Search

Plexopathy may be caused by diverse pathologies, including trauma, nerve entrapment, neoplasm, inflammation, infection, autoimmune disease, hereditary disease, and idiopathic etiologies. For patients presenting with brachial or lumbosacral plexopathy, dedicated plexus MRI is the most appropriate initial imaging modality for all clinical scenarios and can identify processes both intrinsic and extrinsic to the nerves. Other imaging tests may be appropriate for initial imaging depending on the clinical scenario. This document addresses initial imaging strategies for brachial and lumbosacral plexopathy in the following clinical situations: nontraumatic plexopathy with no known malignancy, traumatic plexopathy (not perinatal), and plexopathy occurring in the context of a known malignancy or posttreatment syndrome. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myelopathy is a clinical diagnosis with localization of the neurological findings to the spinal cord, rather than the brain or the peripheral nervous system, and then to a particular segment of the spinal cord. Myelopathy can be the result of primary intrinsic disorders of the spinal cord or from secondary conditions, which result in extrinsic compression of the spinal cord. While the causes of myelopathy may be multiple, the acuity of presentation and symptom onset frame a practical approach to the differential diagnosis. Imaging plays a crucial role in the evaluation of myelopathy with MRI the preferred modality. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syncope and presyncope lead to well over one million emergency room visits in the United States each year. Elucidating the cause of syncope or presyncope, which are grouped together given similar etiologies and outcomes, can be exceedingly difficult given the diverse etiologies. This becomes more challenging as some causes, such as vasovagal syncope, are relatively innocuous while others, such as cardiac-related syncope, carry a significant increased risk of death. While the mainstay of syncope and presyncope assessment is a detailed history and physical examination, imaging can play a role in certain situations. In patients where a cardiovascular etiology is suspected based on the appropriate history, physical examination, and ECG findings, resting transthoracic echocardiography is usually considered appropriate for the initial imaging. While no imaging studies are considered usually appropriate when there is a low probability of cardiac or neurologic pathology, chest radiography may be appropriate in certain clinical situations. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Head trauma (ie, head injury) is a significant public health concern and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children and young adults. Neuroimaging plays an important role in the management of head and brain injury, which can be separated into acute (0-7 days), subacute (<3 months), then chronic (>3 months) phases. Over 75% of acute head trauma is classified as mild, of which over 75% have a normal Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15, therefore clinical practice guidelines universally recommend selective CT scanning in this patient population, which is often based on clinical decision rules. While CT is considered the first-line imaging modality for suspected intracranial injury, MRI is useful when there are persistent neurologic deficits that remain unexplained after CT, especially in the subacute or chronic phase. Regardless of time frame, head trauma with suspected vascular injury or suspected cerebrospinal fluid leak should also be evaluated with CT angiography or thin-section CT imaging of the skull base, respectively. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seizures and epilepsy are a set of conditions that can be challenging to diagnose, treat, and manage. This document summarizes recommendations for imaging in different clinical scenarios for a patient presenting with seizures and epilepsy. MRI of the brain is usually appropriate for each clinical scenario described with the exception of known seizures and unchanged semiology (Variant 3). In this scenario, it is unclear if any imaging would provide a benefit to patients. In the emergent situation, a noncontrast CT of the head is also usually appropriate as it can diagnose or exclude emergent findings quickly and is an alternative to MRI of the brain in these clinical scenarios. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is the clinical entity that occurs with compression of the brachial plexus, subclavian artery, and/or subclavian vein at the superior thoracic outlet. Compression of each of these structures results in characteristic symptoms divided into three variants: neurogenic TOS, venous TOS, and arterial TOS, each arising from the specific structure that is compressed. The constellation of symptoms in each patient may vary, and patients may have more than one symptom simultaneously. Understanding the various anatomic spaces, causes of narrowing, and resulting neurovascular changes is important in choosing and interpreting radiological imaging performed to help diagnose TOS and plan for intervention. This publication has separated imaging appropriateness based on neurogenic, venous, or arterial symptoms, acknowledging that some patients may present with combined symptoms that may require more than one study to fully resolve. Additionally, in the postoperative setting, new symptoms may arise altering the need for specific imaging as compared to preoperative evaluation. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is the clinical entity that occurs with compression of the brachial plexus, subclavian artery, and/or subclavian vein at the superior thoracic outlet. Compression of each of these structures results in characteristic symptoms divided into three variants: neurogenic TOS, venous TOS, and arterial TOS, each arising from the specific structure that is compressed. The constellation of symptoms in each patient may vary, and patients may have more than one symptom simultaneously. Understanding the various anatomic spaces, causes of narrowing, and resulting neurovascular changes is important in choosing and interpreting radiological imaging performed to help diagnose TOS and plan for intervention. This publication has separated imaging appropriateness based on neurogenic, venous, or arterial symptoms, acknowledging that some patients may present with combined symptoms that may require more than one study to fully resolve. Additionally, in the postoperative setting, new symptoms may arise altering the need for specific imaging as compared to preoperative evaluation. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seizures and epilepsy are a set of conditions that can be challenging to diagnose, treat, and manage. This document summarizes recommendations for imaging in different clinical scenarios for a patient presenting with seizures and epilepsy. MRI of the brain is usually appropriate for each clinical scenario described with the exception of known seizures and unchanged semiology (Variant 3). In this scenario, it is unclear if any imaging would provide a benefit to patients. In the emergent situation, a noncontrast CT of the head is also usually appropriate as it can diagnose or exclude emergent findings quickly and is an alternative to MRI of the brain in these clinical scenarios. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute changes in mental status represent a broad collection of symptoms used to describe disorders in mentation and level of arousal, including the more narrowly defined diagnoses of delirium and psychosis. A wide range of precipitating factors may be responsible for symptom onset including infection, intoxication, and metabolic disorders. Neurologic causes that may be detected on neuroimaging include stroke, traumatic brain injury, nonconvulsive seizure, central nervous system infection, tumors, hydrocephalus, and inflammatory disorders. Not infrequently, two or more precipitating factors may be found. Neuroimaging with CT or MRI is usually appropriate if the clinical suspicion for an acute neurological cause is high, where the cause of symptoms is not found on initial assessment, and for patients whose symptoms do not respond appropriately to management. There was disagreement regarding the appropriateness of neuroimaging in cases where a suspected, nonneurologic cause is found on initial assessment. Neuroimaging with CT is usually appropriate for patients presenting with delirium, although the yield may be low in the absence of trauma or a focal neurological deficit. Neuroimaging with CT or MRI may be appropriate in the evaluation of new onset psychosis, although the yield may be low in the absence of a neurologic deficit. