjectiveTo describe the efficacy and outcomes of acute revascularization of large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the setting of COVID-19 in an international cohort.MethodsWe conducted an international multicenter retrospective study of consecutively admitted patients with COVID-19 with concomitant acute LVO across 50 comprehensive stroke centers. Our control group constituted historical controls of patients presenting with LVO and receiving a mechanical thrombectomy between January 2018 and December 2020.ResultsThe total cohort was 575 patients with acute LVO; 194 patients had COVID-19 while 381 patients did not. Patients in the COVID-19 group were younger (62.5 vs 71.2; P < .001) and lacked vascular risk factors (49, 25.3% vs 54, 14.2%; P = .001). Modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 3 revascularization was less common in the COVID-19 group (74, 39.2% vs 252, 67.2%; P < .001). Poor functional outcome at discharge (defined as modified Ranklin Scale 3-6) was more common in the COVID-19 group (150, 79.8% vs 132, 66.7%; P = .004). COVID-19 was independently associated with a lower likelihood of achieving modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 3 (odds ratio [OR]: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.7; P < .001) and unfavorable outcomes (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.4-4.5; P = .002).ConclusionCOVID-19 was an independent predictor of incomplete revascularization and poor outcomes in patients with stroke due to LVO. Patients with COVID-19 with LVO were younger, had fewer cerebrovascular risk factors, and suffered from higher morbidity/mortality rates.

BackgroundTools predicting intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) treatment outcomes remain scarce. This study aimed to use a multicenter database comprising more than 1000 dAVFs to develop a practical scoring system that predicts treatment outcomes.MethodsPatients with angiographically confirmed dAVFs who underwent treatment within the Consortium for Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Outcomes Research-participating institutions were retrospectively reviewed. A subset comprising 80% of patients was randomly selected as training dataset, and the remaining 20% was used for validation. Univariable predictors of complete dAVF obliteration were entered into a stepwise multivariable regression model. The components of the proposed score (VEBAS) were weighted based on their ORs. Model performance was assessed using receiver operating curves (ROC) and areas under the ROC.ResultsA total of 880 dAVF patients were included. Venous stenosis (presence vs absence), elderly age (ConclusionThe VEBAS score is a practical grading system that can guide patient counseling when considering dAVF intervention by predicting the likelihood of treatment success, with higher scores portending a greater likelihood of complete obliteration.

OBJECTIVE Ruptured blister, dissecting, and iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms are rare pathologies that pose significant challenges from a treatment standpoint. Endovascular treatment via flow diversion represents an increasingly popular option; however, drawbacks include the requirement for dual antiplatelet therapy and the potential for thromboembolic complications, particularly acute complications in the ruptured setting. The Pipeline Flex embolization device with Shield Technology (PED-Shield) offers reduced material thrombogenicity, which may aid in the treatment of ruptured internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysms. METHODS The authors conducted a multi-institution, retrospective case series to determine the safety and efficacy of PED-Shield for the treatment of ruptured blister, dissecting, and iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms of the internal carotid artery. Clinical, radiographic, treatment, and outcomes data were collected. RESULTS Thirty-three patients were included in the final analysis. Seventeen underwent placement of a single device, and 16 underwent placement of two devices. No thromboembolic complications occurred. Four patients were maintained on aspirin alone, and all others were treated with long-term dual antiplatelet therapy. Among patients with 3-month follow-up, 93.8% had a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2. Complete occlusion at follow-up was observed in 82.6% of patients. CONCLUSIONS PED-Shield represents a new option for the treatment of ruptured blister, dissecting, and iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms of the internal carotid artery. The reduced material thrombogenicity appeared to improve the safety of the PED-Shield device, as this series demonstrated no thromboembolic complications even among patients treated with only single antiplatelet therapy. The efficacy of PED-Shield reported in this series, particularly with placement of two devices, demonstrates its potential as a first-line treatment option for these pathologies.

BackgroundThe safety and efficacy of bridging therapy with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with large core infarct has not been sufficiently studied. In this study, we compared the efficacy and safety outcomes between patients who received IVT+MT and those treated with MT alone.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of the Stroke Thrombectomy Aneurysm Registry (STAR). Patients with Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) ≤5 treated with MT were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups based on pre-treatment IVT (IVT, no IVT). Propensity score matched analysis were used to compare outcomes between groups.ResultsA total of 398 patients were included; 113 pairs were generated using propensity score matching analyses. Baseline characteristics were well balanced in the matched cohort. The rate of any intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) was similar between groups in both the full cohort (41.4% vs 42.3%, P=0.85) and matched cohort (38.55% vs 42.1%, P=0.593). Similarly, the rate of significant ICH was similar between the groups (full cohort: 13.1% vs 16.9%, P=0.306; matched cohort: 15.6% vs 18.95, P=0.52). There was no difference in favorable outcome (90-day modified Rankin Scale 0–2) or successful reperfusion between groups. In an adjusted analysis, IVT was not associated with any of the outcomes.ConclusionPretreatment IVT was not associated with an increased risk of hemorrhage in patients with large core infarct treated with MT. Future studies are needed to assess the safety and efficacy of bridging therapy in patients with large core infarct.

