scholarly journals Acute confusional state as a prognostic sign of COVID-19 large-vessel occlusion (LVO)

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. e240536
Author(s):  
Smit Sunil Deliwala ◽  
Murtaza Hussain ◽  
Anoosha Ponnapalli ◽  
Dominic Awuah ◽  
Thair Dawood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
De Novo ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Organ Damage ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Antigenic Structure ◽  
Left Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Care Pathways ◽  
Acute Confusional State ◽  
Confusional State ◽  
Vessel Occlusion

COVID-19 is well known for its respiratory symptoms, but severe presentations can alter haemostasis, causing acute end-organ damage with poor outcomes. Among its various neurological presentations, cerebrovascular events often present as small-vessel strokes. Although uncommon, in predisposed individuals, large-vessel occlusions (LVOs) can occur as a possible consequence of direct viral action (viral burden or antigenic structure) or virus-induced cytokine storm. Subtle presentations and complicated stroke care pathways continue to exist, delaying timely care. We present a unique case of COVID-19 LVO manifesting as an acute confusional state in an elderly man in April 2020. CT angiography revealed 'de novo' occlusions of the left internal carotid artery and proximal right vertebral artery, effectively blocking anterior and posterior circulations. Delirium can lead to inaccurate stroke scale assessments and prolong initiation of COVID-19 stroke care pathways. Future studies are needed to look into the temporal relationship between confusion and neurological manifestations.

Impact of RapidAI mobile application on treatment times in patients with large vessel occlusion

2021 ◽  
pp. neurintsurg-2021-017365
Author(s):  
Mais Al-Kawaz ◽  
Christopher Primiani ◽  
Victor Urrutia ◽  
Ferdinand Hui
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Application ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Adjusted Model

BackgroundCurrent efforts to reduce door to groin puncture time (DGPT) aim to optimize clinical outcomes in stroke patients with large vessel occlusions (LVOs). The RapidAI mobile application (Rapid Mobile App) provides quick access to perfusion and vessel imaging in patients with LVOs. We hypothesize that utilization of RapidAI mobile application can significantly reduce treatment times in stroke care by accelerating the process of mobilizing stroke clinicians and interventionalists.MethodsWe analyzed patients presenting with LVOs between June 2019 and October 2020. Thirty-one patients were treated between June 2019 and March 2020 (pre-app group). Thirty-three patients presented between March 2020 and October 2020 (post-app group). Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to examine variables that are not normally distributed. In a secondary analysis we analyzed interhospital time metrics between primary stroke centers and our comprehensive stroke center.ResultsBaseline demographic and vascular risk factors were similar in both groups. Use of Rapid Mobile App resulted in 33 min reduction in DGPT (P=0.02), 35 min reduction in door to first pass time (P=0.02), and 37 min reduction in door to recanalization time (P=0.02) in univariate analyses when compared with patients treated pre-app. In a multiple linear regression model, utilization of Rapid Mobile App significantly predicted shorter DGPT (P=0.002). In an adjusted model, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) 24 hours after procedure and at discharge were significantly lower in the post-app group (P=0.03). Time of transfer between primary and comprehensive stroke center was comparable in both groups (P=0.26).ConclusionIn patients with LVOs, the implementation of the RapidAI mobile application was independently associated with reductions in intrahospital treatment times.

Detection of Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke in the Prehospital Setting

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura C.C. van Meenen ◽  
Maritta N. van Stigt ◽  
Arjen Siegers ◽  
Martin D. Smeekes ◽  
Joffry A.F. van Grondelle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Prehospital Setting ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
User Friendliness ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Good Diagnostic Accuracy