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents guidelines for imaging utilization in patients presenting with hearing loss or vertigo, symptoms that sometimes occur concurrently due to proximity of receptors and neural pathways responsible for hearing and balance. These guidelines take into account the superiority of CT in providing bony details and better soft-tissue resolution offered by MRI. It should be noted that a dedicated temporal bone CT rather than a head CT best achieves delineation of disease in many of these patients. Similarly, optimal assessment often requires a dedicated high-resolution protocol designed to assess temporal bone and internal auditory canals even though such a study will be requested and billed as a brain MRI. Angiographic techniques are helpful in some patients, especially in the setting of vertigo. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To delineate diurnal variation onset distinguishing ischemic from hemorrhagic stroke, wake from sleep onset, and weekdays from weekends/holidays. We analyzed patients enrolled in the FAST-MAG trial of field-initiated neuroprotective agent in patients with hyperacute stroke within 2h of symptoms onset. Stroke onset times were analyzed in 1h, 4h, and 12h time blocks throughout the 24h day-night cycle. Patient demographic, clinical features, stroke severity, and prehospital workflow were evaluated for association with onset times. Among 1615 acute cerebrovascular disease patients, final diagnoses were acute cerebral ischemia in 76.5% and Intracerebral hemorrhage in 23.5%. Considering all acute cerebrovascular disease patients, frequency of wake onset times showed a bimodal pattern, with peaks on onsets at 09:00-13:59 and 17:00-18:59 and early morning (00:00-05:59) onset in only 3.8%. Circadian rhythmicity differed among stroke subtypes: in acute cerebral ischemia, a single broad plateau of elevated incidences was seen from 10:00-21:59; in Intracerebral hemorrhage, bimodal peaks occurred at 09:00 and 19:00. The ratio of Intracerebral hemorrhage to acute cerebral ischemia occurrence was highest in early morning, 02:00-06:59. Marked weekday vs weekends pattern variation was noted for acute cerebral ischemia, with a broad plateau between 09:00 and 21:59 on weekdays but a unimodal peak at 14:00-15:59 on weekends. Wake onset of acute cerebrovascular disease showed a marked circadian variation, with distinctive patterns of a broad elevated plateau among acute cerebral ischemia patients; a bimodal peak among intracerebral hemorrhage patients; and a weekend change in acute cerebral ischemia pattern to a unimodal peak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The risk of early recurrence in medically treated patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) may differ in clinical trials versus real-world settings. Delayed enrollment may contribute to lower event rates in ICAS trials. We aim to determine the 30-day recurrence risk in a real-world setting of symptomatic ICAS. We used a comprehensive stroke center stroke registry to identify hospitalized patients with acute ischemic stroke or TIA due to symptomatic 50–99% ICAS. The outcome was recurrent stroke within 30 days. We used adjusted Cox regression models to identify factors associated with increased recurrence risk. We also performed a comparison of 30-day recurrent stroke rates in real world cohorts and clinical trials. Among 131 hospitalizations with symptomatic 50-99% ICAS over 3 years, 80 hospitalizations of 74 patients (mean age 71.6 years, 55.41% men) met the inclusion criteria. Over 30 days, 20.6 % had recurrent stroke; 61.5% (8/13) occurred within first 7 days. The risk was higher in patients not receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (HR 3.92 95% CI 1.30-11.84, p = 0.015) and hypoperfusion mismatch volume >3.5 mL at a T max>6 s threshold (HR 6.55 95% CI 1.60-26.88, p < 0.001). The recurrence risk was similar to another real world ICAD cohort (20.2%), and higher than that seen in clinical trials (2.2%–5.7%), even in those treated with maximal medical treatment or meeting inclusion criteria for trials. In patients with symptomatic ICAS, the real-world recurrence of ischemic events is higher than that seen in clinical trials, even in subgroups receiving the same pharmacological treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroimaging provides detailed information regarding the hemodynamic, metabolic and cellular parameters of cerebral ischemia (CI). Although providing just a snapshot in time, it assists in delineating the boundaries and extent of this continually evolving process, from the irreversibly damaged infarct core to the penumbral tissue, where salvage via reperfusion has been the focus of acute stroke therapies. Beyond the extent of the ischemic lesion, neuroimaging elucidates the topography and underlying mechanism of CI. Finally, based on the pathophysiological information, neuroimaging assists in the selection of optimal therapeutic strategies, from hyperacute to chronic phases of CI. Here we review different neuroimaging techniques by which the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia can be delineated. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled ‘Cerebral Ischemia’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cortical microinfarcts (CMIs) have been correlated to cognitive decline and dementia. It was previously considered only visible on microscope, but was recently reported to be visible on 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and linked to presence of intracranial stenosis. We aimed to investigate CMIs on 3.0 Tesla MRI in patients with M1 middle cerebral artery (MCA-M1) stenosis.Methods: Patients with a recent non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack and an atherosclerotic MCA-M1 stenosis were recruited. The severity of MCA stenosis was defined as moderate (50%-69%) or severe (70%-99% or focal flow void) on time-of-flight MR angiography (MRA). The distal to proximal signal intensity ratio (SIR) of MCA stenosis was measured on time-of-flight MRA to represent its hemodynamic significance. The presence of CMI(s) in the ipsilateral hemisphere was assessed on axial T1- or T2-weighted images and T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery images.Results: Overall, 86 patients (mean age: 62.8 years; 77.9% males) were analyzed, 66 (76.7%) and 20 (23.3%), respectively, having moderate and severe MCA-M1 stenoses. The median SIR was .91. Forty-five (52.3%) patients had ipsilateral CMI(s). Multivariate logistic regression showed a history of dyslipidemia (odds ratio [OR] = 6.83, P = .008), and an SIR lower than the median (OR = 4.73, P = .014) were independently associated with presence of CMI(s) in ipsilateral hemisphere to an MCA-M1 stenosis.Conclusions: Patients with stroke and intracranial stenosis had a high burden of CMI. Except for a history of dyslipidemia, the hemodynamic significance of the arterial stenosis may contribute to the presence of ipsilateral CMI(s) in these patients, which warrants further investigation in prospective, longitudinal studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The FDA mandates timely reporting of all clinical trials conducted in the United States. However, often the results are not reported in a timely manner, resulting in wastage of finite resources. We assessed the reporting of results of completed stroke trials and compared the reporting trends between U.S. and non-U.S. stroke trials.Methods: We assessed consecutive clinical stroke trials registered as completed in ClinicalTrials.gov between January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2015. Descriptive data collected