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Background: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is associated with high rate of morbidity and mortality. We aimed to assess prognostic impact of sex, race, and ethnicity in these patients. Methods: Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2000–2019) was used to identify patients presenting with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage as primary diagnosis. Patient age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance status, socioeconomic status, comorbidities, type of the hospital, and treatment modality used for aneurysm repair were extracted. The previously validated Nationwide Inpatient Sample Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Severity Scale was used to estimate the clinical severity. Discharge destination and in-hospital mortality was used as outcome measured. The impact of race/ethnicity and sex on clinical outcome was analyzed using multivariate regression models. Results: A total of 161 086 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage were identified. Mean age was 55.0±13.8 years. Sixty-nine percent of the patients were female, 60% White patients, and 17% Black patients. There was no difference in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Severity Scale score between the 2 sexes. Women had significantly lower odds of good clinical outcome (defined as discharge to home or acute rehabilitation facility; RR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.74–0.94]; P =0.004). Hispanic patients (RR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.07–1.17]; P Conclusions: In this nationally representative study, women were less likely to have excellent outcomes following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, and White patients had disproportionately higher likelihood of worse clinical outcomes. Lower rates of mortality were seen among Black and Hispanic patients.

BackgroundInvestigations into the effect of previous stroke on thrombectomy outcomes have yielded conflicting results, and are limited by small sample sizes. We present the results of a large single center retrospective study aimed at investigating the effect of chronic stroke laterality on thrombectomy outcomes.MethodsA prospectively maintained database was queried for all thrombectomy cases conducted between December 2014 and January 2020, and patient imaging was prospectively reviewed for evidence of prior supratentorial infarction. Procedural, clinical, and demographic characteristics were recorded, and good clinical outcome was defined as a 90 day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 2.ResultsThe final analysis cohort included 555 patients, 79 of whom were found to have radiographic evidence of prior chronic infarcts. On univariate analysis, patients with any chronic supratentorial infarct achieved a lower rate of good clinical outcome than patients with no chronic infarct (22.8% vs 41.0%, p=0.0021). With regard to subgroups, this difference remained only in patients with ipsilateral (14.3%, p=0.0018) and bilateral (11.8%, p=0.015) lesions. Patients with chronic contralateral supratentorial infarcts were no less likely to achieve good outcomes (40.7%, p=0.98). After multivariate regression controlling for age, sex, and baseline mRS, chronic ipsilateral infarcts (OR 0.22, CI 0.07 to 0.67) and chronic bilateral infarcts (OR 0.19, CI 0.04 to 0.85) were the only independent predictors of poor outcome in endovascular thrombectomy patients.ConclusionsIn this single center retrospective study of thrombectomy patients with chronic supratentorial infarcts, the laterality of the previous stroke significantly affected the likelihood of good clinical outcomes.

Background: Primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating disease with limited therapeutic options and poor overall outcomes. We aimed to characterize racial disparities in patients with ICH over a 20 year period and examine the prognostic impact of race on functional outcomes. Methods: A query of the 2000-2019 National Inpatient Sample was performed for patients admitted with ICH (ICD9 431, 432.9, ICD-10 I61, I62.9). Demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were identified. Discharge location was used as a surrogate for functional outcome. Univariate analysis with t-tests or chi-square performed as appropriate, and significant variables were entered into a multivariate regression to generate adjusted odds ratios (AOR)/β-coefficients for race on outcomes. Significance set at an alpha level of Results: A total of 2,000,868 patients with ICH were identified. Mean Age was 68.28 ±15.41 years. Patients were 57.2% White, 14.1 % Black, 8.3% Hispanic, and 3.9% Asian. Average Elixhauser Comorbidity Score was significantly different among the groups, with White patients having higher score on average than Asian, Black, or Hispanic Patients. There was no difference in NIH Stroke Scale among the groups. After multivariate analysis, there were no differences in odds of discharge to home or to nursing/long-term care facilities between races (p>0.001). In hospital mortality was less in Black (AOR 0.73, 95%CI: 0.64-0.84) and Hispanic (AOR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.55-0.78) patients compared to White (p Conclusions: This 20 year nationally representative analysis of racial disparities in ICH patients shows that despite the increasing prevalence in Black and Hispanic patients over 20 years, they have greater odds of survival during their hospital stay when compared to White patients. Further examination of healthcare systems and patient-specific factors are warranted to elucidate this phenomenon.