A reliable and fast instrument for prehospital detection of large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke would be a game-changer in stroke care, because it would enable direct transportation of LVO stroke patients to the nearest comprehensive stroke center for endovascular treatment. This strategy would substantially improve treatment times and thus clinical outcomes of patients. Here, we outline our view on the requirements of an effective prehospital LVO detection method, namely: high diagnostic accuracy; fast application and interpretation; user-friendliness; compactness; and low costs. We argue that existing methods for prehospital LVO detection, including clinical scales, mobile stroke units and transcranial Doppler, do not fulfill all criteria, hindering broad implementation of these methods. Instead, electroencephalography may be suitable for prehospital LVO detection since in-hospital studies have shown that quantification of hypoxia-induced changes in the electroencephalography signal have good diagnostic accuracy for LVO stroke. Although performing electroencephalography measurements in the prehospital setting comes with challenges, solutions for fast and simple application of this method are available. Currently, the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of electroencephalography in the prehospital setting are being investigated in clinical trials.

scholarly journals Epidemiological Surveillance of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Stroke Care Using Artificial Intelligence

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raul G. Nogueira ◽  
Jason M. Davies ◽  
Rishi Gupta ◽  
Ameer E. Hassan ◽  
Thomas Devlin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Systems Of Care ◽  
Ct Perfusion ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Impact

Background and Purpose: The degree to which the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected systems of care, in particular, those for time-sensitive conditions such as stroke, remains poorly quantified. We sought to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 in the overall screening for acute stroke utilizing a commercial clinical artificial intelligence platform. Methods: Data were derived from the Viz Platform, an artificial intelligence application designed to optimize the workflow of patients with acute stroke. Neuroimaging data on suspected patients with stroke across 97 hospitals in 20 US states were collected in real time and retrospectively analyzed with the number of patients undergoing imaging screening serving as a surrogate for the amount of stroke care. The main outcome measures were the number of computed tomography (CT) angiography, CT perfusion, large vessel occlusions (defined according to the automated software detection), and severe strokes on CT perfusion (defined as those with hypoperfusion volumes >70 mL) normalized as number of patients per day per hospital. Data from the prepandemic (November 4, 2019 to February 29, 2020) and pandemic (March 1 to May 10, 2020) periods were compared at national and state levels. Correlations were made between the inter-period changes in imaging screening, stroke hospitalizations, and thrombectomy procedures using state-specific sampling. Results: A total of 23 223 patients were included. The incidence of large vessel occlusion on CT angiography and severe strokes on CT perfusion were 11.2% (n=2602) and 14.7% (n=1229/8328), respectively. There were significant declines in the overall number of CT angiographies (−22.8%; 1.39–1.07 patients/day per hospital, P <0.001) and CT perfusion (−26.1%; 0.50–0.37 patients/day per hospital, P <0.001) as well as in the incidence of large vessel occlusion (−17.1%; 0.15–0.13 patients/day per hospital, P <0.001) and severe strokes on CT perfusion (−16.7%; 0.12–0.10 patients/day per hospital, P <0.005). The sampled cohort showed similar declines in the rates of large vessel occlusions versus thrombectomy (18.8% versus 19.5%, P =0.9) and comprehensive stroke center hospitalizations (18.8% versus 11.0%, P =0.4). Conclusions: A significant decline in stroke imaging screening has occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. This analysis underscores the broader application of artificial intelligence neuroimaging platforms for the real-time monitoring of stroke systems of care.

Abstract TMP8: Predictors of Large Vessel Occlusion in Kaiser Stroke EXPRESS Program

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey G Klingman ◽  
Anne C Kim ◽  
Meghan Hatfield ◽  
Benjamin Wilson ◽  
Lauren Klingman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
Kaiser Permanente ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Stroke Treatment ◽  
Improved Outcomes

