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Background Intracranial hemorrhage is a known complication after endovascular treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion, but the association between radiologic hemorrhage severity and outcome is controversial. Purpose To investigate the prevalence and impact on outcome of intracranial hemorrhage and hemorrhage severity after endovascular stroke treatment. Materials and Methods The Efficacy and Safety of Nerinetide for the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke (ESCAPE-NA1) trial enrolled participants with acute large vessel occlusion stroke who underwent endovascular treatment from March 1, 2017, to August 12, 2019. Evidence of any intracranial hemorrhage, hemorrhage multiplicity, and radiologic severity, according to the Heidelberg classification (hemorrhagic infarction type 1 [HI1], hemorrhagic infarction type 2 [HI2], parenchymal hematoma type 1 [PH1], and parenchymal hematoma type 2 [PH2]) was assessed at CT or MRI 24 hours after endovascular treatment. Good functional outcome, defined as a modified Rankin score of 0-2 at 90 days, was compared between participants with intracranial hemorrhage and those without intracranial hemorrhage at follow-up imaging and between hemorrhage subtypes. Poisson regression was performed to obtain adjusted effect size estimates for the presence of any intracranial hemorrhage and hemorrhage subtypes at good functional outcome. Results Of 1097 evaluated participants (mean age, 69 years ± 14 [standard deviation]; 551 men), any degree of intracranial hemorrhage was observed in 372 (34%). Good outcomes were less often achieved among participants with hemorrhage than among those without hemorrhage at follow-up imaging (164 of 372 participants [44%] vs 500 of 720 [69%], respectively; P < .01). After adjusting for baseline variables and infarct volume, intracranial hemorrhage was not associated with decreased chances of good outcome (adjusted risk ratio [RR] = 0.91 [95% CI: 0.82, 1.02], P = .10), but there was a graded relationship of radiologic hemorrhage severity and outcomes, whereby PH1 (RR = 0.77 [95% CI: 0.61, 0.97], P = .03) and PH2 (RR = 0.41 [95% CI: 0.21, 0.81], P = .01) were associated with decreased chances of good outcome. Conclusion Any degree of intracranial hemorrhage after endovascular treatment was seen in one-third of participants. A graded association existed between radiologic hemorrhage severity and outcome. Hemorrhagic infarction was not associated with outcome, whereas parenchymal hematoma was strongly associated with poor outcome, independent of infarct volume. © RSNA, 2021 Clinical trial registration no. NCT01778335 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Background The effect of infarct pattern on functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke is incompletely understood. Purpose To investigate the association of qualitative and quantitative infarct variables at 24-hour follow-up noncontrast CT and diffusion-weighted MRI with 90-day clinical outcome. Materials and Methods The Safety and Efficacy of Nerinetide in Subjects Undergoing Endovascular Thrombectomy for Stroke, or ESCAPE-NA1, randomized controlled trial enrolled patients with large-vessel-occlusion stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy from March 1, 2017, to August 12, 2019. In this post hoc analysis of the trial, qualitative infarct variables (predominantly gray [vs gray and white] matter involvement, corticospinal tract involvement, infarct structure [scattered vs territorial]) and total infarct volume were assessed at 24-hour follow-up noncontrast CT or diffusion-weighted MRI. White and gray matter infarct volumes were assessed in patients by using follow-up diffusion-weighted MRI. Infarct variables were compared between patients with and those without good outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 at 90 days. The association of infarct variables with good outcome was determined with use of multivariable logistic regression. Separate regression models were used to report effect size estimates with adjustment for total infarct volume. Results Qualitative infarct variables were assessed in 1026 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 69 years ± 13; 522 men) and quantitative infarct variables were assessed in a subgroup of 358 of 1026 patients (mean age, 67 years ± 13; 190 women). Patients with gray and white matter involvement (odds ratio [OR] after multivariable adjustment, 0.19; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.25; P < .001), corticospinal tract involvement (OR after multivariable adjustment, 0.06; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.10; P < .001), and territorial infarcts (OR after multivariable adjustment, 0.22; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.32; P < .001) were less likely to achieve good outcome, independent of total infarct volume. Conclusion Infarct confinement to the gray matter, corticospinal tract sparing, and scattered infarct structure at 24-hour noncontrast CT and diffusion-weighted MRI were highly predictive of good 90-day clinical outcome, independent of total infarct volume. Clinical trial registration no. NCT02930018 © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Mossa-Basha in this issue.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Infarct volume is an important predictor of clinical outcome in acute stroke. We hypothesized that the association of infarct volume and clinical outcome changes with the magnitude of infarct size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were derived from the Safety and Efficacy of Nerinetide in Subjects Undergoing Endovascular Thrombectomy for Stroke (ESCAPE-NA1) trial, in which patients with acute stroke with large-vessel occlusion were randomized to endovascular treatment plus either nerinetide or a placebo. Infarct volume was manually segmented on 24-hour noncontrast CT or DWI. The relationship between infarct volume and good outcome, defined as mRS 0–2 at 90 days, was plotted. Patients were categorized on the basis of visual grouping at the curve shoulders of the infarct volume/outcome plot. The relationship between infarct volume and adjusted probability of good outcome was fitted with linear or polynomial functions as appropriate in each group. RESULTS: We included 1099 individuals in the study. Median infarct volume at 24 hours was 24.9 mL (interquartile range [IQR] = 6.6–92.2 mL). On the basis of the infarct volume/outcome plot, 4 infarct volume groups were defined (IQR = 0–15 mL, 15.1–70 mL, 70.1–200 mL, >200 mL). Proportions of good outcome in the 4 groups were 359/431 (83.3%), 219/337 (65.0%), 71/201 (35.3%), and 16/130 (12.3%), respectively. In small infarcts (IQR = 0–15 mL), no relationship with outcome was appreciated. In patients with intermediate infarct volume (IQR = 15–200 mL), there was progressive importance of volume as an outcome predictor. In infarcts of > 200 mL, outcomes were overall poor. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between infarct volume and clinical outcome varies nonlinearly with the magnitude of infarct size. Infarct volume was linearly associated with decreased chances of achieving good outcome in patients with moderate-to-large infarcts, but not in those with small infarcts. In very large infarcts, a near-deterministic association with poor outcome was seen.

