scholarly journals Stroke vision, aphasia, neglect (VAN) assessment—a novel emergent large vessel occlusion screening tool: pilot study and comparison with current clinical severity indices

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed S Teleb ◽  
Anna Ver Hage ◽  
Jaqueline Carter ◽  
Mahesh V Jayaraman ◽  
Ryan A McTaggart
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Nihss Score

BackgroundIdentification of emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) stroke has become increasingly important with the recent publications of favorable acute stroke thrombectomy trials. Multiple screening tools exist but the length of the examination and the false positive rate range from good to adequate. A screening tool was designed and tested in the emergency department using nurse responders without a scoring system.MethodsThe vision, aphasia, and neglect (VAN) screening tool was designed to quickly assess functional neurovascular anatomy. While objective, there is no need to calculate or score with VAN. After training participating nurses to use it, VAN was used as an ELVO screen for all stroke patients on arrival to our emergency room before physician evaluation and CT scan.ResultsThere were 62 consecutive code stroke activations during the pilot study. 19 (31%) of the patients were VAN positive and 24 (39%) had a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of ≥6. All 14 patients with ELVO were either VAN positive or assigned a NIHSS score ≥6. While both clinical severity thresholds had 100% sensitivity, VAN was more specific (90% vs 74% for NIHSS ≥6). Similarly, while VAN and NIHSS ≥6 had 100% negative predictive value, VAN had a 74% positive predictive value while NIHSS ≥6 had only a 58% positive predictive value.ConclusionsThe VAN screening tool accurately identified ELVO patients and outperformed a NIHSS ≥6 severity threshold and may best allow clinical teams to expedite care and mobilize resources for ELVO patients. A larger study to both validate this screening tool and compare with others is warranted.

Abstract P514: Clinically Approximated Hypoperfused Tissue in Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shashvat Desai ◽  
Santiago Ortega ◽  
Sunil Sheth ◽  
Mudassir Farooqui ◽  
Victor Lopez Rivera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conversion Factor ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Late Time ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Nihss Score ◽  
Derivation Cohort

Introduction: Patient selection for thrombectomy of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the delayed time window (>6 hours) is dependent on delineation of clinical-core mismatch or radiological target mismatch using perfusion imaging. Selection paradigms not involving advanced imaging and software processing may reduce time to treatment and broaden eligibility. We aim to develop a conversion factor to approximately determine the volume of hypoperfused tissue using the NIHSS score [CAT volume (clinically approximated tissue)] and explore its ability to identify patients eligible for thrombectomy in the late time window. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of anterior circulation LVO strokes at three comprehensive stroke centers. Demographic, clinical (NIHSS score, TLKW-time last known well) and imaging [computed tomography with perfusion (CTP) processed using RAPID, IschemaView] information was analyzed. A conversion factor, which is a multiple of the NIHSS score (one multiple for NIHSS score <10 and another for NIHSS score ≥10), was derived to calculate CAT volumes. Accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) of CAT-based thrombectomy eligibility criteria (similar to DEFUSE-3 criteria but using CAT volume instead of Tmax >6 seconds volume) was tested using DEFUSE-3 criteria eligibility as a gold standard. Result: Of the 309 LVO strokes [mean age of 70 ±14, 46% male, median NIHSS 16 (12-20)] included in this study, 38% of patients arrived beyond 6 hours of TLKW. Conversion factors derived (derivation cohort-center A:187) based on median (50 th percentile) values of Tmax >6s volume for NIHSS <10 subgroup was 15 and for NIHSS ≥10 subgroup was 6. Subsequently calculated CAT volume-based eligibility criteria yielded a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 92% in detecting DEFUSE-3 eligible patients (AUC-0.92 CI-0.82-1) in the validation cohort (center B and C:122). Conclusions: Clinical severity of stroke (NIHSS score) may be used to calculate the volume of hypoperfused tissue during LVO stroke. Clinically approximated hypoperfused tissue (CAT) volumes for NIHSS score <10 (using a factor of 15) and ≥10 (using a factor of 6) subgroups can accurately identify DEFUSE-3 eligible patients.