included study phase, study type, participant age, number of enrolled patients, study locations, start and primary completion dates, result availability, time to reporting (months), sponsorship, funding sources, and publication status. We also performed manual search for stroke trials in Pubmed, Web of Science, and Google scholar.Results: Out of a total 140 completed trials, 39 trials (35,359 patients) involved at least 1 U.S. center and 101 trials (58,542 patients) were conducted in non-U.S. centers. Of the trials involving at least a single U.S. center, 31 of 39 (79%) reported their results, whereas only 6 of 31 (19%) reported their results within 1 year. Of the trials conducted at non-U.S. centers, 72 of 101 (71%) reported their results, whereas results for 24 of 72 (33%) trials were available within a year of completion. The time to reporting of results was significantly lower for all the included clinical trials in the 2012-2014 period (P < .001, Cohen's d = .726) as compared to the 2008-2011 period.Conclusion: Only one-fifth of completed stroke trials involving at least a single U.S. center report their results within 1 year. Additionally, every fifth completed trial involving stroke patients at U.S. centers remain unreported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke patients who have cerebral micro bleeds (CMBs) could be potentially at a greater risk for symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) than those patients without CMBs. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the presence and burden of CMBs are associated with post IVT sICH.Methods: In this multicenter study, consecutive patients treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator were prospectively identified and analyzed. Patients without magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 24 hours of treatment were excluded. CMBs were defined as round or oval, hypointense lesions with associated blooming on T2*-weighted MRI up to 10 mm in diameter. Outcome measures included the occurrence of sICH or death.Results: Of 672 patients with IVT (mean age 62 ± 14 years, 52% men, median admission NIHSS: 7 points), 103 patients had CMBs on T2*-MRI. Ten patients had more than 10, whereas the remaining 93 patients had 1-10 CMBs on T2*-MRI. The rates of sICH did not differ between patients with and patients without 1-10 CMBs (5.8% versus 3.5%; P = .27). However, sICH occurred more frequently (P = .0009) in patients with > 10 CMBs (30%, 95% confidence interval [CI] by the adjusted Wald method: 10%-61%). After adjusting for potential confounders, the presence of >10 CMBs on T2*-MRI was independently (P = .0004) associated with a higher likelihood for sICH (odds ratio [OR]:13.4, 95%CI:3.2-55.9).Conclusions: Our findings indicate an increased risk of sICH after IVT when more than 10 CMBs are present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite concerns regarding hypoperfusion in patients with large-artery occlusive disease, strict blood pressure (BP) control has become adopted as a safe strategy for risk reduction of stroke. We examined the relationship between BP control, blood flow, and risk of subsequent stroke in the prospective Vertebrobasilar Flow Evaluation and Risk of Transient Ischemic Attack and Stroke (VERiTAS) study.Methods: The VERiTAS study enrolled patients with recent vertebrobasilar (VB) transient ischemic attack or stroke and ≥50% atherosclerotic stenosis or occlusion of vertebral or basilar arteries. Hemodynamic status was designated as low or normal based on quantitative magnetic resonance angiography. Patients underwent standard medical management and follow-up for primary outcome event of VB territory stroke. Mean BP during follow-up (<140/90 versus ≥140/90 mm Hg) and flow status were examined relative to subsequent stroke risk using Cox proportional hazards analysis.Results: The 72 subjects had an average of 3.8 ± 1.2 BP recordings over 20 ± 8 months of follow-up; 39 (54%) had mean BP of<140/90 mm Hg. The BP groups were largely comparable for baseline demographics, risk factors, and stenosis severity. Comparing subgroups stratified by BP and hemodynamic status, we found that patients with both low flow and BP <140/90 mm Hg (n = 10) had the highest risk of subsequent stroke, with hazard ratio of 4.5 (confidence interval 1.3-16.0, P = .02), compared with the other subgroups combined.Conclusions: Among a subgroup of patients with VB disease and low flow, strict BP control (BP <140/90) may increase the risk of subsequent stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intracranial stenosis (ICAS) is a common cause of stroke worldwide and patients with symptomatic ICAS exhibit a high rate of recurrence, particularly in the early period after the initial event. In this study, we aimed to study the association between borderzone infarct and recurrent ischemic stroke in patients hospitalized with symptomatic ICAS.Methods: This is a retrospective single center study that included patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke in the setting of intracranial stenosis (50% or more and an acute ischemic stroke in the territory supplied by the stenosed artery) over a 32-month period. We excluded patients who did not receive a brain MRI or did not have an infarct on brain imaging. The primary predictor is infarct pattern (any borderzone vs. no borderzone infarct) and the primary outcome was recurrent cerebrovascular events (RCVE) within 90 days. We used unadjusted, and age and sex adjusted logistic regression models to determine associations between infarct pattern and RCVE at 90-days.Results: Among 99 patients who met the inclusion criteria (4 tandem), the mean age was 70.1 ± 11.2 years and 41.4% were women; 43 had borderzone infarcts and 19 had RCVE. In adjusted binary logistic regression analysis, borderzone infarct was associated with increased risk of RCVE (adjusted OR 4.00 95% CI 1.33-11.99, p=0.013). The association between borderzone infarction and RCVE was not different among anterior circulation ICAD (adjusted HR 2.85 95% CI 0.64-12.76, p=0.172) vs. posterior circulation ICAD (adjusted HR 6.69 95% CI 1.06-42.11, p=0.043), p-value for interaction = 0.592.Conclusion: In real world post-SAMMPRIS medically treated patients with ICAD, the borderzone infarct pattern was associated with 90-day RCVE. Borderzone infarcts are likely a surrogate marker of impaired distal blood flow, highlighting the importance of targeting stroke mechanisms and developing alternative treatment strategies for high-risk cohorts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The real-world evolution of management and outcomes of patients with unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) has not been well-delineated following the ARUBA trial findings of no general advantage of initial interventional (surgical/endovascular/radiotherapy) vs. initial conservative medical therapy.Methods: We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample from 2009-2018, capturing 20% of all admissions in the U.S. Validated ICD-9 and -10 codes defined brain AVMs, comorbidities, and the use of interventional modalities. Analyses were performed by year and for the dichotomized periods of pre-ARUBA (2009-2013) vs. post-ARUBA (2014-2018).Results: Among the national projected 88,037 AVM admissions, 72,812 (82.7%) were unruptured AVMs and 15,225 (17.3%) were ruptured AVMs. Among uAVMs, 51.4% admitted pre-ARUBA and 48.6% in post-ARUBA period. The post-ARUBA patients were mildly older (median age 53.3 vs. 51.8 (p = 0.001) and had more comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, renal impairment, and smoking. Before the first platform report of ARUBA (2009-2012), rates of use of interventional treatments during uAVM admissions trended up from 31.8% to 35.4%. Thereafter, they declined significantly to 26.4% in 2018 (p = 0.02). The decline was driven by a reduction in the frequency of endovascular treatment from 18.8% to 13.9% and inpatient stereotactic radiosurgery from 0.5% to 0.1%. No change occurred in the frequency of microsurgery or combined endovascular and surgical approaches. Adjusted multivariable model of uAVMs showed increased odds of discharge to a long-term inpatient facility or in-hospital death [OR 1.14 (1.02-1.28), p = 0.020] in post-ARUBA. A significantly increased proportion of ruptured AVMs from 17.0% to 23.3% was observed consistently in post-ARUBA.Conclusion: Nationwide practice in the management of unruptured AVMs changed substantially with the publication of the ARUBA trial in a durable and increasing manner. Fewer admissions with the interventional treatment of unruptured AVMs occurred, and a corresponding increase in admission for ruptured AVMs transpired, as expected with a strategy of watchful waiting and treatment only after an index bleeding event. Further studies are needed to determine whether these trends can be considered to be ARUBA trial effect or are merely coincidental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is a relapsing-remitting disease with a heterogeneous course. Case series have delineated the long-term disease course but not acute outcomes or their determinants. The national United States hospital burden of PACNS has not been quantified.Methods: Analysis of the United States Nationwide Readmissions Database (2016-2018) to characterize the frequency of PACNS hospitalizations, demographic features, inpatient mortality, and discharge outcomes.Results: During the 3-year study period, unweighted 1843 (weighted 3409) patients with PACNS were admitted to the 1078 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project HCUP participating hospitals; with weighting, this value indicates that 1136 patients were admitted each year to US hospitals, representing yearly 0.01 cases per 100 000 national hospitalizations. The majority of patients were hospitalized in metropolitan teaching hospitals (81.6%). The median age at admission was 54.9 (IQR: 44.0-66.5) years and 59.4% were women. Neurologic manifestations included ischemic stroke in 38.2%, transient ischemic attack in 20.2%, seizure disorder in 22.8%, and intracranial hemorrhage in 13.0%. Overall, 60.0% of patients were discharged home, 35.0% discharged to a rehabilitation facility or nursing home and 5.0% died before discharge. Patient features independently associated with the discharge to another facility or death included older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.03 [95% CI, [1.03-1.04]]), male sex (OR, 1.22 [1.04-1.43]), intraparenchymal hemorrhage (OR, 1.41 [1.08-1.84]), ischemic stroke (OR, 2.79 [2.38-3.28]), and seizure disorder (OR, 1.57 [1.31-1.89]).Conclusion: Our study showed PACNS is still a rare inflammatory disorder of the blood vessels of the central nervous system suggesting an annual hospitalization of 5.1 cases per 1,000,000 person-years in the more diverse and contemporary US population. Overall, 4 in 10 had unfavorable discharge outcome, being unable to be discharged home, and 1 in 20 died before discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carotid web (CaW) is non-atheromatous, shelf-like intraluminal projection, generally affecting the posterolateral wall of the proximal internal carotid artery, and associated with embolic stroke, particularly in younger patients without traditional stroke risk factors. Treatment options for symptomatic CaWs include interventional therapy with carotid endarterectomy or carotid stenting versus medical therapy with antiplatelet or anticoagulants. As safety and efficacy of these approaches have been incompletely delineated in small-to-moderate case series, we performed a systematic review of outcomes with interventional and medical management.Methods: Systematic literature search was conducted and data analyzed per PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) from January 2000 to October 2021 using the search strategy: "Carotid web" OR "Carotid shelf" OR "Web vessels" OR "Intraluminal web". Patient-level demographics, stroke risk factors, technical procedure details, medical and interventional management strategies were abstracted across 15 series. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results: Among a total of symptomatic 282 CaW patients across 14 series, age was 49.5 (44-55.7) years, 61.7% were women, and 76.6% were black. Traditional stroke risk factors were less frequent than the other stroke causes, including hypertension in 28.6%, hyperlipidemia 14.6%, DM 7.0%, and smoking 19.8%. Thrombus adherent to CaW was detected on initial imaging in 16.2%. Among 289 symptomatic CaWs across 15 series, interventional management was pursued in 151 (52.2%), carotid artery stenting in 87, and carotid endarterectomy in 64; medical management was pursued in 138 (47.8%), including antiplatelet therapy in 80.4% and anticoagulants in 11.6%. Interventional and medical patients were similar in baseline characteristics. The reported time from index stroke to carotid revascularization was median 14 days (IQR 9.5-44). In the interventional group, no periprocedural mortality was noted, major periprocedural complications occurred in 1/151 (0.5%), and no recurrent ischemic events were observed over follow-up range of 3-60 months. In the medical group, over a follow-up of 2-55 months, the recurrence cerebral ischemia rate was 26.8%.Conclusion: Cumulative evidence from multiple series suggests that carotid revascularization is a safe and effective option for preventing recurrent ischemic events in patients with symptomatic carotid webs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early neurological deterioration (END) is an important factor associated with worse clinical outcome in minor strokes. Early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings can provide better sensitivity to delineate stroke pathophysiology and have diagnostic value associated with causative mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between early MRI finding and the presence of END in minor stroke patients with lesions in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory.Methods: Consecutive MCA minor stroke patients who were admitted to our center within 24 hours of symptom onset were included in this study. All patients underwent MRI within 24 hours of admission. We analyzed baseline characteristics, infarction patterns, and treatment algorithms. The correlation between early MRI findings and END, defined as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score increasing more than 2 points during 72 hours after admission, was also determined.Results: Across 211 patients meeting entry criteria between January 2010 and December 2013, internal border-zone (IBZ) infarcts on early MRI scan were observed in 23 of 65 patients with END (35.4%) and in 18 of 146 patients without END (12.3%, P < .001). Patients with IBZ infarcts were found to have more hyperlipidemia, less perforating artery infarcts, more pial artery infarcts, more cortical border-zone infarcts and more ipsilateral large arterial stenosis. Logistic regression analysis revealed that IBZ infarct was independently associated with END after adjustment for other factors (odds ratio, 2.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-5.74; P = .031).Conclusions: Early MRI patterns of IBZ infarction are associated with END in minor stroke patients with acute infarcts of the MCA territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: External counterpulsation (ECP) increases perfusion to a variety of organs and may be helpful for acute stroke.Methods: We conducted a single-blinded, prospective, randomized controlled feasibility and safety trial of ECP for acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) ischemic stroke. Twenty-three patients presenting within 48 hours of symptom onset were randomized into one of two groups. One group was treated with ECP for 1 hour at a pressure of up to 300 mmHg ("full pressure"). During the procedure, we also determined the highest possible pressure that would augment MCA mean flow velocity (MFV) by 15%. The other group was treated with ECP at 75 mmHg ("sham pressure"). Transcranial Doppler MCA flow velocities and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores of both groups were checked before, during, and after ECP. Outcomes were assessed at 30 days after randomization.Results: Although the procedures were feasible to implement, there was a frequent inability to augment MFV by 15% despite maximal pressures in full-pressure patients. In