Contains fulltext : 235277.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: Balancing the risks of recurrent ischaemic stroke and intracranial haemorrhage is important for patients treated with antithrombotic therapy after ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack. However, existing predictive models offer insufficient performance, particularly for assessing the risk of intracranial haemorrhage. We aimed to develop new risk scores incorporating clinical variables and cerebral microbleeds, an MRI biomarker of intracranial haemorrhage and ischaemic stroke risk. METHODS: We did a pooled analysis of individual-patient data from the Microbleeds International Collaborative Network (MICON), which includes 38 hospital-based prospective cohort studies from 18 countries. All studies recruited participants with previous ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack, acquired baseline MRI allowing quantification of cerebral microbleeds, and followed-up participants for ischaemic stroke and intracranial haemorrhage. Participants not taking antithrombotic drugs were excluded. We developed Cox regression models to predict the 5-year risks of intracranial haemorrhage and ischaemic stroke, selecting candidate predictors on biological relevance and simplifying models using backward elimination. We derived integer risk scores for clinical use. We assessed model performance in internal validation, adjusted for optimism using bootstrapping. The study is registered on PROSPERO, CRD42016036602. FINDINGS: The included studies recruited participants between Aug 28, 2001, and Feb 4, 2018. 15 766 participants had follow-up for intracranial haemorrhage, and 15 784 for ischaemic stroke. Over a median follow-up of 2 years, 184 intracranial haemorrhages and 1048 ischaemic strokes were reported. The risk models we developed included cerebral microbleed burden and simple clinical variables. Optimism-adjusted c indices were 0·73 (95% CI 0·69-0·77) with a calibration slope of 0·94 (0·81-1·06) for the intracranial haemorrhage model and 0·63 (0·62-0·65) with a calibration slope of 0·97 (0·87-1·07) for the ischaemic stroke model. There was good agreement between predicted and observed risk for both models. INTERPRETATION: The MICON risk scores, incorporating clinical variables and cerebral microbleeds, offer predictive value for the long-term risks of intracranial haemorrhage and ischaemic stroke in patients prescribed antithrombotic therapy for secondary stroke prevention; external validation is warranted. FUNDING: British Heart Foundation and Stroke Association.

There are few data on the prevalence and impact of isolated deep grey matter infarction in acute stroke. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of isolated deep grey matter infarcts and their impact on the outcome. Infarcts on 24-h follow-up imaging (non-contrast head CT or diffusion-weighted MRI) in the ESCAPE-NA1 trial were categorized into predominantly deep grey matter infarcts vs. infarcts involving additional territories (“other infarcts”). Total infarct volume was manually segmented. Baseline characteristics and proportions of good outcome (primary outcome, defined as modified Rankin Score [mRS] 0–2 at 90 days), excellent outcome (mRS 0–1) and mortality were compared between patients with and without predominantly deep grey matter infarcts. Multivariable logistic regression with adjustment for baseline variables and total infarct volume was used to determine a possible association of predominantly deep grey matter infarcts and clinical outcome. Predominantly deep grey matter infarcts were seen in 316/1026 patients (30.8%). Compared to other patients, their ASPECTS was higher, collateral status and reperfusion quality were better and time to treatment was shorter. Good outcome was seen in 239/316 (75.6%) with vs. 374/704 (53.1%) without predominantly deep grey matter infarcts. After adjusting for baseline variables and total infarct volume, predominantly deep grey matter infarcts were independently associated with excellent outcome (adjOR: 1.45 [CI95: 1.04–2.02]), but not with good outcome (adjOR: 1.24 [CI95: 0.86–1.80]) or mortality (adjOR: 0.73 [CI95:0.39–1.35]) Predominantly deep grey matter infarct patterns were seen in 1/3rd of patients and were significantly associated with increased chances of excellent outcome, independent of patient baseline status and infarct size.

ObjectiveTo undertake an effectiveness and safety analysis of EVT in patients with LVO and NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤6 using datasets of multicenter and multinational nature.MethodsWe pooled patients with anterior circulation occlusion from 3 prospective international cohorts. Patients were eligible if presentation occurred within 12 hours from last known well and baseline NIHSS ≤6. Primary outcome was modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–1 at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included neurologic deterioration at 24 hours (change in NIHSS of ≥2 points), mRS 0–2 at 90 days, and 90-day all-cause mortality. We used propensity score matching to adjust for nonrandomized treatment allocation.ResultsAmong 236 patients who fit inclusion criteria, 139 received EVT and 97 received medical management. Compared to medical management, the EVT group was younger (65 vs 72 years; p < 0.001), had more proximal occlusions (p < 0.001), and less frequently received concurrent IV thrombolysis (57.7% vs 71.2%; p = 0.04). After propensity score matching, clinical outcomes between the 2 groups were not significantly different. EVT patients had an 8.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] −8.8% to 26.1%) higher rate of excellent 90-day outcome, despite a 22.3% (95% CI, 3.0%–41.6%) higher risk of neurologic deterioration at 24 hours.ConclusionsEVT for LVO in patients with low NIHSS score was associated with increased risk of neurologic deterioration at 24 hours. However, both EVT and medical management resulted in similar proportions of excellent clinical outcomes at 90 days.Classification of evidenceThis study provides Class III evidence that for patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic strokes and LVO with NIHSS < 6, EVT and medical management result in similar outcomes at 90 days.

Silent brain infarction (SBI) may be associated with cognitive decline in the general population. We systematically reviewed prior literature on: (1) SBI and cognition cross-sectionally; (2) baseline SBI and future cognitive decline and risk for cognitive disorders including dementia, and (3) incident SBI and the emergence of cognitive decline or cognitive disorders. The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant studies. Data were independently extracted by two reviewers. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Data were pooled using a random effects model when more than two comparable estimates were found. Thirty relevant studies were identified: 17 had a cross-sectional design, 10 evaluated the association of baseline SBI with future cognitive decline, and 5 evaluated the association of incident SBI with cognitive decline. Most cross-sectional studies reported lower cognitive performance in persons with SBI. The pooled risk for incident dementia in persons with SBI was 1.48 (95% CI 1.12–1.97), but there was significant heterogeneity (p = 0.009); removing one outlier eliminated the heterogeneity (p = 0.53), giving a lower but still significant estimate (hazard ratio 1.27, 95% CI 1.06–1.51). The pooled risk for incident MCI was not increased in persons with SBI (hazard ratio 0.83, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.72), but there was significant heterogeneity (p

BackgroundThe optimal treatment and prognosis for stroke patients with tandem cervical carotid occlusion are unclear. We analyzed outcomes and treatment strategies of tandem occlusion patients in the ESCAPE-NA1 trial.MethodsESCAPE-NA1 was a multicenter international randomized trial of nerinetide versus placebo in 1105 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent endovascular treatment. We defined tandem occlusions as complete occlusion of the cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) on catheter angiography, in addition to a proximal ipsilateral intracranial large vessel occlusion. Baseline characteristics and outcome parameters were compared between patients with tandem occlusions versus those without, and between patients with tandem occlusion who underwent ICA stenting versus those who did not. The influence of tandem occlusions on functional outcome was analyzed using multivariable regression modeling.ResultsAmong 115/1105 patients (10.4%) with tandem occlusions, 62 (53.9%) received stenting for the cervical ICA occlusion. Of these, 46 (74.2%) were stented after and 16 (25.8%) before the intracranial thrombectomy. A modified Rankin Score (mRS) of 0–2 at 90 days was achieved in 82/115 patients (71.3%) with tandem occlusions compared with 579/981 (59.5%) patients without tandem occlusions. Tandem occlusion did not impact functional outcome in the adjusted analysis (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.95 to 2.4). Among the subgroup of patients with tandem occlusion, cervical carotid stenting was not associated with different outcomes compared with no stenting (mRS 0–2: 75.8% vs 66.0%, adjusted OR 2.0, 95% CI 0.8 to 5.1).ConclusionsTandem cervical carotid occlusion in patients with acute large vessel stroke did not lower the odds of good functional outcome in our study. Functional outcomes were similar irrespective of the management of the cervical ICA occlusion (stenting vs not stenting).

