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BackgroundThe concept of intra-aneurysmal flow disruption has emerged as a new paradigm for the treatment of primarily bifurcation aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients treated with the new ARTISSE intrasaccular device (ISD).MethodsSelected patients with bifurcation aneurysms that matched the indications of the ARTISSE ISD defined by the manufacturer were treated in a single center. Clinical and angiographic follow-up was conducted at 6 and 36 months. Aneurysm occlusion was assessed using the Raymond–Roy classification scale.ResultsNine subjects with nine unruptured bifurcation aneurysms were enrolled. Mean aneurysm size was 7.2±1.2 mm (range 5.5–9.7 mm). An adequate aneurysm occlusion (defined as a complete occlusion or a neck remnant) was achieved in 6/9 patients (66.7%) at 6 months and 4/7 patients (57.1%) at 36 months follow-up. Two of the nine subjects experienced a major stroke (22.2%), including one on postoperative day 1 due to a procedure-related parent vessel occlusion and subsequent ischemic stroke. The other major stroke occurred within the 36-month follow-up period during treatment of a separate aneurysm with coils, leading to perforation with hemorrhagic stroke causing a permanent neurological deficit.ConclusionThe ARTISSE ISD was successfully deployed in all nine cases. There were, however, several procedure-related complications and results in terms of angiographic aneurysm occlusion were modest.

In order to prevent stroke, screening for disease-related intracranial vasculopathy using Doppler ultrasound is recommended in sickle-cell disease (SCD) children. How to screen such vasculopathy in adults remains largely unknown. The objective of this study was to assess whether transcranial color-coded duplex sonography (TCCD) is sensitive and specific enough to identify SCD adult patients with vasculopathy, compared with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Sickle cell disease adults followed in referral centers at high risk of vasculopathy were included in this study. Transcranial color-coded duplex sonography examination and 3-D time-of-flight MRA were performed on the same day. On MRA, vasculopathy was defined by the presence of at least one ≥50% arterial stenosis. On TCCD, vasculopathy was defined by a time-averaged mean of the maximum velocity (TAMx) stenotic/prestenotic ratio ≥ 3, an occlusion, or a Moyamoya pattern. Vasculopathy was also considered as present when TAMx ratio could not be calculated because of the presence of severe cervical lesions. Among 80 included patients, quality of MRA was insufficient in three patients. Among the 38 patients with vasculopathy on MRA, 37 had a vasculopathy according to TCCD criteria: TAMx ratio ≥ 3 or intracranial occlusion in 33 patients and cervical lesion in four patients. A Moyamoya pattern was identified with TCCD in all 17 patients with Moyamoya on MRA. Sensitivity and specificity of TCCD to identify patients with ≥50% vasculopathy on MRA were (n = 37/38) 97% and (n = 28/34) 82%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were (n = 37/43) 86% and (n = 28/29) 97%, respectively. Note, TCCD may be used to identify SCD adult patients with vasculopathy.

BackgroundThe best recanalization strategy for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) remains unknown as no randomized controlled trial has simultaneously evaluated first-line stent retriever (SR) versus contact aspiration (CA) versus the combined approach (SR+CA).ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and safety profiles of SR, CA, and SR+CA in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated by MT.MethodsWe analyzed data of the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) Registry, a prospective, multicenter, observational study of patients with AIS treated by MT. Patients with M1 and intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusions between January 2015 and March 2020 in 15 comprehensive stroke centers were included. We assessed the association of first-line strategy with favorable outcomes at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2), successful recanalization rates (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b/3), and safety outcomes.ResultsWe included 2643 patients, 406 treated with SR, 1126 with CA, and 1111 with SR+CA. CA or SR+CA achieved more successful recanalization than SR for M1 occlusions (aOR=2.09, (95% CI 1.39 to 3.13) and aOR=1.69 (95% CI 1.12 to 2.53), respectively). For intracranial ICA, SR+CA achieved more recanalization than SR (aOR=2.52 (95% CI 1.32 to 4.81)), no differences were observed between CA and SR+CA. SR+CA was associated with lower odds of favorable outcomes compared with SR (aOR=0.63 (95% CI 0.44 to 0.90)) and CA (aOR=0.71 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.92)), higher odds of mortality at 3 months (aOR=1.56 (95% CI 1.22 to 2.0)) compared with CA, and higher odds of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (aOR=1.59 (95% CI 1.1 to 2.3)) compared with CA.ConclusionsDespite high recanalization rates, our results question the safety of the combined approach, which was associated with disability and mortality. Randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these techniques.