Adoption of middle meningeal artery embolization in the management of chronic subdural hematomas has led to a renewed interest in dural vascular anatomy. The readily identifiable major dural arteries and potential hazards associated with their embolization are well described. Less emphasized are several levels of intrinsic dural angioarchitecture, despite their more direct relationship to dural based diseases, such as subdural hematoma and dural fistula. Fortunately, microvascular aspects of dural anatomy, previously limited to ex vivo investigations, are becoming increasingly accessible to in vivo visualization, setting the stage for synthesis of the old and the new, and providing a rationale for the endovascular approach to subdural collections in particular. In contrast with traditional anatomical didactics, where descriptions advance from larger trunks to smaller pedicles, we present a strategic approach that proceeds from a fundamental understanding of the dural microvasculature and its relationship to larger vessels.

BackgroundThe benefit of complete reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 3) over near-complete reperfusion (≥90%, mTICI 2c) remains unclear. The goal of this study is to compare clinical outcomes between mechanical thrombectomy (MT)-treated stroke patients with mTICI 2c versus 3.MethodsThis is a retrospective study from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) comprising 33 centers. Adults with anterior circulation arterial vessel occlusion who underwent MT yielding mTICI 2c or mTICI 3 reperfusion were included. Patients were categorized based on reperfusion grade achieved. Primary outcome was modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2 at 90 days. Secondary outcomes were mRS scores at discharge and 90 days, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at discharge, procedure-related complications, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage.ResultsThe unmatched mTICI 2c and mTICI 3 cohorts comprised 519 and 1923 patients, respectively. There was no difference in primary (42.4% vs 45.1%; p=0.264) or secondary outcomes between the unmatched cohorts. Reperfusion status (mTICI 2c vs 3) was also not predictive of the primary outcome in non-imputed and imputed multivariable models. The matched cohorts each comprised 191 patients. Primary (39.8% vs 47.6%; p=0.122) and secondary outcomes were also similar between the matched cohorts, except the 90-day mRS which was lower in the matched mTICI 3 cohort (p=0.049). There were increased odds of the primary outcome with mTICI 3 in patients with baseline mRS ≥2 (36% vs 7.7%; p=0.011; pinteraction=0.014) and a history of stroke (42.3% vs 15.4%; p=0.027; pinteraction=0.041).ConclusionsComplete and near-complete reperfusion after MT appear to confer comparable outcomes in patients with acute stroke.

BackgroundRadial artery access for transarterial procedures has gained recent traction in neurointerventional due to decreased patient morbidity, technical feasibility, and improved patient satisfaction. Upper extremity transvenous access (UETV) has recently emerged as an alternative strategy for the neurointerventionalist, but data are limited. Our objective was to quantify the use of UETV access in neurointerventions and to measure failure and complication rates.MethodsAn international multicenter retrospective review of medical records for patients undergoing UETV neurointerventions or diagnostic procedures was performed. We also present our institutional protocol for obtaining UETV and review the existing literature.ResultsOne hundred and thirteen patients underwent a total of 147 attempted UETV procedures at 13 centers. The most common site of entry was the right basilic vein. There were 21 repeat puncture events into the same vein following the primary diagnostic procedure for secondary interventional procedures without difficulty. There were two minor complications (1.4%) and five failures (ie, conversion to femoral vein access) (3.4%).ConclusionsUETV is safe and technically feasible for diagnostic and neurointerventional procedures. Further studies are needed to determine the benefit over alternative venous access sites and the effect on patient satisfaction.