Objective: To derive a plasma biomarker protein panel from a list of 141 candidate proteins which can differentiate transient ischaemic attack (TIA)/minor stroke from non-cerebrovascular (mimic) conditions in emergency department (ED) settings. Design: Prospective clinical study (#NCT03050099) with up to three timed blood draws no more than 36 h following symptom onset. Plasma samples analysed by multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry (MRM-MS). Participants: Totally 545 participants suspected of TIA enrolled in the EDs of two urban medical centres. Outcomes: 90-day, neurologist-adjudicated diagnosis of TIA informed by clinical and radiological investigations. Results: The final protein panel consists of 16 proteins whose patterns show differential abundance between TIA and mimic patients. Nine of the proteins were significant univariate predictors of TIA [odds ratio (95% confidence interval)]: L-selectin [0.726 (0.596–0.883)]; Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 [0.727 (0.594–0.889)]; Coagulation factor X [0.740 (0.603–0.908)]; Serum paraoxonase/lactonase 3 [0.763 (0.630–0.924)]; Thrombospondin-1 [1.313 (1.081–1.595)]; Hyaluronan-binding protein 2 [0.776 (0.637–0.945)]; Heparin cofactor 2 [0.775 (0.634–0.947)]; Apolipoprotein B-100 [1.249 (1.037–1.503)]; and von Willebrand factor [1.256 (1.034–1.527)]. The scientific plausibility of the panel proteins is discussed. Conclusions: Our panel has the potential to assist ED physicians in distinguishing TIA from mimic patients.

Summary Even though stroke presents as a variety of clinical syndromes, neuroimaging is the most important biomarker to help differentiate between stroke subtypes and assess treatment eligibility. Therapeutic advances have led to intravenous thrombolysis with tissue-type plasminogen activator and endovascular treatment for proximal vessel occlusion in the anterior cerebral circulation being standard care for acute ischaemic stroke. Providing access to this care has implications for existing systems of care for stroke and their organisation and has reintroduced the possibility of adjuvant and neuroprotective treatment strategies in acute ischaemic stroke. The use of neuroimaging for patient selection and speed of diagnosis and delivery of treatment are the dominant themes of modern ischaemic stroke care.

Background and Purpose— White matter lesions (WML) are associated with cognitive decline, increased stroke risk, and disability in old age. We hypothesized that superimposed acute cerebrovascular occlusion on chronic preexisting injury (leukoaraiosis) leads to worse outcome after minor cerebrovascular event, both using quantitative (volumetric) and qualitative (Fazekas scale) assessment, as well as relative total brain volume. Methods— WML volume assessment was performed in 425 patients with high-risk transient ischemic attack (TIA; motor/speech deficits >5 minutes) or minor strokes from the CATCH study (CT and MRI in the Triage of TIA and Minor Cerebrovascular Events to Identify High Risk Patients). Complete baseline characteristics and outcome assessment were available in 412 patients. Primary outcome was disability at 90 days, defined as modified Rankin Scale score of >1. Secondary outcomes were stroke progression, TIA recurrence, and stroke recurrence. Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and regression models including interaction terms. Results— Median age was 69 years, 39.8% were female. Sixty-two patients (15%) had unfavorable outcome with disability at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale score >1). Higher Fazekas scores were strongly correlated with higher WML volume ( r =0.79). Both higher Fazekas score and higher WMH volume were associated with disability at 90 days in univariate regression (odds ratio 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.43 and odds ratio, 1.25 per milliliter increase; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.54, respectively) but not with stroke progression, TIA recurrence, or stroke recurrence. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, additive interaction terms were associated with unfavorable outcome (adjusted odds ratio 3.99, 95% confidence interval, 1.87–8.49). Conclusions— Our data suggest that quantitative and qualitative WML assessments are highly correlated and comparable in TIA/minor stroke patients. WML burden is associated with short-term outcome of patients with good prestroke function in the presence of intracranial stenosis/occlusion.

Contains fulltext : 208975.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: Cerebral microbleeds are a neuroimaging biomarker of stroke risk. A crucial clinical question is whether cerebral microbleeds indicate patients with recent ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack in whom the rate of future intracranial haemorrhage is likely to exceed that of recurrent ischaemic stroke when treated with antithrombotic drugs. We therefore aimed to establish whether a large burden of cerebral microbleeds or particular anatomical patterns of cerebral microbleeds can identify ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack patients at higher absolute risk of intracranial haemorrhage than ischaemic stroke. METHODS: We did a pooled analysis of individual patient data from cohort studies in adults with recent ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Cohorts were eligible for inclusion if they prospectively recruited adult participants with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack; included at least 50 participants; collected data on stroke events over at least 3 months follow-up; used an appropriate MRI sequence that is sensitive to magnetic susceptibility; and documented the number and anatomical distribution of cerebral microbleeds reliably using consensus criteria and validated scales. Our prespecified primary outcomes were a composite of any symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage or ischaemic stroke, symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage, and symptomatic ischaemic stroke. We registered this study with the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews, number CRD42016036602. FINDINGS: Between Jan 1, 1996, and Dec 1, 2018, we identified 344 studies. After exclusions for ineligibility or declined requests for inclusion, 20 322 patients from 38 cohorts (over 35 225 patient-years of follow-up; median 1.34 years [IQR 0.19-2.44]) were included in our analyses. The adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] comparing patients with cerebral microbleeds to those without was 1.35 (95% CI 1.20-1.50) for the composite outcome of intracranial haemorrhage and ischaemic stroke; 2.45 (1.82-3.29) for intracranial haemorrhage and 1.23 (1.08-1.40) for ischaemic stroke. The aHR increased with increasing cerebral microbleed burden for intracranial haemorrhage but this effect was less marked for ischaemic stroke (for five or more cerebral microbleeds, aHR 4.55 [95% CI 3.08-6.72] for intracranial haemorrhage vs 1.47 [1.19-1.80] for ischaemic stroke; for ten or more cerebral microbleeds, aHR 5.52 [3.36-9.05] vs 1.43 [1.07-1.91]; and for >/=20 cerebral microbleeds, aHR 8.61 [4.69-15.81] vs 1.86 [1.23-1.82]). However, irrespective of cerebral microbleed anatomical distribution or burden, the rate of ischaemic stroke exceeded that of intracranial haemorrhage (for ten or more cerebral microbleeds, 64 ischaemic strokes [95% CI 48-84] per 1000 patient-years vs 27 intracranial haemorrhages [17-41] per 1000 patient-years; and for >/=20 cerebral microbleeds, 73 ischaemic strokes [46-108] per 1000 patient-years vs 39 intracranial haemorrhages [21-67] per 1000 patient-years). INTERPRETATION: In patients with recent ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack, cerebral microbleeds are associated with a greater relative hazard (aHR) for subsequent intracranial haemorrhage than for ischaemic stroke, but the absolute risk of ischaemic stroke is higher than that of intracranial haemorrhage, regardless of cerebral microbleed presence, antomical distribution, or burden. FUNDING: British Heart Foundation and UK Stroke Association.