30% more strokes are expected by 2030. To face this incoming huge public health challenge, large-scale projects for primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of neurovascular risk have to be developed. French new advanced nursing practices will be most promising if they are based on the timeliness of pathology follow-up but also on leadership in training, research and innovation in the care pathway for stroke victims.

Background and Purpose: Higher rates of strokes have been observed in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but data regarding the outcomes of COVID-19 patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) are lacking. We report our initial experience in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke with LVO in patients with COVID-19. Methods: All consecutive patients with COVID-19 with acute ischemic stroke due to LVO treated in our institution during the 6 first weeks of the COVID-19 outbreak were included. Baseline clinical and radiological findings, treatment, and short-term outcomes are reported. Results: We identified 10 patients with confirmed COVID-19 treated for an acute ischemic stroke due to LVO. Eight were men, with a median age of 59.5 years. Seven had none or mild symptoms of COVID-19 at stroke onset. Median time from COVID-19 symptoms to stroke onset was 6 days. All patients had brain imaging within 3 hours from symptoms onset. Five patients had multi-territory LVO. Five received intravenous alteplase. All patients had mechanical thrombectomy. Nine patients achieved successful recanalization (mTICI2B-3), none experienced early neurological improvement, 4 had early cerebral reocclusion, and a total of 6 patients (60%) died in the hospital. Conclusions: Best medical care including early intravenous thrombolysis, and successful and prompt recanalization achieved with mechanical thrombectomy, resulted in poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Although our results require further confirmation, a different pharmacological approach (antiplatelet or other) should be investigated to take in account inflammatory and coagulation disorders associated with COVID-19.

Background and Purpose— Parenchymal hematoma (PH) is a rare but dreadful complication of acute ischemic stroke with unclear underlying mechanisms. We aimed to study the incidence and predictors of PH after mechanical thrombectomy. Methods— Data from a prospective observational multicenter registry was screened to identify acute ischemic stroke patients with an anterior circulation large vessel occlusion who underwent mechanical thrombectomy. Clinical, imaging, and procedural characteristics were used for the analysis, including brain imaging systematically performed at 24 hours. PH occurrence was assessed according to ECASS (European Collaborative Acute Stroke Study) criteria. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors of PH. Results— A total of 1316 patients were included in the study. PH occurred in 153 out of 1316 patients (11.6%) and was associated with a lower rate of favorable outcome and increased mortality. On multivariable analysis, age (per 1 year increase, odds ratio [OR], 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00–1.03; P =0.05), current smoking (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.32–3.09; P P P P P Conclusions— PH occurred at a rate of 11.6% after mechanical thrombectomy, with high morbidity and mortality. Our study identified clinical, radiological, and procedural predictors of PH occurrence that can serve as the focus of future periprocedural management studies with the aim of reducing its occurrence. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT03776877.

Background and Purpose: The aim of this study was to characterize neurological complications after flow diverter (FD) treatment on a long follow-up cohort and identify predictive factors associated with these complications.Methods: This study was conducted on a monocentric cohort of patients treated for intracranial aneurysms by FD.Results: Between September 2008 and July 2018, 413 patients were treated for 514 aneurysms: 18% of the patients presented with at least one neurological complication during a median follow-up of 446 days (IQR 186–1,210). Sixty-one patients presented with ischemic complications, 13 with hemorrhagic ones and 10 with compressive processes. Among 89 neurological complications 64.5% were peri-operative (occurring within the 30 days following the procedure) and 35.5% were delayed after 1 month.Conclusions: Overall, neurological complications after FD implantation were overrepresented by cerebrovascular ischemic events occurring during the peri-operative period, but also in a delayed manner after 1 year. Long-term follow-up is relevant after aneurysm intervention using FD.

Background: Hematoma expansion (HE) is an important therapeutic target in intracerebral hemorrhage. Recently proposed HE definitions have not been validated, and no previous definition has accounted for withdrawal of care (WOC). Objective: To compare conventional and revised definitions of hematoma expansion (HE), while accounting for WOC. Methods: We analyzed data from the ATACH-2 trial, comparing revised definitions of HE incorporating intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) expansion to the conventional definition of “≥6 mL or ≥33%”. The primary outcome was modified Rankin Scale of 4-6 at 90-days. We calculated the incidence, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and c- statistic for all definitions of HE. Definitions were compared using non-parametric methods. Secondary analyses were performed after removing patients who experienced WOC. Results: Primary analysis included 948 patients. Using the conventional definition, the sensitivity was 37.1% and specificity was 83.2% for the primary outcome. Sensitivity improved with all three revised definitions (53.3%, 48.7%, and 45.3%, respectively), with minimal change to specificity (78.4%, 80.5%, and 81.0%, respectively). The greatest improvement was seen with the definition “≥6 mL or ≥33% or any IVH”, with increased c -statistic from 60.2% to 65.9% (p < 0.001). Secondary analysis excluded 46 participants who experienced WOC. The revised definitions outperformed the conventional definition in this population as well, with the greatest improvement in c -statistic using “≥6 mL or ≥33% or any IVH” (58.1% vs 64.1%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: HE definitions incorporating intraventricular expansion outperformed conventional definitions for predicting poor outcome, even after accounting for care limitations.

