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Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Background and Purpose: Blinded outcome assessment in trials with prospective randomized open blinded end point design is challenging. Unblinding can result in misclassified outcomes and biased treatment effect estimates. An outcome adjudication committee assures blinded outcome assessment, but the added value for trials with prospective randomized open blinded end point design and subjective outcomes is unknown. We aimed to assess the degree of misclassification of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores by a central assessor and its impact on treatment effect estimates in a stroke trial with prospective randomized open blinded end point design. Methods: We used data from the MR CLEAN (Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands). The primary outcome was the mRS at 90 days. Standardized, algorithm-based telephone interviews to assess the mRS were conducted from a central location by an experienced research nurse, unaware but not formally blinded to treatment allocation (central assessor). Masked reports of these interviews were adjudicated by a blinded outcome committee. Misclassification was defined as an incorrect classification of the mRS by the central assessor. The effect of endovascular treatment on the mRS was assessed with multivariable ordinal logistic regression. Results: In MR CLEAN, 53/500 (10.6%) of the mRS scores were misclassified. The degree and direction of misclassification did not differ between treatment arms (P=0.59). Benefit of endovascular treatment was shown on the mRS when scored by the central assessor (adjusted common odds ratio, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.16–2.21]) and the outcome adjudication committee (adjusted common odds ratio, 1.67 [95% CI, 1.21–2.20]). Conclusions: Misclassification by the central assessor was small, randomly distributed over treatment arms, and did not affect treatment effect estimates. This study suggests that the added value of a blinded outcome adjudication committee is limited in a stroke trial with prospective randomized open blinded end point design applying standardized, algorithm-based outcome assessment by a central assessor, who is unaware but not formally blinded to treatment allocation. Registration: URL: https://www.isrctn.com; Unique identifier: ISRCTN10888758.

Background and Purpose: Endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke has been proven clinically effective, but evidence of the cost-effectiveness based on real-world data is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess whether endovascular therapy plus usual care is cost-effective in comparison to usual care alone in acute ischemic stroke patients. Methods: An economic evaluation was performed from a societal perspective with a 2-year time horizon. Empirical data on health outcomes and the use of resources following endovascular treatment were gathered parallel to the MR CLEAN trial (Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands) and its 2-year follow-up study. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated as the extra costs per additional patient with functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) and the extra cost per quality-adjusted life year gained. Results: The mean costs per patient in the intervention group were $126 494 versus $143 331 in the control group (mean difference, −$16 839 [95% CI, −$38 113 to $5456]). Compared with patients in the control group, more patients in the intervention group achieved functional independence, 37.2% versus 23.9% (absolute difference, 13.3% [95% CI, 4.0%–22.0%]) and they generated more quality-adjusted life years, 0.99 versus 0.83 (mean difference of 0.16 [95% CI, 0.04–0.29]). Endovascular treatment dominated standard treatment with $18 233 saved per extra patient with a good outcome and $105 869 saved per additional quality-adjusted life year. Conclusions: Endovascular treatment added to usual care is clinically effective, and cost saving in comparison to usual care alone in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Registration: URL: https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/695 ; Unique identifier: NL695. URL: https://www.isrctn.com ; Unique identifier: ISRCTN10888758.

Background: Aneurysmal persistence after flow diversion (FD) occurs in 5% to 25% of aneurysms, which may necessitate retreatment. There are limited data on safety/efficacy of repeat FD—a frequently utilized strategy in such cases. Methods: A series of consecutive patients undergoing FD retreatment from 15 centers were reviewed (2011–2019), with inclusion criteria of repeat FD for the same aneurysm at least 6 months after initial treatment, with minimum of 6 months post-retreatment imaging. The primary outcome was aneurysmal occlusion, and secondary outcome was safety. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to identify predictors of incomplete occlusion (90%–99% and Results: Ninety-five patients (median age, 57 years; 81% women) harboring 95 aneurysms underwent 198 treatment procedures. Majority of aneurysms were unruptured (87.4%), saccular (74.7%), and located in the internal carotid artery (79%; median size, 9 mm). Median elapsed time between the first and second treatment was 12.2 months. Last available follow-up was at median 12.8 months after retreatment, and median 30.6 months after the initial treatment, showing complete occlusion in 46.2% and near-complete occlusion (90%–99%) in 20.4% of aneurysms. There was no difference in ischemic complications following initial treatment and retreatment (4.2% versus 4.2%; P >0.99). On multivariable regression, fusiform morphology had higher nonocclusion odds after retreatment (odds ratio [OR], 7.2 [95% CI, 1.97–20.8]). Family history of aneurysms was associated with lower odds of nonocclusion (OR, 0.18 [95% CI, 0.04–0.78]). Likewise, positive smoking history was associated with lower odds of nonocclusion (OR, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.1–0.86]). History of hypertension trended toward incomplete occlusion (OR, 3.10 [95% CI, 0.98–6.3]), similar to incorporated branch into aneurysms (OR, 2.78 [95% CI, 0.98–6.8]). Conclusions: Repeat FD for persistent aneurysms carries a reasonable success/safety profile. Satisfactory occlusion (100% and 90%–99% occlusion) was encountered in two-thirds of patients, with similar complications between the initial and subsequent retreatments. Fusiform morphology was the strongest predictor of retreatment failure.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There are only few data and lack of consensus regarding antiplatelet management for carotid stent placement in the setting of endovascular stroke treatment. We aimed to develop a consensus-based algorithm for antiplatelet management in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment and simultaneous emergent carotid stent placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a literature search and a modified Delphi approach used Web-based questionnaires that were sent in several iterations to an international multidisciplinary panel of 19 neurointerventionalists from 7 countries. The first round included open-ended questions and formed the basis for subsequent rounds, in which closed-ended questions were used. Participants continuously received feedback on the results from previous rounds. Consensus was defined as agreement of ≥70% for binary questions and agreement of ≥50% for questions with >2 answer options. The results of the Delphi process were then summarized in a draft manuscript that was circulated among the panel members for feedback. RESULTS: A total of 5 Delphi rounds were performed. Panel members preferred a single intravenous aspirin bolus or, in jurisdictions in which intravenous aspirin is not available, a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor as intraprocedural antiplatelet regimen and a combination therapy of oral aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor in the postprocedural period. There was no consensus on the role of platelet function testing in the postprocedural period. CONCLUSIONS: More and better data on antiplatelet management for carotid stent placement in the setting of endovascular treatment are urgently needed. Panel members preferred intravenous aspirin or, alternatively, a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor as an intraprocedural antiplatelet agent, followed by a dual oral regimen of aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor in the postprocedural period.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is a paucity of data regarding antiplatelet management strategies in the setting of stent-assisted coiling/flow diversion for ruptured intracranial aneurysms. This study aimed to identify current challenges in antiplatelet management during stent-assisted coiling/flow diversion for ruptured intracranial aneurysms and to outline possible antiplatelet management strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The modified DELPHI approach with an on-line questionnaire was sent in several iterations to an international, multidisciplinary panel of 15 neurointerventionalists. The first round consisted of open-ended questions, followed by closed-ended questions in the subsequent rounds. Responses were analyzed in an anonymous fashion and summarized in the final manuscript draft. The statement received endorsement from the World Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology, the Japanese Society for Neuroendovascular Therapy, and the Chinese Neurosurgical Society. RESULTS: Data were collected from December 9, 2019, to March 13, 2020. Panel members achieved consensus that platelet function testing may not be necessary and that antiplatelet management for stent-assisted coiling and flow diversion of ruptured intracranial aneurysms can follow the same principles. Preprocedural placement of a ventricular drain was thought to be beneficial in cases with a high risk of hydrocephalus. A periprocedural dual, intravenous, antiplatelet regimen with aspirin and a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor was preferred as a standard approach. The panel agreed that intravenous medication can be converted to oral aspirin and an oral P2Y12 inhibitor within 24 hours after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: More and better data on antiplatelet management of patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms undergoing stent-assisted coiling or flow diversion are urgently needed. Panel members in this DELPHI consensus study preferred a periprocedural dual-antiplatelet regimen with aspirin and a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor.