ObjectiveTo assess cerebrovascular reactivity in response to a visual task in participants with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), Alzheimer disease (AD), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using fMRI.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 40 patients with CAA, 22 with AD, 27 with MCI, and 25 healthy controls. Each participant underwent a visual fMRI task using a contrast-reversing checkerboard stimulus. Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were used to compare visual cortex neuronal activity in 83 participants. General linear models using least-squares means, adjusted for multiple comparisons with the Tukey test, were used to estimate mean blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) signal change during the task and VEP differences between groups.ResultsAfter adjustment for age and hypertension, estimated mean BOLD response amplitude was as follows: CAA 1.88% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.60%–2.15%), AD 2.26% (1.91%–2.61%), MCI 2.15% (1.84%–2.46%), and control 2.65% (2.29%–3.00%). Only patients with CAA differed from controls (p = 0.01). In the subset with VEPs, group was not associated with prolonged latencies or lower amplitudes. Lower BOLD amplitude response was associated with higher white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes in CAA (for each 0.1% lower BOLD response amplitude, the WMH volume was 9.2% higher, 95% CI 6.0%–12.4%) but not other groups (p = 0.002 for interaction) when controlling for age and hypertension.ConclusionsMean visual BOLD response amplitude was lowest in participants with CAA compared to controls, without differences in VEP latencies and amplitudes. This suggests that the impaired visual BOLD response is due to reduced vascular reactivity in CAA. In contrast to participants with CAA, the visual BOLD response amplitude did not differ between those with AD or MCI and controls.

Background Five randomized controlled trials recently demonstrated efficacy of endovascular treatment in acute ischemic stroke. Telestroke networks can improve stroke care in rural areas but their role in patients undergoing endovascular treatment is unknown. Aim We compared clinical outcomes of endovascular treatment between anterior circulation stroke patients transferred after teleconsultation and those directly admitted to a tertiary stroke center. Methods Data derived from consecutive patients with intracranial large vessel occlusion who underwent endovascular treatment from January 2010 to December 2014 at our tertiary stroke center. We compared baseline characteristics, onset-to-treatment times, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, in-hospital mortality, reperfusion (modified Treatment in Cerebral Infarction 2b/3), and favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin scale ≤ 2) at discharge between patients transferred from spoke hospitals and those directly admitted. Results We studied 151 patients who underwent emergent endovascular treatment for anterior circulation stroke: median age 70 years (interquartile range, 62–75); 55% men; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 15 (12–20). Of these, 48 (31.8%) patients were transferred after teleconsultation and 103 (68.2%) were primarily admitted to our emergency department. Transferred patients were younger (p = 0.020), received more frequently intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (p = 0.008), had prolonged time from stroke onset to endovascular treatment initiation (p Conclusions Telestroke networks may enable delivery of endovascular treatment to selected ischemic stroke patients transferred from remote hospitals that is equitable to patients admitted directly to tertiary hospitals.

Background: Interhospital transfer is an important but resource-intensive pattern of care. The use for stroke patients is highly dependent upon health system structure. We examined the impact of hospital transfers for stroke care in Canada. Methods: We analyzed hospital administrative data within the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) Database for the 3 fiscal years 2011/12, 2012/13 and 2013/14. Patients with clinical stroke syndrome (ischemic or hemorrhagic) were identified using International Classification of Diseases. Stroke centers were defined by Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada stroke report. Results: During the 3-year period,397 patients in Canada (excluding Quebec) were admitted to hospital for clinical stroke syndrome. Median age was 75 (interquartile range [IQR] 64–84) years; 50.6 % were male. Less than 5% (n=4030) of patients were transferred. Patients transferred to stroke centers were younger (pConclusion: Younger patients were transferred more frequently to stroke centers; older patients were more likely treated in community hospitals. Sole stroke center care was associated with high discharge rate to home; transfer to a stroke center was associated with high discharge rate to rehabilitation and lower mortality rates.

Background and Purpose— Transient focal neurological episodes occur in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and can mimic transient ischemic attack (TIA). Risk factors and outcomes of minor ischemic stroke or TIA might differ in patients with and without cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), including CAA-consistent lobar CMB. Methods— Baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was analyzed for CMBs and cortical superficial siderosis in 416 patients in the prospective computed tomography and MRI in the CATCH study (Triage of TIA and Minor Cerebrovascular Events to Identify High Risk Patients). Clinical symptoms, baseline characteristics, recurrence, and 90-day modified Rankin Scale were prospectively collected. MRI white-matter hyperintensity was measured using the Fazekas scale. Results— CMBs were detected in 65 (15.6%) and cortical superficial siderosis in 11 patients (2.6%). Lobar CMBs were present in 49 (11.8%). In multivariable logistic regression adjusted for risk factors and age, subcortical Fazekas score was associated with lobar CMB (odds ratio, 2.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.23–3.48; P =0.006). Forty-two patients (10.1%) had lobar-only CMBs with or without cortical superficial siderosis consistent with modified Boston criteria for possible/probable CAA. The possible/probable CAA pattern was not predictive of recurrent TIA (odds ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.05–3.31; P =0.41), stroke (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.26–5.99; P =0.79), or 90-day modified Rankin Scale score ≥2 (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.62–3.07; P =0.42). Conclusions— CMBs in TIA and minor stroke are moderately common but do not predict recurrence or 90-day outcome. CAA-related transient focal neurological episodes and TIA have overlapping clinical symptoms, suggesting that MRI may be needed for differentiation.