Introduction: Patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are known to demonstrate disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) particularly in peri-hematomal regions. However, disruption of the BBB may also occur throughout the brain, even in areas remote from the acute bleed. We aimed to study the clinical significance of this finding. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of our prospectively collected ICH database from January 2020 to January 2022 to identify consecutive patients who had MR perfusion study performed within 5 days from admission. BBB permeability data was analyzed blinded to the clinical data. Baseline demographics, admission systolic blood pressure and NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) score were collected during the hospitalization. A measure of whole brain BBB permeability was computed from the perfusion MR scans. Primary outcome was good neurologic outcome defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-3 at 90 days. We examined the association between the BBB permeability and clinical outcome. Results: A total of 24 ICH patients were identified. Median age was 60 years old (Interquartile range (IQR) 57-70), with 11 females (45.8%) and 13 males (54.2%). Median hematoma volume was 40.3mL (IQR 14.9-53.2mL), with a median admission NIHSS of 17.5 (IQR 15-22). Thirteen out of 24 patients achieved a good neurologic outcome at 3 months (54.2%). Patients who achieved a good neurologic outcome were more likely to have a lower admission NIHSS (16 vs 20 p=0.04), smaller baseline hematoma volume (24.6mL vs 48.4 mL), (p=0.02), and a lower NIHSS at discharge (4 vs 19), (p=0.003). Median whole brain BBB permeability was insignificantly lower in patients who achieved a better neurologic outcome (1.8 vs 2.1, p=0.17). However, a threshold of whole brain BBB permeability less than 1.9% significantly correlated with improved neurologic outcome at 3 months (Odds Ratio=0.11, 95% Confidence Interval (0.02-0.71), p=0.02). Additionally, the same threshold was significantly associated with a lower NIHSS at discharge (5 vs 17.5, p=0.03). Conclusion: Diffuse disruption of the BBB in the days after presenting with ICH is associated with worse clinical outcome if the disruption is severe.

Introduction: Infection of the central nervous system (CNS) - including meningitis, encephalitis and brain abscess - is a feared complication in hospitalized patients. Studies of CNS infection in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are scarce. We aimed to characterize AIS patients with CNS infections and assess their clinical outcomes over a 20-year period. Methods: A query of the 2000-2019 National Inpatient Sample was performed for patients admitted with AIS (ICD9 433, 434.01, 434.11, 434.91, ICD-10 I63). Demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were identified. Univariate analysis with t-tests or chi-square performed as appropriate. A 1:1 nearest neighbor propensity score matched cohort was generated. Variables with standardized mean differences >0.1 used in multivariate regression to generate adjusted odds ratios (AOR)/β-coefficients for the presence of CNS infections on outcomes. Significance set at an alpha level of Results: Total of 10,415,286 patients with AIS were included; 74,731 (0.7%) had CNS infection. Infected patients had higher Elixhauser Comorbidity Score (12.02 ± 9.24 vs. 9.75 ± 8.82; p Conclusion: In this 20 year nationally representative propensity matched analysis of patients with AIS, those with concomitant CNS infections had higher rates of comorbidities and had higher NIHSS. In addition to having longer and more expensive hospital stays, these patients were less likely to have good functional outcomes.

Introduction: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for 15% of strokes, and an early sequelae of hemorrhagic stroke is seizure. Studies have shown up to 43% of ICH patients experience electrographic seizure within 72 hours of ictus. The clinical course of patients with seizures in ICH remains unclear. Methods: A query of the 2000-2019 National Inpatient Sample was performed for patients admitted with ICH (ICD9 431, 432.9, ICD-10 I61, I62.9). Demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were identified. Univariate analysis with t-tests or chi-square performed as appropriate. A 1:1 nearest neighbor propensity score matched cohort was generated. Variables with standardized mean differences >0.1 used in multivariate regression to generate adjusted odds ratios (AOR)/β-coefficients for the presence of seizures on outcomes. Significance set at an alpha level of Results: 2,000,868 patients with ICH were identified; 234,382 had seizures (11.7%). Patients with seizure had higher Elixhauser Comorbidity Score (15.12 ± 8.54 vs. 9.80 ± 8.98, p Conclusions: The rate of seizure among ICH patients remains unchanged over the past 2 decades. Seizure is associated with more severe presentation; however, it does not independently worsen the clinical outcome.

