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Background Optimal imaging triage for intervention for large vessel occlusions remains unclear. MR-based imaging provides ischemic core volumes at the cost of increased imaging time. CT Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) estimates are faster, but may be less sensitive. Objective To assesses the rate at which MRI changed management in comparison with CT imaging alone. Methods Retrospective analysis of patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing imaging triage for endovascular therapy was performed between 2008 and 2013. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of time on disagreement in MRI and CT ASPECTS scores. Results A total of 241 patients underwent both diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and CT. Six patients with DWI ASPECTS ≥6 and CT ASPECTS <6 were omitted, leaving 235 patients. For 47 patients, disagreement between the two modalities resulted in different treatment recommendations. The estimated probability of disagreement was 20.0% (95% CI 15.4% to 25.6%). In a multivariate logistic regression, CT ASPECTS >7 (p=0.004) and admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score <16 (p=0.008) were simultaneously significant predictors of agreement in ASPECTS. The time between modalities was a marginally significant predictor ( p=0.080). Conclusions The study suggests that patients with NIHSS scores at admission of <16 and patients with CT ASPECTS >7 have a higher likelihood of agreement between CT and DWI based on an ASPECTS cut-off value of 6. Additional MRI for triage in patients with NIHSS at admission of >16, and ASPECTS of 6 or 7 may be more likely to change management. Unsurprisingly, patients with low CT ASPECTS had good correlation with MRI ASPECTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A patient was taken for emergent intra-arterial stroke therapy for an acute left middle cerebral artery stroke syndrome, with CT angiography showing a left internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. Through a 6 F Neuron MAX sheath, a 5 Max ACE Penumbra aspiration catheter was advanced to the thrombus and direct suction was performed through the ACE catheter and Neuron MAX sheath. Upon pull back, the thrombus became wedged in the Neuron MAX sheath and despite several attempts to aspirate the thrombus, no clot could be obtained. The Neuron MAX sheath was withdrawn to the left common carotid artery, and gently advanced to the origin of the external carotid artery (ECA). A glide wire was advanced and the thrombus dislodged into the ECA. Another pass with the 5 Max ACE was used to remove a remaining thrombus in the left ICA terminus, resulting in Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 3 flow. With improved devices for embolectomy, large and rigid emboli that exceed the inner diameter of large guide sheaths and balloon guide catheters can become lodged, and cannot be withdrawn through a catheter. While uncommon, strategies to overcome this are important to keep in mind during acute stroke intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A patient was taken for emergent intra-arterial stroke therapy for an acute left middle cerebral artery stroke syndrome, with CT angiography showing a left internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. Through a 6 F Neuron MAX sheath, a 5 Max ACE Penumbra aspiration catheter was advanced to the thrombus and direct suction was performed through the ACE catheter and Neuron MAX sheath. Upon pull back, the thrombus became wedged in the Neuron MAX sheath and despite several attempts to aspirate the thrombus, no clot could be obtained. The Neuron MAX sheath was withdrawn to the left common carotid artery, and gently advanced to the origin of the external carotid artery (ECA). A glide wire was advanced and the thrombus dislodged into the ECA. Another pass with the 5 Max ACE was used to remove a remaining thrombus in the left ICA terminus, resulting in Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 3 flow. With improved devices for embolectomy, large and rigid emboli that exceed the inner diameter of large guide sheaths and balloon guide catheters can become lodged, and cannot be withdrawn through a catheter. While uncommon, strategies to overcome this are important to keep in mind during acute stroke intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose Symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis has been associated with a high rate of recurrent stroke. The safety of treatment of more distal atheromatous lesions with angioplasty has not been systematically reported. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our institutional database for all patients treated with intracranial angioplasty and stenting from January 2008 to July 2009. A total of 108 patients were treated and five patients were treated with angioplasty for a symptomatic M2 middle cerebral artery stenosis with fluctuating neurological examinations. We report our experience with these patients. Results All five patients underwent technically successful treatment with a reduction of the stenosis to <50%. There were no periprocedural complications and all patients had cessation of their clinical fluctuations. Two patients were found to have symptomatic restenosis with one patient suffering a disabling stroke at 5 months and the second patient a transient ischemic attack at 4 months who was subsequently successfully re-treated with angioplasty and stent placement. Conclusions Angioplasty of M2 MCA lesions is technically feasible in our cohort of neurologically unstable patients, but the durability of this treatment will require more extensive study. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A patient was taken for emergent intra-arterial stroke therapy for an acute left middle cerebral artery stroke syndrome, with CT angiography showing a left internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. Through a 6 F Neuron MAX sheath, a 5 Max ACE Penumbra aspiration catheter was advanced to the thrombus and direct suction was performed through the ACE catheter and Neuron MAX sheath. Upon pull back, the thrombus became wedged in the Neuron MAX sheath and despite several attempts to aspirate the thrombus, no clot could be obtained. The Neuron MAX sheath was withdrawn to the left common carotid artery, and gently advanced to the origin of the external carotid artery (ECA). A glide wire was advanced and the thrombus dislodged into the ECA. Another pass with the 5 Max ACE was used to remove a remaining thrombus in the left ICA terminus, resulting in Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 3 flow. With improved devices for embolectomy, large and rigid emboli that exceed the inner diameter of large guide sheaths and balloon guide catheters can become lodged, and cannot be withdrawn through a catheter. While uncommon, strategies to overcome this are important to keep in mind during acute stroke intervention., (Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.)