Despite declining age-standardized stroke incidence in high-income countries, stroke incidence is rising in low- and middle-income countries.1 Globally, the absolute burden of stroke was high in 2010 with 16.9 million first-ever strokes, 5.9 million stroke-related deaths, and 102 million disability-adjusted life-years lost.1 These numbers are projected to increase. Surveillance provides an understanding of stroke frequency, burden, distribution, and determinants. These data are essential for monitoring trends over time, guiding judicious resource allocation, and for the design, implementation, and evaluation of interventions aimed at stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.2 Collecting data specifically for research purposes can be costly and time-consuming, limiting the sample size, period of follow-up, and geographical distribution of subjects. Surveillance requires continuous data collection in large geographic areas over years; therefore, attention has been paid to secondary use data. Health services utilization data, or administrative health data, provide a wealth of information for health services researchers and for stroke surveillance. However, the information collected and ascertainment methods are heterogeneous between countries and even between jurisdictions within a country, making the data vulnerable to selection and measurement bias. Comparing international data is also challenging.3 In this review, we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of administrative health data for stroke surveillance. Administrative health data are routinely generated through interactions with healthcare systems. They are collected for payment, monitoring, planning, priority setting, and evaluation of health services provision. Sources include, but are not limited to, hospitalizations, emergency department and ambulatory care visits, and physician billings. Unlike prospective clinical research data collection, administrative health data are accumulated in a distributed manner over a prolonged period of time. As a result, these data capture a large number of individuals and a wide range of demographic information, including race/ethnicities, geographical areas (eg, rural versus urban), and institutions (eg, community versus …

The purpose of this article is to review advances in stroke treatment in the hyperacute period. With recent evolutions of technology in the fields of imaging, thrombectomy devices, and emergency room workflow management, as well as improvement in statistical methods and study design, there have been ground breaking changes in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. We describe how stroke presents as a clinical syndrome and how imaging as the most important biomarker will help differentiate between stroke subtypes and treatment eligibility. The evolution of hyperacute treatment has led to the current standard of care: intravenous thrombolysis with tissue-type plasminogen activator and endovascular treatment for proximal vessel occlusion in the anterior cerebral circulation. All patients with acute ischemic stroke are in need of hyperacute secondary prevention because the risk of recurrence is highest closest to the index event. The dominant themes of modern stroke care are the use of neurovascular imaging and speed of diagnosis and treatment.

BackgroundDementia prevalence is rising, and it will double in the next 20 years. This study sought to understand the prevalence of dementia in hospitalized patients with ischemic stroke, and its impact on outcomes.MethodsUsing the Canadian Institute of Health Information’s (CIHI) Discharge Abstract Database (DAD), all acute ischemic stroke admissions from April 2003 to March 2015 in Canada (excluding Quebec) were analyzed. Concurrent dementia at the time of admission was assessed based on hospital diagnostic codes. Characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were compared in patients with and without dementia using χ2 and negative binomial, as well as Poisson regression analysis.ResultsDuring the observed period, 313,138 people were admitted to a hospital in Canada for an ischemic stroke. Of those, 21,788 (7.0%) had a concurrent diagnosis of dementia. People with dementia had older median age (84 vs. 76 years; pppppInterpretationApproximately 1 in 13 hospitalized ischemic stroke patients has coded dementia. Patients with ischemic stroke and concurrent dementia have higher mortality, face significantly more dependence after stroke and utilize greater healthcare resources than stroke patients without dementia. Causative conclusions are limited by the administrative data source. Early care planning and coordination could potentially optimize outcomes.

Introduction: The Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU) has brought stroke imaging and alteplase administration to the field, possibly shortening onset to needle time in some situations. However, for patients needing endovascular therapy (EVT) onset to groin puncture times may be lengthened due to additional travel time. For patients with suspected large vessel occlusion (LVO) using the Los Angeles Motor Scale (LAMS) we compare the probability of good outcome for patients taken direct to Comprehensive Stroke Centre (CSC) (mothership) and patients utilizing the MSU. Methods: Using conditional probability models for patients with suspected LVO (LAMS ≥4) the probability of good outcome for the mothership and MSU scenarios were generated. Good outcome was defined using a sliding dichotomy, where for LVO patients it was defined as mRS 0-2 as 90 days, and for non-LVO patients it was defined as mRS 0-1. Data from the HERMES collaboration was used for EVT patients, data from the Emberson meta-analysis (extrapolated to the HERMES population for LVO) was used for alteplase treated patients. Probability of good outcome for intracranial hemorrhage and stroke mimics was considered time invariant. Results: The results are visualized in a small metropolitan area with one CSC and one MSU which is housed at the CSC. In the area immediately surrounding the CSC both the MSU and mothership methods predict equivalent outcomes, however moving further away from the CSC mothership predicts better outcomes due to the additional travel time for the MSU. If the MSU does not lead to time savings when the patient arrives at the CSC this mothership area is expanded. Conclusions: From a patient outcomes perspective in a system where a single MSU is housed at a single CSC there are no area where the MSU shows benefit over the mothership approach. In the area where both models predict equivalent outcomes the individual environment and cost-effectiveness must be taken into context when deciding the best transport strategy.

Introduction: Ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (LVO) cannot be definitively diagnosed without imaging. The Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU) has brought this capability (along with alteplase administration) to the field. In areas with widespread urban sprawl, having MSUs stationed in the community may improve patient outcomes. However, this is also dependent on how accurately dispatch can assess suspected stroke with LVO over the phone. We compare the probability of good outcome for patients taken direct to Comprehensive Stroke Centre (CSC) (mothership) vs utilizing a MSU at varying levels of dispatcher accuracy in identifying ischemic stroke with suspected LVO. Methods: Conditional probability models for patients with suspected LVO for mothership and MSU scenarios were generated. The positive predictive value (PPV) of dispatcher screening was varied from 25% to 75%. A sliding dichotomy was used to define good outcome, mRS 0-2 at 90 days was used for LVO patients and mRS 0-1 was used for non-LVO patients. Data from the HERMES collaboration was used for EVT patients, data from the Emberson meta-analysis (extrapolated to the HERMES population for LVO) was used for alteplase treated patients. Probability of good outcome for intracranial hemorrhage and stroke mimics was considered time invariant. Results: The results are visualized using temporal-spatial diagrams with one CSC and four MSUs stationed around the CSC with each MSU covering one quarter of the city. If dispatcher accuracy is poor the area where MSU predicts the best outcome is large as more non-LVO strokes, which benefit from fast alteplase, will be picked up. However, as dispatcher accuracy in identifying LVO increases the mothership areas also increase as the MSU would impose delays in these patients receiving EVT. Conclusions: The ability to accurately dispatch the MSU to patients with suspected LVO impacts transport decision making. This should be considered when designing a stroke system containing a MSU.