Background: Seizure is a known complication following acute ischemic stroke (AIS) that can lead to severe morbidity. We sought to better characterize the risk factors for stroke following AIS and evaluate in-hospital outcomes in these patients. Methods: A query of the 2000-2019 National Inpatient Sample was performed for patients admitted with AIS (ICD9 433, 43401, 43411, 43491, ICD-10 I63). Demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were identified. Univariate analysis with t-tests or chi-square performed as appropriate. A 1:1 nearest neighbor propensity score matched cohort was generated. Variables with standardized mean differences >0.1 used in multivariate regression to generate adjusted odds ratios (AOR)/β-coefficients for dysphagia on outcomes. Significance set at an alpha level of Results: A total of 10,415,286 patients with AIS were identified; 694,495 (6.6%) had seizures. Patients with seizures had higher Elixhauser Comorbidity Score (14.81 ± 8.13 vs. 9.40 ± 8.76; p Conclusions: Approximately 7% of patients with AIS experience seizure while hospitalized, with an overall stable incidence over 20 years. Seizure is more likely to occur in women and younger patients and is associated with worse functional outcomes. The percentage of patients with seizures in AIS remained similar per year despite an increase in the absolute numbers.

Background: Racial disparity in ICH management and outcome is a major concern. We sought to evaluate the impact of race on ICH severity and outcome in a nationally representative database. Methods: A query of the 2000-2019 National Inpatient Sample was performed for patients admitted with ICH (ICD9 431, 432.9, ICD-10 I61, I62.9). Demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were identified. Discharge location was used as a surrogate for functional outcome. Univariate analysis with t-tests or chi-square performed as appropriate, and significant variables were entered into a multivariate regression to generate adjusted odds ratios (AOR)/β-coefficients for race on outcomes. Significance set at an alpha level of Results: A total of 390,015 patients with ICH were identified over the four years; 97,220 (24.9%) had a reported NIH Stroke Score (NIHSS). Mean Age was 69.22 ± 14.3 years. Patients were 61% White, 16.6 % Black, 9.9% Hispanic, and 4.8% Asian. Average NIHSS differed significantly among the groups, with Asian patients having more severe disease than White, Black, or Hispanic patients (p Conclusions: This nationally representative analysis demonstrates that Black patients have worse hospital outcomes after ICH while the rate of in-hospital mortality seen in Whites was higher in comparison to other races. White patients were the majority of cases and had an overall stable trend of good discharge outcome. Incidence of in-hospital mortality was highest in the Black patients over four years.

Introduction: Lower cranial nerve motor dysfunction is a well-distinguished feature in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). As a result, patients can present with vocal dysfunction, including vocal fold paralysis (VFP). Few studies have examined VFP in AIS patients. Objective: To identify the incidence and characteristics of patients presenting with VFP after AIS. Methods: A query of the 2000-2019 National Inpatient Sample was performed for patients admitted with AIS (ICD9 433, 43401, 43411, 43491, ICD-10 I63). Demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were identified. Univariate analysis with t-tests or chi-square performed as appropriate. A 1:1 nearest neighbor propensity score matched cohort was generated. Variables with standardized mean differences >0.1 used in multivariate regression to generate adjusted odds ratios (AOR)/β-coefficients for VFP on outcomes. Significance set at an alpha level of Results: 10,415,286 patients with AIS were included; 11,328 (0.1%) had VFP. At baseline, a higher percentage of patients with VFP were younger, male, insured by Medicaid, had a higher Elixhauser Comorbidity Score, and were more likely to have a tracheostomy and ventilator use (all p 0.001) Conclusion: This is the first study to report on national trends of patients with VFP after AIS, and we found that VFP patients were more male, younger, higher overall disease burden, and required more in-hospital procedures. Though rare, VFP causes significant morbidity for patients after AIS. Patients experience significant functional deficits at discharge, as represented by the low rate of home discharge.