Background Approved alternatives in the guidelines for acute ischemic stroke patients who have failed intracranial thrombectomy are lacking. Primary permanent intracranial stenting was initially used in the era before thrombectomy and might still be a useful rescue treatment in acute stroke patients suffering from ongoing large vessel occlusion refractory to thrombectomy. Methods The prospectively collected registry of patients with acute stroke caused by large vessel occlusions and treated with the emboTrap® device in Karolinska Hospital from October 2013 through March 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical outcome of non-recanalized patients with a thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score of 0–1 after failed thrombectomy were compared with those who were treated with permanent intracranial stenting as rescue therapy. Favorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin scale 0–2. Results The emboTrap® device was used in 201 patients. Persistent re-occlusions on withdrawal of the thrombectomy device were seen in 26 patients (13%) and of those, 12 individuals (46%) were treated with intracranial stenting. Baseline National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), occlusion site, and onset-to-puncture time did not differ between the stenting group and the non-recanalized group. During the procedure half dose (5/12 patients) or full dose abciximab (6/12 patients), or aspirin (1/12 patient) was given intravenously immediately after stent placement. In 2 patients (17%) multiple stents were implanted. The stenting group had better functional outcomes at 3 months compared to the non-stenting group with 8/12 (66%) vs. 3/14 (21.4%, p

Background and Purpose: Cerebral ischemic strokes due to extra-/intracranial tandem occlusions (TO) of the anterior circulation are responsible for causing mechanical thrombectomy (MT). The impact of concomitant contralateral carotid stenosis (CCS) upon outcome remains unclear in this stroke subtype. Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 4 international stroke centers between 2011 and 2017. One hundred ninety-seven consecutive patients with anterior TO were treated with MT and acute carotid artery stenting (CAS). Clinical (including demographics and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS]), imaging (including angiographic evaluation of CCS) and procedural data were evaluated. Favorable clinical outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤2 at 90 days. Results: In 186 out of 197 TO patients preinterventional CT angiography was available for analysis, thereof 49 patients (26%) presented with CCS. Median admission NIHSS and procedural timings did not differ between groups. Reperfusion was successful in 38 out of 49 patients (78%) vs. 113 out of 148 patients (76%) without CCS. In stark contrast, rate of favorable outcome at 90 days differed significantly between groups (22 vs. 44%; p < 0.05). The presence of CCS in TO was associated with an unfavorable clinical outcome independent of age and NIHSS in multivariate logistic regression (p < 0.05). Final infarct volume was significantly larger in CCS patients (100 ± 127 vs. 63 ± 77 cm3; p < 0.05). Neither all-cause mortality rates (25 vs. 17%) nor frequency of peri-interventional symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage differed between groups (7 vs. 6%). Conclusion: For patients with anterior TO undergoing MT with concomitant CAS the presence of CCS >50% is an independent predictor of poor clinical outcome. This most likely cause is due to poorer collateral flow to the affected tissue.

Background and Purpose— High blood pressure (BP) is associated with poor outcome and the occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in acute ischemic stroke. Whether BP influences the benefit or safety of intra-arterial treatment (IAT) is not known. We aimed to assess the relation of BP with functional outcome, occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and effect of IAT. Methods— This is a post hoc analysis of the MR CLEAN (Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands). BP was measured at baseline, before IAT or stroke unit admission. We estimated the association of baseline BP with the score on the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days and safety parameters with ordinal and logistic regression analysis. Effect of BP on the effect of IAT was tested with multiplicative interaction terms. Results— Systolic BP (SBP) had the best correlation with functional outcome. This correlation was U-shaped; both low and high baseline SBP were associated with poor functional outcome. Higher SBP was associated with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio, 1.25 for every 10 mm Hg higher SBP [95% confidence interval, 1.09–1.44]). Between SBP and IAT, there was no interaction for functional outcome, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, or other safety parameters; the absolute benefit of IAT was evident for the whole SBP range. The same was found for diastolic BP. Conclusions— BP does not affect the benefit or safety of IAT in patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by proximal intracranial vessel occlusion. Our data provide no arguments to withhold or delay IAT based on BP. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.isrctn.com . Unique identifier: ISRCTN10888758.

Item does not contain fulltext BACKGROUND: Intra-arterial treatment in acute ischemic stroke is safe and effective as recently shown in several randomized clinical trials. The level of experience of the interventionist performing the IAT procedure has not been studied. The present study investigates effects of interventionists' experience on technical aspects of the procedure and clinical outcome of the patient. METHODS: In this study of 313 patients with a proximal intracranial arterial anterior circulation occlusion, treated in the Netherlands from 2002 until participation in the Multicenter Randomized Clinical trial of Endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke (MR CLEAN), data were collected retrospectively. The association of the senior interventionists' experience with duration of the procedure, adverse events, recanalization, neurological outcome, and functional outcome at discharge was analyzed. Multiple regression models adjusted for age, sex, stroke severity, carotid terminus occlusion, use of a retrievable stent and onset to door time were used. RESULTS: No association between interventionists' experience and recanalization, neurological outcome, or functional outcome was observed in a strict selection of patients. This strict selection include a start of intra-arterial treatment within 6h, no coagulation disturbances, systolic blood pressure

Background Collateral blood flow is known to be an important factor that sustains the penumbra during acute stroke. We looked at both the leptomeningeal collateral circulation and the presence of anterior and posterior communicating arteries to determine the factors associated with good outcomes and mortality. Methods We included all patients with acute ischaemic stroke in the anterior circulation, who underwent thrombectomy with the same thrombectomy device from 2013 to 2016. We assessed the leptomeningeal circulation by the Tan, Miteff and Maas validated scoring systems on pre-treatment computed tomographic angiography scans and looked at collateral flow through anterior and posterior communicating arteries. The results were good functional outcomes at 3 months (modified Rankin scale 0–2) and mortality. Results A total of 147 consecutive acute stroke patients treated with the Embotrap device were included with a median National Institutes of Health stroke scale of 15 (range 2–26). On multivariate analysis only younger age (odds ratio (OR) 0.96/year, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94–0.99, P = 0.026), lower National Institutes of Health stroke scale score (OR 0.87/point, 95% CI 0.80–0.93, P Conclusions Our study shows that the presence of anterior and posterior communicating arteries is significantly associated with good functional outcomes and reduced mortality, respectively, independent of the leptomeningeal circulation status.