Introduction: The Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU) has brought stroke imaging and alteplase administration to the field, shortening onset to needle time in some situations. In areas with widespread urban sprawl, having MSUs stationed in the community may improve patient outcomes. For patients with suspected large vessel occlusion (LVO) using the Los Angeles Motor Scale (LAMS) we compare the probability of good outcome for patients taken direct to Comprehensive Stroke Centre (CSC) (mothership) vs. utilizing multiple MSUs. Methods: Using conditional probability models for patients with suspected stroke with LVO (LAMS ≥4) the probability of good outcome for the mothership and MSU scenarios were generated. A sliding dichotomy was used to define good outcome, mRS 0-2 at 90 days was used for LVO patients and mRS 0-1 was used for non-LVO patients. Data from the HERMES collaboration was used for EVT patients, data from the Emberson meta-analysis (extrapolated to the HERMES population for LVO) was used for alteplase treated patients. Probability of good outcome for intracranial hemorrhage and stroke mimics was considered time invariant. Results: The results are visualized using temporal-spatial diagrams with one CSC and four MSUs stationed at various distances from the CSC with each MSU covering one quarter of the city. The addition of four MSUs in a small geographic area (60 min radius from CSC) does not predict improved patient outcomes. However, as the size of the geographic area increases the relevance of the MSU becomes apparent in the areas closest to the MSU. Conclusions: From a patient outcomes perspective multiple MSUs may be necessary to have the possibility of superior patient outcomes than the mothership transport method if they are situated far away from the CSC. This in addition to the individual environment and cost-effectiveness should be taken into context when deciding the best place to house future MSUs.

Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability and the fourth leading cause of death in Canada. Most strokes are ischemic and functional outcome is highly time-dependent, making fast diagnosis and treatment initiation crucial. This poses a challenge in vast geographical areas where stroke neurology expertise is only available in urban centres. In this article we review the rationale for telestroke networks and their current implementation in Canada. Telestroke networks enable stroke-specific procedures to be performed by less experienced physicians under the guidance of stroke neurology experts. We also present evidence that the safety and effectiveness of intravenous alteplase in community hospitals in a telestroke network seems to be comparable with that achieved in dedicated stroke centres. It is thus a viable option to guarantee an aging population access to stroke care across large geographic regions with faster treatment and access to more advanced treatment options by means of transfer to a comprehensive centre if necessary. Although telestroke networks have an upfront implementation cost, they can lead to reduced direct and indirect costs for the health care system by reducing days spent in the hospital as well as disability with the need for long-term care. Telestroke networks can also be used for identification and enrollment of patients into emergency stroke trials and thus provide a more representative sample of the population and increase recruitment. Standardization of regional telestroke networks could lead to collaborations with larger data acquisitions for research purposes and quality control in the future.

Cognitive function is an important component of aging and predicts quality of life, functional independence, and risk of institutionalization. Advances in our understanding of the role of cardiovascular risks have shown them to be closely associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. Because many cardiovascular risks are modifiable, it may be possible to maintain brain health and to prevent dementia in later life. The purpose of this American Heart Association (AHA)/American Stroke Association presidential advisory is to provide an initial definition of optimal brain health in adults and guidance on how to maintain brain health. We identify metrics to define optimal brain health in adults based on inclusion of factors that could be measured, monitored, and modified. From these practical considerations, we identified 7 metrics to define optimal brain health in adults that originated from AHA’s Life’s Simple 7: 4 ideal health behaviors (nonsmoking, physical activity at goal levels, healthy diet consistent with current guideline levels, and body mass index 2 ) and 3 ideal health factors (untreated blood pressure

See related article, p 2632 Preclinical stroke research faces a substantial transition. Past classical rodent stroke models and study designs revealed numerous potential targets for novel stroke therapies; yet, subsequent clinical stroke trials failed to confirm promising preclinical findings. Pharmacological and mechanical recanalization therapies, representing the only strategies that have substantially improved acute ischemic stroke outcomes, were largely developed omitting conventional preclinical methods.1–3 In this issue of Stroke , a National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke consensus group comprising leading academic, industry, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) experts working at the forefront of stroke research has recently published guidelines for improved translational studies.4 Distinguishing between explorative (basic) versus confirmative (translational) studies has been suggested. Exploratory research uses simpler rodent models but a broad spectrum of basic science methods to gain comprehensive information on a putative treatment target. Subsequent confirmative research adopts study designs similar to those used in clinical stroke trials and puts more emphasis on predictive stroke models and study end points using larger and adequate sample sizes for necessary statistical power.5 The group’s recommendations reflect latest developments and concepts in the field, aiming to ultimately enhance the predictive value of …

Dementia is a large and growing health problem in developed and developing countries, with total costs approaching 1% of global gross domestic product, threatening the sustainability of healthcare systems.1 There are currently no disease‐modifying treatments for the most common cause of dementia, Alzheimer disease (AD). The second most common contributor to dementia risk is cerebrovascular disease.2 In contrast to AD, there is greater hope that vascular contributions to cognitive impairment can be prevented and treated. Recent evidence that the incidence of dementia is declining has prompted speculation, not yet confirmed, that this decline may be partly attributable to improved vascular care.3, 4 In this article, we review trial design and drug development for vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), focusing on symptomatic patients with vascular mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. First, we review axes along which vascular components of cognitive impairment can be addressed, including choice of trial population, trial intervention, and type of outcome. Second, we briefly review the pathophysiology of VCI, introducing the concept that trials may focus on disease modification, improving resilience, or enhancing cognition. Third, we systematically review prior drug trials for VCI patients according to drug class and trial size. Finally, we offer suggestions for methodological improvements for future trials.

Importance Sex differences have been described in the presentation, care, and outcomes among people with acute ischemic strokes, but these differences are less understood for minor ischemic cerebrovascular events. The present study hypothesized that, compared with men, women are more likely to report nonfocal symptoms and to receive a stroke mimic diagnosis. Objective To evaluate sex differences in the symptoms, diagnoses, and outcomes of patients with acute transient or minor neurologic events. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective cohort study of patients with minor ischemic cerebrovascular events or stroke mimics enrolled at multicenter academic emergency departments in Canada between December 2013 and March 2017 and followed up for 90 days is a substudy of SpecTRA (Spectrometry for Transient Ischemic Attack Rapid Assessment). In total, 1729 consecutive consenting patients with acute transient or minor neurologic symptoms were referred for neurologic evaluation; 66 patients were excluded for protocol violation (n = 46) or diagnosis of transient global amnesia (n = 20). Exposures The main exposure was female or male sex. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome was the clinical diagnosis (cerebral ischemia vs stroke mimic). Secondary outcomes were 90-day stroke recurrence and 90-day composite outcome of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death. The association between presenting symptoms (focal vs nonfocal) and clinical diagnosis was also assessed. Research hypotheses were formulated after data collection. Results Of 1648 patients included, 770 (46.7%) were women, the median (interquartile range) age was 70 (59-80) years, 1509 patients (91.6%) underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging, and 1582 patients (96.0%) completed the 90-day follow-up. Women (522 of 770 [67.8%]) were less likely than men (674 of 878 [76.8%]) to receive a diagnosis of cerebral ischemia (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82-0.95), but the 90-day stroke recurrence outcome (aRR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.48-1.66) and 90-day composite outcome (aRR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.54-1.32) were similar for men and women. No significant sex differences were found for presenting symptoms. Compared with patients with no focal neurologic symptoms, those with focal and nonfocal symptoms were more likely to receive a diagnosis of cerebral ischemia (aRR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.15-1.39), but the risk was highest among patients with focal symptoms only (aRR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.34-1.53). Sex did not modify these associations. Conclusions and Relevance The results of the present study suggest that, despite similar presenting symptoms among men and women, women may be more likely to receive a diagnosis of stroke mimic, but they may not have a lower risk than men of subsequent vascular events, indicating potentially missed opportunities for prevention of vascular events among women.