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. We aimed to characterize racial disparities in patients with AIS over a 20 year period and examine the prognostic impact of race on functional outcomes. Methods: A query of the 2000-2019 National Inpatient Sample was performed for patients admitted with AIS (ICD9 433, 43401, 43411, 43491, ICD-10 I63). Demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were identified. Discharge location was used as a surrogate for functional outcome. Univariate analysis with t-tests or chi-square performed as appropriate, and significant variables were entered into a multivariate regression to generate adjusted odds ratios (AOR)/β-coefficients for race on outcomes. Significance set at an alpha level of Results: A total of 10,415,286 patients with AIS were identified. Mean Age was 70.91±13.8 years. Patients were 61% White, 14.3 % Black, 6.6% Hispanic, and 2.4% Asian. Average NIH Stroke Scale differed significantly among the groups, with Asian patients having more severe disease than White, Black, or Hispanic patients (p Conclusions: This 20 year nationally representative analysis of racial disparities in patients with AIS shows that while Black patients have worse odds of discharge home, they are less likely than White patients to die in the hospital. White patients make up the majority of cases, but their percentage of total AIS cases decreased while Black patients increased over the twenty year study period.

Introduction: Hydrocephalus (HCP) is a common consequence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and is a predictor of poor outcomes in ICH patients. We aimed to characterize ICH patients with HCP and assess their clinical outcomes over a 20-year period. Methods: A query of the 2000-2019 National Inpatient Sample was performed for patients admitted with ICH (ICD9 431, 432.9, ICD-10 I61, I62.9). Demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were identified. Univariate analysis with t-tests or chi-square performed as appropriate. A 1:1 nearest neighbor propensity score matched cohort was generated. Variables with standardized mean differences >0.1 used in multivariate regression to generate adjusted odds ratios (AOR)/β-coefficients for the presence of hydrocephalus on outcomes. Significance set at an alpha level of Results: 2,000,868 patients with ICH were identified; 9.2% had HCP. Patients with HCP had higher NIHSS (17.16±11.13 vs 10.77±9.14) and Elixhauser Comorbidity Score (10.64±8.79 vs. 10.4±9.12) at presentation, longer hospital stays (13.92±18.13 vs 8.13± 11.3 days) and higher hospital charges ($160,604.36± 225,493.62 vs $74,930.99± 137,200.59) (all p Conclusion: In this 20-year nationally representative propensity matched analysis of patients with ICH, those with concomitant HCP had higher rates of surgical procedures (EVD, ventricular shunt, tracheostomy and PEG). Incidence of HCP increased more than two-fold from2000-2019, suggesting worsening disease severity over the study period.

Background: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) demonstrated superiority to medical management in the 2015 trials. We sought to compare outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated with EVT before and after 2015. Methods: A query of the 2000-2019 National Inpatient Sample was performed for patients admitted with AIS (ICD9 433, 43401, 43411, 43491, ICD-10 I63). Demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were identified. Univariate analysis with t-tests or chi-square performed as appropriate. A 1:1 nearest neighbor propensity score matched cohort was generated. Variables with standardized mean differences >0.1 used in multivariate regression to generate adjusted odds ratios (AOR)/β-coefficients for EVT on outcomes. Significance set at an alpha level of Results: A total of 10,415,286 patients with AIS were identified; 149,367 (1.4%) underwent EVT. Among the EVT cohort, 35,562 patients were treated before 2015 (23.8%) vs. 113,805 (76.2%) after. EVT patients after 2015 were more likely to be younger, on private insurance, treated at large urban nonteaching hospitals, had lower Elixhauser Comorbidity Scores (14.71 ± 9.15 vs. 16.21 ± 9.17; p Conclusions: This 20-year nationally representative propensity matched analysis of AIS patients shows that outcomes after EVT continue to improve following the landmark 2015 publications, with a higher chance of favorable outcome, lower hospital charge and shorter hospital stay compared to before 2015.

Introduction: Dysphagia is a common complication among acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. A complete understanding of the characteristics of patients who present with dysphagia after AIS is warranted. Objective: To identify the risk factors and outcomes of patients presenting with dysphagia after AIS over twenty years. Methods: A query of the 2000-2019 National Inpatient Sample was performed for patients admitted with AIS (ICD9 433, 43401, 43411, 43491, ICD-10 I63). Demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were identified. Univariate analysis with t-tests or chi-square performed as appropriate. A 1:1 nearest neighbor propensity score matched cohort was generated. Variables with standardized mean differences >0.1 used in multivariate regression to generate adjusted odds ratios (AOR)/β-coefficients for dysphagia on outcomes. Significance set at an alpha level of Results: 10,415,286 patients with AIS were included; 956,662 (9.2%) had in-hospital dysphagia. A higher percentage of patients with dysphagia were older, had higher Elixhauser Comorbidity Score, higher NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and a were insured by Medicare (p Conclusion: This propensity matched 20-year national analysis confirmed that dysphagia is a significant issue following AIS. These patients were more frequently male with worse neurological presentations. Despite better odds for survival and shorter hospital stay, they experience significant functional deficits at discharge and have increased hospital costs.

