Abstract 202: The NIH Stroke Scale Can Miss Improvement After IV tPA For Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Objective: The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is the most commonly used metric to evaluate stroke severity and improvement following intervention. Despite its advantages as a rapid, reproducible screening tool, it may be too insensitive to adequately capture functional improvement following treatment. We evaluated the difference in rate of improvement by previously accepted criteria (change of ≥4 NIHSS points) versus physician documentation in patients receiving IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for acute ischemic stroke. Methods: Prospectively collected data on all patients receiving IV tPA over a 15 month period were retrospectively reviewed. NIHSS 24 hours post-treatment and on discharge were extrapolated based on examination and compared to NIHSS on presentation. NIHSS scores at post-discharge follow-up were also recorded. Two reviewers evaluated the medical record and determined improvement based on physician documentation. Using tests of proportion, ‘significant improvement’ by NIHSS was compared to physician documentation at each time point. Results: Forty-one patients were treated with IV tPA. The mean admission NIHSS was 8.6 and improved to 6.4 24 hours post-tPA. Twenty-nine of 41 patients (79%) were “better” by documentation; however only 11/41 (27%) met NIHSS criteria for improvement (p compared to documentation <0.001). On discharge, 20/41 patients (49%) met NIHSS criteria for improvement; however a significant difference between physician documentation remained (p=0.04). The mean post-discharge follow-up NIHSS score was 2.0. 20/21 patients (95%) were “better” compared to 16/21 (76%) meeting NIHSS criteria (p=0.08). Conclusion: The NIHSS may inadequately capture functional improvement post-treatment, especially in the days immediately following intervention.

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Low T3 Level and Prognosis of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Comparative Analysis

Bangladesh Journal of Nuclear Medicine ◽

10.3329/bjnm.v18i2.35223 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 145-148

Author(s):

Hosne Ara Rahman ◽

Mahbub Ur Rahman ◽

Jasmine Ara Haque ◽

Samira Sharmin ◽

Anup Kumar Saha

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Neurological Impairment ◽

Functional Improvement ◽

Stroke Severity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Low T3 ◽

Level Group

Objectives: Neuroendocrine profile is significantly altered in acute ischemic stroke. Increasing evidences suggested that low T3 levels immediately following acute ischemic stroke is associated with greater stroke severity, higher mortality rates and poorer functional outcome. The objective of this study was to see the possible association of serum T3 level with severity of acute ischemic stroke as well as post stroke recovery.Material & Methods: It was a prospective cross sectional study. From October 2014 to June 2015 patients with acute ischemic stroke, presented within 48 hours of onset of symptoms having radiologically confirmed cerebral infarct were enrolled in this study. Blood for thyroid hormone estimation was collected within 48 hours of onset of symptom. Neurological impairment and improvement were assessed using National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score together with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) on admission day and at 4 weeks post stroke follow-up visit.Result: A total 83 patients met all inclusion criteria were studied. Mean age was 63.4 ± 15.6 years (range 47-79 years). Among eighty three patients 49 (59%) had normal T3 level and rest 34 (41%) had low T3 level. Mean T3 level was 0.4 ± 0.3 ng/ml and 1.8 ±0.5 ng/ml in lowT3 and normal T3 level group respectively. Based on NIHSS scores on admission, a much higher portion of patients (73.5%) belonged to lowT3 level group fell into moderate-to-severe category while majority of patients (53.0%) fell into mild category for normal T3 level group. In post stroke follow up, about 63.2 % patients with normal T3 level showed favorable neurological functional improvement compared to 38.2% having low T3 level (Chi square=4.9, P<0.05).Conclusion: In patients with acute ischemic stroke lower T3 level elevated the risk of poor functional outcome.Bangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 18(2): 145-148, July 2015

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Abstract 2281: Full Dose IV-tPA Followed By IA Therapy For Acute Ischemic Stroke Does Not Increase Morbidity Or Mortality

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.43.suppl_1.a2281 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Jeffrey M Katz ◽

