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The incidence of early seizures (ES) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) ranges between 1 and 7%. However, the incidence of ES after a non-severe TBI (NSTBI) with traumatic hemorrhage (TH) is unknown. Moreover, the data about seizure prophylaxis (SP) in this population remains inconclusive. We aim to determine the incidence of ES in NSTBI and the efficacy of SP. We retrospectively reviewed all adult patients with NSTBI with evidence of a TH on presentation from 2015 to 2018 at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis TN. Patients with history of epilepsy or receiving antiseizure medications (ASM) were excluded. We collected demographic data, the type, severity, and mechanism of injury; the need for neurosurgical intervention (NSI); ES; and SP use. A total of 633 patients met our inclusion criteria; 94.4% had mild TBI; mean age was 70.5 years (SD 16.9); 55.0% were males; and 49.1% had subdural hematoma (SDH). Same level fall was the most common mechanism of injury in 79%. Forty patients (6.3%) had ES. After excluding seizures on presentation, 22 of 310 (7.1%) patients had an ES in the SP group (16 clinical) vs 5 of 310 (1.6%) in the non-prophylaxis group (all clinical) (P = 0.001). Levetiracetam as SP was used in 83.5%. Patients with combined SDH and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage or with multicompartment hemorrhage were more likely to have ES than SDH alone (p = 0.02 and 0.001, respectively). NSI was not a predictor for ES in our cohort. The incidence of ES (clinical and electrographic) in NSTBI with TH patients in our cohort is higher than previously reported in those with non-severe TBI. ES were reported more in the SP group, which might indicate a clinical selection bias giving more moderate TBI and multicompartmental hemorrhage patients receiving ASM for SP. However, prospective studies are required to further determine the predictors of ES in non-severe TBI and the effect of ASM for SP on outcomes and reducing ES in NSTBI patients.

Recent extended window trials support the benefit of mechanical thrombectomy in anterior circulation large vessel occlusions with clinical-radiographic dissociation. Using trial imaging criteria, 6% were found eligible for MT in the EW in a hub-and-spoke system. We examined the eligibility and outcomes in consecutive extended window-mechanical thrombectomy patients using more pragmatic selection criteria.We retrospectively analyzed single-institution data of anterior circulation large vessel occlusions patients presenting between 6-24 h who underwent mechanical thrombectomy based on a priori determined criteria including non-contrast CT head ASPECTS ≥ 6 and/or CTA collateral scores ASITN/SIR 2-4. Primary outcomes consisted of post-mechanical thrombectomy TICI 2b-3 and 3-month modified Rankin scores; safety outcomes consisted of in-hospital mortality and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage.767 consecutive acute ischemic strokes patients presented within the 6-24 hour window, and of these 48 (6%) anterior circulation large vessel occlusions patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy. In this cohort the mean age was 63±17 years, 56% were male, the median NIHSS was 16 [IQR 10-19], the median ASPECTS was 9 (IQR 8-10), and 79% (n=38) had good CTA collaterals. Occlusions were primarily M1 MCA (46%), with 29% tandem occlusions. Successful recanalization (mTICI 2b or 3) was achieved in 73% (n=35), while 6% (n=3) of patients developed symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. In-hospital mortality was 25% (n=12) while 40% (n=19) achieved 3-month modified Rankin Scores 0-2.Our data suggest the use of pragmatic imaging approach of ASPECTS ≥6 with CTA collateral grade in extended time window which is already established in most hospitals.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We investigated the effectiveness of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients with large vessel or distal occlusions and mild neurological deficits, defined as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores

Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2 or CoV2 emerged in 2019 and is responsible for the ongoing worldwide pandemic. There are multiple ongoing vaccine and treatment trials to decrease transmission, confer protection against infection, and improve patient's clinical course including morbidity and mortality. This can only be possible with a detailed understanding of the molecular structure and genomics of this particular virus to better identify possible targets. In this chapter, I have highlighted pertinent details of the viral structure, genetic expression, various immune interactions, and specific host evading viral defenses with emphasis on possible targets for above.

Every anticoagulation decision has in inherent risk of hemorrhage; intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most devastating hemorrhagic complication. We examined whether combining ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke risk in individual patients might provide a meaningful paradigm for risk stratification. We enrolled consecutive patients with anticoagulation-associated ICH in 15 tertiary centers in the USA, Europe and Asia between 2015 and 2017. Each patient was assigned baseline ischemic stroke and hemorrhage risk based on their CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores. We computed a net risk by subtracting hemorrhagic from ischemic risk. If the sum was positive the patient was assigned a “Favorable” indication for anticoagulation; if negative, “Unfavorable”. We enrolled 357 patients [59% men, median age 76 (68–82) years]. 31% used non-vitamin K antagonist (NOAC). 191 (53.5%) patients had a favorable indication for anticoagulation prior to their ICH; 166 (46.5%) unfavorable. Those with unfavorable indication were younger [72 (66–80) vs 78 (73–84) years, p = 0.001], with lower CHA2DS2-VASc score [3(3–4) vs 5(4–6), p

Prior studies suggest an association between Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs); less is known about nonvitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs). In this observational study we describe CMB profiles in a multicenter cohort of 89 anticoagulation‐related intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients. CMB prevalence was 51% (52% in VKA‐ICH, 48% in NOAC‐ICH). NOAC‐ICH patients had lower median CMB count [2(IQR:1–3) vs. 7(4–11); P

IntroductionWe sought to evaluate the impact of pretreatment with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) on the rate and speed of successful reperfusion (SR) in patients with emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in a high-volume tertiary care stroke center.MethodsConsecutive patients with ELVO treated with MT were evaluated. Outcomes were compared between patients who underwent combined IVT and MT (IVT+MT) and those treated with direct MT (dMT). The elapsed time between groin puncture to beginning of reperfusion (GPTBRT) and the numbers of device passes required to achieve SR were also documented.ResultsA total of 287 and 132 patients were treated with IVT+MT and dMT, respectively. The IVT+MT group had higher SR (73.8% vs 62.9%; p=0.023) and 3-month functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2;51.6% vs 38.2%; p=0.008) rates. The median GPTBRT was shorter in the IVT+MT group (48 (IQR 33–70) vs 70 (IQR 44–98) min; pConclusionsIVT pretreatment appears to increase the rates of SR and shortens the duration of the endovascular procedure by requiring fewer device passes in patients with ELVO treated with MT.