ImportanceRandomized clinical trials have shown the efficacy of endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute large vessel occlusion strokes. The benefit of EVT in acute stroke with distal, medium vessel occlusion (DMVO) remains unclear.ObjectiveTo examine the efficacy and safety outcomes associated with EVT in patients with primary DMVO stroke when compared with a control cohort treated with medical management (MM) alone.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis multicenter, retrospective cohort study pooled data from patients who had an acute stroke and a primary anterior circulation emergency DMVO, defined as any segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) or distal middle cerebral artery, between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019. Those with a concomitant proximal occlusion were excluded. Outcomes were compared between the 2 treatment groups using propensity score methods. Data analysis was performed from March to June 2021.ExposuresPatients were divided into EVT and MM groups.Main Outcomes and MeasuresMain efficacy outcomes included 3-month functional independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] scores, 0-2) and 3-month excellent outcome (mRS scores, 0-1). Safety outcomes included 3-month mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.ResultsA total of 286 patients with DMVO were evaluated, including 156 treated with EVT (mean [SD] age, 66.7 [13.7] years; 90 men [57.6%]; median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score, 13.5 [IQR, 8.5-18.5]; intravenous tissue plasminogen activator [IV tPA] use, 75 [49.7%]; ACA involvement, 49 [31.4%]) and 130 treated with medical management (mean [SD] age, 69.8 [14.9] years; 62 men [47.7%]; median NIHSS score, 7.0 [IQR, 4.0-14.0], IV tPA use, 58 [44.6%]; ACA involvement, 31 [24.0%]). There was no difference in the unadjusted rate of 3-month functional independence in the EVT vs MM groups (151 [51.7%] vs 124 [50.0%]; P = .78), excellent outcome (151 [38.4%] vs 123 [31.7%]; P = .25), or mortality (139 [18.7%] vs 106 [11.3%]; P = .15). The rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was similar in the EVT vs MM groups (weighted: 4.0% vs 3.1%; P = .90). In inverse probability of treatment weighting propensity analyses, there was no significant difference between groups for functional independence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.36; 95% CI, 0.84-2.19; P = .20) or mortality (aOR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.63-2.43; P = .53), whereas the EVT group had higher odds of an excellent outcome (mRS scores, 0-1) at 3 months (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.02-2.87; P = .04).Conclusions and RelevanceThe findings of this multicenter cohort study suggest that EVT may be considered for selected patients with ACA or distal middle cerebral artery strokes. Further larger randomized investigation regarding the risk-benefit ratio for DMVO treatment is indicated.