Background CT perfusion (CTP) and diffusion or perfusion MRI might assist patient selection for endovascular thrombectomy. We aimed to establish whether imaging assessments of irreversibly injured ischaemic core and potentially salvageable penumbra volumes were associated with functional outcome and whether they interacted with the treatment effect of endovascular thrombectomy on functional outcome.Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the HERMES collaboration pooled patient-level data from all randomised controlled trials that compared endovascular thrombectomy (predominantly using stent retrievers) with standard medical therapy in patients with anterior circulation ischaemic stroke, published in PubMed from Jan 1,2010, to May 31, 2017. The primary endpoint was functional outcome, assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days after stroke. Ischaemic core was estimated, before treatment with either endovascular thrombectomy or standard medical therapy, by CTP as relative cerebral blood flow less than 30% of normal brain blood flow or by MRI as an apparent diffusion coefficient less than 620 mu m(2)/s. Critically hypoperfused tissue was estimated as the volume of tissue with a CTP time to maximum longer than 6 s. Mismatch volume (ie, the estimated penumbral volume) was calculated as critically hypoperfused tissue volume minus ischaemic core volume. The association of ischaemic core and penumbral volumes with 90-day mRS score was analysed with multivariable logistic regression (functional independence, defined as mRS score 0-2) and ordinal logistic regression (functional improvement by at least one mRS category) in all patients and in a subset of those with more than 50% endovascular reperfusion, adjusted for baseline prognostic variables. The meta-analysis was prospectively designed by the HERMES executive committee, but not registered.Findings We identified seven studies with 1764 patients, all of which were included in the meta-analysis. CTP was available and assessable for 591 (34%) patients and diffusion MRI for 309 (18%) patients. Functional independence was worse in patients who had CTP versus those who had diffusion MRI, after adjustment for ischaemic core volume (odds ratio [OR] 0.47 [95% CI 0.30-0.72], p=0.0007), so the imaging modalities were not pooled. Increasing ischaemic core volume was associated with reduced likelihood of functional independence (CTP OR 0.77 [0.69-0.86] per 10 mL, p(interaction)=0.29; diffusion MRI OR 0.87 [0.81-0.94] per 10 mL, p(interaction)=0.94). Mismatch volume, examined only in the CTP group because of the small numbers of patients who had perfusion MRI, was not associated with either functional independence or functional improvement. In patients with CTP with more than 50% endovascular reperfusion (n=186), age, ischaemic core volume, and imaging-to-reperfusion time were independently associated with functional improvement. Risk of bias between studies was generally low.Interpretation Estimated ischaemic core volume was independently associated with functional independence and functional improvement but did not modify the treatment benefit of endovascular thrombectomy over standard medical therapy for improved functional outcome. Combining ischaemic core volume with age and expected imagingto-reperfusion time will improve assessment of prognosis and might inform endovascular thrombectomy treatment decisions. Copyright (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rationale The benefit of thrombectomy in patients with intracranial large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation has been shown in selected patients in previous randomized controlled trials, but patients with extended ischemic lesions were excluded in the majority of these trials. TENSION aims to demonstrate efficacy and safety of thrombectomy in patients with extended lesions in an extended time window (up to 12 h from onset or from last seen well). Design TENSION is an investigator-initiated, randomized controlled, open label, blinded endpoint, European, two-arm, postmarket study to compare the safety and effectiveness of thrombectomy as compared to best medical care alone in stroke patients with extended stroke lesions defined by an Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Scan score of 3–5 and in an extended time window. In an adaptive design study, up to 665 patients will be randomized. Outcomes Primary efficacy endpoint will be clinical outcome defined by the modified Rankin Scale at 90-day poststroke. The main safety endpoint will be death and dependency (modified Rankin Scale 4–6) at 90 days. Additional effect measures include adverse events, health-related quality of life, poststroke depression, and costs utility assessment. Discussion TENSION may make effective treatment available for patients with severe stroke in an extended time window, thereby improving functional outcome and quality of life of thousands of stroke patients and reducing the individual, societal, and economic burden of death and disability resulting from severe stroke. TENSION is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03094715).

Background and Purpose— A high clot burden score (CBS) is associated with favorable outcome after intravenous treatment for acute ischemic stroke. The added benefit of intra-arterial treatment might be less in these patients. The aim of this exploratory post hoc analysis was to assess the relation of CBS with neurological improvement and endovascular treatment effect. Methods— For 499 of 500 patients in the MR CLEAN study (Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands), the CBS was determined. Ordinal logistic regression models with and without main baseline prognostic variables were used to assess the association between CBS (continuous or dichotomized at CBS of 6) and a shift toward better outcome on the modified Rankin Scale. The model without main baseline prognostic variables only included treatment allocation and CBS. Models with and without a multiplicative interaction term of CBS and treatment were compared using the χ 2 test to assess treatment effect modification by CBS. Results— Higher CBS was associated with a shift toward better outcome on the modified Rankin Scale; adjusted common odds ratio per point CBS was 1.12 (95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.20]. Dichotomized CBS had an adjusted common odds ratio of 1.67 (95% confidence interval, 1.12–2.51). Both effect estimates were slightly attenuated by adding baseline prognostic variables. The addition of the interaction terms did not significantly improve the fit of the models. There was a small and insignificant increase of intra-arterial treatment efficacy in the high CBS group. Conclusions— A higher CBS is associated with improved outcome and may be used as a prognostic marker. We found no evidence that CBS modifies the effect of intra-arterial treatment. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.trialregister.nl . Unique identifier: NTR1804. URL: http://www.controlled-trials.com . Unique identifier: ISRCTN10888758.