Background: In 2015, trials showed that rapid endovascular stroke treatment (EST) of qualified patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) resulted in improved outcomes over treatment with IV tPA alone. In 2015, Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) redesigned its acute stroke care work flow for its 21 stroke centers, which included expedited IV t-pa treatment, rapid CTA investigation, expedited transfer of appropriate patients for EST. We assessed for predictors of LVO post-implementation. Methods: The KPNC Stroke EXPRESS program was live in all centers by January 2016. Using clinical data for 1/1/16 - 7/10/16, we evaluated the frequency and locations of LVO, and patient characteristics of those with LVO. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine whether age, gender, race, or an NIHSS ≥ 8 are predictors of LVO. Results: There were 2,204 tele-stroke alert cases from the ED. Among 993 (39.3%) that proceeded as likely acute stroke, 812 (81.8%) were evaluated with CTA. Out of those who had a CTA, 152 (18.7%) were found to have LVO as followed: 27 (17.8%) ICA, 87 (57.2%) M1, 24 (15.8%) M2, 6 (4.0%) basilar, 5 (3.3%) PCA, and 3 (2.0%) vertebral. Of those with LVO, 97 (63.8%) were treated with EST. Patients with LVO had a higher median NIHSS (15 vs. 5 in those without LVO). Neglect (27% vs. 7%) and gaze deviation (16% vs. 1%) were more likely to be seen among those with LVO and treated with EST compared to those without LVO. In multivariate analysis, age (OR=1.02, 95% CI 1.00 - 1.03, p=0.01) and NIHSS ≥8 (OR = 4.99, 95% CI 3.32- 7.49, p < 0.001) were associated with LVO. PPV for NIHSS ≥8 was 75.7%. Conclusions: In our large multi-ethnic population of acute stroke patients, a relatively small percentage (19%) was found to have LVO and only a subset qualified for EST. Predictors of LVO included NIHSS ≥8, increasing age, and presence of neglect and gaze preference. Given the low numbers of patients brought in for acute stroke treatment who ended up with a LVO requiring EST, further research is needed to assess a given system’s ability to rapidly evaluate and transfer as appropriate for EST rather than paramedic based diversion.

Abstract P474: Functional Outcomes and Regional Significance of Ischemic Lesions After Thrombectomy for Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert W Regenhardt ◽  
Anna K Bonkhoff ◽  
Martin Bretzner ◽  
Mark R Etherton ◽  
Alvin S Das ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Bayesian Regression ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
White Matter Tracts ◽  
Subcortical Nuclei

Introduction: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has revolutionized large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke care. However, over half remain functionally disabled or die despite treatment. Understanding outcomes may influence EVT selection, novel therapies, and prognostication. We sought to identify associations between outcomes and brain regions involved in ischemic lesions. Methods: For consecutive LVO patients with post-EVT MRI, acute ischemic lesions were manually segmented from DWI and spatially normalized. Individual lesion volumes were automatically parcellated (atlas-defined 94 cortical regions, 14 subcortical nuclei, 20 white matter tracts) and then reduced to ten anatomically plausible lesion patterns using unsupervised dimensionality reduction techniques. Ninety-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was modeled via Bayesian regression, taking the ten lesion patterns as inputs and controlling for lesion size, age, sex, acute NIH Stroke Scale, alteplase, and TICI 2b-3 reperfusion. Results: We identified 153 LVO patients with mean age 68±15 years and 51% female. Median NIHSS was 16 (IQR 13-20), 56% received alteplase, and 84% achieved TICI2b-3. The lesion patterns predictive of 90-day mRS involved bilateral subcortical nuclei, pre- and postcentral gyri, insular and opercular cortex, as well as left-sided inferior frontal and angular gyri ( Figure 1A ). Lesions affecting white matter tracts had the highest relevance predicting 90-day mRS ( Figure 1B ). Conclusions: These data describe the significance for outcomes of specific brain regions involved in ischemic lesions on MRI after EVT. Future work in additional datasets is needed to confirm these granular findings.

scholarly journals Stroke Intervention: Geographic Disparities in Acute Stroke Care and the Role of Interventional Cardiology

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
Interventional Cardiology ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Geographic Disparities

Stroke is the second-leading cause of death and a major cause of disability worldwide. The majority of strokes are ischaemic, and effective therapy to achieve reperfusion includes intravenous thrombolysis and, for proximal large vessel occlusion strokes, endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (MT). There has been a paradigm shift in acute stroke care, driven by a series of randomised controlled trials demonstrating that timely reperfusion with MT results in superior outcomes compared to intravenous thrombolysis in patients with large vessel occlusion strokes. There are significant geographic disparities in delivering acute stroke care because of the maldistribution of neurointerventional specialists. There are now several case series demonstrating the feasibility and safety of first medical contact MT by carotid stent-capable interventional cardiologists and noninvasive neurologists working on stroke teams, which is a solution to the uneven distribution of neurointerventionalists and allows stroke interventions to be delivered in local communities.

scholarly journals CT perfusion: stroke, seizure or both?