Introduction The delivery of flow-diverting stents (FDS) necessitates a degree of catheter support beyond that required for endovascular coiling. The TracStar Large Distal Platform (LDP) is a novel 0.088″ platform intended for navigation into the intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA). We present an early institutional experience using the TracStar LDP in 44 cases of endovascular aneurysm embolization using FDS. Methods Inclusion criteria for this single-center retrospective review encompassed all patients >18 years of age who were treated for intracranial aneurysms. Procedural success was defined as successful stent deployment using the TracStar LDP. Other outcomes included periprocedural complications, use of an intermediate catheter, length of stay, and discharge disposition. Results The TracStar LDP was utilized in 44 consecutive FDS cases in 42 patients. Cavernous segment aneurysms constituted the majority of cases (12/42; 28.6%), followed by posterior communicating artery (8/42; 19.0%) and supraclinoid aneurysms (8/42; 19.0%). Successful FDS deployment was achieved in 43/44 cases. The LDP achieved stable positioning within the ascending cavernous ICA in 63.6% of cases. A biaxial system was utilized in 54.5% of cases. There was one complication potentially related to use of the TracStar LDP, which was an asymptomatic ICA vessel dissection managed conservatively. Conclusions The TracStar LDP is safe and effective during use in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with a FDS. Access to the ascending portion of the cavernous ICA was regularly achieved, and the platform allowed for both biaxial and triaxial configurations.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Racial and socioeconomic disparities in the incidence, treatment, and outcomes of acute ischemic stroke exist and have been described. We aimed to characterize disparities in the use of endovascular thrombectomy in a nationally representative analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample between 2006 and 2016 were queried using validated International Classification of Disease codes. Patients admitted to US hospitals with acute ischemic stroke were included and stratified on the basis of race, income, and primary payer. Trends in endovascular thrombectomy use, good outcome (discharge to home/acute rehabilitation), and poor outcome (discharge to skilled nursing facility, hospice, in-hospital mortality) were studied using univariate and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: In this analysis of 1,322,162 patients, endovascular thrombectomy use increased from 53/111,829 (0.05%) to 3054/146,650 (2.08%) between 2006 and 2016, respectively. Less increase was observed in black patients from 4/12,733 (0.03%) to 401/23,836 (1.68%) and those in the lowest income quartile from 10/819 (0.03%) to 819/44,984 (1.49%). Greater increase was observed in the highest income quartile from 18/22,138 (0.08%) to 669/27,991 (2.39%). Black race predicted less endovascular thrombectomy use (OR = 0.79; 95% CI, 0.72–0.86). The highest income group predicted endovascular thrombectomy use (OR = 1.24; 95% CI, 1.13–1.36) as did private insurance (OR = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.23–1.38). High income predicted good outcome (OR = 1.10; 95% CI. 1.06–1.14), as did private insurance (OR = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.31–1.39). Black race predicted poor outcome (OR = 1.33; 95% CI, 1.30–1.36). All results were statistically significant (P

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Radiomics provides a framework for automated extraction of high-dimensional feature sets from medical images. We aimed to determine radiomics signature correlates of admission clinical severity and medium-term outcome from intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) lesions on baseline head computed tomography (CT). METHODS We used the ATACH-2 (Antihypertensive Treatment of Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage II) trial dataset. Patients included in this analysis (n = 895) were randomly allocated to discovery (n = 448) and independent validation (n = 447) cohorts. We extracted 1130 radiomics features from hematoma lesions on baseline noncontrast head CT scans and generated radiomics signatures associated with admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. Spearman's correlation between radiomics signatures and corresponding target variables was compared with hematoma volume. RESULTS In the discovery cohort, radiomics signatures, compared to ICH volume, had a significantly stronger association with admission GCS (0.47 vs. 0.44, p = 0.008), admission NIHSS (0.69 vs. 0.57, p

Background and purpose The first pass effect has been reported as a mechanical thrombectomy (MT) success metric in patients with large vessel occlusive stroke. We aimed to compare the clinical and neuroimagign outcomes of patients who had favorable recanalization (mTICI 2c or mTICI 3) achieved in one pass versus those requiring multiple passes. Methods In this "real-world" multicenter study, patients with mTICI 2c or 3 recanalization were identified from three prospectively collected stroke databases from January 2016 to December 2019. Clinical outcomes were a favorable functional outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2), and the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) any ICH, and 90-day mortality. Results Favorable recanalization was achieved in 390/664 (59%) of consecutive patients who underwent MT (age 71.2 ± 13.2 years, 188 [48.2%] women). This was achieved after a single thrombectomy pass (n = 290) or multiple thrombectomy passes (n = 100). The rate of favorable clinical outcome was higher (41% vs. 28 %, p = .02) in the first pass group with a continued trend on multivariate analysis that did not reaching statistical significance (OR 1.68 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-2.95, p = .07). Similarly, the odds of any ICH were significantly lower (OR 0.56 CI 0.32-0.97, p = .03). A similar trend of favorable clinical outcomes was noticed on subgroup analysis of patients with M1 occlusion (OR 1.81 CI 1.01-3.61, p = .08). Conclusion The first-pass reperfusion was associated with a trend toward favorable clinical outcome and lower rates of ICH. These data suggest that the first-pass effect should be the mechanical thrombectomy procedure goal.