BackgroundThe predictors of successful reperfusion and the effect of reperfusion after endovascular treatment (EVT) for M2 occlusions have not been well studied. We aimed to identify predictors of successful reperfusion and the effect of reperfusion on outcomes of EVT for M2 occlusions in current practice.MethodsPatients with acute ischemic stroke due to isolated M2 occlusions who were enrolled in the prospective multicenter Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) Registry in France between January 2015 and March 2020 were included. The primary outcome was a favorable outcome, defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2 at 90 days. Successful reperfusion was defined as an improvement of ≥1 points in the modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction score between the first and the last intracranial angiogram.ResultsA total of 458 patients were included (median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score 14; 61.4% received prior intravenous thrombolysis). Compared with the non-reperfused patients, reperfused patients had an increased rate of excellent outcome (OR 2.3, 95% CI 0.98 to 5.36; p=0.053), favorable outcome (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.31 to 5.93; p=0.007), and reduced 90-day mortality (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.79; pConclusionsSuccessful reperfusion of M2 occlusions reduced disability and mortality. However, safety is a concern, especially if the procedure failed.

International audience; BACKGROUND: High systolic blood pressure after successful endovascular therapy for acute ischaemic stroke is associated with increased risk of intraparenchymal haemorrhage. However, no randomised controlled trials are available to guide optimal management. We therefore aimed to assess whether an intensive systolic blood pressure target resulted in reduced rates of intraparenchymal haemorrhage compared with a standard systolic blood pressure target. METHODS: We did a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial at four academic hospital centres in France. Eligible individuals were adults (aged ≥18 years) with an acute ischaemic stroke due to a large-vessel occlusion that was successfully treated with endovascular therapy. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to either an intensive systolic blood pressure target group (100-129 mm Hg) or a standard care systolic blood pressure target group (130-185 mm Hg), by means of a central web-based procedure, stratified by centre and intravenous thrombolysis use before endovascular therapy. In both groups, the target systolic blood pressure had to be achieved within 1 h after randomisation and maintained for 24 h with intravenous blood pressure lowering treatments. The primary outcome was the rate of radiographic intraparenchymal haemorrhage at 24-36 h and the primary safety outcome was the occurrence of hypotension. Analyses were done on an intention-to-treat basis. BP-TARGET is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03160677, and the trial is closed at all participating sites. FINDINGS: Between June 21, 2017, and Sept 27, 2019, 324 patients were enrolled in the four participating stroke centres: 162 patients were randomly assigned to the intensive target group and 162 to the standard target group. Four (2%) of 162 patients were excluded from the intensive target group and two (1%) of 162 from the standard target group for withdrawal of consent or legal reasons. The mean systolic blood pressure during the first 24 h after reperfusion was 128 mm Hg (SD 11) in the intensive target group and 138 mm Hg (17) in the standard target group. The primary outcome was observed in 65 (42%) of 154 patients in the intensive target group and 68 (43%) of 157 in the standard target group on brain CT within 24-36 h after reperfusion] (adjusted odds ratio 0·96, 95% CI 0·60-1·51; p=0·84). Hypotensive events were not significantly different between both groups and occurred in 12 (8%) of 158 patients in the intensive target and five (3%) of 160 in the standard target group. Mortality within the first week after randomisation occurred in 11 (7%) of 158 patients in the intensive target group and in seven (4%) of 160 in the standard target group. INTERPRETATION: An intensive systolic blood pressure target of 100-129 mm Hg after successful endovascular therapy did not reduce radiographic intraparenchymal haemorrhage rates at 24-36 h as compared with a standard care systolic blood pressure target of 130-185 mm Hg. Notably, these results are applicable to patients with successful reperfusion and systolic blood pressures of more than 130 mm Hg at the end of procedure. Further studies are needed to understand the association between blood pressure and outcomes after reperfusion. FUNDING: French Health Ministry. Copyright