BackgroundWe conducted a case-control study to assess the relative safety and efficacy of minimally invasive endoscopic surgery (MIS) for clot evacuation in patients with basal-ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).MethodsWe evaluated consecutive patients with acute basal-ganglia ICH at a single center over a 42-month period. Patients received either best medical management according to established guidelines (controls) or MIS (cases). The following outcomes were compared before and after propensity-score matching (PSM): in-hospital mortality; discharge National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score; discharge disposition; and modified Rankin Scale scores at discharge and at 3 months.ResultsAmong 224 ICH patients, 19 (8.5%) underwent MIS (mean age, 50.9±10.9; 26.3% female, median ICH volume, 40 (IQR, 25–51)). The interventional cohort was younger with higher ICH volume and stroke severity compared with the medically managed cohort. After PSM, 18 MIS patients were matched to 54 medically managed individuals. The two cohorts did not differ in any of the baseline characteristics. The median ICH volume at 24 hours was lower in the intervention group (40 cm3 (IQR, 25–50) vs 15 cm3 (IQR, 5–20); PConclusionsMinimally invasive endoscopic hematoma evacuation was associated with lower rates of in-hospital mortality in patients with spontaneous basal-ganglia ICH. These findings support a randomized controlled trial of MIS versus medical management for ICH.

Purpose We sought to evaluate the relationship between admission neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and functional outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients. Material and methods Consecutive patients with aSAH were treated at two tertiary stroke centers during a five-year period. Functional outcome was defined as discharge modified Rankin score dichotomized at scores 0-2 (good) vs. 3-6 (poor). Results 474 aSAH patients were evaluated with a mean NLR 8.6 (SD 8.3). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, poor functional outcome was independently associated with higher NLR, older age, poorer clinical status on admission, prehospital statin use, and vasospasm. Increasing NLR analyzed as a continuous variable was independently associated with higher odds of poor functional outcome (OR 1.03, 95%CI 1.00-1.07, p=0.05) after adjustment for potential confounders. When dichotomized using ROC curve analysis, a threshold NLR value of greater than 6.48 was independently associated with higher odds of poor functional outcome (OR 1.71, 95%CI 1.07-2.74, p=0.03) after adjustment for potential confounders. Conclusions Higher admission NLR is an independent predictor for poor functional outcome at discharge in aSAH patients. The evaluation of anti-inflammatory targets in the future may allow for improved functional outcome after aSAH.

Background and Purpose: Stroke is reported as a consequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in several reports. However, data are sparse regarding the details of these patients in a multinational and large scale. Methods: We conducted a multinational observational study on features of consecutive acute ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, and cerebral venous or sinus thrombosis among SARS-CoV-2–infected patients. We further investigated the risk of large vessel occlusion, stroke severity as measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and stroke subtype as measured by the TOAST (Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) criteria among patients with acute ischemic stroke. In addition, we explored the neuroimaging findings, features of patients who were asymptomatic for SARS-CoV-2 infection at stroke onset, and the impact of geographic regions and countries’ health expenditure on outcomes. Results: Among the 136 tertiary centers of 32 countries who participated in this study, 71 centers from 17 countries had at least 1 eligible stroke patient. Of 432 patients included, 323 (74.8%) had acute ischemic stroke, 91 (21.1%) intracranial hemorrhage, and 18 (4.2%) cerebral venous or sinus thrombosis. A total of 183 (42.4%) patients were women, 104 (24.1%) patients were P =0.02) and higher rate of mechanical thrombectomy (12.4% versus 2%; P Conclusions: We observed a considerably higher rate of large vessel occlusions, a much lower rate of small vessel occlusion and lacunar infarction, and a considerable number of young stroke when compared with the population studies before the pandemic. The rate of mechanical thrombectomy was significantly lower in countries with lower health expenditures.

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected stroke care globally. In this study, we aim to evaluate the impact of the current pandemic on racial disparities among stroke patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy (MT).MethodsWe used the prospectively collected data in the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry from 12 thrombectomy-capable stroke centers in the US and Europe. We included acute stroke patients who underwent MT between January 2017 and May 2020. We compared baseline features, vascular risk factors, location of occlusion, procedural metrics, complications, and discharge outcomes between patients presenting before (before February 2020) and those who presented during the pandemic (February to May 2020).ResultsWe identified 2083 stroke patients: of those 235 (11.3%) underwent MT during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared with pre-pandemic, stroke patients who received MT during the pandemic had longer procedure duration (44 vs 38 min, P=0.006), longer length of hospitalization (6 vs 4 days, PConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has affected the care process for stroke patients receiving MT globally. There is a significant decline in the number of African American patients receiving MT, which mandates further investigation.

BackgroundElevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) correlates with worse outcome. However, the association between SBP reduction (SBPr) and outcome after successful reperfusion with MT is not well established.ObjectiveTo investigate the association between SBPr in the first 24 hours after successful reperfusion and the functional and safety outcomes of MT.MethodsA multicenter retrospective study, which included 10 comprehensive stroke centers, was carried out. Patients with acute ischemic stroke and anterior circulation large vessel occlusions who achieved successful reperfusion via MT were included. SBPr was calculated using the formula 100×([admission SBP−mean SBP]/admission SBP). Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 3–6 at 90 days. Safety endpoints included symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, mortality, and requirement for hemicraniectomy during admission. A generalized mixed linear model was used to study the association between SBPr and outcomes.ResultsA total of 1361 patients were included in the final analysis. SBPr as a continuous variable was inversely associated with poor outcome (OR=0.97; 95% CI 0.95 to 0.98; p20%), the rate of poor outcome was highest in the first group.ConclusionSBPr in the first 24 hours after successful reperfusion was inversely associated with poor outcome. No association between SBPr and safety outcome was found.

Background and Purpose Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is demonstrated to improve functional outcome of patients with anterior circulation strokes with emergency large vessel occlusion (ELVO). Despite successful recanalization (SR), a proportion of these patients require decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC). We aimed to study the predictors of DHC in successfully recanalized anterior circulation ELVO patients. Methods Consecutive anterior circulation ELVO patients treated with MT during a 6-year period in a tertiary stroke center were evaluated. Only patients with SR (mTICI 2b, 2c or 3) after MT were included in the analysis. Baseline demographic, clinical and procedural variables were compared between the patients who required DHC after successful recanalization vs. who did not. Collaterals for anterior circulation ELVO (ie, poor (collateral score=0) vs. good (collateral score=1, 2 and 3) were reported using a methodology that has been shown to predict clinical outcome. Good functional outcome was defined as mRS score of 0–2 at 3 months. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the predictors of DHC. Results Of 453 successfully recanalized anterior circulation ELVO patients, 47 underwent DHC (mean age 58±13 years, 53% male, median admission NIHSS-score: 17 points, IQR 13–21). The patients in DHC group were younger in age (mean age in years±SD; 58±13 vs. 65±15, p=0.004), had higher admission systolic blood pressure (mmHg: 167±33 vs. 155±30, p=0.010), higher admission diastolic blood pressure (mmHg: 95±28 vs. 87±19, p=0.019), higher admission blood glucose levels (mg/dl: 170±88 vs. 142±66, p=0.008), similar median admission NIHSS (17 (IQR: 13–21) vs. 15 (IQR: 11–20), p=0.087), lower median ASPECTS (9 (IQR: 8–10) vs. 10 (IQR: 9–10), p=0.002), and poor collaterals on pre-treatment CT angiogram (% with poor collaterals: 75% vs. 26%, p Conclusion Higher blood glucose levels on admission, poor collateral pattern on CT angiography and higher number of passes during MT were independently associated with DHC in anterior circulation EVLO patients achieving SR at the end of MT. Of these, admission glucose levels and number of passes during MT are potentially modifiable factors. Disclosures N. Goyal: None. G. Tsivgoulis: None. A. Pandhi: None. M. Ishfaq: None. J. Goyanes: None. A. Deep: None. D. Alsbrook: None. S. Singh: None. G. Zaid: None. D. Hoit: None. C. Nickele: None. V. Inoa: None. D. Dornbos: None. A. Alexandrov: None. A. Arthur: None. L. Elijovich: None.

Introduction The outcomes of administration of Perampanel (PER) which is a β-amino-3-(5-methyl-3-oxo-1,2-oxazol-4-yl)propionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonist for the treatment of refractory status epilepticus (RSE) and Super-refractory (SRSE) were previously reported in small cohort studies and case reports. We report efficacy and side effect results of an observational cohort of 75 patients treated with PER for RSE and SRSE. Methods This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study of patients with RSE admitted to the neurocritical care unit between April 2017 and September 2019 who received treatment with PER. The primary outcome was the occurrence of a definite response to PER, which was defined as clear resolution of the ictal pattern and/or seizures within 72 h of delivery of PER which was the last administered antiseizure medication (ASM). Secondary outcomes included the percentage of patients other response types (partial responder or non-responder), as well as the rate of adverse effects. Results A total 75 patients were included in our analysis. PER was initiated as the median sixth ASM at a median initial dose of 12 mg. For the primary outcome, 31 (41.3%; 95% confidence interval 31.0%–53.0%) patients were classified as a definite responder. Seven patients (9.3%) experienced an adverse effect that was attributed to PER, with the most common being sedation in four patients. Conclusions In our retrospective cohort of RSE, we observed a definite response rate of 41.3% within 72 h of PER initiation. PER was well tolerated with few documented adverse effects. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the role of PER in treating patients with RSE.

Introduction: Blood pressure (BP) is an important modifiable parameter after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Observational studies have found associations between elevated BP after EVT with hemorrhagic transformation and poor functional outcome. However, blood pressure course after EVT has not been well characterized and optimal hemodynamic management in the immediate post-stroke period remains unresolved. We utilized blood pressure data up to 72 hours after EVT to identify distinct systolic BP (SBP) trajectories and studied their associations with functional outcome. Methods: We retrospectively studied a multicenter cohort of 1060 patients with large-vessel occlusion stroke who underwent EVT. BP was recorded non-invasively recorded at least hourly for the first 72 hours. Functional outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Favorable functional outcome was defined as mRS &lt. Latent variable mixture modeling was applied to identify patient subgroups that have comparable SBP trajectories. All analyses were adjusted for age, admission NIHSS, and recanalization status. Results: One thousand sixty patients (mean age 70±15, mean NIHSS 16) were included in the analysis. Five distinct SBP trajectories were identified: (1) low (17%), (2) moderate (38%), (3) moderate-to-high (21%), (4) high-to-moderate (17%), and (5) high (7%) (Figure 1A). SBP trajectory group was an independent predictor of functional outcome at discharge (p=0.001) and 90 days (p=0.010, Figure 1B). Patients with high and high-to-moderate SBP trajectories had a significantly higher odds of an unfavorable outcome at 90 days (adjusted OR 2.3, 95%CI 1.2 - 4.3, p=0.01 and adjusted OR 4, 95% CI 1.5-10.7, p=0.06, respectively) Conclusions: During the first 72 hours after EVT, acute ischemic stroke patients show distinct SBP trajectories, which differ in relation to functional outcome. The findings may help recognize potential candidates for future blood pressure control trials.

