Background:
Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large artery occlusion (LAO) with high NIHSS (>10), especially in internal carotid artery terminus (ICA-T) are resistant to IV thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy is associated with better recanalization rates. IV thrombolysis in large clot burden (>8mm) (LCB) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is associated with poor recanalization and may impact outcome. However, thrombectomy in AIS with LAO within 3 hours is performed as secondary therapy after IV thrombolysis. Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and recanalization rate of primary thrombectomy within 3 hours in AIS with NIHSS >10 from occlusion of MCA with LCB. Additionally, we like to report the functional outcome. Methods: Based on institutionally approved protocol patients with LAO (ICA-T, MCA, vertebral-basilar artery) with LCB within 3 hours were offered primary thrombectomy as an alternative to IV rtPA. They were entered into a stroke database. Patients who underwent primary MCA thrombectomy within 3 hours from 2012 to 2014 were retrospectively analyzed using SAS software. Outcomes were measured using modified Rankin Scale (mRS).Results: 10 patients with MCA occlusion ;mean age 65±15.87 years and mean NIHSS 16±; chose primary thrombectomy after informed consent. Thrombectomy was performed using stent-retriever device in addition to intra-arterial rtPA (2-4 mg). Mean number of passes was 1.4±.7. Near complete (TICI2b) and complete (TICI3) recanalization was observed in all patients. Mean time to recanalization from symptoms onset was 160±37 minutes. Immediate post-thrombectomy, 24 hour and 30 day NIHSS score was 2.6±1.4, 1.9±3.7 and 0 respectively. There was no procedure related complication. Asymptomatic perfusion related hemorrhage developed in 3 patients. 30 day good outcome was observed in all cases (mRS0= 30%, mRS1=50%, mRS2=20%).Conclusion: Our pilot study demonstrates that primary thrombectomy in AIS due to MCA occlusion with LCB is not only feasible and safe, but associated with complete recanalization and good functional outcome. Larger randomized controlled studies are needed.
ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION IN YOUNG-ONSET CRYPTOGENIC ISCHEMIC STROKE: A PROSPECTIVE PILOT STUDY