International audience; Endovascular therapy (EVT) is now standard of care for eligible patients with acute ischaemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation. EVT can be performed with general anaesthesia (GA) or with monitored anaesthesia care, involving local anaesthesia with or without conscious sedation (LA/CS). Controversies remain regarding the optimal choice of anaesthetic strategy and observational studies suggested poorer functional outcome and higher mortality in patients treated under GA, essentially because of its haemodynamic consequences and the delay to put patients under GA. However, these studies are limited by selection bias, the most severe patients being more likely to receive GA and recent randomised trials and meta-analysis showed that protocol-based GA compared with LA/CS is significantly associated with less disability at 3 months. Unlike for intravenous thrombolysis, few data exist to guide management of blood pressure (BP) before and during EVT, but arterial hypotension should be avoided as long as the occlusion persists. BP targets following EVT should probably be adapted to the degree of recanalisation and the extent of ischaemia. Lower BP levels may be warranted to prevent reperfusion injuries even if prospective haemodynamic management evaluations after EVT are lacking.

Reperfusion therapies are the mainstay of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treatments and overall improve functional outcome. Among the established complications of intravenous (IV) tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is by far the most feared and has been extensively described by seminal works over the last two decades. Indeed, IV tPA is associated with increased odds of any ICH and symptomatic ICH responsible for increased mortality rate during the first week after an AIS. Despite these results, IV tPA has been found beneficial in several pioneering randomized trials and improves functional outcome at 3 months. Endovascular therapy (EVT) combined with IV tPA for AIS patients consecutive to an anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion does not increase ICH occurrence. Of note, EVT following IV tPA leads to significantly higher rates of early reperfusion than with IV tPA alone, with no difference in ICH, which challenges the paradigm of reperfusion as a major prognostic factor for ICH complications. However, several blood biomarkers (glycemia, platelet and neutrophil count), clinical factors (age, AIS severity, blood pressure management, diabetes mellitus), and neuroradiological factors (cerebral microbleeds, infarct size) have been identified as risk factors for ICH after reperfusion therapy. In the years to come, the ultimate goal will be to further improve either reperfusion rates and functional outcome, while reducing hemorrhagic complications. To this end, various approaches being investigated are discussed in this review, such as blood-pressure control after reperfusion or the use of new antiplatelet agents as an adjunct to IV tPA and exhibit reduced hemorrhagic potential during the early phase of AIS.

BackgroundEndovascular therapy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) can be challenging in older patients with supra-aortic tortuosity. Rescue carotid puncture (RCP) can be an alternative in case of supra-aortic catheterization failure by femoral access, but data regarding RCP are scarce. We sought to investigate the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of RCP for AIS treated by EVT.MethodsPatients treated by EVT with RCP were included from January 2012 to December 2019 in the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) multicentric registry. Main outcomes included reperfusion rates ( ≥ TICI2B), 3 month functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale) and 3 month mortality. We also performed an additional systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA checklist to summarize previous studies on RCP.Results25 patients treated by EVT with RCP were included from the ETIS registry. RCP mainly concerned elderly patients (median age 85 years, range 73–92) with supra-aortic tortuosity (n=16 (64%)). Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) was used for nine patients (36%). Successful reperfusion was achieved in 64%, 87.5% of patients were dependent at 3 months, and 3 month mortality was 45.8%. The systematic review yielded comparable results. In pooled individual data, there was a shift toward better functional outcome in patients with successful reperfusion (median (IQR) 4 (2–6) vs 6 (4–6), p=0.011).ConclusionRCP mainly concerned elderly patients admitted for AIS with anterior LVO with supra-aortic tortuosity. The procedure seemed feasible, notably for patients treated with IVT, and led to significant reperfusion rates at the end of procedure, but with pronounced unfavorable outcomes at 3 months. RCP should be performed under general anesthesia to avoid life-threatening complications and ensure airways safety. Finally, RCP led to low rates of closure complications, emphasizing that this concern should not withhold RCP, if indicated.