Abstract T MP59: Texas Stroke Intervention Pre-Hospital Stroke Severity Scale (aka LEGS score): A Triaging Tool for Interventional Stroke Therapy

Stroke ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Venizelos ◽  
Sherman Chen ◽  
Ryan Gianatasio ◽  
Stewart Coffman ◽  
Mark Gamber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Good Predictor ◽  
Mr Angiography ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Severity Scale ◽  
Vessel Occlusion

Introduction: A pre-hospital stroke severity scale that correlates well with an NIHSS of 10 or greater as well as with large vessel occlusions, but is easier and faster to perform than full NIHSS, would be a very useful triaging tool to emergency medical services (EMS). The LEGS score (Lower extremity strength, Eyes/visual fields, Gaze deviation, Speech difficulty) is a 16-point pre-hospital stroke severity scale that is a shortened NIHSS-5. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that the LEGS score was a useful pre-hospital stroke severity scoring system to identify large vessel acute ischemic strokes. Methods: The LEGS score (0-16) and NIHSS (0-42) were performed in the emergency department over a 6-month period. We retrospectively reviewed those charts for correlation to an NIHSS of 10 or greater and evidence of large-vessel occlusion on either CT or MR Angiography within 48 hours of last known normal. Results: A total of 181 consecutive ischemic stroke patients were evaluated. LEGS score 4 or greater was a good predictor of an NIHSS of 10 or greater (59/181; positive predictive value 92%; and specificity 95%) and false positives noted was 5/181. LEGS score of less than 4 was a good predictor of an NIHSS of less than 10 (108/181; negative predictive value 91%; and sensitivity 95%) and false negatives noted was 10/181. Of those patients 155 underwent intracranial vascular imaging. LEGS score of less than 4 was a good test to rule-out large vessel occlusion (negative predictive value of 86%; 89/103), but had modest sensitivity (69%; 31/45) and positive predictive value (60%; 31/52). The LEGS score of 4 or greater, however, was fairly specific for determining large-vessel occlusions at 81% (89/110). Conclusions: LEGS score of 4 or greater has good correlation with an NIHSS of 10 or greater as well as modest correlation with large vessel occlusion on CT or MR Angiography. This shortened NIHSS-5 may be a useful pre-hospital indicator of patients who may benefit from endovascular intervention.

scholarly journals Correlation of Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score With Computed Tomography Perfusion Core in Large Vessel Occlusion in Delayed Time Windows

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sriharsha Voleti ◽  
Johnathan Vidovich ◽  
Brendan Corcoran ◽  
Bin Zhang ◽  
Vivek Khandwala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Time Windows ◽  
Interquartile Range ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Moderate Correlation ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Delayed Time

Background and Purpose: The Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography (CT) Score (ASPECTS) and CT perfusion (CTP) are commonly used to predict the ischemic core in acute ischemic strokes. CT angiography source images (CTA-SI) can also provide additional information to identify the extent of ischemia. Our objective was to investigate the correlation of noncontrast CT (NCCT) ASPECTS and CTA-SI ASPECTS with CTP core volumes. Methods: We utilized a single institutional, retrospective registry of consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion between May 2016 and May 2018. We graded ASPECTS both on baseline NCCT and CTA-SI and measured CTP core using automated RAPID software (cerebral blood flow <30%). We used Spearman’s correlation coefficients to evaluate the correlation between continuous variables. Results: A total of 52 patients fit the inclusion criteria of large vessel occlusion in 6 to 24 hours and baseline imaging work up of NCCT, CTA, and CTP. The median age was 63 (interquartile range=53.5–75) and 38.46% were female. The median NCCT ASPECTS was 7 (interquartile range=6–9), CTA-SI ASPECTS was 5 (interquartile range=4–7), and CTP core was 14.5 mL (interquartile range=0–46 mL). There was a moderate correlation between NCCT ASPECTS and CTP core (r s =−0.55, P <0.0001) and between CTA-SI ASPECTS and CTP core (r s =−0.50, P =0.0002). The optimal NCCT ASPECTS cutoff score to detect CTP core ≤70 mL was ≥6 (sensitivity, 0.84; specificity, 0.57; positive predictive value, 0.93; negative predictive value, 0.36) and the optimal CTA-SI ASPECTS was ≥5 (sensitivity, 0.76; specificity, 0.71; positive predictive value, 0.94; negative predictive value, 0.31). Conclusions: There was a moderate correlation between NCCT and CTA-SI ASPECTS in predicting CTP defined ischemic core in delayed time windows. Further studies are needed to determine if NCCT and CTA imaging could be used for image-based patient selection when CTP imaging is not available.