Introduction: With more widespread anticoagulant use, anticoagulation-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) represents an increasing proportion of all ICH. We hypothesized that c ombining ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke risk estimation can guide treatment decisions, with more precision than ischemic risk estimation alone. Methods: We enrolled consecutive patients with anticoagulation-associated ICH in 15 centers in USA, Europe and Asia from 2015-2017. Each patient was assigned annual baseline ischemic stroke and hemorrhage risk based on their CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc and HAS-BLED scores without and with index ICH taken into account. We computed a net risk by subtracting the hemorrhagic from the ischemic risk. If the sum was positive the patient was assigned a “Favorable” indication for anticoagulation; if negative an “Unfavorable”. We compared clinical and neuroimaging characteristics between the two groups. Results: Our cohort comprised 357 patients (59% male, median age 76 [68-82] years). 69% used vitamin-K antagonists (VKA), 31 % Non vitamin K antagonist (NOAC). 191 (53.5%) of patients had a favorable indication for anticoagulation prior to their ICH event; the rest 166 (46.5%) had an unfavorable indication. Those with an unfavorable indication were younger (72[66-80] vs 78[73-84] years, p=0.001, had a lower CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score (3[3-4] vs 5[4-6], p Conclusions: In this anticoagulation-associated ICH cohort, baseline hemorrhage risk exceeded ischemic risk in ~50% of patients. This finding highlights the need for careful consideration of risk/benefit ratio prior to anticoagulation decisions. The remaining ~ 50% suffered an ICH although their baseline risk of ischemia exceeded that of hemorrhage which stresses the need for imaging, serum or other biomarkers to allow more precise estimation of hemorrhagic complication risk.

BackgroundIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many centers altered stroke triage protocols for the protection of their providers. However, the effect of workflow changes on stroke patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has not been systematically studied.MethodsA prospective international study was launched at the initiation of the COVID-19 pandemic. All included centers participated in the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) and Endovascular Neurosurgery Research Group (ENRG). Data was collected during the peak months of the COVID-19 surge at each site. Collected data included patient and disease characteristics. A generalized linear model with logit link function was used to estimate the effect of general anesthesia (GA) on in-hospital mortality and discharge outcome controlling for confounders.Results458 patients and 28 centers were included from North America, South America, and Europe. Five centers were in high-COVID burden counties (HCC) in which 9/104 (8.7%) of patients were positive for COVID-19 compared with 4/354 (1.1%) in low-COVID burden counties (LCC) (PConclusionWe observed a low rate of COVID-19 infection among stroke patients undergoing MT in LCC. Overall, more than half of the patients underwent intubation prior to MT, leading to prolonged door to reperfusion time, higher in-hospital mortality, and lower likelihood of functional independence at discharge.

Background and Purpose— The aim of this study was to prospectively validate our prior findings of smaller hematoma volume and lesser neurological deficit in nonvitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC) compared with Vitamin K antagonist (VKA)-related intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods— Prospective 12-month observational study in 15 tertiary stroke centers in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Consecutive patients with premorbid modified Rankin Scale score of 33%] increase), neurological severity measured by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 90-day mortality, and functional status (modified Rankin Scale score). Results— Our cohort comprised 196 patients, 62 NOAC related (mean age, 75.0±11.4 years; 54.8% men) and 134 VKA related (mean age, 72.3±10.5; 73.1% men). There were no differences in vascular comorbidities, antiplatelet, and statin use; NOAC-related ICH patients had lower median baseline hematoma volume (13.8 [2.5–37.6] versus 19.5 [6.6–52.0] mL; P =0.026) and were less likely to have severe neurological deficits (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of >10 points) on admission (37% versus 55.3%, P =0.025). VKA-ICH were more likely to have significant hematoma expansion (37.4% versus 17%, P =0.008). NOAC pretreatment was independently associated with smaller baseline hematoma volume (standardized linear regression coefficient:−0.415 [95% CI, −0.780 to −0.051]) resulting in lower likelihood of severe neurological deficit (odds ratio, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22−0.85) in multivariable-adjusted models. Conclusions— Patients with NOAC-related ICH have smaller baseline hematoma volumes and lower odds of severe neurological deficit compared with VKA-related ICH. These findings are important for practicing clinicians making anticoagulation choices.

Ischemic stroke (IS), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients often require endotracheal intubation (EI) and mechanical ventilation (MV). Predicting the need for prolonged EI and timing of tracheostomy (TR) is challenging. While TR is performed for about 10–15% of patients in the general intensive care unit (ICU), the rate in the neurological ICU and for stroke patients ranges between 15 and 35%. Thus, we performed an external validation of the recently published SETscore. This is a retrospective review for all patients with IS, non-traumatic ICH, and SAH who required intubation within 48 h of admission to the neurological ICU. We compared the SETscore between tracheostomized versus successfully extubated patients, and early TR (within 7 days) versus late TR (after 7 days). Out of 511 intubated patients, 140 tracheostomized and 105 extubated were included. The sensitivity for a SETscore > 10 to predict the need for TR was 81% (95% CI 74–87%) with a specificity of 57% (95% CI 48–67%). The score had moderate accuracy in correctly identifying those requiring TR and those successfully extubated: 71% (95% CI 65–76%). The AUC of the score was 0.74 (95% CI 0.68–0.81). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify other independent predictors of TR. After including body mass index (BMI), African American (AA) race, ICH and a positive sputum culture in the SETscore, sensitivity, specificity, overall accuracy, and AUC improved to 90%, 78%, 85%, and 0.89 (95% CI 0.85–0.93), respectively. In our cohort, performing early TR was associated with improvement in the ICU median length of stay (LOS) (15 vs 20.5 days; p = 0.002) and mean ventilator duration (VD) (13.4 vs 18.2 days; p = 0.005) in comparison to late TR. SETscore is a simple score with a moderate accuracy and with a fair AUC used to predict the need for TR after MV for IS, ICH, and SAH patients. Our study also demonstrates that early TR was associated with a lower ICU LOS and VD in our cohort. The utility of this score may be improved when including additional variables such as BMI, AA race, ICH, and positive sputum cultures.