International audience; Mechanical thrombectomy is now the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusions, and can be performed with several devices and techniques. One of these techniques, direct aspiration (DA), consists of navigating a large-bore catheter up to the face of the clot and initiating forceful suction. This comprehensive review has three objectives: (1) to describe the direct aspiration technique; (2) to present the available evidence regarding predictive factors of DA success and performance compared with other techniques; and (3) to discuss the forthcoming improvements in distal aspiration.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Ischaemic stroke has been described in association with COVID-19. Several pathophysiological mechanisms have been suggested, i.e. prothrombotic state, cardiac injury etc. It was sought to assess the potential association between ischaemic stroke associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and underlying atherosclerotic lesions. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of stroke related to large vessel occlusion was conducted amongst patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and underlying mild atherosclerotic disease, between 19 March and 19 April 2020 in six different stroke centers in the Ile-de France area, France. RESULTS: The median age was 52 years, median body mass index was 29.5 kg/m2 . All patients displayed previous vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia or body mass index > 25. The delay between the first respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 and stroke was 11.5 days. At baseline, all had tandem occlusions, i.e. intracerebral and extracerebral thrombus assessed with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Cases displayed a large thrombus in the cervical carotid artery with underlying mild non-stenosing atheroma, after an etiological workup based on angio-computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging and/or cervical echography. CONCLUSION: Our study should alert clinicians to scrutinize any new onset of ischaemic stroke during COVID-19 infection, mainly in patients with vascular risk factors or underlying atherosclerotic lesions.

Background and Purpose: Reports are emerging regarding the association of acute ischemic strokes with large vessel occlusion and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). While a higher severity of these patients could be expected from the addition of both respiratory and neurological injury, COVID-19 patients with strokes can present with mild or none respiratory symptoms. We aimed to compare anterior circulation large vessel occlusion strokes severity between patients with and without COVID-19. Methods: We performed a comparative cohort study between patients with COVID-19 who had anterior circulation large vessel occlusion and early brain imaging within 3 hours from onset, in our institution during the 6 first weeks of the COVID-19 outbreak and a control group admitted during the same calendar period in 2019. Results: Twelve COVID-19 patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion and early brain imaging were included during the study period and compared with 34 control patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion and early brain imaging in 2019. Patients in the COVID-19 group were younger ( P =0.032) and had a history of diabetes mellitus more frequently ( P =0.039). Patients did not significantly differ on initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale nor time from onset to imaging ( P =0.18 and P =0.6, respectively). Patients with COVID-19 had more severe strokes than patients without COVID-19, with a significantly lower clot burden score (median: 6.5 versus 8, P =0.016), higher rate of multivessel occlusion (50% versus 8.8%, P =0.005), lower DWI-ASPECTS (Diffusion-Weighted Imaging–Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scores; median: 5 versus 8, P =0.006), and higher infarct core volume (median: 58 versus 6 mL, P =0.004). Successful recanalization rate was similar in both groups ( P =0.767). In-hospital mortality was higher in the COVID-19 patients’ group (41.7% versus 11.8%, P =0.025). Conclusions: Early brain imaging showed higher severity large vessel occlusion strokes in patients with COVID-19. Given the massive number of infected patients, concerns should be raised about the coming neurovascular impact of the pandemic worldwide.

Backround and Purpose Role of peri-procedural heparin as an adjuvant treatment during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for patients contra-indicated for alteplase remains a source of debate. Methods We included patients from the multicenter French register ETIS that underwent MT without administration of alteplase, and compared patients who received heparin during MT with patients who did not. Heparin impact on outcome were analyzed regarding final TICI score, NIHSS at day one, modified rankin scale (mRS) and intracranial hemorrhagic transformation on imaging at day one. Results Over 1031 patients, 751 were included between January 2015 and June 2018 in 6 different centers, and 223 (26.69%) received heparin. Heparin administration was associated with a significant deleterious effect on NIHSS at 24h [adjusted OR = 1.2; p = 0.02], mRS at 3 months [adjusted OR 1.58; p = 0.03], and on complete reperfusion [TICI 3 adjusted OR 0.68; p = 0.02]. Heparin administration was associated with a significant reduction of hemorrhagic transformation [adjusted OR 0.48; p = 0.00005]. Conclusions Heparin administration during MT seems deleterious for reperfusion and functional outcome. Randomized trials are needed to identify the role of antithrombotic treatments, such as heparin, in the setting of acute ischemic stroke management.

Stroke is a cerebrovascular disorder characterised by the sudden onset of symptoms and clinical signs. Each year, an estimated 140,000 people in France are hospitalised for stroke. Ischemic stroke is the most common kind of stroke, accounting for 80% of all cases. Haemorrhagic stroke accounts for about 20% of all strokes.

Cerebral infarction (CI) is caused by intracranial artery occlusion. The main treatment approach is recanalisation, which is performed either medically, by intravenous thrombolysis within 4 hours and a half of the event, or by mechanical thrombectomy, which is possible up to 24 hours after CI.

