A Case of Successful Intravenous Thrombolysis Bridged with Repeated Endovascular Treatment in Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion

Acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a neurological emergency that has a high rate of mortality and poor functional outcome. Endovascular therapy (ET) is the gold standard therapy for large vessel occlusion stroke of the anterior circulation. Whether ET can also be effectively and safely performed in early recurrent large vessel occlusion, especially in BAO, is unclear. We describe a case of successful recanalization and independent functional outcome of a BAO patient treated with intravenous thrombolysis combined with repeated ET. The patients was a 32-year-old man with a history of heavy smoking and drinking who presented to the Emergency Department with dizziness and hypertension, and progressed over the next 13 h to left hemiparesis and mild dysarthria with an NIHSS score of 7. CT angiography demonstrated occlusion of the proximal basilar artery (BA). Intravenous alteplase was given followed by ET. The first intervention failed and over the next 8 h, the patient’s NIHSS score increased to 12. A second attempt with balloon angioplasty managed to reconstitute arterial blood flow with a severe residual stenosis of the proximal BA. Subsequently, the patient progressed into deep coma with reocclusion of the BA demonstrated on transcranial Doppler. A third intervention with emergent stenting resulted in complete recanalization of the BA and excellent neurological recovery. This patient received three endovascular treatments within 24 h due to reocclusion of the BA and achieved good outcomes. In conclusion, repeated ET for early recurrent BAO is feasible in carefully selected patients.

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

Stroke: Vascular and Interventional Neurology ◽

10.1161/svin.01.suppl_1.000125 ◽

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.

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First pass effect in patients with large vessel occlusion strokes undergoing neurothrombectomy: insights from the Trevo Retriever Registry

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2020-016952 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. neurintsurg-2020-016952

Author(s):

Ashutosh P Jadhav ◽

Shashvat M Desai ◽

Ronald F Budzik ◽

Rishi Gupta ◽

Blaise Baxter ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Basilar Artery ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Single Pass ◽

First Pass Effect ◽

First Pass

BackgroundFirst pass effect (FPE), defined as near-total/total reperfusion of the territory (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2c/3) of the occluded artery after a single thrombectomy attempt (single pass), has been associated with superior safety and efficacy outcomes than in patients not experiencing FPE.ObjectiveTo characterize the clinical features, incidence, and predictors of FPE in the anterior and posterior circulation among patients enrolled in the Trevo Registry.MethodsData were analyzed from the Trevo Retriever Registry. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to assess the relationship of patient (demographics, clinical, occlusion location, collateral grade, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS)) and device/technique characteristics with FPE (mTICI 2c/3 after single pass).ResultsFPE was achieved in 27.8% (378/1358) of patients undergoing anterior large vessel occlusion (LVO) thrombectomy. Multivariable regression analysis identified American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (ASITN) levels 2–4, higher ASPECTS, and presence of atrial fibrillation as independent predictors of FPE in anterior LVO thrombectomy. Rates of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–2 at 90 days were higher (63.9% vs 53.5%, p<0.0006), and 90-day mortality (11.4% vs 12.8%, p=0.49) was comparable in the FPE group and non-FPE group. Rate of FPE was 23.8% (19/80) among basilar artery occlusion strokes, and outcomes were similar between FPE and non-FPE groups (mRS score 0–2, 47.4% vs 52.5%, p=0.70; mortality 26.3% vs 18.0%, p=0.43). Notably, there were no difference in outcomes in FPE versus non-FPE mTICI 2c/3 patients.ConclusionTwenty-eight percent of patients undergoing anterior LVO thrombectomy and 24% of patients undergoing basilar artery occlusion thrombectomy experience FPE. Independent predictors of FPE in anterior circulation LVO thrombectomy include higher ASITN levels, higher ASPECTS, and the presence of atrial fibrillation.