Calvin Natanzon ◽

Avi Setton ◽

Richard Libman

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Control Group ◽

Bridging Therapy ◽

Full Dose ◽

Tissue Plasminogen ◽

Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽

The Mean ◽

Iv Tpa

Background and Purpose: “Bridging Therapy” is well described in the literature. However the dose of bridging tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a matter of debate given the well-established guideline of 0.9 mg/kg as the standard intravenous dose. Previous and ongoing bridging trials use lower doses of IV-tPA (0.6 mg/kg) with a goal of maximizing safety. Our aim was to explore whether full bridging dose IV-tPA at 0.9 mg/kg can be given safely in combination with intra-arterial (IA)-tPA. Methods: Data were collected prospectively on 47 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke who were treated with endovascular stroke therapy (EST, that is IA-tPA +/- mechanical embolectomy (ME)). Patients who were candidates for IV-tPA, who did not clinically improve after receiving full dose IV-tPA (0.9mg/Kg), underwent EST (bridging group, n=23, 15/23 IA-tPA + ME). These patients were compared to patients treated with EST alone because they were not candidates for IV-tPA (control group, n=24, 14/24 IA-tPA + ME). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) rates were recorded, as defined in the NINDS IV-tPA trial. Death rates were recorded at one month and modified Rankin score was used to measure functional outcome (6 month mean follow-up). Results: Mean age was 62 years in the bridging group and 63 years in the control group. Baseline mean National Institute of Health Stroke Scale was 20 in the bridging group and 21 in the control group (p = 0.188). The mean IA-tPA dose was 14.4 mg in the bridging group and 18.3 mg in the control group (p = 0.371). There was an 8% risk of symptomatic ICH in the control group and no symptomatic ICH in the bridging group (p = 0.155). At 30 days, mortality was 17% in the bridging group and 29% in the control group (p = 0.313). The mean follow-up modified Rankin score was 3 in the bridging group and 4 in the control group (p = 0.20). Conclusion: This non-randomized retrospective cohort study suggests that full dose IV-tPA combined with IA-tPA administered during EST is safe in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Given the possibility that full bridging dose tPA may be more effective than lower dose IV-tPA, a prospective, randomized bridging trial using full dose IV-tPA may be warranted.

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Abstract P208: Racial Differences in Stroke Severity and Outcomes in Female Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.127.suppl_12.ap208 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 127 (suppl_12) ◽

Author(s):

Amelia K Boehme ◽

James E Siegler ◽

Karen C Albright ◽

Dominique J Monlezun ◽

Erica M Jones ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Black Women ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Racial Differences ◽

White Women ◽

Lower Percentage ◽

Stroke Severity ◽

Discharge Disposition ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Iv Tpa

Background: Previous research has indicated that women and Blacks have worse outcomes following acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Little research has been done to investigate the influence of race in the presentation and outcome specifically among women with AIS. Methods: AIS patients presenting to two centers in the Stroke Belt (2004-2011) were identified by prospective registries. Men, women who did not identify as Black or White, and in-hospital strokes were excluded. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, favorable discharge disposition (home or inpatient rehab), time from last seen normal to ED arrival, and functional discharge outcome as measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were investigated. Patients were divided into 3 groups: (1) not treated with IV t-PA, (2) treated with IV t-PA within 3 hours of symptom onset, and (3) treated with IV t-PA beyond 3 hours. Results: Of the 8763 patients screened, 2217 women met the study criteria (59% White). White women were older (72 vs. 64; p<0.0001), had higher percentage of atrial fibrillation (24% vs. 11%; p<0.0001), lower percentage of diabetes (30% vs. 40%, p<0.0001), lower percentage of hypertension (73% vs. 84%; p<0.0001) and had a higher baseline NIHSS (9 vs. 7; p=0.0045) Administration of tPA was significantly less among Black women (36% Whites vs. 27% Blacks, p<0.0001). White women are at increased odds of receiving tPA treatment (OR=1.43, 95%CI 1.17-1.75, p=0.0005), and remain at increased odds after adjusting for age, baseline NIHSS, time from last seen normal and glucose (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.11-1.81, p=00044). Despite the significant difference in treatment with IV tPA, White women had increased odds of having a poor functional outcome (OR=1.2, 95% CI 1.02-1.439,p=0.0250) and unfavorable discharge disposition (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.18-1.67, p=0.0001), but stratifying by tPA treatment groups, race was not found to be predictive of outcome after adjusting for known confounders (i.e., age, glucose, baseline NIHSS, time from last seen normal). Discussion: Unlike data from previous studies, Black women who presented to these two centers with AIS had less severe neurologic deficits on presentation compared to their White counterparts. Despite differences in the proportion of Blacks and Whites treated with IV tPA, race was not significantly associated with outcome. In our study, age and stroke severity_not race_were the primary predictors for poor outcome.