Background and Purpose— Optimal blood pressure (BP) targets during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are unknown, and randomized controlled trials addressing this issue are lacking. We aimed to perform a systematic review of studies evaluating the influence of periprocedural BP on functional outcome after MT. Methods— Studies assessing periprocedural BP effect on functional outcome published after January 1st, 2012 were included in the systematic review. The PRISMA checklist and flow diagram were followed for the design and reporting of this work. Results— Nine studies were included, for a total of 1037 patients. The heterogeneity in findings with respect to BP monitoring and studied parameters precluded a meta-analysis. Mean arterial pressure was the most frequently reported parameter to describe BP variability during MT, and systolic BP was the main parameter used to define periprocedural BP targets. Five studies suggested an association between 3 types of BP drops as predictors of poor functional outcome at 3 months: >40% drop in mean arterial pressure compared with baseline (odds ratio=2.8; [1.09–7.19]; P =0.032), lowest mean arterial pressure before recanalization (odds ratio=1.28; [1.01–1.62] per 10 mm Hg drop below 100 mm Hg; P =0.04), and MAP drops (odds ratio=4.38; [1.53–12.6] for drops >10%). Four studies did not show an association between BP during MT and functional outcome, including 3 studies with strict periprocedural systolic BP targets (within a 140–180 mm Hg). Conclusions— BP drops during MT may be associated with a worse functional outcome. When strict systolic BP targets are achieved, no association between BP and functional outcome was also noted. Both conclusions require further evaluation in randomized studies.

BackgroundMechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke can be performed under local anesthesia, with or without conscious sedation (CS), or under general anesthesia (GA). The hemodynamic consequence of anesthetic drugs may explain why GA may be associated with worse outcomes. We evaluated the association between hypotension duration during MT and the 90 day functional outcome under both anesthetic regimens.MethodsPatients were included in this retrospective study if they had an ischemic stroke treated by MT under GA or CS. The main exposure variable was the time below 90% of the reference value of arterial pressure measured before MT. The primary outcome was poor functional outcome defined as a 90 day modified Rankin Score ≥3.Results371 patients were included in the study. GA was performed in 42%. A linear association between the duration of arterial hypotension and outcome was observed. The odds ratio for poor functional outcome of 10 min under 90% of the baseline mean arterial pressure was 1.13 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.21) without adjustment and 1.11 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.21) after adjustment for confounding factors. The functional outcome was poorer for patients treated under GA compared with CS, but the association with the depth of hypotension remained similar under both conditions.ConclusionIn this study, we observed a linear association between the duration of hypotension during MT and the functional outcome at 90 days. An aggressive and personalized strategy for the treatment of hypotension should be considered. Further trials should be conducted to address this question.

Hypertension is the first modifiable vascular risk factor accounting for 10.4 million deaths worldwide; it is strongly and independently associated with the risk of stroke and is related to worse prognosis. In addition, hypertension seems to be a key player in the implementation of vascular cognitive impairment. Long-term hypertension, complicated or not by the occurrence of ischemic stroke, is often reviewed on its vascular side, and parenchymal consequences are put aside. Here, we sought to review the impact of isolated hypertension or hypertension associated to stroke on brain atrophy, neuron connectivity and neurogenesis, and phenotype modification of microglia and astrocytes. Finally, we discuss the impact of antihypertensive therapies on cell responses to hypertension and functional recovery. This attractive topic remains a focus of continued investigation and stresses the relevance of including this vascular risk factor in preclinical investigations of stroke outcome.

Background and purpose Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a complication of stroke that can occur spontaneously or after treatment. We aimed to assess the inter- and intrarater reliability of HT diagnosis. Methods Studies assessing the reliability of the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study (ECASS) classification of HT or of the presence (yes/no) of HT were systematically reviewed. A total of 18 raters independently examined 30 post-thrombectomy computed tomography scans selected from the Aspiration versus STEnt-Retriever (ASTER) trial. They were asked whether there was HT (yes/no), what the ECASS classification of the particular scan (0/HI1/HI2/PH1/PH2) (HI indicates hemorrhagic infarctions and PH indicates parenchymal hematomas) was and whether they would prescribe an antiplatelet agent if it was otherwise indicated. Agreement was measured with Fleiss' and Cohen's κ statistics. Results The systematic review yielded four studies involving few (≤3) raters with heterogeneous results. In our 18-rater study, agreement for the presence of HT was moderate [κ = 0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.41-0.68]. Agreement for ECASS classification was only fair for all five categories, but agreement improved to substantial (κ = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.69-0.75) after dichotomizing the ECASS classification into 0/HI1/HI2/PH1 versus PH2. The inter-rater agreement for the decision to reintroduce antiplatelet therapy was moderate for all raters, but substantial among vascular neurologists (κ = 0.70; 95% CI, 0.57-0.84). Conclusion The ECASS classification may involve too many categories and the diagnosis of HT may not be easily replicable, except in the presence of a large parenchymal hematoma.