New York City has become the global epicenter of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite a massive shift in health care resources, cerebrovascular disease continues to be a substantial burden. We review the first 10 patients undergoing thrombectomy following a series of governmental and institutional policy changes diverting resources to the care of critically ill patients with COVID-19. Ten patients with emergent large-vessel occlusion underwent thrombectomy between March 23 and April 1, 2020. Five patients tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Successful reperfusion was achieved in 9 of 10 patients, at a median time of 37 minutes from vascular access. The postprocedural NIHSS score improved by an average of 7.7 points. Of the 5 patients positive for COVID-19, none have experienced a critical respiratory illness. We report the early incidence of COVID-19 positivity in patients with emergent large-vessel occlusion and demonstrate that thrombectomy continues to be an efficacious option, as well as safe for health care providers.

Background The safety and efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in distal vessel occlusion (DVO) are not well described. We aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of EVT in patients with DVO. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive DVOs (defined as M3/M4, A1/A2, and P1/P2 occlusion) who underwent EVT within 24 h since last known well. The primary efficacy outcome was successful reperfusion (mTICI ≥ 2B). Secondary outcomes included successful recanalization with ≤3 passes. The safety outcome measures included the rate of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), all intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and symptomatic ICH (sICH). Results A total of 72 patients with DVO was identified: 39 (54%) with M3/M4, 13 (18%) with A1/A2, and 20 (28%) with P1/P2 occlusions. Admission NIHSS score median (IQR) was 12 (11), and 90% of the patients had baseline mRS ≤ 2. Thirty-six percent of the patients received intravenous thrombolytic therapy. Successful recanalization was achieved in 90% of the patients. The median number of passes was 2, with successful recanalization achieved with ≤3 passes in 83% of the patients. ICH was seen in 16% of the patients, including three SAHs. However, only one patient (1.4%) had sICH. Among 48 patients in whom 90-day outcome data were available, 33 (53.2%) had favorable clinical outcome (mRS ≤ 3). In a multivariable logistic regression, only baseline NIHSS was identified as an independent predictor of poor outcome. Conclusion This single-center real-world experience demonstrates that EVT in patients with DVO stroke is safe and feasible and may lead to improved clinical outcome.

This meeting abstract was removed due to the OA licensing requirements of this journal. The full abstract is listed here : https://www.svin.org/files/SVIN_2021_Abstracts_for_Web.pdf

Background Fetal posterior cerebral artery (FPCA) occlusion is a rare but potentially disabling cause of stroke. While endovascular treatment is established for acute large vessel occlusion stroke, FPCA occlusions were excluded from acute ischemic stroke trials. We aim to report the feasibility, safety, and outcome of mechanical thrombectomy in acute FPCA occlusions. Methods We performed a multicenter retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy of acute FPCA occlusion. Primary FPCA occlusion was defined as an occlusion that was identified on the pre‐procedure computed tomography angiography or baseline angiogram whereas a secondary FPCA occlusion was defined as an occlusion that occurred secondary to embolization to a new territory after recanalization of a different large vessel occlusion. Demographics, clinical presentation, imaging findings, endovascular treatment, and outcome were reviewed. Results There were 25 patients with acute FPCA occlusion who underwent mechanical thrombectomy, distributed across 14 centers. Median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale on presentation was 16. There were 76% (19/25) of patients who presented with primary FPCA occlusion and 24% (6/25) of patients who had a secondary FPCA occlusion. The configuration of the FPCA was full in 64% patients and partial or “fetal‐type” in 36% of patients. FPCA occlusion was missed on initial computed tomography angiography in 21% of patients with primary FPCA occlusion (4/19). The site of occlusion was posterior communicating artery in 52%, P2 segment in 40% and P3 in 8% of patients. Thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b/3 reperfusion was achieved in 96% of FPCA patients. There were no intraprocedural complications. At 90 days, 48% (12/25) were functionally independent as defined by modified Rankin scale≤2. Conclusions Endovascular treatment of acute FPCA occlusion is safe and technically feasible. A high index of suspicion is important to detect occlusion of the FPCA in patients presenting with anterior circulation stroke syndrome and patent anterior circulation. Novelty and significance This is the first multicenter study showing that thrombectomy of FPCA occlusion is feasible and safe.