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Abstract T P298: Impact of Accurate Weight Based Dosing of IV tPA in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.46.suppl_1.tp298 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Vishal B Jani ◽

Sopan Lahewala ◽

Shilpkumar Arora ◽

Erin Shell ◽

Anmar Razak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Stroke Severity ◽

Fisher Exact Test ◽

Weight Estimation ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Iv Tpa

Background: Accurate weight-based dosing is essential for efficacy and safety of thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Stroke patients may be unable to communicate correct body weight (BW). Dosing may be estimated which can lead to error. Objective: To assess accuracy of weight estimation and the effect of weight and dosing discrepancy on outcome of patients with AIS Methods: 94 patients receiving IV tpa for AIS in a CSC registry between Feb, 2013 and Jul, 2014 were reviewed. All were given estimated weight based tPA- per patient input or agreement of 2 providers in ER. Accurate weights were obtained and recorded later. Actual weight was used to calculate the ideal TPA doses and compared to the weights and doses used. The cohort was separated into two groups based on weight discrepancy to those 10 kg (non forgiven) discrepancy. Rate of hemorrhage, NIHSS and hospice/mortality were assessed. Difference between categorical variables was tested using the chi-square and Fisher’ Exact Test. Differences between continuous variables were tested using Wilcoxon Rank Sum test and presented with median and IQ range. Results: 86.1% (forgiven cohort) were given the optimal tPA dose despite estimation. There was a significant difference in stroke severity based on admission NIHSS between the cohorts (33.3% in forgiven vs. 69.2% non-forgiven. P=0.04). Stroke severity based on discharge NIHSS did not reach statistical significance (mild: 71.8% vs 63.6%, moderate: 16.9% vs 9.1% and severe: 11.3% vs 27.3%, p = 0.32). 30 days modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was available for 52 pts without any significant difference (good outcome 44.4% vs 57.1%, poor outcome 35.6 % vs 28.6 %, p = 0.82). Statistically non significance toward higher rate of hemorrhagic conversion (6.4% vs 7.7%, p = 0.41), and higher mortality in non-forgiven group (7.41% vs 15.38%, p= 0.33). Conclusion: Accurate BW measurement prior tPA still remains challenging. In this study, weight estimation by 2 providers is fairly accurate. 14 % of the patients with discrepancy of > 10 kg had higher rate of mortality and hemorrhage although this was not statistically significant. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to examine the safety of weight estimation in AIS patients who receive IV tpa

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Abstract 16967: Increased Blood Pressure Variability is Associated With Worse Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.132.suppl_3.16967 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Adam de Havenon ◽

Haimei Wang ◽

Greg Stoddard ◽

Lee Chung ◽

Jennifer Majersik

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Blood Pressure Variability ◽

Harmful Effect ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Ordinal Logistic Regression ◽