sham-pressure patients, however, MFV frequently increased as shown by increases in peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity. In both groups, starting ECP was often associated with contemporaneous improvements in NIHSS stroke scores. There were no between-group differences in NIHSS, modified Rankin Scale Scores, and Barthel Indices, and no device or treatment-related serious adverse events, deaths, intracerebral hemorrhages, or episodes of acute neuro-worsening.Conclusions: ECP was safe and feasible to use in patients with acute ischemic stroke. It was associated with unexpected effects on flow velocity, and contemporaneous improvements in NIHSS score regardless of pressure used, with a possibility that even very low ECP pressures had an effect. Further study is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose A systematic literature review was performed to examine the clinical implications of intracranial internal carotid artery calcific atherosclerotic lesions (IICACALs) detected at cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) examinations. Materials and Methods The PubMed database was queried in 2 separate searches using the linked search terms non-contrast enhanced cone beam computed tomography and calcified intracranial vascular lesions and non-contrast enhanced computed tomography and calcified intracranial vascular lesions . Reviewed were all English-language articles using CBCT or CT imaging that enrolled neurologically asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. Excluded were studies describing patients with hemorrhagic stroke. Illustrative cases describing incidentally detected IICACALs on CBCT scans are provided. Results Three articles described identification of IICACALs on CBCT scans of almost 1,500 dental patients. Two of these fully addressed the subject, with 1 noting that IICACALs were benign and another urging patient referral for further workup. Five non–contrast-enhanced CT studies were evaluated in detail; all confirmed IICACALs as a substantive risk marker of advanced stenotic disease in the cerebral circulation, central brain atrophy, concomitant advanced atherosclerotic disease in the cardiovascular circulation, and an indicator of future ischemic events. Five CBCT examinations showing IICACALs in the cavernous and ophthalmic segments are presented. Conclusion Few studies have denoted the importance of identifying IICACALs on CBCT scans. However, all non–contrast-enhanced CT studies emphasized the clinical significance of these lesions in relation to cerebral and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, IICACALs seen on CBCT and CT scans present the same risk and should prompt referral for further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) currently publicly reports hospital-quality, risk-adjusted mortality measure for ischemic stroke but not intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The NIHSS, which is captured in CMS administrative claims data, is a candidate metric for use in ICH risk adjustment and has been shown to predict clinical outcome with accuracy similar to the ICH Score. Correlation between early NIHSS and initial ICH volume would further support use of the NIHSS for ICH risk adjustment.Materials and Methods: Among 372 ICH patients enrolled in a large multicenter trial (FAST-MAG), the relation between early NIHSS and early ICH volume was assessed with correlation and linear trend analysis.Results: Overall, there was strong correlation between NIHSS and ICH volume, r = 0.77 (p < 0.001), and for every 10cc increase in ICH the NIHSS increased by 4.5 points. Correlation coefficients were comparable in all subgroups, but magnitude of NIHSS increase with ICH unit volume increase was greater with left than right hemispheric ICH, with presence rather than absence of IVH, with imaging done within the first hour than second hour after last known well, with men than women, and with younger than older patients.Conclusion: Early NIHSS neurologic deficit severity values correlate strongly with initial ICH hematoma volume. As with ischemic stroke, lesion volume increases produce greater NIHSS change in the left than right hemisphere, reflecting greater NIHSS sensitivity to left hemisphere function. These findings provide further support for the use of NIHSS in risk-adjusted mortality measures for intracerebral hemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article entitled “Imaging Recommendations for Acute Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack Patients: A Joint Statement by the American Society of Neuroradiology, the American College of Radiology and the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery”, we are proposing a simple, pragmatic approach that will allow the reader to develop an optimal imaging algorithm for stroke patients at their institution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: More than a quarter of patients with ischemic stroke (IS) are excluded from thrombolysis because of an unknown time of symptom onset. Recent evidence suggests that a mismatch between diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging could be used as a surrogate for the time of stroke onset. We compared used the DWI-FLAIR mismatch and the FLAIR/DWI ratio to estimate the time of onset in a group of patients with nocturnal strokes and unknown time of onset.Methods: We used a prospectively collected acute IS patient database with MRI as the initial imaging modality. Nineteen selected nocturnal stroke patients with unknown time of onset were compared with 22 patients who had an MRI scan within 6 hours from stroke onset (control A) and 19 patients who had an MRI scan between 6 and 12 hours (control B). DWI and FLAIR signal was rated as normal or abnormal. FLAIR/DWI ratio was calculated from independent DWI and FLAIR ischemic lesion volumes using semiautomatic software.Results: The DWI-FLAIR mismatch was different among groups (unknown 43.7%; control A 63.6%; control B 10.5%; Fisher-Freeman-Halton test; P = .001). There were significant differences in FLAIR/DWI ratio among the 3 groups (unknown 0.05 ± 0.12; control A 0.17 ± 0.15; control B 0.04 ± 0.06; Kruskal-Wallis test; P < .0001). Post-hoc pairwise comparisons revealed that FLAIR/DWI ratio from the unknown group was significantly different from the control B group (P = .0045) but not different from the control A group. DWI volumes were not different among the 3 groups.Conclusions: A large proportion of patients with nocturnal IS and an unknown time of stroke initiation have a DWI-FLAIR mismatch, suggesting a recent onset of stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Hyperlipidemia is a strong risk factor for intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) and clinical stroke recurrence. We explored the effect of serum lipid levels on subclinical infarct recurrence in the Mechanisms of earlY Recurrence in Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease (MYRIAD) study.Materials and Methods: We included enrolled MYRIAD patients with lipid measurements and brain MRI at baseline and brain MRI at 6-8 weeks. Infarct recurrence was defined as new infarcts in the territory of the symptomatic artery on brain MRI at 6-8 weeks compared to baseline brain MRI. We assessed the association between baseline total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) levels and recurrent infarct at 6-8 weeks using multivariable logistic regression.Results: Among 74 patients (mean age 64.2±12.9 years, 59.5% were white, 60.8% men), 20 (27.0%) had new or recurrent infarcts. Mean HDL-C (37.2 vs. 43.9 mg/dL, P=0.037) was lower and TG (113.5 vs. 91.3 mg/dL, P=0.008) was higher while TC (199.8 vs. 174.3 mg/dL, P=0.061) and LDL-C (124.3 vs. 101.2 mg/dL, P=0.053) were nominally higher among those with recurrent infarcts than those without. LDL-C (adj. OR 1.022, 95% CI 1.004-1.040, P=0.015) and TG (adj. OR 1.009, 95% CI 1.001-1.016, P=0.021) were predictors of recurrent infarct at 6-8 weeks adjusting for other clinical and imaging factors.Conclusions: Baseline cholesterol markers can predict early infarct recurrence in patients with symptomatic ICAD. More intensive and rapid lipid lowering drugs may be required to reduce risk of early recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke, whether hemorrhagic or ischemic in nature, has the ability to lead to devastating and debilitating patient outcomes, which not only has direct implications from a healthcare standpoint, but its effects are longstanding and they impact the community as a whole. For decades, the goal of advancement and refinement in imaging modalities has been to develop the most precise, convenient, widely available and reproducible interpretable modality for the detection of stroke, not only in its hyperacute phase, but a method to be able to predict its evolution through the natural course of disease. Diagnosis is one of the most important initial roles, which imaging fulfills after the identification of existent pathology. However, imaging fulfills an even more important goal by using a combination of imaging modalities and their precise interpretation, which lends itself to understanding the mechanisms and pathophysiology of underlying disease, and therefore guides therapeutic decision-making in a patient-tailored fashion. This review explores the most commonly used brain imaging modalities, computer tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, with an aim to demonstrate their dynamic use in uncovering stroke mechanism, facilitating prognostication, and potentially guiding therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Framingham Coronary Risk Score (FCRS) is based on several factors, including age, sex, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, presence of diabetes, and cigarette smoking. Some of these factors are individually linked with acute stroke outcomes. We explored whether FCRS could predict outcome in patients hospitalized with recent stroke. We collected data on consecutive patients hospitalized for ischemic stroke over a 3-year period. Patients with known coronary artery disease were excluded. Discharge outcomes assessed were neurologic deficit (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score), death or disability (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score ≥2), and discharge to home directly from the hospital. The independent effect of FCRS on these outcomes was evaluated using multivariate regression analysis. During the study period, 434 patients with ischemic stroke met entry criteria (mean age, 64.5 years; 54% females). Median FCRS score was 8%. After adjusting for confounders, higher FCRS score was associated with an increased likelihood of death or being disabled at discharge (odds ratio [OR]=4.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.98-24.1; P =.05), and a decreased likelihood of being discharged directly to home (OR=0.18; 95% CI=0.04-0.86; P =.032), but not with discharge NIHSS score. Higher FCRS in hospitalized ischemic stroke patients is associated with death or disability at discharge and a lower likelihood of being discharged directly to home. Along with indexing the long-term risk of cardiovascular events, this widely known, easily calculable score provides clinically relevant short-term prognostic information following ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We recently demonstrated that the preprocedural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pattern of deep middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory injury predicts poor prognosis. We postulate that the structures of the deep MCA field are particularly vulnerable to hemorrhagic transformation (HT) following reperfusion. Methods: We reviewed all cases of acute occlusions involving the M1 segment of the MCA with diffusion restriction of at least 50% of the deep MCA field on MRI (M1a pattern) that underwent endovascular therapy. We compared those with and without recanalization in regards to HT and disability on discharge. Results: Thirty-five patients met inclusion criteria. The recanalized M1a group (n = 27) had higher rates of HT (67% vs. 25%, P = 0.05) and a trend toward more parenchymal HT (37% vs. 0%, P = 0.07) and symptomatic HT (22% vs. 0%, P = 0.12) than those M1a patients who failed to recanalize (n = 8). Clinical improvement in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale by discharge was better in the survivors of the recanalized group. Conclusions: Among patients with the preintervention M1a MRI pattern of advanced basal ganglionic injury, successful recanalization predicts a higher risk of HT but better outcome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: To examine the existence and significance of internal border zone (IBZ) infarcts with accessory lesions in the anteromedial temporal lobe (ATL).Materials and Methods: IBZ infarcts located at the corona radiata were selected based on diffusion-weighted imaging of 2535 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke and the presence of lesions in the ATL was identified. The Mann-Whitney U test, Student t-test, Pearson χ2 test, or Fisher exact test was used to analyze differences between the IBZ infarct groups with and without accessory lesions in the ATL.Results: Thirty-six of 2535 patients (1.4%) had IBZ infarcts. The IBZ group with accessory lesions in the ATL (17 cases, 47.2%) showed a higher portion of occluded middle cerebral arteries than the IBZ group without accessory lesions in the ATL (p = 0.02). The initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (odds ratio, 2.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-3.99;   = 0.039) and progression after admission (odds ratio, 25.43; 95% confidence interval, 2.47-261.99; p = 0.007) were independently associated with poor prognosis in patients with IBZ infarcts. There were no differences in the progression rate and clinical outcomes, regardless of the presence of lesions in the ATL.Conclusions: Our study suggests the existence of a distinct type of IBZ infarct characterized by accessory lesions in the ATL, which is associated with different arterial features but has a similar clinical course to IBZ infarcts without accessory lesions in the ATL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The risk of early recurrent cerebral infarction (RCI) is high in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease (IAD). We sought to determine the relationship between risk factor control and early RCI risk among patients with symptomatic IAD.Methods: We analyzed participants with symptomatic IAD in the multi-center prospective observational MYRIAD study. Risk factor control was assessed at 6-8-week follow-up. Optimal risk factor control was defined by target systolic blood pressure, being non-smoker, target physical activity, and antiplatelet and antilipidemic therapy compliance. Age-adjusted associations were calculated between risk factor control and RCI determined by MRI-evident new infarcts in the territory of the stenotic vessel at 6-8 weeks from the index event.Results: Among 82 participants with clinical and brain MRI information available 6-8 weeks after the index event (mean age 63.5 ±12.5 years, 62.2% men), RCI occurred in 21 (25.6%) cases. At 6-8-week follow-up, 37.8% had target systolic blood pressure, 92.7% were non-smokers, 51.2% had target physical activity, and 98.8% and 86.6% were compliant with antiplatelet and antilipidemic therapy, respectively. Optimal risk factor control increased from 4.9% at baseline to 19.5% at 6-8-week follow-up (p=0.01). None of the participants with optimal risk factor control at follow-up had RCI (0% vs. 31.8%, p<0.01).Conclusions: Only one-fifth of MYRIAD participants had optimal risk factor control during early follow-up. Approximately half and two-thirds had physical inactivity and uncontrolled systolic blood pressure, respectively. These risk factors may represent important therapeutic targets to prevent early RCI in patients with symptomatic IAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Higher levels of serum bilirubin may offer a therapeutic advantage in oxidative stress-mediated diseases, but may also simply reflect intensity of oxidative stress. Little is known about the role of bilirubin in stroke. We assessed the relation of serum bilirubin levels with clinical presentation and outcomes among patients hospitalized with ischemic stroke. Methods: Data were collected prospectively during a 5-year