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Comparison of effectiveness and outcomes among different thrombectomy techniques in acute basilar artery occlusion: a dual-center experience

Neurosurgical FOCUS ◽

10.3171/2021.4.focus21114 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 51 (1) ◽

pp. E8

Author(s):

Andre Monteiro ◽

Gustavo M. Cortez ◽

Muhammad Waqas ◽

Hamid H. Rai ◽

Ammad A. Baig ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Basilar Artery ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Nihss Score ◽

First Pass ◽

Stent Retrievers ◽

Median Admission

OBJECTIVE Acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a rare large-vessel occlusion associated with high morbidity and mortality. Modern thrombectomy with stent retrievers and large-bore aspiration catheters is highly effective in achieving recanalization, but a direct comparison of different techniques for acute BAO has not been performed. Therefore, the authors sought to compare the technical effectiveness and clinical outcomes of stent retriever–assisted aspiration (SRA), aspiration alone (AA), and a stent retriever with or without manual aspiration (SR) for treatment of patients presenting with acute BAO and to evaluate predictors of clinical outcome in their cohort. METHODS A retrospective analysis of databases of large-vessel occlusion treated with endovascular intervention at two US endovascular neurosurgery centers was conducted. Patients ≥ 18 years of age with acute BAO treated between January 2013 and December 2020 with stent retrievers or large-bore aspiration catheters were included in the study. Demographic information, procedural details, angiographic results, and clinical outcomes were extracted for analysis. RESULTS Eighty-three patients (median age 67 years [IQR 58–76 years]) were included in the study; 33 patients (39.8%) were female. The median admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 16 (IQR 10–21). Intravenous alteplase was administered to 26 patients (31.3%). The median time from symptom onset to groin or wrist puncture was 256 minutes (IQR 157.5–363.0 minutes). Overall, successful recanalization was achieved in 74 patients (89.2%). The SRA technique had a significantly higher rate of modified first-pass effect (mFPE; 55% vs 31.8%, p = 0.032) but not true first-pass effect (FPE; 45% vs 34.9%, p = 0.346) than non-SRA techniques. Good outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0–2) was not significantly different among the three techniques. Poor outcome (mRS score 3–6) was associated with a higher median admission NIHSS score (12.5 vs 19, p = 0.007), a higher rate of adjunctive therapy usage (9% vs 0%, p < 0.001), and a higher rate of intraprocedural complications (10.7% vs 14.5%, p = 0.006). The admission NIHSS score significantly predicted good outcome (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.099; p = 0.032). Incomplete recanalization after thrombectomy significantly predicted mortality (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.18–2.39; p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS The evaluated techniques resulted in high recanalization rates. The SRA technique was associated with a higher rate of mFPE than AA and SR, but the clinical outcomes were similar. A lower admission NIHSS score predicted a better prognosis for patients, whereas incomplete recanalization after thrombectomy predicted mortality.

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Abstract TMP13: Tenecteplase versus Alteplase Before Endovascular Therapy in Basilar Artery Occlusion

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.tmp13 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Fana Alemseged ◽

Volker Puetz ◽

Gregoire Boulouis ◽

Alessandro Rocco ◽

Timothy Kleinig ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Basilar Artery ◽

Endovascular Therapy ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Endovascular Thrombectomy ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Repeat Imaging

Background: Tenecteplase (TNK) is a genetically modified variant of alteplase with greater fibrin specificity and longer half-life than alteplase. The recent Tenecteplase versus Alteplase before Endovascular Therapy for Ischemic Stroke (EXTEND-IA TNK) trial demonstrated that increased reperfusion with TNK compared to alteplase prior to endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in large vessel occlusion ischaemic strokes. However, only 6 patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) were included. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of TNK versus alteplase before EVT in patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO). Methods: Clinical and procedural data of consecutive BAO diagnosed on CT Angiography or MR Angiography from the multisite international Basilar Artery Treatment and MANagement (BATMAN) collaboration were retrospectively analysed. The primary outcome was reperfusion of greater than 50% of the involved ischemic territory or absence of retrievable thrombus at the time of the initial angiographic assessment. Results: We included 119 BAO patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis prior to EVT; mean age 68 (SD 14), median NIHSS 16 (IQR 7-32). Eleven patients were treated with TNK (0.25mg/kg or 0.4mg/kg) and 108 with alteplase (0.9mg/kg). Overall, 113 patients had catheter angiography or early repeat imaging after thrombolysis. Reperfusion of greater than 50% of the ischemic territory or absence of retrievable thrombus occurred in 4/11 (36%) of patients treated with TNK vs 8/102 (8%) treated with alteplase (p=0.02). Onset-to-needle time did not differ between the two groups (p=0.4). Needle-to-groin-puncture time was 61 (IQR 33-100) mins in patients reperfused with TNK vs 111 (IQR 86-198) mins in patients reperfused with alteplase (p=0.048). Overall, the rate of symptomatic haemorrhage was 3/119 (2.5%). No differences were found in the rate of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (p=0.3) between the two thrombolytic agents. Conclusions: Despite shorter needle-to-groin-puncture times, tenecteplase was associated with an increased rate of reperfusion in comparison with alteplase before EVT in BAO. Randomized controlled trials to compare tenecteplase with alteplase in BAO patients before endovascular thrombectomy are warranted.