PurposeThe DAWN trial (Diffusion weighted imaging or CT perfusion Assessment with clinical mismatch in the triage of Wake-up and late presenting strokes undergoing Neurointervention with Trevo) has demonstrated the benefits of thrombectomy in patients with unknown or late onset strokes, using automated software (RAPID) for measurement of infarct volume. Because RAPID is not available in all centers, we aimed to assess the accuracy and repeatability of visual infarct volume estimation by clinicians and the consequences for thrombectomy decisions based on the DAWN criteria.Materials and methods18 physicians, who routinely depend on MRI for acute stroke imaging, assessed 32 MR scans selected from a prospective databaseover two independent sessions. Raters were asked to visually estimate the diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) infarct volume for each case. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the estimated volumes were compared with the available RAPID measurements for various volume cut-off points. Thrombectomy decisions based on DAWN criteria with RAPID measurements and raters’ visual estimates were compared. Inter-rater and intra-rater agreement was measured using kappa statistics.ResultsThe mean accuracy of raters was ConclusionThe visual assessment of DWI infarct volume lacks accuracy and repeatability, and could lead to a significant number of erroneous decisions when applying the DAWN criteria.

ObjectiveTo identify early prognostic factors of poor clinical outcome in patients treated by endovascular therapy (EVT) with successful recanalization.MethodsWe reviewed our monocentric prospectively collected EVT database of patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke (AIS) from January 2016 to April 2018 who had achieved successful recanalization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score ≥ 2b) at the end of the procedure. A poor outcome was defined as a 3-month modified Rankin Scale score of ≥3.ResultsA total of 324 patients were included, among whom 186 (57.4%) had a poor outcome. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that age (per 10-year increase, odds ratio [OR] 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–1.60), baseline NIH Stroke Scale score (per 1-unit increase, OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04–1.15), initial infarct volume (per a log+1 increase, OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05–1.67), blood glucose level (per a log+1 increase, OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.01–6.66), and neutrophil count (per 1,000-unit increase, OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.17) were all associated with poor clinical outcome.ConclusionsIn addition to baseline severe AIS criteria, high neutrophil count and high blood glucose, known from experimental studies to be associated with downstream microvascular thromboinflammation, are independently associated with poor outcome. These findings support a deleterious role of thromboinflammation in patient recovery despite successful recanalization.

ObjectiveDuring thrombectomy, thromboembolic migration in previously unaffected territory may occur and is not systematically notified. We report our data on the incidence, predictors, and clinical outcome of anterior cerebral artery emboli (ACAE).MethodsFrom a prospectively collected thrombectomy database of consecutive patients with anterior circulation stroke between January 2012 and December 2016, 690 angiographic images were analyzed to assess ACAE. The primary outcome was a favorable outcome, defined as a 3 month modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2 or equal to the pre-stroke score.ResultsACAE occurred in 65 patients (9.4%; 95% CI 7.2% to 11.6%). Internal carotid artery occlusion (tandem or terminal), Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score ConclusionsProcedural ACAE was not an uncommon condition, and was associated with increased mortality and disability rates, regardless of the success of reperfusion.

Background and Purpose— We aimed to study the intrarater and interrater agreement of clinicians attributing DWI-ASPECTS (Diffusion-Weighted Imaging–Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Scores) and DWI-FLAIR (Diffusion-Weighted Imaging–Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery) mismatch in patients with acute ischemic stroke referred for mechanical thrombectomy. Methods— Eighteen raters independently scored anonymized magnetic resonance imaging scans of 30 participants from a multicentre thrombectomy trial, in 2 different reading sessions. Agreement was measured using Fleiss κ and Cohen κ statistics. Results— Interrater agreement for DWI-ASPECTS was slight (κ=0.17 [0.14–0.21]). Four raters (22.2%) had a substantial (or higher) intrarater agreement. Dichotomization of the DWI-ASPECTS (0–5 versus 6–10 or 0–6 versus 7–10) increased the interrater agreement to a substantial level (κ=0.62 [0.48–0.75] and 0.68 [0.55–0.79], respectively) and more raters reached a substantial (or higher) intrarater agreement (17/18 raters [94.4%]). Interrater agreement for DWI-FLAIR mismatch was moderate (κ=0.43 [0.33–0.57]); 11 raters (61.1%) reached a substantial (or higher) intrarater agreement. Conclusions— Agreement between clinicians assessing DWI-ASPECTS and DWI-FLAIR mismatch may not be sufficient to make repeatable clinical decisions in mechanical thrombectomy. The dichotomization of the DWI-ASPECTS (0–5 versus 0–6 or 0–6 versus 7–10) improved interrater and intrarater agreement, however, its relevance for patients selection for mechanical thrombectomy needs to be validated in a randomized trial.