OBJECTIVE:: External validation of prognostic models is crucial but rarely done. Our aim was to externally validate a prognostic model to predict 60-day case fatality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage developed from the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial in a retrospective unselected cohort of subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. DESIGN:: The model’s predictors were age, aneurysm size, Fisher grade, and World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade. Two versions of the model were validated: one with World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade scored at admission and the other with World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade at treatment decision. The outcome was 60-day case fatality. Performance of the model was assessed by studying discrimination, expressed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and calibration. SETTING:: University hospital. PATIENTS:: We analyzed data from 307 consecutive aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients admitted between 2007 and 2011 (validation cohort). INTERVENTIONS:: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:: The observed 60-day case fatality rate was 30.6%. Discrimination was good, and differed between the model with World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade at treatment decision (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.89) and at admission (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.82). Mean predicted probabilities were lower than observed: 17.0% (model with World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade at admission) and 17.7% (model with World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade at treatment decision). CONCLUSIONS:: The model discriminated well between patients who died or survived within 60 days. In addition, we found that using World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade at moment of treatment decision of the ruptured aneurysm improved model performance. However, since predicted probabilities were much lower than observed probabilities, the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial prediction model needs to be adapted to be used in clinical practice.

ObjectiveTo report our preliminary experience with the use of stent retrievers to cause vasodilation in patients with delayed cerebral vasospasm secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage.MethodsFour patients from two different high volume neurointerventional centers developed cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage. In addition to standard techniques for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm, we used commercially available stent retrievers (Solitaire and Capture stent retrievers) to treat the vasospastic segment including M2, M1, A2, and A1. We evaluated the safety of this technique, degree of vasodilation, and longevity of the effect.ResultsStent retrievers can be used to safely achieve cerebral vasodilation in the setting of delayed cerebral vasospasm. The effect is long-lasting (>24 hours) and, in our initial experience, carries a low morbidity. We have not experienced any complications using this technique although we have noted that the radial force was not sufficient to cause vasodilation in some instances. The vasospasm did not return in the vessel segments treated with stent angioplasty in any of these cases. In two of our cases stent angioplasty resulted in the reversal of focal neurological symptoms.ConclusionsStent retrievers can provide long-lasting cerebral vasodilation in patients with delayed cerebral vasospasm.

Background and Purpose— Recent randomized trials have proven the benefit of intra-arterial treatment (IAT) with retrievable stents in acute ischemic stroke. Patients with poor or absent collaterals (preexistent anastomoses to maintain blood flow in case of a primary vessel occlusion) may gain less clinical benefit from IAT. In this post hoc analysis, we aimed to assess whether the effect of IAT was modified by collateral status on baseline computed tomographic angiography in the Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN). Methods— MR CLEAN was a multicenter, randomized trial of IAT versus no IAT. Primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days. The primary effect parameter was the adjusted common odds ratio for a shift in direction of a better outcome on the modified Rankin Scale. Collaterals were graded from 0 (absent) to 3 (good). We used multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis with interaction terms to estimate treatment effect modification by collateral status. Results— We found a significant modification of treatment effect by collaterals ( P =0.038). The strongest benefit (adjusted common odds ratio 3.2 [95% confidence intervals 1.7–6.2]) was found in patients with good collaterals (grade 3). The adjusted common odds ratio was 1.6 [95% confidence intervals 1.0–2.7] for moderate collaterals (grade 2), 1.2 [95% confidence intervals 0.7–2.3] for poor collaterals (grade 1), and 1.0 [95% confidence intervals 0.1–8.7] for patients with absent collaterals (grade 0). Conclusions— In MR CLEAN, baseline computed tomographic angiography collateral status modified the treatment effect. The benefit of IAT was greatest in patients with good collaterals on baseline computed tomographic angiography. Treatment benefit appeared less and may be absent in patients with absent or poor collaterals. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.trialregister.nl and http://www.controlled-trials.com . Unique identifier: (NTR)1804 and ISRCTN10888758, respectively.

Background: One endovascular treatment option of acute ischemic stroke due to tandem occlusion (TO) comprises intracranial thrombectomy and acute extracranial carotid artery stenting (CAS). In this setting, the order of treatment may impact the clinical outcome in this stroke subtype. Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on data prospectively collected in 4 international stroke centers between 2013 and 2017. One hundred sixty-five patients with anterior TO were treated by endovascular therapy. Clinical and procedural data were evaluated. Favorable clinical outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤2 at 90 days. Propensity score matching was performed for different treatment strategies. Results: Patients’ mean age was 65 ± 11 years and 118 were male (69%). The median admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 15 (interquartile range 8). In 59% of the patients (n = 101), the antegrade strategy (first stenting, then thrombectomy) was ­performed, in 41% (n = 70) retrograde treatment (first thrombectomy, then stenting). Successful reperfusion (mTICI ≥2b) was achieved in 128 patients (75%). Fifty-nine patients (39%) showed a favorable clinical outcome after 90 days. After propensity score matching, data of 100 patients could be analyzed. Analysis revealed that the retrograde strategy yielded a significantly higher rate of successful reperfusion compared to the antegrade strategy (92 vs. 56%; p < 0.001). The rate of favorable clinical outcome after 90 days (mRS ≤2) was consistently higher (44 vs. 30%; p < 0.05) in the retrograde strategy group. Conclusion: Mechanical thrombectomy prior to acute CAS in TO is a predictive factor for favorable clinical outcome at 90 days.

BackgroundWe studied patients treated with the EmboTrap revascularization device in a prospective registry which is core laboratory evaluated by physicians from external centers. The goal was to determine how the EmboTrap would perform under the everyday conditions of a high-volume stroke center.MethodsWe examined all patients with acute stroke treated with the Embotrap device from October 2013 to March 2017 in our center. Imaging parameters and times were adjudicated by core laboratory personnel blinded to clinical information, treating physician, and clinical outcomes. Clinical evaluation was performed by independent neurologists and entered in a national registry. Evaluated endpoints were: successful revascularization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b–3) and good clinical outcomes at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2).Results201 consecutive patients with a median NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 15 (range 2–30) were included. 170 patients (84.6%) achieved mTICI 2b–3 reperfusion. The median number of attempts was 2 (range 1–10) with 52.8% of the population achieving good functional outcomes (mRS 0–2) at 3 months. On univariate analysis, good functional outcome was associated with the number of attempts, puncture-to-reperfusion time, anterior circulation occlusion, and NIHSS score. On multivariate analysis, pre-treatment NIHSS (OR 0.845 per point, 95% CI 0.793 to 0.908, PConclusionThe Embotrap device has a high rate of successful reperfusion. Our core laboratory-audited single-center experience suggests the technical feasibility and safety of the Embotrap for first-line use in a real-world setting.

Cerebral ischemic stroke treatment may change significantly now that clots are actually physically removed from the patient using thrombectomy. This allows for an analysis of the content of the clots as well as the correlation of the imaging findings and the clot behavior and morphology. This article illustrates how the interaction of different clots varies in the clinical setting and how analysis of clot composition, as well as the search for new pharmacologic targets, can lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiology and therapy resistance, in turn providing possibilities for a better approach in the treatment.