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Abstract 101: Predictors of Early Neurological Deterioration in Minor Strokes With Large Vessel Occlusion Treated With Intravenous Thrombolysis. A French Multicentric Observational Study (MINOR-STROKE)

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.101 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Pierre Seners ◽

Claire Perrin ◽

Guillaume Turc

Keyword(s):

Basilar Artery ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Neurological Deterioration ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Minor Stroke ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Early Neurological Deterioration ◽

Proximal Occlusion

Introduction: Whether thrombectomy added on intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), as compared to IVT alone, is beneficial in minor strokes with large vessel occlusion (LVO) is unknown. To identify predictors of early neurological deterioration (END) following IVT alone may help to select the best candidates for additional thrombectomy. Methods: MINOR-STROKE was a multicentric retrospective registry collecting data of IVT-treated minor strokes (NIHSS≤5) with LVO (internal carotid artery [ICA], M1, M2 or basilar artery; with central reading) treated with or without additional thrombectomy in 45 French stroke units. The patients initially intended for IVT alone, including those who eventually received thrombectomy due to END, were included in the present analysis. END was defined as a ≥4 points on NIHSS within 24hrs following admission. Thrombus length was measured centrally either on T2*-MRI, CT (hyperdense middle cerebral artery) or CT-angiography. Results: Overall, 799 patients were included: mean age 69 years, median NIHSS 3, occlusion located in ICA±M1/M2, proximal M1, distal M1, M2, or basilar artery in 20%, 7%, 19%, 50% and 4% of patients, respectively. Thrombus was visible in 78% of patients (median length 9mm, IQR 6-12mm). END occurred in 15% of patients and was associated with poor 3-month functional outcome (mRS>2: 55% vs. 12% of patients with and without END, respectively). Only 15% of ENDs were due to intracranial haemorrhage. In multivariable analysis, a more proximal occlusion site (M2 [reference], distal M1: OR 2.1 [IC95% 1.1-4.1], proximal M1: OR 3.8 [1.6-9.1], ICA±M1/M2: OR 5.0 [2.6-9.6], basilar artery: OR 4.9 [1.1-4.1]; P <0.001) and a longer thrombus (<6mm [reference], [6-9mm[: OR 1.3 [IC95% 0.6-2.9], [9-12mm[: OR 1.8 [0.8-3.9] and ≥12mm: OR 2.7 [1.3-5.6]; P =0.036) were independently associated with END. END occurred in 33%, 19%, 14%, 7% and 27% of patients with ICA±M1/M2, M1 proximal, M1 distal, M2 and basilar artery, respectively, and in 8%, 10%, 14% et 23% of patients with thrombus length of <6, [6-9[, [9-12[ and ≥12mm, respectively. Conclusion: Our study suggests that thrombus location and length are strong predictors of END in minor strokes with LVO. This may help to select the best candidates for additional endovascular therapy.

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Outcomes of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Basilar Artery Occlusion

Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques ◽

10.1017/cjn.2020.51 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 47 (4) ◽

pp. 479-485

Author(s):

Christopher R. Pasarikovski ◽

Houman Khosravani ◽

Leodante da Costa ◽

Chinthaka Heyn ◽

Stefano M. Priola ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Basilar Artery ◽

Treatment Time ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Posterior Circulation ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Related Complication ◽