ObjectiveWe sought to determine the safety and efficacy of IV thrombolysis (IVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with a history of dual antiplatelet therapy pretreatment (DAPP) in a prospective multicenter study.MethodsWe compared the following outcomes between DAPP+ and DAPP− IVT-treated patients before and after propensity score matching (PSM): symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–1), and 3-month mortality.ResultsAmong 790 IVT patients, 58 (7%) were on DAPP before stroke (mean age 68 ± 13 years; 57% men; median NIH Stroke Scale score 8). DAPP+ patients were older with more risk factors compared to DAPP− patients. The rates of sICH were similar between groups (3.4% vs 3.2%). In multivariable analyses adjusting for potential confounders, DAPP was associated with higher odds of asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (odds ratio = 3.53, 95% confidence interval: 1.47–8.47; p = 0.005) but also with a higher likelihood of 3-month favorable functional outcome (odds ratio = 2.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.06–5.46; p = 0.035). After propensity score matching, 41 DAPP+ patients were matched to 82 DAPP− patients. The 2 groups did not differ in any of the baseline characteristics or safety and efficacy outcomes.ConclusionsDAPP is not associated with higher rates of sICH and 3-month mortality following IVT. DAPP should not be used as a reason to withhold IVT in otherwise eligible AIS candidates.Classification of evidenceThis study provides Class III evidence that for IVT-treated patients with AIS, DAPP is not associated with a significantly higher risk of sICH. The study lacked the precision to exclude a potentially meaningful increase in sICH bleeding risk.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To determine the association of differential leukocyte counts on admission with efficacy and safety outcomes in patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). METHODS Consecutive patients with AIS receiving IVT were evaluated at two stroke centers. Differential leukocyte counts and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were determined during the initial 12 h of admission. Efficacy outcomes were favorable functional outcome (FFO) (modified Rankin Scale scores of 0-1) and functional independence (FI) (modified Rankin Scale scores of 0-2) at 3 months, whereas safety outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 3-month mortality. RESULTS Among 657 IVT-treated patients with AIS, the mean age was 64 ± 14 years, 50% were female and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 7 points (interquartile range, 4-13). Lower neutrophil and leukocyte counts and NLR counts were observed in patients with 3-month FFO and FI, whereas higher counts were observed in patients who died at 3 months. The best discriminative factors for 3-month FFO and FI were NLR < 2.2 (sensitivity 51.4%, specificity 63.1%) and leukocyte count

A case of triple-negative myasthenia gravis Lambert-Eaton overlap syndrome with negative Agrin and LRP-4 antibodies. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder that shares similar features with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. The combined clinical and electrophysiological findings of MG and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome have been reported, these cases represent the so-called "myasthenia gravis Lambert-Eaton overlap syndrome" (MLOS). A total of 55 MLOS cases have been identified, 13 cases were reported before the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody (ab) testing era, 14 during the AChR-ab era, 26 during the voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC)-ab era, and 2 cases have been reported during the muscle-specific kinase (MuSK)-ab era, of these; only 1 patient tested negative for all 3 antibodies. New immunological markers have been identified in the study of MG [Agrin and the low-density lipopro-tein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP-4)]. We present a patient with MLOS who tested negative for all 5 (AChR, MuSK, VGCC, Agrin, and LRP-4) serologic markers.

ObjectiveIn this multicenter study, we sought to evaluate comparative safety and efficacy of combined IV thrombolysis (IVT) and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) vs direct MT in emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) patients.MethodsConsecutive ELVO patients treated with MT at 6 high-volume endovascular centers were evaluated. Standard safety and efficacy outcomes (successful reperfusion [modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction IIb/III], functional independence [FI] [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2 at 3 months], favorable functional outcome [mRS of 0–1 at 3 months], functional improvement [mRS shift by 1-point decrease in mRS score]) were compared between patients who underwent combined IVT and MT vs MT alone. Additional propensity score–matched analyses were performed.ResultsA total of 292 and 277 patients were treated with combination therapy and direct MT, respectively. The combination therapy group had greater functional improvement (p = 0.037) at 3 months. After propensity score matching, 104 patients in the direct MT group were matched to 208 patients in the combination therapy group. IVT pretreatment was independently (p < 0.05) associated with higher odds of FI (odds ratio [OR] 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–2.99) and functional improvement (common OR 1.64; 95% CI 1.05–2.56). Combination therapy was independently (p < 0.05) related to lower likelihood of 3-month mortality (0.50; 95% CI 0.26–0.96).ConclusionsThis observational study provides preliminary evidence that IVT pretreatment may improve outcomes in ELVO patients treated with MT. The question of the potential effect of IVT on ELVO patients treated with MT should be addressed with a randomized controlled trial.Classification of evidenceThis study provides Class III evidence that for stroke patients with emergent large vessel occlusion, combined IVT and MT is superior to direct MT in improving functional outcomes.