Background The aim of this study was to report our single centre experience with the Medina Embolic Device (MED). Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data to identify all patients treated with the MED. A total of 14 aneurysms (non-consecutive), in 13 patients, were treated including one ruptured and one partially thrombosed aneurysm. Fundus diameter was ≥5 mm in all cases. We evaluated the angiographic appearances, the clinical status, complications, and the need for adjunctive devices or repeat treatments. Results Aneurysm location was cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA; n = 1), supraclinoid ICA ( n = 1), terminal ICA ( n = 2), anterior communicating artery (AComA; n = 4), A2–3 ( n = 1), M1–2 junction ( n = 1), posterior communicating artery (PComA; n = 1), superior cerebellar artery (SCA; n = 1), and basilar tip ( n = 2). The average aneurysm fundus size was 8.6 mm (range 7–10 mm) and average neck size 3.75 mm (range 1.9–6.9 mm). Immediate angiographic results were modified Raymond–Roy occlusion classification (mRRC) I n = 2, mRRC II n = 1, mRRC IIIa n = 2, mRRC IIIb n = 2, the remaining 7 aneurysms showed complete opacification. At follow-up angiography (mean 5 months) mRRC I n = 5, mRRC II n = 5, mRRC IIIa n = 3, and persistent filling was seen in 1 aneurysm. Overall, four patients had repeat treatment and one is pending further treatment. Of the aneurysms treated with more than one MED, 75% showed complete occlusion at 6-month follow up whereas only one aneurysm treated with a single device showed complete occlusion. Overall, three patients had temporary complications and there were no deaths. Conclusions The MED is an intra-saccular flow-diverting device with satisfactory angiographic results and an acceptable safety profile. Use of a single MED cannot be recommended and further longer term studies are needed prior to widespread clinical use.

Clinical neuroradiology 29(3), 425-433 (2019). doi:10.1007/s00062-018-0679-z, Published by Urban & Vogel, München

BACKGROUND: General anaesthesia (GA) during endovascular thrombectomy has been associated with worse patient outcomes in observational studies compared with patients treated without GA. We assessed functional outcome in ischaemic stroke patients with large vessel anterior circulation occlusion undergoing endovascular thrombectomy under GA, versus thrombectomy not under GA (with or without sedation) versus standard care (ie, no thrombectomy), stratified by the use of GA versus standard care.METHODS: For this meta-analysis, patient-level data were pooled from all patients included in randomised trials in PuMed published between Jan 1, 2010, and May 31, 2017, that compared endovascular thrombectomy predominantly done with stent retrievers with standard care in anterior circulation ischaemic stroke patients (HERMES Collaboration). The primary outcome was functional outcome assessed by ordinal analysis of the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 90 days in the GA and non-GA subgroups of patients treated with endovascular therapy versus those patients treated with standard care, adjusted for baseline prognostic variables. To account for between-trial variance we used mixed-effects modelling with a random effect for trials incorporated in all models. Bias was assessed using the Cochrane method. The meta-analysis was prospectively designed, but not registered.FINDINGS: Seven trials were identified by our search; of 1764 patients included in these trials, 871 were allocated to endovascular thrombectomy and 893 were assigned standard care. After exclusion of 74 patients (72 did not undergo the procedure and two had missing data on anaesthetic strategy), 236 (30%) of 797 patients who had endovascular procedures were treated under GA. At baseline, patients receiving GA were younger and had a shorter delay between stroke onset and randomisation but they had similar pre-treatment clinical severity compared with patients who did not have GA. Endovascular thrombectomy improved functional outcome at 3 months both in patients who had GA (adjusted common odds ratio (cOR) 1·52, 95% CI 1·09-2·11, p=0·014) and in those who did not have GA (adjusted cOR 2·33, 95% CI 1·75-3·10, pINTERPRETATION: Worse outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy were associated with GA, after adjustment for baseline prognostic variables. These data support avoidance of GA whenever possible. The procedure did, however, remain effective versus standard care in patients treated under GA, indicating that treatment should not be withheld in those who require anaesthesia for medical reasons.FUNDING: Medtronic.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) is a minimally invasive treatment for lumbar disc herniation, with Food and Drug Administration approval since 1991. However, no randomized trial comparing PLDD to conventional treatment has been performed. PURPOSE: In this trial, we assessed the effectiveness of a strategy of PLDD as compared with conventional surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This randomized prospective trial with a noninferiority design was carried out in two academic and six teaching hospitals in the Netherlands according to an intent-to-treat protocol with full institutional review board approval. PATIENT SAMPLE: One hundred fifteen eligible surgical candidates, with sciatica from a disc herniation smaller than one-third of the spinal canal, were included. OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures for this trial were the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire for sciatica, visual analog scores for back and leg pain, and the patient's report of perceived recovery. METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated to PLDD (n=57) or conventional surgery (n=58). Blinding was impossible because of the nature of the interventions. This study was funded by the Healthcare Insurance Board of the Netherlands. RESULTS: The primary outcome, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, showed noninferiority of PLDD at 8 (-0.1; [95% confidence interval (CI), -2.3 to 2.1]) and 52 weeks (-1.1; 95% CI, -3.4 to 1.1) compared with conventional surgery. There was, however, a higher speed of recovery in favor of conventional surgery (hazard ratio, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.42-0.97]). The number of reoperations was significantly less in the conventional surgery group (38% vs. 16%). Overall, a strategy of PLDD, with delayed surgery if needed, resulted in noninferior outcomes at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: At 1 year, a strategy of PLDD, followed by surgery if needed, resulted in noninferior outcomes compared with surgery. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Background It is unclear whether the risk of bleeding from brain arteriovenous malformations is higher during pregnancy, delivery, or puerperium. We compared occurrence of brain arteriovenous malformation hemorrhage in women during this period with occurrence of hemorrhage outside this period during their fertile years. Methods We included all women with ruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (16–41 years) from a retrospective database of patients with brain arteriovenous malformations in four Dutch university hospitals (n = 95) and from the population-based Scottish Audit of Intracranial Vascular Malformations (n = 44). We estimated the relative rate of brain arteriovenous malformation rupture (before any treatment) during exposed time (pregnancy, delivery, puerperium) versus non-exposed time during fertile years, using the case-crossover design as primary analysis, and the self-controlled case-series design as secondary analysis. Results In 17 of 95 Dutch women and in 3 of 44 Scottish women, hemorrhages occurred while pregnant; none occurred during delivery or puerperium. In Dutch women, the relative rate of brain arteriovenous malformation rupture during pregnancy, delivery, or puerperium was 6.8 (95% confidence interval 3.6–13) according to the case-crossover method and 7.1 (95% confidence interval 3.4–13) using the self-controlled case-series method. In Scottish women, the relative rate was 1.3 (95% confidence interval 0.39–4.1) using the case-crossover method and 1.7 (95% confidence interval 0.0–4.4) according to the self-controlled case-series method. Because of limited overlap of confidence intervals, we refrained from pooling the cohorts. Conclusions Case-crossover and self-controlled case series analyses reveal an increase in relative rate of brain arteriovenous malformation rupture during pregnancy in the Dutch cohort but not in the Scottish cohort. Since point estimates varied between both cohorts and numbers are relatively small, the clinical implications of our findings are uncertain.