Endovascular Thrombectomy

ABSTRACT:Background and Purpose:Large prospective observational studies have cast doubt on the common assumption that endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is superior to intravenous thrombolysis for patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review our experience for patients with BAO undergoing EVT with modern endovascular devices.Methods:All consecutive patients undergoing EVT with either a second-generation stent retriever or direct aspiration thrombectomy for BAO at our regional stroke center from January 1, 2013 to March 1, 2019 were included. The primary outcome measure was functional outcome at 1 month using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between patient characteristics and dichotomized mRS.Results:A total of 43 consecutive patients underwent EVT for BAO. The average age was 67 years with 61% male patients. Overall, 37% (16/43) of patients achieved good functional outcome. Successful reperfusion was achieved in 72% (31/43) of cases. The median (interquartile range) stroke onset to treatment time was 420 (270–639) minutes (7 hours) for all patients. The procedure-related complication rate was 9% (4/43). On multivariate analysis, posterior circulation Alberta stroke program early computed tomography score and Basilar Artery on Computed Tomography Angiography score were associated with improved functional outcome.Conclusion:EVT appears to be safe and feasible in patients with BAO. Our finding that time to treatment and successful reperfusion were not associated with improved outcome is likely due to including patients with established infarcts. Given the variability of collaterals in the posterior circulation, the paradigm of utilizing a tissue window may assist in patient selection for EVT. Magnetic resonance imaging may be a reasonable option to determine the extent of ischemia in certain situations.

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Dabigatran Reversal Before Intravenous Tenecteplase in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/strokeaha.119.028327 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (5) ◽

pp. 1616-1619 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

James Beharry ◽

Michael J. Waters ◽

Roy Drew ◽

John N. Fink ◽

Duncan Wilson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Scale Score ◽

Clinical Laboratory ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Interquartile Range ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion

Background and Purpose— Reversal of dabigatran before intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke has been well described using alteplase but experience with intravenous tenecteplase is limited. Tenecteplase seems at least noninferior to alteplase in patients with intracranial large vessel occlusion. We report on the experience of dabigatran reversal before tenecteplase thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke. Methods— We included consecutive patients with ischemic stroke receiving dabigatran prestroke treated with intravenous tenecteplase after receiving idarucizumab. Patients were from 2 centers in New Zealand and Australia. We reported the clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics and their functional outcome. Results— We identified 13 patients receiving intravenous tenecteplase after dabigatran reversal. Nine (69%) were male, median age was 79 (interquartile range, 69–85) and median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 6 (interquartile range, 4–21). Atrial fibrillation was the indication for dabigatran therapy in all patients. All patients had a prolonged thrombin clotting time (median, 80 seconds [interquartile range, 57–113]). Seven patients with large vessel occlusion were referred for endovascular thrombectomy, 2 of these patients (29%) had early recanalization with tenecteplase abrogating thrombectomy. No patients had parenchymal hemorrhage or symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation. Favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2) occurred in 8 (62%) patients. Two deaths occurred from large territory infarction. Conclusions— Our experience suggests intravenous thrombolysis with tenecteplase following dabigatran reversal using idarucizumab may be safe in selected patients with acute ischemic stroke. Further studies are required to more precisely estimate the efficacy and risk of clinically significant hemorrhage.

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Predictors of Functional Outcome and Mortality in Endovascular Treatment for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion: A Single-Centre Experience

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2021.731300 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Jie Cao ◽

Yi Mo ◽

Ronghua Chen ◽

Huaming Shao ◽

Jinggang Xuan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Basilar Artery ◽

Lung Infection ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Nihss Score ◽

Thrombectomy Device

Background and Purpose: The objective of this study was to identify prognostic factors of endovascular treatment in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion and add evidence about the efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment for acute basilar artery occlusion.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the data of 101 patients with acute basilar artery occlusion receiving endovascular treatment from January 2013 to September 2019. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were evaluated. A favourable functional outcome was defined as a mRS of 0 to 2 assessed at the 3 month follow-up. The association of clinical and procedural characteristics with the functional outcome and mortality was assessed.Results: The study population consisted of 101 patients: 83 males and 18 females. Successful recanalization was achieved in 99 patients (97.1%). A favourable clinical outcome was observed in 50 patients (49.5%), and the overall mortality rate was 26.7%. A favourable outcome was significantly associated with NIHSS score at admission and lung infection. Mortality was associated with NIHSS score at admission, the number of thrombectomy device passes, the postoperative pons-midbrain index, and diabetes mellitus.Conclusions: This study suggested that NIHSS score at admission, the number of thrombectomy device passes, the postoperative pons-midbrain index, diabetes mellitus, and lung infection can predict the functional outcome and mortality. These initial results add evidence about the efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment for acute basilar artery occlusion and need to be confirmed by further prospective studies.