BackgroundFew data are available regarding the safety and efficacy of antiplatelet (APT) pretreatment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with emergent large vessel occlusions (ELVO) treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We sought to evaluate the association of APT pretreatment with safety and efficacy outcomes following MT for ELVO.MethodsConsecutive ELVO patients treated with MT during a 4-year period in a tertiary stroke center were evaluated. The following outcomes were documented using standard definitions: symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), successful recanalization (SR; modified TICI score 2b/3), mortality, and functional independence (modified Rankin Scale scores of 0–2).ResultsThe study population included 217 patients with ELVO (mean age 62±14 years, 50% men, median NIH Stroke Scale score 16). APT pretreatment was documented in 71 cases (33%). Patients with APT pretreatment had higher SR rates (77% vs 61%; P=0.013). The two groups did not differ in terms of sICH (6% vs 7%), 3-month mortality (25% vs 26%), and 3-month functional independence (50% vs 48%). Pretreatment with APT was independently associated with increased likelihood of SR (OR 2.18, 95% CI1.01 to 4.73; P=0.048) on multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounders. A significant interaction (P=0.014) of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) pretreatment on the association of pre-hospital antiplatelet use with SR was detected. APT pretreatment was associated with SR (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.15 to 6.54; P=0.024) in patients treated with combination therapy (IVT and MT) but not in those treated with direct MT (OR 1.78, 95% CI 0.63 to 5.03; P=0.276).ConclusionAPT pretreatment does not increase the risk of sICH and may independently improve the odds of SR in patients with ELVO treated with MT. The former association appears to be modified by IVT.

Objectives:Hyperchloremia has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. While previous research has demonstrated an association between hypertonic saline and hyperchloremia, limited data exist in neurocritical care patients. The objective of this study is to

No eligibility screening logs were kept in recent mechanical thrombectomy (MT) RCTs establishing safety and efficacy of endovascular reperfusion therapies for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We sought to evaluate the potential eligibility for MT among consecutive AIS patients in a prospective international multicenter study. We prospectively evaluated consecutive AIS patients admitted in four tertiary-care stroke centers during a twelve-month period. Potential eligibility for MT was evaluated using inclusion criteria from MR CLEAN & REVASCAT. Our study population consisted of 1464 AIS patients (mean age 67±14years, 56% men, median admission NIHSS-score: 5, IQR: 3-10). A total of 123 (8%, 95% CI: 7%-10%) and 82 (6%, 95% CI: 5%-7%) patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria for MR CLEAN&REVASCAT respectively. No evidence of heterogeneity (p>0.100) was found in the eligibility for MT across the participating centers. Absence of proximal intracranial occlusion (69%) and hospital arrival outside the eligible time window (38% for MR CLEAN & 35% for REVASCAT) were the two most common reasons for ineligibility for MT. Our everyday clinical practice experience suggests that approximately one out of thirteen to seventeen consecutive AIS may be eligible for MT if inclusion criteria for MR CLEAN and REVASCAT are strictly adhered to.

Background and Purpose— The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at admission with safety and efficacy outcomes in acute stroke patients with large vessel occlusion after mechanical thrombectomy. Methods— Consecutive large vessel occlusion patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy during a 4-year period were evaluated. Outcome measures included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, 3-month mortality, successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b/3), and 3-month functional independence (modified Rankin Scale scores of 0–2). Results— A total of 293 large vessel occlusion patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy (median admission NLR, 3.5; interquartile range [IQR], 1.7–6.8). In initial univariable analyses, higher median admission NLR values were documented in patients with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (8.5; IQR, 4.7–11.3) versus (3.9; IQR, 1.9–6.5); P P =0.004. Lower NLR values were recorded in patients with 3-month functional independence (3.7; IQR, 1.7–6.5) versus (4.3; IQR, 2.6–8.3); P =0.039. After adjustment for potential confounders, a 1-point increase in NLR was independently associated with higher odds of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03–1.20; P =0.006) and 3-month mortality (odds ratio, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01–1.16; P =0.014). Conclusions— Higher admission NLR is an independent predictor of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 3-month mortality in large vessel occlusion patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy, and it may identify a target group for testing adjunctive anti-inflammatory therapies.

IMPORTANCE: The benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with stroke presenting with mild deficits (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score

International audience; Background and Purpose— Successful reperfusion can be achieved in more than two-thirds of patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Therefore, it is important to understand the effect of blood pressure (BP) on clinical outcomes after successful reperfusion. In this study, we investigated the relationship between BP on admission and during the first 24 hours after successful reperfusion with clinical outcomes. Methods— This was a multicenter study from 10 comprehensive stroke centers. To ensure homogeneity of the studied cohort, we included only patients with anterior circulation who achieved successful recanalization at the end of procedure. Clinical outcomes included 90-day modified Rankin Scale, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), mortality, and hemicraniectomy. Results— A total of 1245 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 69±14 years, and 51% of patients were female. Forty-nine percent of patients had good functional outcome at 90-days, and 4.7% suffered sICH. Admission systolic BP (SBP), mean SBP, maximum SBP, SBP SD, and SBP range were associated with higher risk of sICH. In addition, patients in the higher mean SBP groups had higher rates of sICH. Similar results were found for hemicraniectomy. With respect to functional outcome, mean SBP, maximum SBP, and SBP range were inversely associated with the good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2). However, the difference in SBP parameters between the poor and good outcome groups was modest. Conclusions— Higher BP within the first 24 hours after successful mechanical thrombectomy was associated with a higher likelihood of sICH, mortality, and requiring hemicraniectomy.