Contains fulltext : 171716.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: In recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) intra-arterial treatment (IAT) has been proven effective and safe for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). So far, there seemed to be no interaction between older age (>80) and main treatment effect. We studied the association of older age with outcome and adverse events after IAT in a cohort of intra arterially treated patients. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Data from all AIS patients with proven proximal anterior circulation cerebral artery occlusion who were intra arterially treated between 2002 until the start of the MR CLEAN trial were studied retrospectively. Duration of the procedure, recanalization (Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction score (TICI)), early neurological recovery (i.e. decrease on NIHSS of >/= 8 points) after one week or at discharge, good functional outcome at discharge by modified Rankin Scale (mRS

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Background and Purpose— Preclinical studies showed that thrombi can be permeable and may, therefore, allow for residual blood flow in occluded arteries of patients having acute ischemic stroke. This perviousness may increase tissue oxygenation, improve thrombus dissolution, and augment intra-arterial treatment success. We hypothesize that the combination of computed tomographic angiography and noncontrast computed tomography imaging allows measurement of contrast agent penetrating a permeable thrombus, and it is associated with improved outcome. Methods— Thrombus and contralateral artery attenuations in noncontrast computed tomography and computed tomographic angiography images were measured in 184 Multicenter Randomized Clinical trial of Endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN) patients with thin-slice images. Two quantitative estimators of the thrombus permeability were introduced: computed tomographic angiography attenuation increase (Δ) and thrombus void fraction (ε). Patients were dichotomized as having a pervious or impervious thrombus and associated with outcome, recanalization, and final infarct volume. Results— Patients with Δ≥10.9 HU (n=81 [44%]) and ε≥6.5% (n=77 [42%]) were classified as having a pervious thrombus. These patients were 3.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.7–6.4) times more likely to have a favorable outcome, and 2.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.3–4.8) times more likely to recanalyze, for Δ based classification, and similarly for ε. These odds ratios were independent from intravenous or intra-arterial treatment. Final infarct volume was negatively correlated with both perviousness estimates (correlation coefficient, −0.39 for Δ and −0.40 for ε). Conclusions— This study shows that simultaneous measurement of thrombus attenuation in noncontrast computed tomography and computed tomographic angiography allows for quantification of thrombus perviousness. Thrombus perviousness is strongly associated with improved functional outcome, smaller final infarct volume, and higher recanalization rate.

Purpose: To assess whether magnetic resonance (MR) angiography can be used as a noninvasive alternative to intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to indicate additional treatment in the follow-up of patients with coil-treated intracranial aneurysms. Materials and Methods: This was an ethics committee-approved multicenter study. Consecutive patients who were scheduled for follow-up intraarterial DSA after coil placement were invited for additional MR angiography after providing written informed consent. Interventional neuroradiologists gave treatment advice (additional treatment, extended follow-up imaging, or discharge from follow-up) for each imaging modality. Agreement between treatment advices based on intraarterial DSA and MR angiographic findings and interobserver agreement were assessed with weighted kappa statistics. Results: Agreement between intraarterial DSA- and MR angiography-based treatment recommendations was substantial (kappa = 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66, 0.80). In 34 of the 310 patients (11%), the advice was additional treatment based on findings of both modalities. In six patients (2%), the advice based on intraarterial DSA findings was additional treatment, while that based on MR angiographic findings was extended follow-up imaging; therefore, none of these patients were discharged from follow-up on the basis of MR angiographic findings. In six other patients (2%), the advice based on MR angiographic findings was additional treatment, while that based on intraarterial DSA findings was extended follow-up imaging (four patients), discharge from follow-up (one patient), and noninterpretable DSA (one patient). Extended follow-up imaging was suggested for 37 patients (12%) after intraarterial DSA and for 49 patients (16%) after MR angiography (difference: 4%; 95% CI: -0.6%, 8.4%). Interobserver agreement was substantial for intraarterial DSA (kappa = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.82) and moderate for MR angiography (kappa = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.70). Conclusion: The overall proportion of patients advised to undergo additional treatment is similar based on intraarterial DSA and MR angiographic findings, with only few individual discrepancies. MR angiography can therefore be used for therapeutic decision making in the follow-up of patients with coil-treated aneurysms. (C) RSNA, 2012

Background and Purpose— In aneurysms that are adequately occluded 6 months after coiling, the risk of late reopening is largely unknown. We assessed the occurrence of late aneurysm reopening and possible risk factors. Methods— From January 1995 to June 2005, 1808 intracranial aneurysms were coiled in 1675 patients at 7 medical centers. At 6 months, 1066 aneurysms in 971 patients were adequately occluded. At mean 6.0 years after coiling, of the 971 patients, 400 patients with 440 aneurysms underwent 3 Tesla magnetic resonance angiography to assess occlusion status of the aneurysms. Proportions and corresponding 95% CI of aneurysm reopening and retreatment were calculated. Risk factors for late reopening were assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, and included patient sex, rupture status of aneurysms, aneurysm size ≥10 mm, and aneurysm location. Results— In 11 of 400 patients (2.8%; 95% CI, 1.4–4.9%) with 440 aneurysms (2.5%; 95% CI, 1.0–4.0%), late reopening had occurred; 3 reopened aneurysms were retreated (0.7%; 95% CI, 0.2–1.5%). Independent predictors for late reopening were aneurysm size ≥10 mm (OR 4.7; 95% CI, 1.3–16.3) and location on basilar tip (OR 3.9; 95% CI, 1.1–14.6). There were no late reopenings in the 143 anterior cerebral artery aneurysms. Conclusions— For the vast majority of adequately occluded intracranial aneurysms 6 months after coiling (those

After successful transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly, life-long follow-up is required, because 10-15% of patients develop recurrence of disease. We assessed whether it is safe to perform postoperative follow-up with only biochemical evaluation in acromegalic patients initially cured by transsphenoidal surgery. We studied 32 patients cured after transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly during a follow-up of 8.7 +/- 6.4 yr (mean +/- sd). Serial measurements of serum GH during glucose tolerance test and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were performed. Serial MRI scans were reevaluated by three independent neuroradiologists, who were blinded for the clinical and biochemical data, for growth of suspected tumor tissue. Twenty-three patients remained biochemically cured in the long term, whereas nine of the 32 patients developed recurrence of disease, indicated by elevated serum GH concentrations during glucose tolerance test and clinical symptoms/signs. None of the 23 patients with long-term biochemical cure showed growth of tumor tissue according to two neuroradiologists, whereas the third neuroradiologist assessed three of 23 patients as having tumor growth despite continuing biochemical cure. In the nine patients with biochemical recurrence, no tumor growth was found in the series of postoperative MRI scans, according to two of the three independent radiologists, whereas the third radiologist found tumor growth in four patients with recurrent disease. In conclusion, in patients with acromegaly, initially cured by transsphenoidal surgery, it appears safe to check for recurrent disease during long-term follow-up of these patients by biochemical markers only.