After many years of clinical research, endovascular thrombectomy has been conclusively proven to be an effective treatment in acute ischemic stroke. The evidence is compelling; however, it is generated in high volume stroke centers with stroke expertise. Challenges remain ahead on translating and implementing this evidence in routine clinical care across the world. The current evidence has opened up avenues for further research and innovation in this field. In this review, we will discuss the evolution of evidence on endovascular thrombectomy followed by a discussion of challenges and future prospects in this exciting field of stroke care.

Five recently published clinical trials showed dramatically higher rates of favorable functional outcome and a satisfying safety profile of endovascular treatment compared with the previous standard of care in acute ischemic stroke with proximal anterior circulation artery occlusion. Eligibility criteria within these trials varied by age, stroke severity, imaging, treatment-time window, and endovascular treatment devices. This focused review provides an overview of the trial results and explores the heterogeneity in imaging techniques, workflow, and endovascular techniques used in these trials and the consequent impact on practice. Using evidence from these trials and following a case from start to finish, this review recommends strategies that will help the appropriate patient undergo a fast, focused clinical evaluation, imaging, and intervention.

After many years of clinical research, endovascular thrombectomy has been conclusively proven to be an effective treatment in acute ischemic stroke. The evidence is compelling; however, it is generated in high volume stroke centers with stroke expertise. Challenges remain ahead on translating and implementing this evidence in routine clinical care across the world. The current evidence has opened up avenues for further research and innovation in this field. In this review, we will discuss the evolution of evidence on endovascular thrombectomy followed by a discussion of challenges and future prospects in this exciting field of stroke care.

Background— The effectiveness of specific systems changes to reduce DTN (door-to-needle) time has not been fully evaluated. We analyzed the impact of 4 specific DTN time reduction strategies implemented prospectively in a staggered fashion. Methods and Results— The HASTE (Hurry Acute Stroke Treatment and Evaluation) project was implemented in 3 phases at a single academic medical center. In HASTE I (June 6, 2012 to June 5, 2013), baseline performance was analyzed. In HASTE II (June 6, 2013 to January 24, 2015), 3 changes were implemented: (1) a STAT stroke protocol to prenotify the stroke team about incoming stroke patients; (2) administering alteplase at the computed tomography (CT) scanner; and (3) registering the patient as unknown to allow immediate order entry. In HASTE III (January 25, 2015 to June 29, 2015), we implemented a process to bring the patient directly to CT on the emergency medical services stretcher. Log-transformed DTN time was modeled. Data from 350 consecutive alteplase-treated patients were analyzed. Multivariable regression showed the following factors to be significant: giving alteplase in the CT (32% decrease in DTN time, 95% confidence interval [CI] 38%–55%), stretcher to CT (30% decrease in DTN time, 95% CI 16%–42%), patient registered as unknown (12% decrease in DTN time, 95% CI 3%–20%), STAT stroke protocol (11% decrease in DTN time, 95% CI 1%–20%), and stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 6–8: 19% decrease in DTN time, 95% CI 6%–31%; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score >8: 27% decrease in DTN time, 95% CI 17%–37%). Conclusions— Taking the patient to CT on the emergency medical services stretcher, registering the patient as unknown, STAT stroke protocol, and administering alteplase in CT are associated with lower DTN time.

Objectives Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the diagnostic gold standard for the detection of structural heart diseases as potential sources of cardiac emboli in patients with acute cerebral ischemia. We sought to determine the diagnostic yield of TEE in patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with acute cerebral ischemia who were admitted to our hospital between October 2008 and December 2011. TEE reports were screened for detection of cardiac source of embolism judged by the recommendation to change medical management. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify predictors of clinically relevant TEE findings among baseline characteristics. Results Of 3314 patients with ischemic stroke or TIA, TEE was performed in 791 (24%) patients (mean age 64 ± 13 years, 589 [74%] ischemic stroke, 202 [26%] TIA). A potential cardioembolic source was found in 71 (9%) patients with patent foramen ovale with atrial septal aneurysm being the most common finding (24/71 patients, 34%). In multivariate analysis, peripheral vascular disease (OR 2.57; 95%CI 1.00–6.61), imaging evidence of infarction in multiple locations (OR 4.13; 95%CI 1.36–12.58), and infarction in the posterior circulation (OR 2.11; 95%CI 1.01–4.42) were associated with the identification of a potential cardioembolic source with TEE. Conclusion TEE identified a potential structural cardioembolic source in nearly 10% of our selected patient population with acute ischemic stroke or TIA, thus underlining its diagnostic value. Our data suggest that patients with hitherto unknown stroke etiology should be considered for additional TEE.

Background and Purpose— Autopsy studies suggest that cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is associated with cognitive impairment and risk for dementia. We analyzed neuropsychological test data from a prospective cohort study of patients with CAA to identify the prevalence of cognitive impairment and its associations with brain magnetic resonance imaging features and the apolipoprotein E genotype. Methods— Data were analyzed from 34 CAA, 16 Alzheimer’s disease, 69 mild cognitive impairment, and 27 ischemic stroke participants. Neuropsychological test results were expressed as z scores in relation to normative data provided by the test manuals and then grouped into domains of memory, executive function, and processing speed. Results— Mean test scores in CAA participants were significantly lower than norms for memory (−0.44±1.03; P =0.02), executive function (−1.14±1.07; P P Conclusions— Mild cognitive impairment is very prevalent in CAA. The overall cognitive profile of CAA is more similar to that seen in vascular cognitive impairment rather than Alzheimer’s disease. White matter ischemic lesions may underlie some of the impaired processing speed in CAA.