period on consecutive ischemic stroke admissions to a university hospital. Serum bilirubin levels, total (Tbil) and direct (Dbil), were measured on admission. Presenting stroke severity was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Functional outcome at discharge was assessed using the modified Rankin scale. Results: Among 743 patients, mean age was 67.3 years and 47.5% were women. Median presenting NIHSS score was 4, and 24% had a poor (modified Rankin scale 4-6) functional outcome at discharge. Higher Dbil levels were associated with greater stroke severity (P = .001) and poorer discharge outcome (P = .034). Multivariable regression analyses showed that those with higher Dbil levels (≥0.4 mg/dL) had significantly greater admission NIHSS scores compared with those with lower levels (≤0.1 mg/dL) (odds ratio 2.79, 95% confidence interval 1.25-6.20, P = .012), but no independent relationship was confirmed between Dbil and discharge outcome. Although higher admission Tbil was associated with greater stroke severity in crude analyses (P = .003), no independent relationship between Tbil versus stroke severity or outcome was noted after adjusting for confounders. Conclusions: Higher Dbil level is associated with greater stroke severity but not outcome among ischemic stroke patients, possibly reflecting the intensity of initial oxidative stress. Further study into the underlying pathophysiology of this relationship is needed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: Embolic stroke is a frequent complication of infective endocarditis yet lacks acute treatment as intravenous thrombolysis should be avoided due to high risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. Mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion may be a promising treatment but there is limited data on safety outcomes in infective endocarditis.Materials and Methods: In this multi-center retrospective case series, we reviewed data from patients with infective endocarditis-related large vessel occlusion who underwent mechanical thrombectomy in 9 US hospitals.Results: We identified 15 patients at 9 hospitals. A minority presented with signs suggesting infection (2 patients (14%) had fever, 7 (47%) were tachycardic, 2 (13%) were hypotensive, and 8 (53%) had leukocytosis). The median National Institute of Health Stroke Score decreased from 19 (range 9-25) at presentation to 7 post-thrombectomy (range 0-22, median best score post-thrombectomy), and the median modified Rankin Scale on or after discharge for survivors was 3 (range 0-6). Approximately 57% of patients had a modified Rankin Scale between 0 and 3 on or after discharge. Hemorrhagic transformation was observed in 7/15 (47%). The mechanical thrombectomy group had 2/9 petechial hemorrhagic transformation (22%), compared to 4/6 parenchymal hematomas (67%) in the tissue plasminogen activator + mechanical thrombectomy group.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that patients with large vessel occlusion due to infective endocarditis may not present with overt signs of infection. Mechanical thrombectomy may be an effective treatment in this patient population for whom intravenous thrombolysis should be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is a common cause of ischemic stroke with a high risk of clinical stroke recurrence. Multiple mechanisms may underlie cerebral ischemia in this condition. The study's objective is to discern the mechanisms of recurrent ischemia in ICAD through imaging biomarkers of impaired antegrade flow, poor distal perfusion, abnormal vasoreactivity, and artery-to-artery embolism. This prospective multicenter observational study enrolled patients with recent (≤21 days) ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) caused by ICAD with 50-99% stenosis treated medically. We obtained baseline quantitative MRA (QMRA), perfusion MRI (PWI), transcranial Doppler vasoreactivity (VMR), and emboli detection studies (EDS). The primary outcome was ischemic stroke in the territory of the stenotic artery within 1 year of follow-up; secondary outcomes were TIA at 1 year and new infarcts in the territory on MRI at 6-8 weeks. Amongst 102 of 105 participants with clinical follow-up (mean 253±131 days), the primary outcome occurred in 8.8% (12.7/100 patient-years), while 5.9% (8.5/100 patient-years) had a TIA. A new infarct in the territory of the symptomatic artery was noted in 24.7% at 6-8 weeks. A low flow state on QMRA was noted in 25.5%, poor distal perfusion on PWI in 43.5%, impaired vasoreactivity on VMR in 67.5%, and microemboli on EDS in 39.0%. No significant association was identified between these imaging biomarkers and primary or secondary outcomes. Despite intensive medical management in ICAD, there is a high risk of clinical cerebrovascular events at 1 year and an even higher risk of new imaging-evident infarcts in the subacute period after index stroke. Hemodynamic and plaque instability biomarkers did not identify a higher risk group. Further work is needed to identify mechanisms of ischemic stroke and infarct recurrence and their consequence on long-term physical and cognitive outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02121028. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is a common cause of ischemic stroke with a high risk of clinical stroke recurrence. Multiple mechanisms may underlie cerebral ischemia in this condition. The study's objective is to discern the mechanisms of recurrent ischemia in ICAD through imaging biomarkers of impaired antegrade flow, poor distal perfusion, abnormal vasoreactivity, and artery-to-artery embolism.Methods: This prospective multicenter observational study enrolled patients with recent (≤21 days) ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) caused by ICAD with 50-99% stenosis treated medically. We obtained baseline quantitative MRA (QMRA), perfusion MRI (PWI), transcranial Doppler vasoreactivity (VMR), and emboli detection studies (EDS). The primary outcome was ischemic stroke in the territory of the stenotic artery within 1 year of follow-up; secondary outcomes were TIA at 1 year and new infarcts in the territory on MRI at 6-8 weeks.Results: Amongst 102 of 105 participants with clinical follow-up (mean 253±131 days), the primary outcome occurred in 8.8% (12.7/100 patient-years), while 5.9% (8.5/100 patient-years) had a TIA. A new infarct in the territory of the symptomatic artery was noted in 24.7% at 6-8 weeks. A low flow state on QMRA was noted in 25.5%, poor distal perfusion on PWI in 43.5%, impaired vasoreactivity on VMR in 67.5%, and microemboli on EDS in 39.0%. No significant association was identified between these imaging biomarkers and primary or secondary outcomes.Conclusions: Despite intensive medical management in ICAD, there is a high risk of clinical cerebrovascular events at 1 year and an even higher risk of new imaging-evident infarcts in the subacute period after index stroke. Hemodynamic and plaque instability biomarkers did not identify a higher risk group. Further work is needed to identify mechanisms of ischemic stroke and infarct recurrence and their consequence on long-term physical and cognitive outcomes.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02121028. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Positive pivotal trials followed by guideline endorsement can be a major driver of change in US national medical practice patterns. We therefore analyzed national trends in the use and outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion before and after the 2015 publication of pivotal trials and the US guideline update.Methods: We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample from 2012-2016. Ischemic stroke and mechanical thrombectomy patients were identified using ICD-9 and ICD-10. The primary efficacy outcome measure was discharge to home, which strongly correlates with mild degree of disability at discharge. Safety outcomes include in-hospital mortality and in-hospital medical complications.Results: From 2012-2016, 2,394,550 discharges were recorded with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke, including 39,150 (1.6%) treated with mechanical thrombectomy. The number and proportion of stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy annually rose from 4,910/452,905 (1.1%) in 2012 to 11,860/509,215 (2.3%) in 2016. The largest annual increase occurred between 2014, when 6,460 stroke patients were treated with thrombectomy, and 2015, when 10,280 underwent thrombectomy. Comparing the pre (Q1 2012 - Q4 2014) and post (Q4 2015 - Q4 2016) RCT/Guideline epochs, in addition to increased thrombectomy rates, the proportion of thrombectomy patients who received IV-tPA decreased (46% to 24%, p<0.001). Rates of mild disability outcome increased from 16% to 20% (p<0.001), while mortality decreased from 15% to 13% (p=0.01). The odds of pulmonary embolism, urinary tract infection, and pneumonia decreased, while intracerebral hemorrhage, septicemia, deep venous thrombosis, shock, and cardiac arrest were unchanged.Conclusion: In the United States, thrombectomy treatment for acute ischemic stroke increased rapidly and substantially in frequency following publication of positive clinical trials and US guideline update in 2015, accompanied by improved functional outcomes and reduced peri-procedural mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: MRI and CT modalities are both current standard-of-care options for initial imaging in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO). MR provides greater lesion conspicuity and spatial resolution, but few series have demonstrated multimodal MR may be performed efficiently.Methods: In a prospective comprehensive stroke center registry, we analyzed all anterior circulation LVO thrombectomy patients between 2012-2017 who: (1) arrived directly by EMS from the field, and (2) had initial NIHSS ≥6. Center imaging policy was multimodal MRI (including DWI/GRE/MRA w/wo PWI) as the initial evaluation in all patients without contraindications, and multimodal CT (including CT with CTA, w/wo CTP) in the remainder.Results: Among 106 EMS-arriving endovascular thrombectomy patients, initial imaging was MRI 62.3%, CT in 37.7%. MRI and CT patients were similar in age (72.5 vs 71.3), severity (NIHSS 16.4 v 18.2), and medical history, though MRI patients had longer onset-to-door times. Overall, door-to-needle (DTN) and door-to-puncture (DTP) times did not differ among MR and CT patients, and were faster for both modalities in 2015-2017 versus 2012-2014. In the 2015-2017 period, for MR-imaged patients, the median DTN 42m (IQR 34-55) surpassed standard (60m) and advanced (45m) national targets and the median DTP 86m (IQR 71-106) surpassed the standard national target (90m).Conclusions: AIS-LVO patients can be evaluated by multimodal MR imaging with care speeds faster than national recommendations for door-to-needle and door-to-puncture times. With its more sensitive lesion identification and spatial resolution, MRI remains a highly viable primary imaging strategy in acute ischemic stroke patients, though further workflow efficiency improvements are desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is the most common cause of ischemic stroke with the highest rate of recurrence, despite aggressive medical management. Diverse mechanisms may be responsible for ICAD-related cerebral ischemia, with potential therapeutic implications. Here we present the rationale, design and methods of the Mechanisms of Early Recurrence in Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease (MyRIAD) study. The aim of MyRIAD is to determine the mechanisms of stroke in ICAD through physiologic imaging biomarkers that evaluate impaired antegrade flow, poor distal perfusion, abnormal vasoreactivity, artery to artery embolism, and their interaction.Methods and Design: This is a prospective observational study of patients with recently symptomatic (<21 days) ICAD with 50-99% stenosis treated medically and monitored for up to 1 year. An estimated 110 participants are recruited at 10 sites to identify the association between the presence of each mechanism of ischemia and recurrent stroke. The primary outcome is ischemic stroke in the territory of the symptomatic artery. Secondary outcomes include new cerebral infarction on MRI at 6-8 weeks and recurrent TIA in the territory of the symptomatic artery.Discussion: MyRIAD is positioned to define the role of specific mechanisms of recurrent ischemia in patients with symptomatic ICAD. This knowledge will allow the development and implementation of effective and specific treatments for this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although influenza-related morbidity and mortality is high, and influenza can be a trigger for recurrent stroke, only about half of stroke survivors receive yearly influenza vaccination. Identifying new avenues through which to optimize influenza vaccination among stroke survivors is a public health need. We assessed the feasibility of integrating influenza vaccination into routine inpatient stroke care. Methods: We designed a quality improvement project incorporating influenza vaccination into care administered to hospitalized patients with ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack that included a standardized order and discharge checklist. Data were then prospectively collected on consecutively encountered patients with ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack admitted to a university hospital stroke service during the influenza season of October 2007 to February 2008. Successful influenza treatment use was based on optimal rather than actual treatment, with credit for optimal treatment given if an acceptable reason for nonadministration of the vaccine was documented. Results: Of 103 patients admitted during the study period, 75 (73%) were eligible for influenza vaccination (mean age 72.8 years; 51% women). Among vaccination-eligible patients, 65 (87%) received optimal influenza vaccination treatment, whereas 14 (21%) actually received the vaccination during hospitalization. Leading reason (90%) for suboptimal influenza vaccination treatment among eligible patients was that the vaccination was inadvertently not ordered on admission or at discharge. Conclusions: Influenza vaccination can be systematically incorporated into stroke hospitalization and may be a viable avenue for promptly enhancing short-term clinical outcomes among hospitalized patients with stroke during peak influenza season. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Purpose: Cognitive impairment occurs in 20%-40% of stroke patients and is a predictor of long-term morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aim to determine the association between poststroke cognitive impairment and stroke recurrence risk, in patients with anterior versus posterior circulation intracranial stenosis.Methods: This is a post-hoc analysis of the Stenting and Aggressive Medical Therapy for Preventing Recurrent Stroke in Intracranial Stenosis (SAMMPRIS) trial. The primary predictor was poststroke cognitive function measured by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) at 3-6 months and the primary outcome was recurrent ischemic stroke. We used univariate and multivariable cox-regression models to determine the associations between MOCA at 3-6 months and recurrent stroke.Results: Of the 451 patients enrolled in SAMMPRIS, 393 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the sample (in years) was 59.5 ± 11.3, 62.6% (246 of 393) were men. Fifty patients (12.7%) had recurrent ischemic stroke during a mean follow up of 2.7 years. The 3-6 month MOCA score was performed on 351 patients. In prespecified multivariable models, there was an association between 3 and 6 month MOCA and recurrent stroke (hazard ratio [HR] per point increase .93 95% confidence interval [CI] .88-.99, P = .040). This effect was present in anterior circulation stenosis (adjusted HR per point increase .92 95% CI .85-0.99, P = .022) but not in posterior circulation artery stenosis (adjusted HR per point increase 1.00 95% .86-1.16, P = .983).Conclusions: Overall, we found weak associations and trends between MoCA at 3-6 months and stroke recurrence but more notable and stronger associations in certain subgroups. Since our study is underpowered, larger studies are needed to validate our findings and determine the mechanism(s) behind this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]