Vertebrobasilar dissection is an uncommon cause of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) that carries a high risk for early repeat haemorrhage. The need for rapid treatment of this disease entity is without question; however, the best method for treatment is still undetermined. Here, we present our results using the stent-in-stent technique, without coiling, for these patients and propose that it is a viable treatment strategy. We identified in our local database for neurointerventional therapy, between 1st October 2000 and 1st January 2014, 93 patients with potential subarachnoid haemorrhage secondary to vertebrobasilar pathology. After review of the clinical notes and imaging, 15 were found to have presented with subarachnoid haemorrhage and treated with stents alone. All dissections were spontaneous with no history of preceding trauma. The ages ranged between 46 and 71 years (mean 61 years). All patients presented with Fischer grade 4 SAH and had a visible pseudoaneurysm. The pre-operative GCS varied with two patients scoring 3, one patient scoring 6 and the remaining 12 patients scoring 8 or above. All cases were subjected to stent-in-stent treatment alone. We did not experience any intra-procedural complications. In our series, eight patients had full recovery with a Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) of 5, three had moderate disability (GOS 4), one had severe disability (GOS 3), and three patents died, one patient from stent thrombosis or re-bleeding and two from their initial SAH. The stent-in-stent technique represents a viable reconstructive endovascular surgical technique with a low risk of intra-procedural complication and post-operative repeat haemorrhage.

Background and Purpose— It is uncertain whether familial occurrence of brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) represents coincidental aggregation or a shared familial risk factor. We aimed to compare the prevalence of BAVMs in first-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with BAVM and the prevalence in the general population. Methods— We sent a postal questionnaire to 682 patients diagnosed with a BAVM in 1 of 4 university hospitals to retrieve information about the occurrence of BAVMs among their FDRs. We calculated a prevalence ratio using the BAVM prevalence among FDRs and the prevalence from a Scottish population-based study (93 per 628 788 adults). A prevalence ratio of ≥9 with a lower limit of the 95% confidence interval of 3 was considered indicative of a shared familial risk factor. Results— Informed consent was given by 460 (67%) patients, who had 2992 FDRs. We identified 3 patients with a FDR with a BAVM, yielding a prevalence ratio of 6.8 (95% CI, 2.2–21). Conclusions— The prevalence of BAVMs in FDRs of patients with a BAVM was increased but did not meet our prespecified criterion for a shared familial risk factor. In combination with the low absolute risk of a BAVM in FDRs, our results do not support screening of FDRs for BAVMs.

In achondroplastic patients with slight complaints of medullary compression the cervical spinal cord regularly exhibits an intramedullary (CHII) lesion just below the craniocervical junction with no signs of focal compression on the cord. Currently, the prevalence of the lesion in the general achondroplastic population is studied and its origin is explored.Eighteen achondroplastic volunteers with merely no clinical signs of medullary compression were subjected to dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The presence of a CHII lesion and craniocervical medullary compression in flexed and retroflexed craniocervical positions was explored. Several morphological characteristics of the craniocervical junction, possibly related to compression on the cord, were assessed.A CHII lesion was observed in 39% of the subjects and in only one of these was compression at the craniocervical junction present. Consequently, no correlation between the CHII lesion and compression could be established. None of the morphological characteristics demonstrated a correlation with the CHII lesion, except thinning of the cord at the site of the CHII lesion.CHII lesions are a frequent finding in achondroplasia, and are generally unaccompanied by clinical symptoms or compression on the cord. Further research focusing on the origin of CHII lesions and their clinical implications is warranted.• MRI now reveals exquisite detail of the cervical spinal cord. • Cervical cord lesions are observed in one third of the achondroplastic population. • These lesions yield high signal intensity on T2 weighted MRI. • They are generally unaccompanied by clinical symptoms or cord compression. • Their aetiology is unclear and seems to be unrelated to mechanical causes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The criterion standard to diagnose and classify cranial DAVFs is DSA. Since this is invasive, relatively expensive and time-consuming, a noninvasive alternative is of interest. We aimed to evaluate the capabilities and pitfalls of 4D-CTA in a consecutive series of patients who presented with a newly diagnosed cranial DAVF, as demonstrated by conventional DSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients were included in this study after biplane DSA demonstrated a cranial DAVF. They subsequently underwent 4D-CTA imaging by using a 320-detector CT scanner. DSA and 4D-CTA studies were independently read by 2 blinded observers, by using a standardized scoring sheet. 4D-CTA results were analyzed with DSA as the criterion standard. RESULTS: In 10 cases, there was full agreement between DSA and 4D-CTA regarding the Borden classification. However, in the remaining patient, a slow-filling DAVF with a low shunt volume was missed by both readers on 4D-CTA. In all 10 detected cases, ≥1 of the major contributing arteries could be identified with 4D-CTA. Although, by using DSA, the 2 observers identified additional arterial feeders in 7 and 8 cases, respectively, these discrepancies did not influence clinical decision making. CONCLUSIONS: Although novel 4D-CTA imaging may not rule out a small slow-flow DAVF, it appears to be a valuable new adjunct in the noninvasive diagnostic work-up, treatment planning, and follow-up of patients with cranial DAVFs.

Treatment of BBAs is currently challenging and remains difficult despite improvement of microsurgical technique and advancement in endovascular technologies. Therapeutic options are reconstructive and deconstructive open surgeries or endovascular procedures. However, there is a lack of consensus about optimal treatment. We report a case of 38-year old woman with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured BBA successfully treated with placement of an endovascular flow-diverting stent.

Novel 320-section CT scanning equipment enables dynamic noninvasive angiographic imaging of the entire cranial vasculature (4D-CTA). We describe this technique and demonstrate its potential in arteriovenous shunting lesions. 4D-CTA imaging resulted in a correct diagnosis, lesion classification, and treatment-strategy selection in 3 patients, compared with CA. We think that 4D-CTA can further reduce the need for CA, sparing the patient the discomfort and risk associated with an invasive procedure.

