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Background: Recent randomized trials have shown the benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) also in patients with an established large ischemic core. Aims: The purpose of this study was to define baseline predictors of clinical outcome in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the anterior circulation and an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS) ⩽ 5, undergoing MT. Material and methods: The databases of 16 comprehensive stroke centers were retrospectively screened for patients with LVO and ASPECTS ⩽5 that received MT. Baseline clinical and neuroradiological features, including the differential contribution of all ASPECTS regions to the composite score, were collected. Primary clinical outcome measure was a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2. Statistical analysis used a logistic regression model and random forest algorithm. Results: A total of 408 patients were available for analysis. In multivariate model, among baseline features, lower age (odd ratio (OR) = 0.962, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.943–0.982) and lower National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR = 0.911, 95% CI = 0.862–0.963) were associated with the mRS score 0–2. Involvement of the M2 (OR = 0.398, 95% CI = 0.206–0.770) or M4 (OR = 0.496, 95% CI = 0.260–0.945) ASPECTS regions was associated with an unfavorable outcome. Random forest analysis confirmed that age and baseline NIHSS score are the most important variables influencing clinical outcome, whereas involvement of cortical regions M5, M4, M2, and M1 can have a negative impact. Conclusion: Our retrospective analysis shows that, along with age and baseline clinical impairment, presence of early ischemic changes involving cortical areas has a role in clinical outcome in patients with large ischemic core undergoing MT. Data access statement: The data that support the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are three main methods of mechanical thrombectomy (MT): using a stent retriever (SR) only (SO), aspiration catheter (AC) only (AO) and the combined method (CM) using both the SR and AC. This paper describes a real-life, single-center experience using SO, AO and CM during 276 consecutive MTs. Methods: The primary endpoint was the frequency of first-pass complete (FPE TICI3). The secondary endpoints were final mTICI 2b-3, procedure duration, clinical outcome and the total number of device passes. The third aim of this study was to test the association between the clinical outcomes in patients treated with each method and various factors. Results: There was a significant difference (p = 0.016) between the groups' FPE TICI3 rates with 46% mTICI 3 in the AO group, 41% in the CM group and 21% in the SO group. AO resulted in procedure time shortening to a mean duration of 43 min, and the scores were 56 min for CM and 63 min for SO (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes or in-hospital mortality. The analysis showed a correlation between good clinical outcomes and the administration of IVT: OR 1.71 (1.03–2.84) p = 0.039. Patients ≥66 years old had higher odds of a bad outcome compared to younger patients in general (OR, 1.99 95% CI, 1.17–3.38; p = 0.011). FPE TICI3 was associated with good functional outcomes in the whole treated cohort (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.21–3.25; p = 0.006). Conclusions: In our series, AO proved to be the best starting point in most cases. It demonstrates good technical efficacy regarding FPE, it is fast and clinical outcomes seem to be the least age- and FPE TICI3-dependent. It can be easily converted into the combined method, which had the second-best outcomes in our cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to verify the benefit of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation and low National Institute of Health stroke scale score at presentation. The prospective database of our stroke center was screened for patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion and a baseline National Institute of Health stroke scale score=5 that had undergone mechanical thrombectomy. Outcome measures were the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days, brain bleeding events and death at 90 days. Out of 459 patients, 17 (12 females, mean age 70 ± 14 years) with occlusion of M1 or M2 segment of middle cerebral artery and baseline National Institute of Health stroke scale score =5 underwent mechanical thrombectomy. Eight patients (47%) were treated within 6 hours from the onset, 5 (29%) were treated beyond 6 hours, and 4 (24%) were wakeup strokes. Effective mechanical thrombectomy was achieved in 16 patients (94%) and associated with excellent functional outcomes at 3 months (mRS 0-1) in 13 (76%). The asymptomatic brain-bleeding event was observed in one patient 4 days after effective mechanical thrombectomy concerning safety issues. One patient died 1 month after mechanical thrombectomy of a cause unrelated to stroke. Our findings favor a potential benefit of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with stroke due to large vessel occlusion and low National Institute of Health stroke scale score at presentation. These patients may also benefit from a prolonged time window for treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]