Objective: To evaluate whether the use of multiphase CT angiography (CTA) improves interrater agreement for intracranial occlusion detection between stroke neurology trainees and an expert neuroradiologist. Methods: A neuroradiologist and 2 stroke neurology fellows independently reviewed 100 prospectively collected single-phase and multiphase CTA scans from acute ischemic stroke patients with mild symptoms (NIH Stroke Scale score ≤5). The presence and location of a vascular occlusion(s) were documented. Interrater agreement single- and multiphase CTA was quantified using unweighted κ statistics. We assessed for any occlusions, anterior vs posterior occlusions, and pial vessel asymmetry. Results: Using multiphase CTA, the neuroradiologist detected 50 scans with anterior circulation occlusions and 15 scans with posterior circulation occlusions. Median reading time was 2 minutes per scan. Median reading time for the neurologists was 3 minutes per multiphase CTA scan. Interrater agreement was fair between the 2 neurologists and neuroradiologist when using single-phase CTA (κ = 0.45 and 0.32). Agreement improved minimally when stratified by anterior vs posterior circulation. When using multiphase CTA, agreement was high for detection of occlusion or asymmetry of pial vessels in the anterior circulation (κ = 0.80 and 0.84). Conclusions: Multiphase CTA improves diagnostic accuracy in minor ischemic stroke for detection of anterior circulation intracranial occlusion. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class II evidence that multiphase CTA, compared to single-phase CTA, improves the interrater agreement between stroke neurology trainees and an expert neuroradiologist for detecting anterior circulation intracranial vascular occlusion in patients with minor acute ischemic strokes.

Background Recent studies showed that the safety and benefit of early intravenous (IV) thrombolysis on favourable outcomes in acute ischemic stroke are also seen in the elderly. Furthermore, it has shown that age increases times for pre- and in-hospital procedures. We aimed to assess the applicability of these findings to telestroke. Methods We retrospectively analysed 542 of 1659 screened consecutive stroke patients treated with IV thrombolysis in our telestroke network in East-Saxony, Germany from 2007 to 2012. Outcome data were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) by ECASS-2-criteria, survival at discharge and favourable outcome, defined as a modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 0–2 at discharge. Results Thirty-three percent of patients were older than 80 years (elderly). Being elderly was associated with higher risk of sICH ( p = 0.003), less favourable outcomes ( p = 0.02) and higher mortality ( p = 0.01). Using logistic regression analysis, earlier onset-to-treatment time was associated with favourable outcomes in not elderly patients (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.18; 95% CI 1.03–1.34; p = 0.01), and tended to be associated with favourable outcomes (adjusted OR 1.13; 95% CI 0.92–1.38; p = 0.25) and less sICH (adjusted OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.76–1.03; p = 0.11) in elderly patients. Age caused no significant differences in onset-to-door-time ( p = 0.25), door-to-treatment-time ( p = 0.06) or onset-to-treatment-time ( p = 0.29). Conclusion Treatment time seems to be critical for favourable outcome after acute ischemic stroke in the elderly. Age is not associated with longer delivery times for thrombolysis in telestroke.

In patients with acute ischaemic stroke resulting from anterior circulation occlusion, endovascular therapy provides greater long-term benefits than does intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. However, further improvement of systems of care and research regarding adjunct therapies is still needed.

We read the article by Byrne et al, “Improved Detection of Anterior Circulation Occlusions: The ‘Delayed Vessel Sign’ on Multiphase CT Angiography” with great interest.[1][1] However, we would like to point out other important aspects of multiphase CT angiography (mCTA) to the readers of the

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients receiving non-vitamin-K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) are commonly excluded from thrombolytic therapy, as interpretation of coagulation tests remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the applicability of a novel institutional protocol for thrombolysis based on current expert recommendations and NOAC specific coagulation assessment. We included hospitalized AIS patients receiving NOAC for at least 24 h and consecutive AIS patients not receiving NOAC into a prospective study. We performed standard coagulation tests and specific tests for dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban plasma levels. We studied 65 patients: mean age 72 ± 13 years, 30 (46 %) male, median NIHSS score 3 (IQR 6). Fifteen (23 %) were on NOAC treatment (5 dabigatran, 5 rivaroxaban, and 5 apixaban, respectively) and 50 (77 %) were not. In patients without NOAC, dabigatran was not detectable (0 ng/ml), and plasma levels of rivaroxaban (median: 10.0 ng/ml, IQR 7.0) and apixaban (7.2 ng/ml, IQR 6.7) were below our lower thresholds that allow thrombolysis. In patients with dabigatran pre-treatment, trough levels (58.0 ng/ml, IQR 143.0) were below our upper threshold that would allow thrombolysis in 3/5 patients. In patients receiving rivaroxaban, trough level (68.0 ng/ml, IQR 64.0) was below our predefined upper thresholds that would allow thrombolysis in 4/5 patients. In all patients on apixaban, trough level was above our predefined threshold of 40 ng/ml that precludes thrombolysis (98.2 ng/ml, IQR 84.3). Predefined thresholds of NOAC plasma levels in the decision of thrombolysis in NOAC treated AIS patients might supplement routine coagulation tests and should be validated in a larger study population.

Vinorelbine is an important chemotherapeutic agent which is used in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Case reports have described the occurrence of acute cardiac ischaemic events as a side effect. It has not been established whether the suspected mechanisms for cardiac ischaemia might also cause other vascular events. We report about a 70-year-old male with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who received vinorelbine as an outpatient. The patient presents with a cardiovascular risk profile. He was admitted to the hospital 3 days later with acute left-sided hemiplegia and hemianopia. Brain computed tomography (CT) demonstrated acute right hemispheric ischaemic stroke. Nine days after admission, the patient additionally suffered ST elevation myocardial infarction. A coronary angiogram demonstrated high grade stenosis of the right coronary artery treated with two bare-metal stents. Caution should be noted in patients who present with a cardiovascular risk profile as they might be vulnerable experiencing acute ischaemic events.

Background Coma is associated with poor outcome in patients with basilar artery occlusion. Aims We sought to assess whether the posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score and the Pons-Midbrain Index applied to CT angiography source images predict the outcome of comatose patients in the Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study. Methods Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study was a prospective, observational registry of patients with acute basilar artery occlusion with 48 recruiting centers worldwide. We applied posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score and Pons-Midbrain Index to CT angiography source images of Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study patients who presented with coma. We calculated adjusted risk ratios to assess the association of dichotomized posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score (≥8 vs. Results Of 619 patients in the Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study registry, CT angiography source images were available for review in 158 patients. Among these, 78 patients (49%) presented with coma. Compared to non-comatose patients, comatose patients were more likely to die (risk ratios 2.34; CI 95% 1.56–3.52) and less likely to have a favourable outcome (risk ratios 0.44; CI 95% 0.24–0.80). Among comatose patients, a Pons-Midbrain Index Conclusion In comatose patients with basilar artery occlusion, the extent of brainstem ischemia appears to be related to mortality but not to favourable outcome.