Positive predictive value and stroke workflow outcomes using automated vessel density (RAPID-CTA) in stroke patients: One year experience

2021 ◽  
pp. 197140092110123
Author(s):  
Julie Adhya ◽  
Charles Li ◽  
Laura Eisenmenger ◽  
Russell Cerejo ◽  
Ashis Tayal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Vessel Density ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
One Year ◽  
Density Threshold

Purpose Several new techniques have emerged for detecting anterior circulation large vessel occlusion by quantifying relative vessel density including RAPID-CTA, potentially allowing for faster triage and decreased time to mechanical thrombectomy. We present our one-year experience on positive predictive value of RAPID-CTA for the detection of large vessel occlusion in patients presenting with stroke symptoms and its effect on treatment time and clinical outcomes. Materials and methods Three hundred and ten patients presenting with stroke symptoms with relative vessel density <60% on RAPID-CTA were included (average age 70 years, 145 male, 165 female). Examinations were considered positive if there was evidence of large vessel occlusion or high grade stenosis. Computed tomography angiography to groin puncture time was calculated during one-year time intervals before and after RAPID-CTA installation. Ninety-day Modified Rankin Scale scores were obtained for patients in each cohort. Results Of the 310 patients, 270 had large vessel occlusion or high grade stenosis (87% positive predictive value), with 161 having large vessel occlusion. Using 45% relative vessel density threshold, 129/161 large vessel occlusion were detected (80% sensitivity) and 163/172 examinations were positive (95% positive predictive value). Computed tomography angiography to groin puncture time was significantly lower after deployment of RAPID-CTA (93 min vs 68 min, p<0.05). Average 90 day modified Rankin Scale score was lower in the RAPID-CTA group with a higher percentage of patients with functional independence, although the data was not statistically significant. Conclusion RAPID-CTA had high positive predictive value for large vessel occlusion with a 45% relative vessel density threshold, which could facilitate active worklist reprioritization. Time to treatment was significantly lower and clinical outcomes were improved after deployment of RAPID-CTA.

Abstract TMP62: Utility of the Los Angeles Motor Scale to Identify Emergency Large Vessel Occlusion in Acute Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Prasannna Tadi ◽  
Pranav Reddy ◽  
Sravanthi Pemmasani ◽  
Nasir Fakhri ◽  
Matthew Siket ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Los Angeles ◽  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Imaging ◽  
Los Angeles Motor Scale

Introduction: Stroke is a common medical emergency. The outcome depends upon access to stroke specialists, rapid scanning, assessment, and treatments. Identification of large vessel occlusion (LVO) is critical in the selection of patients for emergency embolectomy (clot removal) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. A pre-hospital stroke severity scale, such as the Los Angeles Motor Scale (LAMS) may have utility in selecting appropriate patients for CTA, while minimizing radiation exposure risk to the population as a whole. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 249 consecutive code stroke activations at a comprehensive stroke center during a 3.5 month period using a LAMS cutoff of ≥4 to trigger CTA acquisition. We determined the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of using LAMS to detect large vessel occlusion (LVO). Gold standard was any vessel imaging within 24 hours. Inter-rater reliability of LAMS scoring was determined by blinded scoring of physical exam data from the chart by 3 neurovascular physicians. Results: There were 249 code stroke activations during the study period: 91 acute CTAs were recommended based on LAMS scoring. 20 large vessel occlusions were detected. 158 patients did not have a CTA acutely; none had a LVO during subsequent vessel imaging. The sensitivity is 100%, negative predictive value 100%, specificity 69%, positive predictive value 22% of the LAMS triage method. Inter-rater Reliability: Shrout-Fleiss pairwise weighted kappa coefficients between the three raters on LAMS scores were 0.67, 0.55, and 0.62. Kappa coefficients for pairs of raters when LAMS were dichotomized as <3 vs 4-5 were 0.64, 0.50, and 0.71. Clinically meaningful disagreements were evident. Conclusions: Accuracy and ease-of-use makes LAMS an ideal clinical tool to rapidly assess acute stroke patients for LVO and emergency mechanical thrombectomy. LAMS demonstrated excellent sensitivity in excluding patients who did not have a LVO. Appropriate training is required to ensure accuracy of LAMS scoring by providers.

scholarly journals Clinically Approximated Hypoperfused Tissue in Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shashvat M. Desai ◽  
Santiago Ortega-Gutierrez ◽  
Sunil A. Sheth ◽  
Mudassir Farooqui ◽  
Victor Lopez-Rivera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Conversion Factor ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Late Time ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Nihss Score