Background and Purpose: Aneurysmal wall enhancement (AWE) on vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (VW-MRI) has been described as a new imaging biomarker of unstable unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). Previous studies of symptomatic UIAs are limited due to small sample sizes and lack of AWE quantification. Our study aims to investigate whether qualitative and quantitative assessment of AWE can differentiate symptomatic and asymptomatic UIAs. Methods: Consecutive patients with UIAs were prospectively recruited for vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging at 3T from October 2014 to October 2019. UIAs were categorized as symptomatic if presenting with sentinel headache or oculomotor nerve palsy directly related to the aneurysm. Evaluation of wall enhancement included enhancement pattern (0=none, 1=focal, and 2=circumferential) and quantitative wall enhancement index (WEI). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the parameters associated with symptoms. Results: Two hundred sixty-seven patients with 341 UIAs (93 symptomatic and 248 asymptomatic) were included in this study. Symptomatic UIAs more frequently showed circumferential AWE than asymptomatic UIAs (66.7% versus 17.3%, P P P =0.01; odds ratio=3.32 for WEI [95% CI, 1.51–7.26], P =0.003). The combination of AWE pattern and WEI had an area under the curve of 0.91 to identify symptomatic UIAs, with a sensitivity of 95.7% and a specificity of 73.4%. Conclusions: In a large cohort of UIAs with vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging, both AWE pattern and WEI were independently associated with aneurysm-related symptoms. The qualitative and quantitative features of AWE can potentially be used to identify unstable intracranial aneurysms.

BackgroundAlthough studies continue to demonstrate lower complications in neurointerventions using transradial access (TRA) compared with transfemoral approaches, anatomic radial variants can be difficult to navigate and remain one of the frequent causes of access site conversion.ObjectiveTo evaluate predictors of TRA failure in neuroendovascular patients with radial loops and suggest a protocol for managing these anomalies.MethodsA prospective collection of patients undergoing TRA at participating institutions from July 2018 to September 2020 was reviewed. Patients with a radial loop were identified. Patient demographics and procedural characteristics were evaluated to determine predictors of both TRA failure and successful reduction of the radial loop.ResultsWe identified 32 transradial neurointerventions in which patients had radial loops. Twenty-two (68.8%) were identified by diagnostic angiography, and the majority were performed for evaluation or treatment of an aneurysm (56.3%). TRA failure occurred in 13 (40.6%) of the cohort and happened more frequently in patients over 60 years of age (p=0.01) and those with recurrent radial artery diameters ≤2 mm (p=0.02). Of the 19 patients who had successful TRA, 12 (63.2%) procedures were performed through the recurrent radial artery.ConclusionAlthough radial loops are associated with high transradial failure rates, our results suggest that the presence of a loop is not an absolute contraindication to TRA. Therefore, we recommend attempting loop navigation using our protocol. Patient age, vascular tortuosity, and recurrent radial artery size should help dictate when to convert to an alternative access site.

This technical video demonstrates the treatment of an acutely ruptured, large, complex left fusiform middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm with endovascular flow diversion with adjunctive coiling in a 27-year-old female. Two telescoping flow-diverting stents (Pipeline Flex) were placed, with partial coiling of a saccular portion of the aneurysm. Technical challenges, alternative treatment, intraoperative and postoperative antiplatelet management, vasospasm treatment, and clinical and radiographic follow-up are described. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2022.7.FOCVID2249

Little evidence supports acquisition of routine head imaging after uncomplicated elective neurosurgical procedures for patients with unchanged neurological examinations; however, imaging is still performed by some neurointerventionalists. We assessed the clinical utility of routine computed tomography of the head (CTH) following elective neuroendovascular interventions, including aneurysm coiling, aneurysm stent-assisted coiling, aneurysm flow diversion, arteriovenous malformation/fistula embolization, middle meningeal artery embolization for subdural hematoma, extracranial carotid artery stenting, and venous sinus stenting.Retrospective chart review identified patients undergoing neuroendovascular intervention from 2011 to 2021 at our institution. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic variables, including presenting signs and symptoms, antiplatelets and/or anticoagulant medications, intraprocedural complications, postprocedural CTH findings, and postprocedural neurological examinations, were recorded. Association of clinical variables with an abnormal postprocedural CTH was assessed with univariate analysis. Patients with ruptured vascular pathology, preoperative embolizations, and missing postprocedural CTH images and/or reports were excluded.Of 509 procedures identified, 354 were eligible for analysis; 4.8% of patients (17/354) had abnormal findings on postprocedural CTH. Nine patients had intraprocedural complications or new postprocedural neurological deficits that would have prompted imaging regardless of institutional practice. None of the remaining 8 (2.3%) patients required additional procedures. New postprocedural neurological deficit was the only significant predictor of abnormal postprocedural CTH (odds ratio = 6.79; 95% confidence interval, 2.01-20.32; P = 0.0009).In a large cohort of patients undergoing elective neuroendovascular intervention, no patients were identified for whom routine postprocedural CTH alone meaningfully altered their clinical care. Routine CTH is not necessary after uncomplicated elective neuroendovascular interventions performed with careful postprocedural neurological assessment.