Stroke Severity ◽

The Mean

Background: Increased blood pressure variability (BPV) is detrimental in the weeks to months after ischemic stroke, but it has not been adequately studied in the acute phase. We hypothesized that increased BPV in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients would be associated with worse outcome. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed inpatients at our hospital between 2010-2014 with an ICD-9 code of AIS; 213 were confirmed to have AIS by a vascular neurologist. A modified Rankin Score (mRS) after discharge was available in 148/213, at a mean of 86 ± 60 days. In 45/213 the discharge mRS was either 0 or 6, in which case they were included in the final analysis. BPV was measured as the standard deviation (SD) of each patient’s systolic blood pressure readings during the first 24 hours and 5 days of hospitalization (9,844 total readings), or until discharge if discharged in <5 days (Figure 1). The SBP SD was further divided in quartiles. A multivariate ordinal logistic regression with the outcome of mRS, the primary predictor of quartiles of SBP SD, and baseline NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) to control for initial stroke severity. Results: Mean±SD age was 64.2 ± 16.3 years, NIHSS was 12.6 ± 7.9, and mRS was 2.7 ± 2.1. The mean SBP SDs for the first 24 hours and 5 days were 12.1 ± 6.2 mm Hg and 14.1 ± 4.9 mm Hg. In the ordinal logistic regression model, the quartiles of SBP SD for the first 24 hours and 5 days were positively associated with higher mRS (OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.01 - 1.74, p = 0.009; OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.03 - 1.63, p = 0.028). This effect became even more pronounced in patients with the highest quartile of variability (OR = 2.76, 95% CI 1.29 - 5.88, p = 0.009; OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.01 - 4.36, p = 0.046). Conclusion: In our cohort of 193 patients with AIS, there was a significant association between increased systolic BPV and worse functional outcome, after controlling for initial stroke severity. This data suggests that increased BPV may have a harmful effect for AIS patients, which warrants a prospective observational study.

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Abstract TMP2: Is Eptifibatide a Viable and Safe Option as Stand-alone Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients?

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.47.suppl_1.tmp2 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Daniel Korya ◽

Mohammad Moussavi ◽

Siddhart Mehta ◽

Jaskiran Brar ◽

Harina Chahal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Time Window ◽

T Test ◽

Bleeding Complications ◽

Stroke Severity ◽

Paired Samples ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Iv Tpa

Introduction: The list of contraindications for IV tPA in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is often too long and may lead to physicians opting to offer no treatment for certain strokes. An alternative treatment is proposed in cases where IV tPA is not an option due to time-window restrictions or contraindications. We compared the stroke severity, outcomes and safety of IV eptifibatide when compared with IV tPA. Methods: Patients who presented to a community based university affiliated comprehensive stroke center from 2012-15 with AIS over a two-year period were included in the study. Those who qualified for IV tPA, and were treated, were compared with patients who only received IV eptifibatide. The initial NIH Stroke Score (NIHSS), 24-hour NIHSS, discharge NIHSS (DCNIHSS), discharge mRS (DCmRS) and symptomatic ICH rates were compared with a paired samples t-test to determine significance of difference between the means. SPSS Version 22 was used for all data analysis. Results: A total of 864 patients presented with AIS in the evaluated time period and of those 166 met study criteria. There were 119 patients who received IV tPA alone (group A) and 47 patients received eptifibatide (group B). The mean initial NIHSS, 24-NIHSS, DCNIHSS, DCmRS and percent bleeding complications for group A were: 11.2, 10.8, 8.6, 3.1 and 6%. For group B the figures were: 6.7, 4.8, 4.3, 1.7 and 0%, respectively. Group A was compared with group B in a paired samples T-test and yielded -4.3, -6.2, -6, -1.5 (p=.0001 to .04) for initial, 24-hour, discharge NIHSS and discharge mRS, respectively. The difference between initial and discharge NIHSS between the two groups was -2.7 (p=.009), favoring IV tPA. Conclusion: In patients who are either outside the time-window or with contraindications to IV tPA, eptifibatide may be a safe alternative and appears to be efficacious. None of the patients who were started on eptifibatide had bleeding complications and they had a statistically significant improvement in their level of disability and stroke severity at discharge. A limitation of this study is that patients in group A had significantly worse initial NIHSS compared with group B. To better evaluate the efficacy of eptifibatide, a larger, prospective study should be initiated.

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Abstract P201: Octogenarian and Nonagenarian Outcomes Among Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p201 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

RAJAN R GADHIA ◽

Farhaan S Vahidy ◽

Tariq Nisar ◽

Destiny Hooper ◽

David Chiu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Combined Treatment ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Stroke Treatment ◽

Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Acute Stroke Treatment ◽

Iv Tpa

Objective: Most acute stroke treatment trials exclude patients above the age of 80. Given the clear benefit of revascularization with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) and mechanical thrombectomy (MT), we sought to assess functional outcomes in patients treated above the age of 80. Methods: We conducted a review of all patients admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital between January 2019 and August 2020 with an acute ischemic stroke (AIS) presentation[MOU1] for whom premorbid, discharge, and 90 day modified Rankin Scale scores were available. Patients were categorized by acute stroke treatment (IV tPA, MT, both or none[MOU2] ). mRS values were assessed during admission prior to discharge and at 90 days post stroke event. A delta mRS (Discharge vs. 90-day [MOU3] ) was defined and grouped as no change, improved, or worsened to assess overall functional disability in regards to the index stroke presentation. Results: A total of 865 patients with AIS presentation were included, of whom 651 (75.3%) were <80 years and 214 (24.7%) were > 80 years of age at presentation. A total of 208 patients received IV tPA, 176 underwent revascularization with MT only, 71 had both treatments, and 552 had no acute intervention. In patients >80 yrs who had no acute stroke intervention. mRS improvement was noted in 71.4% compared to 54.1% observed in those patients <80 years. Among patients who received IV tPA, 81.5% of > 80 years improved vs. 61.6% in the younger cohort. A similar trend was noted in the MT and combined treatment groups (76.2% vs. 71.2% and 78.6% vs. 79.3%, respectively). Conclusion: Based on our cohort of acute stroke patients, there was no significant difference in outcomes (as measured by delta mRS) for octogenarians and nonagenarians when compared to younger patients. There was a trend towards improvement in the elderly patients. Chronological age by itself may be an insufficient predictor of functional outcome among stroke patients and age cutoffs for enrollment of patients in acute stroke trials may need additional considerations.

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Abstract TP148: The Hydration Influence on the Risk of Ischemic Stroke Outcomes (THIRST-EXPANSION STUDY)

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.44.suppl_1.atp148 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Moussavi ◽

Gustavo Rodriguez ◽

Joseph Alario ◽

Ravjot Sodhi ◽

Aaron Nizam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Serum Osmolality ◽

Hydration Status ◽

Stroke Severity ◽

Past Study ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Stroke Outcomes ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean

Introduction: Extensive studies have not been done in patients presenting with ischemic stroke regarding hydration status. It is unclear whether all of the elements of hydration status affect disability on discharge. Our past study suggests that high serum osmolality has a negative impact on ischemic stroke severity. This continuation of our prior study aims to test the effect of all laboratory elements of dehydration on severity and outcome of ischemic stroke patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of ischemic stroke patients admitted between 2004 and 2009 at a community teaching hospital. Serum BUN/Creatinine and serum osmolality (sOsm) was calculated at initial presentation. sOSm, BUN/Cr, hematocrit and bicarbonate levels were analyzed for association with NIHSS and mRS. Patients were divided into two groups by sOsm as follows: (1) sOsm < 295, (2) sOsm ≥ 295; and two groups by BUN/Cr as follows: (3) BUN/Cr < 20, (4) BUN/Cr ≥ 20. Discharge mRS score was compared between (1) and (2); and (3) and (4) to determine the effect of sOsm and BUN/Cr on stroke outcomes. All data was analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Results: Of 1350 patients, 543 (mean age = 72.5 +/-14.2, 56% female) were included. There was a significant difference between the mean admission NIHSS in (1) 8.57, n = 222 and (2) 7.09, n = 319, p < .05 and between (3) 8.90, n = 219 and (4) 6.87, n = 322, p < .05. There was a significant difference in the mean mRS score between (1) 2.92, n = 222 and (2) 2.54, n = 317, p < .05, and (3) 2.92, n = 218 and (4) 2.56, n = 321, p < .05. The same results were found when comparing discharge sOsm values to predict patient outcome. Discharge sOsm correlated with mRS (r = .147, p < .05). Initial BUN/Cr correlated with NIHSS (r = .128, p < .05) and mRS (r = .107, p < .05) and final BUN/Cr with mRS (r = .161, p < .001). Bicarbonate levels at admission correlated with NIHSS at admission (r = -0.134), p < 0.05. Hematocrit levels at discharge correlated with mRS (r= -0.183), p <0.001. Conclusion: Our study suggests that patients with BUN/Cr and sOsm above normal levels at admission and dishcarge have worse outcome at discharge. We also found a correlation between other laboratory variables of dehydration status, namely hematocrit levels and outcome. A future prospective randomized study is warranted.