We appreciate the interest of Hastrup et al1 in our article in which we examined the accuracy of clinical scales to identify large-artery occlusion (LAO) in patients with acute ischemic stroke.2 Our results are consistent with those of other publications on this topic, including a recent study by Hastrup et al themselves.3,4 However, their interpretation differs from ours. Hastrup et al underline that several clinical scales have a good accuracy (70%–79%) to predict LAO and argue that such scales could improve prehospital triage. We agree that patients with LAO should be sent to a comprehensive stroke center rather than to a primary stroke center lacking neurointerventional facilities. However, we, like others,4 remain skeptical about …

Triage imaging facilitates the timely recognition of acute stroke with prognostic implications. Improvement in MR acquisition speed is needed given the extreme time constraints before treatment. We compared an ultrafast Echo-Planar FLAIR sequence (EPI-FLAIR) and a conventional FLAIR sequence (cFLAIR) for their diagnostic performances and ability to estimate the age of infarction.Between June and August 2014, 125 consecutive patients (age 69±18 years, 48% men) admitted for a suspicion of acute (≤48-hrs) stroke were explored by both FLAIR sequences at 1.5-Tesla. EPI-FLAIR (15-sec) and cFLAIR (2-min and 15-sec) were compared by two readers, blinded to clinical data.EPI-FLAIR was less prone to kinetic artefacts than cFLAIR (2-3% vs. 23-49% depending on the reader, P0.001). Diagnostic concordance was excellent for both readers (к0.9). Amongst 8 hemorrhages, one subarachnoid hemorrhage presenting as a sudden deficit was missed on EPI-FLAIR sequence. Amongst 60 infarctions, cFLAIR and EPI-FLAIR were concordant in 50 (83%), while signal changes were visible on cFLAIR only in the remaining 10 (17%) cases. Amongst the 43 patients with known onset time (n=17 within 4.5hrs), FLAIR-DWI mismatch identified4.5-hrs infarction with the same sensitivity (65%) using cFLAIR and EPI-FLAIR, but the positive predictive value (PPV) was higher for cFLAIR than for EPI-FLAIR (73% vs. 50%, P=0.008).EPI-FLAIR allows a drastic reduction of acquisition time devoted to FLAIR sequence and minimizes motion artifacts. Compared with cFLAIR, it is however associated with increased risk of undiagnosed stroke mimics and lower PPV for identifying4.5-hrs infarctions.

Background and Purpose— After the demonstration of efficacy of bridging therapy, reliably predicting early recanalization (ER; ≤3 hours after start of intravenous thrombolysis) would be essential to limit futile, resource-consuming, interhospital transfers. We present the first systematic review on the incidence and predictors of ER after intravenous thrombolysis alone. Methods— We systematically searched for studies including patients solely treated by intravenous thrombolysis that reported incidence of ER and its association with baseline variables. Using meta-analyses, we estimated pooled incidence of ER, including according to occlusion site, and summarized the available evidence regarding predictors of no-ER. Results— We identified 26 studies that together included 2063 patients. The overall incidence of partial or complete ER was 33% (95% confidence interval, 27–40). It varied according to occlusion site: 52% (39–64) for distal middle cerebral artery, 35% (28–42) for proximal middle cerebral artery, 13% (6–22) for intracranial carotid artery, and 13% (0–35) for basilar occlusion. Corresponding rates for complete ER were 38% (22–54), 21% (15–29), 4% (1–8), and 4% (0–22), respectively. Proximal occlusion and higher National Institute of Health Stroke Scale were the most consistent no-ER predictors. Other factors, such as long or totally occlusive thrombus and poor collateral circulation, emerged as potential predictors but will need confirmation. Conclusion— The overall incidence of ER after intravenous thrombolysis is substantial, highlighting the importance of reliably predicting ER to limit futile, interhospital transfers. Incidence of no-ER is particularly high for proximal occlusion and severe strokes. Given the scarcity of published data, further studies are needed to improve no-ER prediction accuracy.