Background As the randomized controlled trials excluded the patients with emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) strokes with low NIHSS Methods Stroke patients with ELVO and NIHSS Results Total of 146 patients with low NIHSS ELVO were included in the study. Of those, 95 (65%) patients (48% male, 71% Caucasians, mean NIHSS 3.6 ±1.3) had excellent outcome (mRS 0–1), while remaining 51 (35%) patients (57% male, 72% Caucasians, mean NIHSS 3.8 ±1.4) had poor outcome (mRS 2–6). The patients who had excellent outcome had lower age at presentation [years, mean (SD) 61.6±17.2 vs. 68.9±18.6; p: 0.012], higher rates of successful recanalization [91.2% vs. 74%; p: 0.012], and shorter groin puncture to recanalization time [minutes, mean (SD): 43.4 ±27.3 vs. 60.4 ±41.5, p=0.008) compared to poor outcome group. The mean baseline ASPECTS tended to higher in excellent outcome group (9.3 ±1.0 vs. 8.9±1.3, p=0.08). In multivariable analyses after adjustment for potential confounders, lower age (OR: 0.96, 95% CI 0.93–0.99, p=0.034), shorter groin puncture to recanalization time (OR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.96–0.99, p=0.003), and successful recanalization (OR: 11.2, 95% CI 1.5–80.4, p=0.016) were independent predictors of excellent outcome at 3 months. Conclusions Our retrospective multi-center study demonstrates that lower age, shorter groin puncture to recanalization time and successful recanalization were independent predictors of excellent outcomes post MT in ELVO patients with NIHSS Disclosures A. Pandhi: None. N. Goyal: None. G. Tsivgoulis: None. K. Malhotra: None. M. Ishfaq: None. M. Frohler: None. A. Spiotta: None. M. Anadani: None. M. Psychogios: None. V. Maus: None. A. Siddiqui: None. M. Waqas: None. P. Schellinger: None. M. Groen: None. O. Saeed:None. C. Krogias: None. D. Richter: None. M. Saqqur: None. P. Bermejo: None. M. Mokin: None. R. Leker: None. A. Katsanos: None. G. Magoufis: None. K. Psychogios: None. V. Lioutas: None. M. VanNostrand: None. V. Sharma: None. M. Paciaroni: None. A. Rentzos: None. H. Shoirah: None. J. Mocco: None. D. Hoit: None. L. Elijovich: None. A. Alexandrov: None. A. Arthur: None.

IntroductionOne uncommon complication of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is an infarct in a new previously unaffected territory (infarct in new territory (INT)).ObjectiveTo evaluate the predictors of INT with special focus on intravenous thrombolysis(IVT)pretreatmentbefore MT.MethodsConsecutive patients with emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) treated with MT during a 5-year period were evaluated. INT was defined using standardized methodology proposed by ESCAPE investigators. The predictors of INT and its impact on outcomes were investigated.ResultsA total of 419 consecutive patients with ELVO received MT (mean age 64±15 years, 50% men, median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 16 points (IQR 11–20), 69% pretreated with IVT). The incidence of INT was lower in patients treated with combination therapy (IVTandMT) than in patients treated with MT alone, respectively (10% vs 20%; p=0.011). The INT group had more patients with posterior circulation occlusions than the group without INT (28% vs 10%, respectively; pConclusionsIVT pretreatment is not independently associated with a lower likelihood of INT in patients with ELVO treated with MT. Patients with ELVO with posterior circulation occlusion are more likely to have INT after MT.

Background Abnormal restricted diffusion on magnetic resonance imaging is often associated with ischemic stroke or anoxic injury, but other conditions can present similarly. We present six cases of an unusual but consistent pattern of restricted diffusion in bilateral hippocampi and cerebellar cortices. This pattern of injury is distinct from typical imaging findings in ischemic, anoxic, or toxic injury, suggesting it may represent an under-recognized clinicoradiographic syndrome. Despite initial presentation with stupor or coma in the context of obstructive hydrocephalus, patients may have acceptable outcomes if offered early intervention. Methods We identified an ad hoc series of patients at our two institutions between years 2014 and 2017 who presented to the neurocritical care unit with severe, otherwise unexplained cerebellar edema and retrospectively identified several commonalities in history, presentation, and imaging. Results Between two institutions, we identified six patients—ages 33–59 years, four male—with similar presentations of decreased level of consciousness in the context of intoxicant exposure, with acute cytotoxic edema of the cerebellar cortex, hippocampi, and aspects of the basal nuclei. All patients presented with severe cerebellar edema which led to obstructive hydrocephalus requiring aggressive medical and/or surgical management. The five patients who survived to discharge demonstrated variable degrees of physical and memory impairment on discharge and at follow-up. Conclusions We present findings of a potentially novel syndrome involving a distinct pattern of cerebellar and hippocampal restricted diffusion, with imaging and clinical characteristics distinct from ischemic stroke, hypoxic injury, and known toxidromes and leukoencephalopathies. Given the potential for favorable outcome despite early obstructive hydrocephalus, early identification and treatment of this syndrome are critical.

To assess the effectiveness of cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type III, in preventing cerebral ischemia related to cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).A total of six clinical studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. We calculated pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using random-effects models. The primary endpoint was cerebral ischemia related to vasospasm. Secondary endpoints were angiographic vasospasm, new cerebral infarct, mortality, and death or disability at the final follow-up.A total of 136 (22%) of 618 subjects (38 and 98 assigned to cilostazol and control treatments, respectively) with SAH developed cerebral ischemia related to vasospasm. The risk of cerebral ischemia related to vasospasm was significantly lower in subjects assigned to cilostazol treatment (The reduction in rates of cerebral ischemia related to vasospasm and death or disability at follow-up support further evaluation of oral cilostazol in patients with aneurysmal SAH in a large randomized clinical trial.