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Headache as a Predictive Factor of Severe Systolic Hypertension in Acute Ischemic Stroke

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

10.1017/s0317167100002602 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 30 (3) ◽

pp. 210-214 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Yoon-Ho Hong ◽

Yong-Seok Lee ◽

Seong-Ho Park

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Cerebral Infarction ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Cerebral Infarction ◽

Stroke Severity ◽

Plasma Catecholamine ◽

Catecholamine Level ◽

Stroke Subtypes ◽

The Mean

ABSTRACT:Background:Elevation of blood pressure (BP) is common in acute cerebral infarction, with several studies reporting a high plasma catecholamine level or previous hypertension as a contributory factor. However, more comprehensive studies on associated clinical parameters are lacking. Our main aim in undertaking this study was to correlate clinical variables associated with a BPelevation in acute ischemic stroke.Methods:Consecutive patients who were admitted to the emergency room and diagnosed with an acute cerebral infarction within 24 hours after the onset of symptoms were investigated. A BP elevation was defined as a high systolic (³200mmHg) or diastolic (³110 mmHg) pressure. The mean systolic and diastolic BP were compared between the different stroke subtypes, lesion locations (carotid vs. vertebrobasilar), and hemispheric sides. The frequency of symptoms, risk factors, location of the infarct, stroke severity, vascular status and laboratory abnormalities were analyzed in order to build a regression model.Results:One hundred thirty-one patients were recruited (M:F=60:71, mean age 66±12 years) and an elevated BP was identified in 33 patients (25.2%). The mean systolic and diastolic BP did not differ significantly between the stroke subtypes, lesion locations, and hemispheric sides. According to univariate logistic regression, an elevated systolic BP correlated with headache (p=0.01) and underlying hypertension (p=0.02) while an elevated diastolic BP correlated with underlying hypertension (p=0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed previous hypertension (OR 5.21, 95% CI 1.40-19.37) and headache (OR 4.09, 95% CI 1.44-11.66) to be independent predictors of an elevated systolic BP.Conclusions:Headache itself is closely associated with severe systolic BP elevation in acute ischemic stroke. Whether treatment of elevated BP improves headache and clinical outcome is not yet known, necessitating future controlled studies.

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Correlation between clot density and recanalization success or stroke etiology in acute ischemic stroke patients

Interventional Neuroradiology ◽

10.1177/1591019917694478 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 23 (3) ◽

pp. 274-278 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Manoj Jagani ◽

David F Kallmes ◽

Waleed Brinjikji

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Region Of Interest ◽

Hounsfield Unit ◽

Stent Retriever ◽

Large Artery ◽

Stroke Etiology ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

Axial Slice

Background Predicting recanalization success for patients undergoing endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke is of significant interest. Studies have previously correlated the success of recanalization with the density of the clot. We evaluated clot density and its relationship to revascularization success and stroke etiology. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 118 patients undergoing intra-arterial therapy for acute ischemic stroke. Mean and maximum thrombus density was measured by drawing a circular region of interest on an axial slice of a non-contrast computed tomography scan. T-tests were used to compare clot density to recanalization success or to stroke etiology, namely large artery atherosclerosis and cardioembolism. Recanalization success was compared in four device groups: aspiration, stent retriever, aspiration and stent retriever, and all other. Results There was no significant difference in the mean clot density in patients with successful ( n = 80) versus unsuccessful recanalization ( n = 38, 50.1 ± 7.4 Hounsfield unit (HU) vs. 53 ± 12.7 HU; P = 0.17). Comparing the large artery thromboembolism ( n = 35) to the cardioembolic etiology group ( n = 56), there was no significant difference in mean clot density (51.5 ± 7.7 HU vs. 49.7 ± 8.5 HU; P = 0.31). A subgroup analysis of middle cerebral artery occlusions ( n = 65) showed similar, non-statistically significant differences between groups. There was no difference in the rate of recanalization success in patients with a mean clot density greater than 50 HU or less than 50 HU in each of the four device groups. Conclusions There was no relationship between clot density and revascularization success or stroke etiology in our study. More research is needed to determine if clot density can predict recanalization rates or indicate etiology.

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