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. e245723
Author(s):  
Elizebath Davies ◽  
Fathalla Elnagi ◽  
Thomas Smith
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Small Vessel Disease ◽  
Ct Perfusion ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Arterial Calcification ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
History Of ◽  
Stroke Mimic

An 88-year-old male with a history of hypertension, ischaemic heart disease and Bell’s palsy presented with symptoms and signs of an acute ischaemic stroke. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 19 at presentation, indicative of potential large vessel occlusion. The initial CT scan revealed evidence of small vessel disease and arterial calcification. As there were no contraindications, he received thrombolytic treatment. CT angiography and CT perfusion imaging were performed in preparation for possible thrombectomy. There was no evidence of a large vessel thrombus, and changes on CT perfusion were suggestive of seizure activity, with relative hyperperfusion on the cerebral hemisphere of interest. Post thrombolysis, his NIHSS was 5. An MR scan revealed evidence of bilateral thalamic infarcts. After a period of rehabilitation, he was discharged home and independently mobile but with cognitive impairment.Acute stroke care increasingly uses multimodal imaging to confirm the clinical diagnosis and help optimise initial emergency management. Such imaging is useful in determining whether the presentation is a vascular event or stroke mimic. Moreover, seizures complicate and mimic acute strokes, which can lead to therapeutic uncertainty. This case highlights the increasingly sophisticated investigation of patients presenting with suspected acute stroke, with the attendant need for accurate interpretation by experienced clinicians.

scholarly journals Periprocedural Management During Stroke Thrombectomy

Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 97 (20 Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. S105-S114
Author(s):  
Claus Z. Simonsen ◽  
Julian Bösel ◽  
Mads Rasmussen
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Randomized Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Pressure Control ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Neurologic Outcomes ◽  
Periprocedural Stroke

Purpose of ReviewEndovascular therapy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion is a powerful and evidence-based tool to achieve reperfusion and results in improved neurologic outcome. Focus has now shifted toward optimizing the procedure. We reviewed the relevant current literature on periprocedural stroke care such as pretreatment with IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), choice of anesthesia, ventilation strategy, and blood pressure management.Recent FindingsIV tPA should not be withheld in a patients with stroke eligible for EVT. A meta-analysis of randomized trials on general anesthesia (GA) vs procedural sedation has shown better neurologic outcomes with protocol-based GA in centers with dedicated neuroanesthesia teams. There are no data from randomized trials on blood pressure control, but according to available evidence, systolic blood pressure should probably be held at >140 mm Hg during the procedure and <160 mm Hg after reperfusion. In ventilated patients, extreme deviations from normoxemia and normocapnia should be avoided.SummaryPeriprocedural care influences the outcome after EVT for large vessel ischemic stroke. More evidence from prospective ongoing and future studies is urgently needed to identify its optimization.

scholarly journals Secondary Medium Vessel Occlusions

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayank Goyal ◽  
Manon Kappelhof ◽  
Rosalie McDonough ◽  
Johanna Maria Ospel
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Medium vessel occlusions (MeVOs, ie, M2, M3, A2, A3, P2, and P3 segment occlusions) are increasingly recognized as a target for endovascular treatment in acute ischemic stroke. It is important to note that not all MeVOs are equal. Primary MeVOs occur de novo with the underlying mechanisms being very similar to large vessel occlusion strokes. Secondary MeVOs arise from large vessel occlusions through clot migration or fragmentation, either spontaneously or following treatment with intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular treatment. Currently, there are little data on the prevalence, management, and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke due to secondary MeVOs. This type of stroke is, however, likely to become more relevant in the future as indications for endovascular treatment continue to broaden. In this article, we describe different types of secondary MeVOs, imaging findings associated with them, challenges related to the diagnosis of secondary MeVOs, and their potential implications for treatment strategies and clinical outcomes.

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