Background and Purpose: Patient selection for thrombectomy of acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion in the delayed time window (>6 hours) is dependent on delineation of clinical-core mismatch or radiological target mismatch using perfusion imaging. Selection paradigms not involving advanced imaging and software processing may reduce time to treatment and broaden eligibility. We aim to develop a conversion factor to approximately determine the volume of hypoperfused tissue using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (clinically approximated hypoperfused tissue [CAT] volume) and explore its ability to identify patients eligible for thrombectomy in the late-time window. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of anterior circulation large vessel occlusion strokes at 3 comprehensive stroke centers. Demographic, clinical, and imaging (computed tomography perfusion processed using RAPID, IschemaView) information was analyzed. A conversion factor, which is a multiple of the NIHSS score (for NIHSS score <10 and ≥10), was derived from an initial cohort to calculate CAT volumes. Accuracy of CAT-based thrombectomy eligibility criteria (using CAT volume instead of Tmax >6 seconds volume) was tested using DEFUSE-3 criteria (Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for Ischemic Stroke 3) eligibility as a gold standard in an independent cohort. Results: Of the 309 large vessel occlusion strokes (age, 70±14, 46% male, median NIHSS 16 [12–20]) included in this study, 38% of patients arrived beyond 6 hours of time from last known well. Conversion factors derived (derivation cohort-center A: 187) based on median values of Tmax>6 second volume for NIHSS score <10 subgroup was 15 and for NIHSS score ≥10 subgroup was 6. Subsequently calculated CAT volume–based eligibility criteria yielded a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 92% in detecting DEFUSE-3 eligible patients (area under the curve, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.82–1]) in the validation cohort (center B and C:122). Conclusions: Clinical severity of stroke (NIHSS score) may be used to calculate the volume of hypoperfused tissue during large vessel occlusion stroke. CAT volumes for NIHSS score <10 (using a factor of 15) and ≥10 (using a factor of 6) subgroups can accurately identify DEFUSE-3-eligible patients.

Abstract 1122‐000125: Underlying ICAD is Associated with Worse Outcome in Acute Large Vessel Occlusion Undergoing Endovascular Therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonam Thind ◽  
Ali Mansour ◽  
Scott Mendelson ◽  
Elisheva Coleman ◽  
James Brorson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Nihss Score ◽  
Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease ◽  
Poor Outcomes

Introduction : Acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) can be secondary to thromboembolism or underlying intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). Data on the management of LVO due to underlying ICAD are scarce. We hypothesized that patients with ICAD would have worse clinical outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy (MT) than those without ICAD. Methods : We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent MT for LVO in a large academic comprehensive stroke center between 01/2018 and 05/2021. Presence of underlying ICAD at the site of LVO was determined by the treating interventionalist. We compared outcomes including in‐hospital mortality and 90‐day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) between those with and without underlying ICAD, adjusting for relevant covariates using logistic regression. Results : Among 195 patients (mean age 67.4+15.1 years, 56.9% female, 81% black, median NIHSS score 15), underlying ICAD was present in 39 (20.0%). Stent‐retrievers were used 196 patients with only 3 having rescue stent placement. There were no significant differences in baseline factors amongst the two groups except diabetes was more common (69.2% vs. 49.7%, p = 0.028) and intravenous thrombolysis provided less often (17.9% vs. 36.5%, p = 0.027) in those with ICAD. TICI 2B or higher was achieved in 82.1% of ICAD compared with 94.3% of non‐ICAD patients (p = 0.012). Mortality was more common (50.0% vs. 30.8%, p = 0.025) and good functional outcome (mRS 0–2) at 90 days was less common (10.8% vs. 30.0%, p = 0.002) in the ICAD group. Adjusting for age, diabetes, intravenous thrombolysis, baseline NIHSS score, and final TICI score, underlying ICAD was an independent predictor of mRS 0–2 at 90 days (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.4‐14.2, p = 0.010). Conclusions : Underlying ICAD is associated with 4.5‐fold increase in poor functional outcome in patients with LVO undergoing traditional MT. Further research is needed to understand factors associated with poor outcomes investigate alternative interventional approaches and medical management in this high‐risk population.