Background: We conducted a case-control study to assess the relative safety and efficacy of Apollo assisted minimally invasive endoscopic surgery (MIS) for clot evacuation in patients with basal-ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods: We evaluated consecutive patients with acute basal ganglia ICH at a single center over a 42-month period. Patients received either best medical management according to established guidelines (controls) or Apollo assisted MIS (cases) with best medical management. The following outcomes were compared before and after propensity-score matching (PSM): in-hospital mortality, discharge National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, discharge disposition, modified Rankin Scale scores at discharge and at 3 months. Results: Among 224 ICH patients, 19 (8.5%) underwent MIS [mean age 50.9±10.9; 26.3% female, median ICH volume 40 (IQR; 25-51)]. The interventional cohort was younger with higher ICH volume and stroke severity as compared to the medically managed cohort. After PSM, 18 patients in the MIS cohort were matched to 54 medically managed individuals. The two cohorts did not differ in any of the baseline characteristics. The median ICH volume at 24 hours was lower in the intervention group [40cm 3 (IQR:25-50) vs. 15cm 3 (IQR:5-20), p0.4). Conclusions: Minimally invasive Apollo assisted endoscopic hematoma evacuation was associated with lower rates of in-hospital mortality in patients with spontaneous basal ganglia ICH. These findings support a randomized controlled trial of MIS versus medical-management for ICH.

Introduction: There are mounting data supporting a substantially lower risk of sICH in AIS patients with posterior circulation stroke (PCS) following treatment with IVT. However, stroke location is not included in any of the numerous risk prediction scores for sICH complicating IVT in AIS. We sought to compare the safety and efficacy of IVT for AIS with respect to the location of acute cerebral ischemia in a high-volume tertiary care stroke center. Methods: Consecutive AIS patients treated with IVT during a five-year period were evaluated. Baseline stroke severity and early hypodensity on baseline CT were assessed by NIHSS-score and ASPECTS by certified physicians. Stroke location was classified as posterior (PCS) vs. anterior circulation (ACS), and supratentorial (STN) vs. infraterorial (ITN) infarction. Safety of IVT was evaluated using the SITS-MOST sICH definition. Three-month functional status was assessed using modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. Results: Out of total 1008 IVT-treated AIS patients [52% men, mean age 64±15years, median baseline NIHSS-score: 8 pts (IQR: 4-4)], 181 (18%) had PC and 88 (9%) had STN location. The rates of sICH were lower in patients with PCS [2.8% vs. 6.9%; p=0.039 by Fisher’s exact test (FET)] and ITN infarction (0% vs. 6.7%; p=0.005 by FET). PCS and ITN strokes (OR computed using Firth’s penalized likelihood method for rare events: 0.11; 95%CI: 0.01-1.82) were not independently associated with lower likelihood of sICH on multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for multiple potential confounders including demographics, vascular risk factors, onset-to-treatment time, baseline stroke severity, serum glucose, BP parameters and ASPECTS, pretreatment with antiplatelets (single or dual), statins and oral anticoagulants. Conclusions: Our study indicates that infarct location appears not to be independently related to the risk of sICH in AIS patients treated with IVT.

Introduction: Current AHA/ASA guidelines recommend keeping blood pressure (BP) Methods: This was a multicenter international retrospective study that included 7 comprehensive stroke centers. Inclusion criteria were anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) that was treated with MT, and successful recanalization at the conclusion of the procedure. Patients were divided into three groups based on systolic BP (SBP) goals in the first 24 hours post MT. Group 1) included patients with SBP goal ≤140 mm Hg or ≤120 mm Hg; group 2 included patients with SBP goal ≤160 mm Hg; group 3) included patients with SBP goal ≤220 mm Hg or ≤180 mm Hg. Successful recanalization was defined as TICI 2b-3. Outcome measures included symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and 90-day mortality. Results: A total of 985 patients were included in the study. More patients in group 3 were white and had Afib than groups 1-2. Likewise, more patients in group 3 received IV tPA. Complete recanalization (TICI 2c-3) was achieved in 88.2%, 53.6%, and 73.2% in groups 1,2,3 respectively (p Conclusion: Blood pressure goals ≤140 and ≤160 were associated with favorable functional outcome.

Introduction: Cross-sectional data suggest that IVT in patients with in-hospital (IHS) acute ischemic stroke (AIS) onset is associated with unfavourable outcomes compared to out-of-hospital (OHS) stroke onset patients. We sought to compare safety and efficacy outcomes between IHS and OHS patients treated with IVT. Methods: Consecutive AIS patients treated with IVT during a five-year period in a tertiary care stroke center were prospectively evaluated. Demographics, vascular risk factors, admission blood pressure and serum glucose levels were documented. Baseline stroke severity and early hypodensity on baseline CT were assessed using NIHSS-score and ASPECTS by certified physicians. Three-month functional outcome was evaluated by mRS-score. We compared the following outcomes between IHS and OHS patients: 1.symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) 2.favourable functional outcome (FFO) [3-month mRS scores of 0-1], 3.Functional independence (FI) [3-month mRS scores of 0-2], 4. Mortality at three months. Results: Of 1264 IVT-treated AIS patients, we identified 51 (4%) subjects with IHS. Baseline median NIHSS-score was higher in IHS (10 points; IQR: 6-16 vs. 6 points; IQR: 3-12; p=0.004), while median onset-to-treatment was shorter (75 min; IQR: 37-115 vs. 135 min; IQR: 100-185; p0.1) between the two groups in FFO, FI and sICH rates. IHS was associated with higher likelihood three-month mortality (OR: 3.1; 95%CI: 1.2-7.8; p=0.016) on multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for demographics, risk factors, onset-to-treatment time, admission blood pressure and serum glucose levels, baseline NIHSS and ASPECTS. Conclusions: IHS patients treated with IVT have more severe strokes and higher mortality rates compared to OHS patients. IVT for IHS is not associated with higher hemorrhagic complications.