Purpose: To determine the test characteristics of magnetic resonance (MR) angiography in the assessment of occlusion of aneurysms treated with coil placement. Materials and Methods: This was an ethics committee-approved multicenter study. Written informed consent was obtained in 311 patients with 343 aneurysms, who had been treated with coil placement and were scheduled for routine follow-up with intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Thirty-five patients participated two or three times. Either 3.0- or 1.5-T time-of-flight (TOF) and contrast material-enhanced MR angiography were performed in addition to intraarterial DSA. Aneurysm occlusion was evaluated by independent readers at DSA and MR angiography. The test characteristics of MR angiography were assessed by using DSA as the standard. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated for 3.0- versus 1.5-T MR angiography and for TOF versus contrast-enhanced MR angiography, and factors associated with discrepancies between MR angiography and DSA were assessed with logistic regression. Results: Aneurysm assessments (n = 381) at DSA and MR angiography were compared. Incomplete occlusion was seen at DSA in 88 aneurysms (23%). Negative predictive value of MR angiography was 94% (95% confidence interval [ CI]: 91%, 97%), positive predictive value was 69% (95% CI: 60%, 78%), sensitivity was 82% (95% CI: 72%, 89%), and specificity was 89% (95% CI: 85%, 93%). AUCs were similar for 3.0- (0.90 [ 95% CI: 0.86, 0.94]) and 1.5-T MR (0.87 [ 95% CI: 0.78, 0.95]) and for TOF MR (0.86 [ 95% CI: 0.81, 0.91]) versus contrast-enhanced MR (0.85 [ 95% CI: 0.80, 0.91]). A small residual lumen (odds ratio, 2.1 [ 95% CI: 1.1, 4.3]) and suboptimal projection at DSA (odds ratio, 5.5 [ 95% CI: 1.5, 21.0]) were independently associated with discordance between intraarterial DSA and MR angiography. Conclusion: Documentation of good diagnostic performance of TOF MR angiography at both 1.5 and 3.0 T in the current study represents an important step toward replacing intraarterial DSA with MR angiography in the follow-up of patients with aneurysms treated with coils. (C) RSNA, 2010

Background The usual surgical treatment of refractory sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation, is open discectomy. Minimally invasive procedures, including percutaneous therapies under local anesthesia, are increasingly gaining attention. One of these treatments is Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD). This treatment can be carried out in an outpatient setting and swift recovery and return to daily routine are suggested. Thus far, no randomized trial into cost-effectiveness of PLDD versus standard surgical procedure has been performed. We present the design of a randomized controlled trial, studying the cost-effectiveness of PLDD versus conventional open discectomy in patients with sciatica from lumbar disc herniation. Methods/design The study is a randomized prospective multi-center trial, in which two treatment strategies are compared in a parallel group design. Patients (age 18–70 years) visiting the neurosurgery department of the participating hospitals, are considered for inclusion in the trial when sciatica due to lumbar disc herniation has lasted more than 8 weeks. Patients with disc herniation smaller than 1/3 of the spinal canal diameter, without concomitant lateral recess stenosis or sequestration, are eligible for participation, and are randomized into one of two treatment arms; either Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression or conventional discectomy. The functional outcome of the patient, as assessed by the Roland Disability Questionnaire for Sciatica at 8 weeks and 1 year after treatment, is the primary outcome measure. The secondary outcome parameters are recovery as perceived by the patient, leg and back pain, incidence of re-intervention, complications, quality of life, medical consumption, absence of work and secondary costs. Discussion Open discectomy is still considered to be the golden standard in the surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Whether Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression has at least as much efficacy as the standard surgical procedure, and is more cost-effective, will be determined by this trial. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN25884790.

Anhydramnios is a rather common ultrasound finding, usually caused by ruptured membranes, placental dysfunction, or impaired fetal renal function. We present a case of anhydramnios, resulting from the perforation of a fetal leg through the uterine wall. Neonatal death occurred caused by severe lung hypoplasia. The absence of clinical symptoms strongly suggests a preexisting weak spot in the uterine wall, presumably resulting from an unrecognized perforation at a previous curettage procedure.

Introduction We aimed to evaluate the use of time-resolved whole-head CT angiography (4D-CTA) in patients with an untreated arteriovenous malformation of the brain (bAVM), as demonstrated by catheter angiography (DSA). Methods Seventeen patients with a DSA-proven bAVM were enrolled. These were subjected to 4D-CTA imaging using a 320 detector row CT scanner. Using a standardized scoring sheet, all studies were analyzed by a panel of three readers. This panel was blind to the DSA results at the time of reading the 4D-CTA. Results 4D-CTA detected all bAVMs. With regard to the Spetzler–Martin grade, 4D-CTA disagreed with DSA in only one case, where deep venous drainage was missed. Further discrepancies between 4D-CTA and DSA analyses included underestimation of the nidus size in small lesions (four cases), misinterpretation of a feeding vessel (one case), misinterpretation of indirect feeding through pial collaterals (three cases) and oversight of mild arterial enlargement (two cases). 4D-CTA correctly distinguished low-flow from high-flow lesions and detected dural/transosseous feeding (one case), venous narrowing (one case) and venous pouches (nine cases). Conclusion In this series, 4D-CTA was able to detect all bAVMs. Although some angioarchitectural details were missed or misinterpreted when compared to DSA, 4D-CTA evaluation was sufficiently accurate to diagnose the shunt and classify it. Moreover, 4D-CTA adds cross-sectional imaging and perfusion maps, helpful in treatment planning. 4D-CTA appears to be a valuable new adjunct in the non-invasive diagnostic work-up of bAVMs and their follow-up when managed conservatively.

ObjectIn the authors' experience, the appearance of a cervical high-intensity intramedullary (CHII) lesion on magnetic resonance (MR) images in the absence of local spinal cord compression is frequently observed in patients with achondroplasia, although it has been mentioned only sporadically in the literature. Hence, the authors conducted a retrospective study in a consecutive single-center series of patients with achondroplasia to determine the prevalence and imaging features of this entity. They also reviewed the literature.MethodsCervical MR imaging studies obtained to establish diagnoses in 25 adult patients with achondroplasia and assessed at the Leiden University Medical Center after neurogenic claudication developed were evaluated for the presence of a CHII lesion. Imaging features of the lesion were described, and a literature search was performed.The CHII lesion was demonstrated in 16 of 25 adult patients with achondroplasia (64%) in the absence of local spinal cord compression. All lesions were located at the C-2 level and appeared to be confined to the gray matter. The CHII lesion was associated with local spinal cord thinning, most likely representing focal atrophy. In their literature search the authors found no description of the CHII lesion in adults, although its presence has been mentioned as a peculiarity in the pediatric achondroplastic population.ConclusionsIn this large series of adults with achondroplasia and symptomatic neurogenic claudication, a CHII lesion was frequently depicted on imaging studies, but it remains a fully explored imaging phenomenon. Its cause and clinical relevance require investigation, as does its prevalence in the general achondroplastic population.