Abstract 3314: The Role of Bridging with Intravenous Thrombolysis in Endovascular Therapy of Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Kass-Hout ◽  
Tareq Kass-Hout ◽  
Maxim Mokin ◽  
David Orion ◽  
Shadi Jahshan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Endovascular Therapy ◽  
Combined Therapy ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
P Value ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Nihss Score

Background: Large vessel occlusions with a high clot burden are less likely to improve with the FDA-approved IV strategy. Endovascular therapy within the first 3 h of stroke symptom onset provides an effective alternative treatment in patients with large vessel occlusion. It is not clear if combination of IV thrombolysis and endovascular approach is superior to endovascular treatment alone. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all cases of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion treated within the first 3 h stroke onset during the 2005-2010 period. First group received endovascular therapy within the first 3 h of stroke onset. Second group consisted of patients who received IV thrombolysis within the first 3 h followed by endovascular therapy. We compared the following outcomes: revascularization rates, NIHSS score at discharge, mRS at discharge and 3months, symptomatic hemorrhage rates and mortality. Results: Among 104 patients identified, 42 received combined therapy, and 62 received endovascular therapy only. The two groups had similar demographic (age and sex distribution) and vascular risk factors distribution, as well as NIHSS score on admission (14.8±4.7 and 16.0±5.3; p=0.23). We found no difference in TIMI recanalization rates (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction scale score of 2 or 3) following combined or endovascular therapy alone (83.3% and 79.0%; p=0.59). A preferred outcome, defined as a mRS of 2 or less at 90 days also did not differ between the combined therapy group and the endovascular only group (37.5% and 34.5%; p=0.76). There was no difference in mortality rate (22.5% and 31.0%; p=0.36) and the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (9.5% and 8.1%; p=0.73). There was a significant difference in mean time from symptom onset to endovascular treatment between the combined group (227±88 min) and endovascular only group (125±40 min; p<0.0001).Patients with good TIMI recanalization rate of 2 or 3 showed a trend of having a better mRS at 90 days in both bridging (16.67% vs. 41.18%, p-value: 0.3813) and endovascular groups (25% vs. 34.78%, p-value: 0.7326).When analyzing the correlation of mRS at 90 days with the site of occlusion, patients in the bridging group showed a trend of a better outcome when the site of occlusion was ICA (33.3% vs 30%) and MCA (66.67% vs. 27.59%) and worse outcome when the site of occlusion was in the posterior circulation (26.32% vs. 50%), however, these results were not statistically significant (p-values: 0.1735& 0.5366). Conclusion: Combining IV thrombolysis and endovascular therapy achieves similar rates of clinical outcomes, revascularization rates, complications and mortality rates, when compared with endovascular treatment alone. The combined therapy, however, significantly delays initiation of endovascular treatment. A randomized prospective trial comparing both treatment strategies in acute ischemic stroke is warranted

Abstract 3183: Prognosis of Mild Ischemic Stroke with Large Vessel Occlusion

Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Esteban Cheng-Ching ◽  
Russell Cerejo ◽  
Ken Uchino ◽  
Muhammad S Hussain ◽  
Gabor Toth
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Endovascular Therapy ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Optimal Treatment ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Nihss Score ◽  
Mild Stroke

Background and purpose Large vessel occlusion (LVO) in acute ischemic stroke has been reported to be an independent predictor of unfavorable clinical outcome. However, the prognosis and optimal treatment of patients with only mild neurologic deficits due to LVO are not known. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review from a database of stroke patients admitted to our large academic medical center between July 1, 2010 and June 30 , 2011. Inclusion criteria were acute stroke or TIA, presentation within 9 hours from symptom onset, large vessel occlusion as a culprit of ischemic symptoms, and mild stroke severity with initial NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score <8. Results We identified 59 patients with mild ischemic stroke or TIA, who were evaluated within 9 hours from onset. Of these, 13 (22%) had culprit large vessel occlusions. Five were female, 1 had diabetes, 12 had hypertension, 7 had hyperlipidemia, 2 had atrial fibrillation and 7 were smokers. The median NIHSS score was 5. The location of arterial occlusions were 5 in M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), 6 in M2 segment of MCA, 1 each in posterior cerebral and vertebral arteries. Two patients received acute therapy, 1 with intravenous thrombolysis and 1 with endovascular therapy. Reasons for withholding thrombolytic therapy were time window in 8, mild stroke severity in 2, and atypical presentations in 2. Reasons for withholding acute endovascular therapy were mild stroke severity in 7, imaging finding in 2, technical considerations in 2, and lack of consent in 1. From hospital admission to discharge, 10 (77%) patients had symptom improvement, 2 had worsening, and one was unchanged. At 30 days, 5 (38%) had good outcome with a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 0-1. Three (23%) had mRS of 2, one (8%) patient had mRS of 3. Outcomes for 4 patients were unknown. Conclusions A significant proportion of patients presenting with mild ischemic symptoms has large vessel occlusion. Acute treatment in this population is frequently withheld due to mild severity or thrombolytic time window. Despite mild symptoms at presentation, some patients are left with moderate disability. Optimal treatment options for this population should be further evaluated in a larger group of patients.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document