This meeting abstract was removed due to the OA licensing requirements of this journal. The full abstract is listed here : https://www.svin.org/files/SVIN_2021_Abstracts_for_Web.pdf

BackgroundArtificial intelligence (AI) software is increasingly applied in stroke diagnostics. However, the actual performance of AI tools for identifying large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke in real time in a real-world setting has not been fully studied.ObjectiveTo determine the accuracy of AI software in a real-world, three-tiered multihospital stroke network.MethodsAll consecutive head and neck CT angiography (CTA) scans performed during stroke codes and run through an AI software engine (Viz LVO) between May 2019 and October 2020 were prospectively collected. CTA readings by radiologists served as the clinical reference standard test and Viz LVO output served as the index test. Accuracy metrics were calculated.ResultsOf a total of 1822 CTAs performed, 190 occlusions were identified; 142 of which were internal carotid artery terminus (ICA-T), middle cerebral artery M1, or M2 locations. Accuracy metrics were analyzed for two different groups: ICA-T and M1 ±M2. For the ICA-T/M1 versus the ICA-T/M1/M2 group, sensitivity was 93.8% vs 74.6%, specificity was 91.1% vs 91.1%, negative predictive value was 99.7% vs 97.6%, accuracy was 91.2% vs 89.8%, and area under the curve was 0.95 vs 0.86, respectively. Detection rates for ICA-T, M1, and M2 occlusions were 100%, 93%, and 49%, respectively. As expected, the algorithm offered better detection rates for proximal occlusions than for mid/distal M2 occlusions (58% vs 28%, p=0.03).ConclusionsThese accuracy metrics support Viz LVO as a useful adjunct tool in stroke diagnostics. Fast and accurate diagnosis with high negative predictive value mitigates missing potentially salvageable patients.

Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven software has been developed and become commercially available within the past few years for the detection of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and chronic cerebral microbleeds (CMBs). However, there is currently no systematic review that summarizes all of these tools or provides pooled estimates of their performance.In this PROSPERO-registered, PRISMA compliant systematic review, we sought to compile and review all MEDLINE and EMBASE published studies that have developed and/or tested AI algorithms for ICH detection on non-contrast CT scans (NCCTs) or MRI scans and CMBs detection on MRI scans.In total, 40 studies described AI algorithms for ICH detection in NCCTs/MRIs and 19 for CMBs detection in MRIs. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 92.06%, 93.54%, and 93.46%, respectively, for ICH detection and 91.6%, 93.9%, and 92.7% for CMBs detection. Some of the challenges encountered in the development of these algorithms include the laborious work of creating large, labeled and balanced datasets, the volumetric nature of the imaging examinations, the fine tuning of the algorithms, and the reduction in false positives.Numerous AI-driven software tools have been developed over the last decade. On average, they are characterized by high performance and expert-level accuracy for the diagnosis of ICH and CMBs. As a result, implementing these tools in clinical practice may improve workflow and act as a failsafe for the detection of such lesions. REGISTRATION-URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ Unique Identifier: CRD42021246848.

Background Among prognostic imaging variables, the hematoma volume on admission computed tomography (CT) has long been considered the strongest predictor of outcome and mortality in intracerebral hemorrhage. Aims To examine whether different features of hematoma shape are associated with functional outcome in deep intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods We analyzed 790 patients from the ATACH-2 trial, and 14 shape features were quantified. We calculated Spearman’s Rho to assess the correlation between shape features and three-month modified Rankin scale (mRS) score, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to quantify the association between shape features and poor outcome defined as mRS>2 as well as mRS > 3. Results Among 14 shape features, the maximum intracerebral hemorrhage diameter in the coronal plane was the strongest predictor of functional outcome, with a maximum coronal diameter >∼3.5 cm indicating higher three-month mRS scores. The maximum coronal diameter versus hematoma volume yielded a Rho of 0.40 versus 0.35 ( p = 0.006), an AUC[mRS>2] of 0.71 versus 0.68 ( p = 0.004), and an AUC[mRS>3] of 0.71 versus 0.69 ( p = 0.029). In multiple regression analysis adjusted for known outcome predictors, the maximum coronal diameter was independently associated with three-month mRS (p Conclusions A coronal-plane maximum diameter measurement offers greater prognostic value in deep intracerebral hemorrhage than hematoma volume. This simple shape metric may expedite assessment of admission head CTs, offer a potential biomarker for hematoma size eligibility criteria in clinical trials, and may substitute volume in prognostic intracerebral hemorrhage scoring systems.