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Predictor of 90-day functional outcome after mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion stroke: NIHSS score of 10 or less at 24 hours

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2019.10.jns191991 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Mirja M. Wirtz ◽

Philipp Hendrix ◽

Oded Goren ◽

Lisa A. Beckett ◽

Heather R. Dicristina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Characteristic Curve ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Nihss Score ◽

Neurological Improvement ◽

Good Functional Outcome

OBJECTIVEMechanical thrombectomy is the established treatment for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). The authors sought to identify early predictors of a favorable outcome in stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy.METHODSConsecutive patients with ischemic stroke due to LVO who underwent mechanical thrombectomy at a Comprehensive Stroke Center in the US between 2016 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, stroke and treatment characteristics, as well as functional outcome at 90 days were collected. Clinical predictors of 90-day functional outcome were assessed and compared to existing indices for prompt neurological improvement. Analyses of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were performed to estimate the optimal thresholds for absolute 24-hour and delta (change in) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores for functional outcome prediction.RESULTSA total of 156 patients (median age 71.5 years) underwent 159 mechanical thrombectomies. The M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery was the most frequent site of occlusion (57.2%). The median NIHSS score before thrombectomy was 18 (IQR 14–24). A postthrombectomy Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2B or 3 was achieved in 147 procedures (92.4%). The median NIHSS score 24 hours after thrombectomy was 14 (IQR 6–22). Good functional outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) was achieved in 37 thrombectomies (23.9%). An absolute 24-hour NIHSS score ≤ 10 (OR 25.929, 95% CI 8.448–79.582, p < 0.001) and a delta NIHSS score ≥ 8 between baseline and 24 hours (OR 4.929, 95% CI 2.245–10.818, p < 0.001) were associated with good functional outcome at 90 days. The 24-hour NIHSS score cutoff of 10 outperformed existing indices for prompt neurological improvement in the ability to predict 90-day functional outcome.CONCLUSIONSAn NIHSS score ≤ 10 at 24 hours after mechanical thrombectomy was independently associated with good functional outcome at 90 days.

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Impact of intravenous thrombolysis on functional outcome in patients with mild ischemic stroke without large vessel occlusion or rapidly improving symptoms

International Journal of Stroke ◽

10.1177/1747493019874719 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (4) ◽

pp. 429-437 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Marcellina Isabelle Haeberlin ◽

Ulrike Held ◽

Ralf W Baumgartner ◽

Dimitrios Georgiadis ◽

Philipp O Valko

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Early Improvement ◽

Treatment Type ◽

Best Medical Treatment

Background Optimal treatment strategy in patients with mild ischemic stroke remains uncertain. While functional dependency or death has been reported in up to one-third of non-thrombolyzed mild ischemic stroke patients, intravenous thrombolysis is currently not recommended in this patient group. Emerging evidence suggests two risk factors—rapid early improvement and large vessel occlusion—as main associates of unfavorable outcome in mild ischemic stroke patients not undergoing intravenous thrombolysis. Aims To analyze natural course as well as safety and three-month outcome of intravenous thrombolysis in mild ischemic stroke without rapid early improvement or large vessel occlusion. Methods Mild ischemic stroke was defined by a National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score ≤6. We used the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) to compare three-month functional outcome in 370 consecutive mild ischemic stroke patients without early rapid improvement and without large vessel occlusion, who either underwent intravenous thrombolysis (n = 108) or received best medical treatment (n = 262). Results Favorable outcome (mRS ≤ 1) was common in both groups (intravenous thrombolysis: 91%; no intravenous thrombolysis: 90%). Although intravenous thrombolysis use was independently associated with a higher risk of asymptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (OR = 4.62, p = 0.002), intravenous thrombolysis appeared as an independent predictor of mRS = 0 at three months (OR = 3.33, p < 0.0001). Conclusions Mild ischemic stroke patients without rapidly improving symptoms and without large vessel occlusion have a high chance of favorable three-month outcome, irrespective of treatment type. Patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis, however, more often achieved complete remission of symptoms, which particularly in mild ischemic stroke may constitute a meaningful endpoint.

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